Sikkim demands strong action against UNB’s attackers in Arunachal

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK, : Artistes in Sikkim have expressed apprehension that the assault on Sikkimese rapper UNB was intentional and involved a further threat to his life. They have urged the Arunachal Pradesh government to expeditiously take strong legal action against the culprits. They asserted that swift action against the alleged attackers would bring a sense of security among artistes from Sikkim who travel outside the State to perform.

Ugen Namgyal Bhutia, popularly known as UNB, was allegedly attacked by a group of eight to ten men near Tiwari Gaon in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Dibang Valley district while returning from a performance at the Anini Winter Festival 5.0 on Monday evening. UNB and his manager, Deep Dhar, sustained injuries in the targeted ambush by the unidentified group.

Strong condemnation has come from Sikkim government representatives and musicians here over the incident, with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay immediately taking up the matter with Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu.

Pema Khandu assured the Sikkim Chief Minister of his prompt intervention and necessary action in the matter.

Speaking at a press meet here on Wednesday, artiste Suraj Sewa, music producer Manish Rasaily, and Itefaq Usmani of Kauso Entertainment thanked the Sikkim Chief Minister for taking up the matter with his Arunachal Pradesh counterpart. They also thanked the Arunachal Pradesh police for taking proactive role to probe the assault on the Sikkimese rapper, while asserting that it is not a simple case of assault or a routine confrontation.

“The attack on UNB is a serious matter. Two cars apparently followed him for some time and then attacked him. There is a constant threat to his life. We appeal to the Arunachal Pradesh Police to swiftly trace and arrest the miscreants. Strong action should be taken so that musicians and artistes do not feel insecure while going to perform in Arunachal Pradesh,” said the group.

As per reports, the assailants allegedly confirmed that UNB was inside the vehicle before attacking the rapper and his manager. The attackers allegedly struck the vehicle with rods and targeted UNB and Dhar, while other members of the team were not assaulted.

The group also appealed to musicians and artistes of Sikkim to come forward strongly on social media against the incident so that sustained pressure is maintained on the Arunachal Pradesh government to ensure justice for their fellow Sikkimese rapper.

“This is the time when we, all artistes and musicians, unite and voice our demand and condemnation on social media. Let us strive to maintain constant pressure through social media so that strong action is taken in this case. It will also help to ensure our security when we go outside to perform,” said the group.

It was informed that UNB is presently in Arunachal Pradesh and is likely to return to his home State on Thursday.

The FIR has been registered at Roing Police Station under Sections 126(2), 115(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, relating to wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.

Meanwhile, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Culture Wing has also strongly condemned the reported assault and physical attack on UNBat Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh.

“Artists should be able to travel, perform, and pursue their creative work in an environment of safety and dignity. Violence against any artist is deeply concerning and must be addressed through due process.

We earnestly appeal to the concerned authorities to take swift, impartial, and lawful action, conduct a thorough investigation, and ensure that justice is delivered in accordance with the law,” said the SKM Culture Wing in a media statement.

The SKM Culture Wing expressed its gratitude to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay for his prompt concern and response regarding the matter.We stand in solidarity with UNB and the entire artist fraternity of Sikkim, said the wing, seeking justice for UNB.