SKM-SDF ‘clash’ in new Sikkim district

Police on the lookout for an individual of SDF who allegedly fired a pistol in the air during the confrontation

The Telegraph does not have an eyewitness account of the incident, but multiple sources, including the police, said the clash took place. : Representational picture

Rajeev Ravidas   |  TT  |  Siliguri   |   01.05.22  : Supporters of the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and Opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) were reportedly involved in a clash at Daragaon in the newly created Soreng district on Saturday, resulting in alleged injuries to at least four supporters of the SDF.

Police, however, said they have no reports of any injuries caused to anyone, but are on the lookout for an individual of the SDF who allegedly fired a pistol in the air during the clash.

The Telegraph does not have an eyewitness account of the incident, but multiple sources, including the police, said the clash took place. “There was a clash between the supporters of SKM and SDF in Soreng today (Saturday) around 11:30am… and there are reports about a weapon being fired during the clash also, but as of now the situation is peaceful,” J. Jayapandian, the superintendent of police of Soreng district told The Telegraph, adding that a case has been registered under the Arms Act.

The person who opened fire is allegedly Avinash Yakha, a youth leader of the SDF.

J.B. Darnal, a spokesperson of the SDF, said the incident happened when some senior leaders accompanied by party supporters were heading towards Daragaon in Soreng to inaugurate their party office when they were accosted by alleged SKM supporters. “Four of our supporters, including senior leaders, were injured in the attack by the SKM goons,” he alleged.

Asked if his party had registered a police complaint, Darnal said the prevalent system is Sikkim is such that the police only do the bidding of the government and registering complaint holds no meaning. “Is there a situation in Sikkim where we can lodge a police complaint?” he asked, referring to the incident where SDF president and former chief minister Pawan Chamling was attacked just below the state Assembly complex a few weeks back and no action was taken.

Bikash Basnet, the press secretary of chief minister P. S. Tamang (Golay), said the Soreng firing incident was unfortunate, but it was not the doing of the SKM.

“Such firing incident is probably the first in Sikkim’s politics…This is a Taliban-like act which the SKM party condemns strongly,” he said.

Courtesy & source