Allegations of intimidation spikes tension in Namchi

GOLAY SUPPORTERS GATHER IN TOWN FOLLOWING ALLEGATIONS OF RULING PARTY YOUTH THREATENING COLLEAGUE, 
TENSION TAKES NEW TWIST AFTER ARGUMENT WITH SP LEADS TO DETENTION FOR ONE, SITUATION NORMAL NOW, INFORMS SP
NAMCHI, 02 Aug: After some newspapers today reported on an alleged threatening of one of the supporters of dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay] by SDF supporters in Namchi yesterday, supporters of the dissident MLA from Namchi and Jorethang gathered at Namchi’s Central Park today leading to some tense moments.
According to the news reports in question, one Phurden Lepcha, a former SDF supporter but now in the Golay camp was allegedly threatened by SDF supporters in Namchi on Wednesday. This has been denied by the SDF.
To ensure that law and order was maintained, SP South, Manoj Tiwari, DC, AK Singh along with police personnel were present at Central Park today. Police personnel conducted body searches of both SDF and Golay supporters as much to signal their seriousness in maintaining order as to ensure that no weapons were smuggled in.
Although no untoward incident transpired between the SDF and Golay supporters, with tensions riding high, one of Mr. Tamang’s supported ended up in a heated exchange of words with the SP and given the tense situation, was detained.
Nawraj Gurung was reportedly detained by the police for misbehaving with the SP South, who was in civvies at the time.
Following this, other supporters present at Central Park refused to budge unless he was released. When contacted, the SP informed that Mr. Gurung had not been placed under arrest and had been detained in light of the tense situation and to prevent a flare up. He was released after some time, following which the group of Golay supporters vacated Central Park as well.
Later, the dissident MLA met his supporters and media persons at his residence at Tinzir road, Namchi. He asked his supporters to refrain from any kind of violence.
Speaking on Wednesday’s alleged incident of intimidation of one of his supporters, Mr Tamang said that instead of threatening its former supporters who had now left the party, SDF leaders should try to find out why its supporters are leaving the party.
Referring to Phurden Lepcha, he said that Mr Lepcha was very loyal to the party serving it for 18 years but his hard work and contributions were never recognised by the party or its leaders. Condemning the incident, the dissident MLA stated that his supporters would never indulge in violent acts of any kind but such incidents would not be tolerated either.
Armed Police and IRB personnel have been deployed here in Namchi but there have been no reports of any flare ups and the situation is now normal.
Meanwhile, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s South District unit has strongly condemned the news reports in question and one of the persons accused of threatening a Golay supporter has also filed an police complaint against the supposed victim of his threats accusing him of defaming him and the SDF and of misleading the people and the police.
As for the news-report in question, it had alleged that SDF supporters from Namchi - Deepak Rai, Goden Tsh. Bhutia, Palzor Bhutia and Aman Rai had threatened Phurden Lepcha yesterday at Central Park here.
Also today, the SDF convened a meeting here under the chairmanship of Namchi-Singithang MLA, Binod Rai, here at the party office. The meeting was also attended by Chairman Tea Board, Gagan Rai and Passang Rinzing Sherpa, Zilla Upadakshya South, Himal Tamang, vice president, RN Rai and other party leaders.
During the meeting party leaders condemned the news and said that it was just a rumor spread by Golay supporters to create a law and order situation in the district and nothing as alleged had happened yesterday in Namchi. SDF supporters accused of intimidation were also present at the meeting and contended that although Phurden Lepcha was present at Central Park yesterday nothing as claimed by him had occurred. They contend that Mr. Lepcha took to his heels when he saw then in town, perhaps fearing that they would confront him and insist that none of them had any such plans.
Condemning the same Goden Tshering Bhutia lodged a formal police complaint today here at Namchi Police Station urging the Police to take necessary action against Phurden Lepcha of Denchung, South Sikkim for levelling false allegations against him, defaming him and the SDF party and also for misleading the Police.