Political scuffles in West and South districts

GANGTOK, 07 Oct: As the last date of withdrawal of nomination papers by candidates in the upcoming Panchayat polls on 05 October drew to a close, several incidents of violence were reported among rival groups in the campaign trail. Though on small scale, these incidents may increase as the polls draw nearer.
The latest of the incidents took place at Chakung bazaar on Saturday in which a total of 7 people were arrested by the police and later released on bail. This follows similar incidents of assault reported from Gyalshing in West district and Jorethang in South district on the last day of withdrawal of nomination papers.
The Chakung police had to register 3 separate FIRs by individuals involved in the incident at Chakung Bazaar. The incident arose, it seems, after a vehicle owned by Jiwan Gurung, an SDF supporter was reportedly damaged, in minor fashion allegedly by supporters of Upper Burtuk MLA PS Tamang [Golay].
The vehicle, a Zen, was damaged in a stone-pelting incident 10 mile, Chakung and Jiwan in his FIR, alleged the perpetrator to be one Suman Gurung though, as police confirm, there were no witnesses.
Following this there was an incident of supporters of both sides assaulting each other by way of stone pelting and in the process, as police confirm, some sustained small injuries. An FIR was registered by Suman against Jiwan and his friends with the Chakung police following which Jiwan along with others were picked up by the police.
In retaliation another FIR was then lodged by Jiwan against one Joseph Bhutia and others who allegedly were behind the assault. Following this Joseph along with 4 others were picked up by the police. Also picked up were Jiwan and Suman. All were later released and as police inform the situation is normal at present.