Miscreants pelt stones on residences of Opposition candidates in Gangtok

GANGTOK,: On the night of June 10, residences, business establishments and vehicles of four Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) candidates and supporters were vandalized by miscreants at different locations in and around Gangtok.  A similar stone pelting attack was launched at the residence of independent MP candidate Nawin Kiran Pradhan here.

Facing the night vandalism and stone pelting were the properties of SDF candidates Mechung Bhutia, Norzang Lepcha, Bhaichung Bhutia and Ashis Rai, and party functionary Udai Lama. Some vehicles parked outside the SDF Bhawan here in Indira Bypass were also vandalized by miscreants.

The SDF party has condemned the act of violence and vandalism in different parts of Sikkim. Party functionaries and those who faced the vandalism have registered complaints at Gangtok Sadar police station.

“Today some SDF MLA candidates and others went to register FIRs at the Sadar Police Station in Gangtok against the stone throwing and vandalism by unknown persons last night. The persons were travelling in two SUVs during the night. They vandalised the buildings of Udai Lama, Dr. Mechung Bhutia, Norzang Lepcha, Bhaichung Bhutia and Ashis Rai. All the victims were present during the presentation of their case in the police station. The SHO has promised to locate the culprits we are informed about,” said SDF senior vice president PD Rai in a press statement on Tuesday.

“Before this, since the counting on June 2, there have been several acts of violence and vandalism in Soreng, Poklok-Kamrang and Namchi. These have devastated many households and injured many. We have submitted a list of the persons affected to Akshay Sachdeva, Special DGP. The SDF party condemns these acts of violence which unfortunately is not in alignment with the official statements of the SKM party,” said Rai.

“The SDF party condemns these acts of violence which unfortunately is not in alignment with the official statements of the SKM party. This is not an auspicious start to the second innings of PS Golay as Chief Minister. He must protect the people of Sikkim from such acts, whatever the motivation. The SDF party has appealed to the authorities to take due cognizance and establish the rule of law. The party also urged that the culprits be found and strict action taken against them, as per the process of law,” said the SDF spokesperson.

According to sources, Dr. Mechung’s hotel at Burtuk had guests, who were terrified as their rooms were pelted with stones. The exterior of Udai Lama’s residence at Pani House here was severely damaged, the sound of which woke the neighbours. Ashis Rai’s residence was attacked around 3:15 am.

Similar vandalism also took place at the residence of socio-political activist Nawin Kiran Pradhan here at Sisa Golai. Pradhan, also an advocate, had contested as an independent MP candidate in the recent Lok Sabha election. His chamber and vehicles parked outside his residence were damaged in the stone pelting by miscreants.

“My house and chamber at Sisa Golai was vandalized, vehicles damaged and tenants hurt. I received the news from my family as I am travelling outside Sikkim for work related purposes. My aged parents, wife and my two-year-old daughter are in the Gangtok house,” said Nawin Kiran. 

Nawin Kiran’s wife has also filed an FIR at Sadar police station stating that their residence was vandalized by miscreants around 3-3:30 am, causing significant damage to their property.