Clash with SKM in SDF’s ‘Save Sikkim Campaign,’ Pawan Chamling demands President’s rule

SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, JANUARY 23, 2023: Following a clash Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Chamling said there was a complete failure in the law and order in Sikkim. 

Chamling said 15 SDF workers were hurt, many of them critically, and dozens of vehicles were vandalized. The incident happened when the SDF launched its ‘Sikkim Bachau Abhiyan,’ after informing the authorities and seeking permission, as part of a public outreach programme of the party.

On the way, stones were pelted and clashes broke out. SKM activists raised the slogan: “Go back Chamling. Former Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Chamling said ‘jungle raaj’ was prevailing in Sikkim and there was no security to life and property.” Goons are ruling the state. The police are helpless. The S.P., the ADC other administrative officials were present during the incident but they were helpless. 

The present government has no constitutional authority to continue in power. President’s rule should be imposed if the Centre considers the Sikkimese people as their citizens and wants to restore democracy,”Chamling said.

This was the fourth such incident of stone pelting in the state of Sikkim since 2019 when the motorcade of Pawan Chamling was pelted with stones. Last year Melli also there was an incident of stone pelting. In Soreng also there was stone pelting when SDF spokesman Avinash Yakha fired in the air to protect himself.