Golay supporters reiterate innocence in Namthang violence, accuse SP South of bias

GANGTOK, 17 Oct: Golay supporters lashed out against the allegations leveled by the ruling SDF party today in a press conference held here at the Press Club of Sikkim and also accused the SP [South] of displaying bias in how he managed the Namthang clash.
28 Golay supporters led by Jacob Khaling alleged that the Namthang clash was planned by SDF vice president, GM Gurung under the guidance of Buildings and Housing Minister, Tilu Gurung with the support of CB Tamang and Prahlad Gurung. They demanded the arrest of former Minister, GM Gurung and sitting Minister Tilu Gurung for the incident.
While addressing media persons today, Jacob Khaling contended that some of the sections imposed against them were not justified. Referring to the Section 25 of Arms Act 1959, Mr Khaling claimed, “Namchi Police has not found a single lathi from our possession, so how can they impose the Arms Act against us”.
Stating that the Chief Minister also holds the Home portfolio and should act without bias and book Minister Tilu Gurung, GM Gurung, KB Subba, CB Tamang and Nima Tamang for instigating the attack.
SP South, Manoj Tiwari also came under their fire, for not accepting their FIR till the next day and for allegedly meting out “inhuman treatment” to the 29 arrested. The group arrested was kept in a small ‘hazat’ where there was not enough space to sit while drinking water and toilet facilities were also lacking, they alleged.
“It was only after we began our hunger strike in protest that the police tried to provide food and water. But the protest continued till we were sent to judicial custody”, said Mr Khaling.
He further alleged that the injured Golay supporters were not sent for medical treatment till the afternoon of the next day and added that this was proof of the biased attitude of the SP South.
In response to allegations of outsiders being involved in the incident, the 29 Golay supporters presented their Voter’s Identity cards today at the conference.