1. Former Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling embroiled in controversy amid alleged attack by SKM supporters in Namchi.
2. The incident occurred as Chamling headed to a meeting, reportedly targeted by Krishna Golay-aligned individuals.
3. SKM supporters allegedly involved in the attack, raising tensions in Sikkim’s political landscape.
Gangtok, April 08: Former Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Chamling, found himself at the center of controversy as reports emerged of an alleged attack by supporters of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in Namchi.
The incident unfolded as Chamling was en route to a scheduled meeting, purportedly targeted by individuals believed to be aligned with Krishna Golay, the leader of SKM.
The sequence of events unfolded as Chamling had conducted a religious puja at Namchi Bazar and was proceeding towards the venue of the meeting at Kishan Market.
However, his journey was abruptly interrupted by what has been described as a large group of SKM supporters.
According to statements released by the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), Chamling was physically confronted and subjected to an attempt at assault and suffocation by the alleged SKM supporters.
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The press release issued by the SDF narrated the harrowing experience encountered by Chamling during the incident.
It stated, “On the way, hundreds of SKM supporters stopped Shri Pawan Chamling and physically tried to assault him and suffocate him. He was pushed by hundreds of SKM supporters whom tried to attack him in broad daylight. They surrounded Shri Pawan Chamling and suffocated him for a long time with police and onlookers helpless.”
Amid the chaos, the SDF supporters present at the scene reportedly intervened, managing to repel the alleged attackers.
However, the aftermath of the confrontation saw several SDF supporters, including women, sustaining severe injuries, necessitating their immediate medical attention and hospitalization.
Condemnation of the incident was swift from the SDF camp, with strong words directed towards Golay and his purported involvement in orchestrating such violence.
The press release issued by SDF labeled the incident as an assault on democracy, highlighting the vulnerability faced by opposition party candidates in the face of what they described as “Golay’s goons.”
“This is a murder of democracy whereby candidates of the opposition party are at risk and being attacked every day by Golay’s goons. SDF party condemns the aggressive and criminal tactics of PS Golay who is unfit to hold any post in the government,” the statement declared emphatically.
The alleged attack on Pawan Chamling serves as a stark reminder of the contentious political landscape in Sikkim, with tensions between rival factions often boiling over into acts of violence.
As investigations into the incident unfold, questions regarding the safety and security of political figures in the region come to the forefront, underscoring the need for swift and decisive action to uphold democratic principles and ensure the protection of all individuals involved in the political process.
