Bhoj Raj blames administration for Rhenock incident

GANGTOK, 14 Jan: Bhoj Raj Rai, former MLA and close aide of the dissident MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], while stating that the Rhenock incident on 11 January [in which Gloay supporters vandalized the police station] was very unfortunate and should not happen again, also alleged that the incident was a result of the administration’s biased handling the defamatory booklets case.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, Mr Rai alleged that the involvement of a government vehicle proves the involvement of the ruling party in the distribution of anonymous pamphlets.  He was referring to the seizure of booklets mocking the dissident MLA from the vehicle of former MLA and present chairman, KB Chamling’s vehicle in Rhenock on 10 Jan. The police have only arrested the driver but still no action or enquiry has been made against KB Chamling, he stressed, amplifying the demand of the mob at Rhenock.
“If some opposition leaders had been involved in such an act the administration would have surely taken strong action immediately,” said Mr Rai, adding that the ruling party and government should not resort to such acts if they claim to be transparent and instead should openly debate on issues of concern.
According to Mr Rai, the rising popularity of the dissident SDF MLA “has forced the ruling party to engage in such acts”. Urging supporters to remain calm, he said, “We still have faith in the law enforcing agency and that they will take appropriate action on the FIR filed”.
He further urged the police to arrest KB Chamling and others involved in the incident and also demanded the immediate release of all supporters arrested by the police at Rhenock.