SKM Nari Shakti condemns online defamation of women, accuses Opposition of political conspiracy

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) Nari Shakti has strongly condemned the online defamation and character assassination of a woman through a fake social media account, calling the act deeply offensive and unacceptable.

In a press meet here on Wednesday, the SKM Nari Shakti alleged that the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) was attempting to malign the ruling party for political gain by conspiring in such acts.

SKM spokesperson Kabita Sapkota denounced the online smear campaign, describing it as a shameful attempt to tarnish the dignity of women. She said it was equally unjustified for the opposition to exploit the issue for political mileage and to falsely accuse the ruling party.

She emphasized that the SKM government, led by Chief Minister and party president P.S. Golay, holds an absolute majority and upholds principles that do not permit its members to engage in such unethical activities. Since assuming power, the party has implemented numerous women-centric schemes and policies aimed at empowerment and welfare.

Sapkota alleged that such defamatory practices were first introduced during the SDF regime, when anonymous pamphlets targeting women were circulated to humiliate and discredit them. She claimed that the opposition’s actions stem from jealousy over the popularity of the Chief Minister’s leadership and the success of the SKM government’s policies and programs.

SKM headquarters PRO Junu Chettri echoed the condemnation, recalling similar experiences of defamation during the previous SDF government. She urged the opposition to refrain from such unethical behavior and to engage in clean politics.

Chettri added that the people of Sikkim have already recognized the difference in governance and have placed their trust in SKM’s leadership. She appealed to political opponents not to use women as tools for political gain.

According to the Nari Shakti leaders, incidents of character assassination and circulation of anonymous defamatory pamphlets ‘Kirtey Parcha’ were common from 1993 to 2018, but none have been reported since SKM came to power. The organization attributed this to the Chief Minister’s women-centric approach and his emphasis on dignity and respect for women.

SKM Nari Shakti president Beena Rai described the defamation of women as deplorable and urged women to remain strong, united, and focused on supporting the Chief Minister’s vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Sikkim.

Rai also reminded women leaders who claim victimhood to reflect on the conduct of their own parties in the past. She highlighted that under the leadership of P.S. Golay, women in Sikkim have not only been safe but have also achieved notable progress and recognition.

She appealed to social media users to act responsibly and use online platforms judiciously. She also called on opposition leaders to refrain from making unverified allegations against the government unless supported by credible evidence.

SKM Nari Shakti vice president (in-charge) Tshering Pladen Bhutia also condemned the act, stating that defaming a woman’s dignity is unacceptable regardless of political affiliation. She said the SKM Nari Shakti stands firmly with all women who face injustice, in Sikkim and beyond.

Bhutia urged the State police to identify and take strict action against the person behind the fake account at the earliest.

The press conference was attended by SKM Nari Shakti functionaries and party members from across the State.