SHRPP takes out protest rally in Gangtok

GANGTOK, 10 Jan: Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party [SHRPP] took out a protest rally from Deorali Truck Stand here today. The rally was also joined by leaders of different political parties which are a part of the recently formed Democratic Alliance of Sikkim [DAS].
The rally, which was called to raise seven issues concerning the state, covered the route along 31A National Highway before it ended at Ranka Stand.
Speaking to media persons after the rally, the SHRPP general secretary, Tara Shrestha accused the State government is diluting old laws of Sikkim and is now conspiring to repeal the 1961 Sikkim Registration of Companies Act to implement the central law which the party strongly condemns.
The implementation of Aadhar Card has decreased the importance of the Sikkim Subject Certificates, he contended, while further alleging that it has also encouraged influx into the state. The Aadhar Card should not be made compulsory and the government should protect the Sikkim Subjects, he said.
“SHRPP is totally against the Sikkim-Darjeeling merger and the state government’s silence on this issue shows that there is some secret conspiracy by the SDF party, the state government and the CM”, alleged Mr Shrestha.
The rally also raised issues of the South District administration notification on levying charges for public meetings in South Sikkim, gang rape of a minor in Pakyong and the Sirish Khare pepper-spray incident in Namchi. The party demanded stronger laws to prevent rape and crimes against the women in the state.
There was a proposal to provide 9 subsidized cylinders in the Congress ruled states in India, so Sikkim which supports the UPA, should also demand for 3 additional subsidized cylinders, added Mr Shrestha.
SHRPP president, Dr AD Subba, in turn stated that the rally “was just the beginning and if nothing was done on these issues then the party would continue with its movement and activities”.
“If any political or non-political organization comes forward on Sikkim’s issues then the party will extend it full support”, he added.
SHRPP women wing’s convener, Dharmala Sharma stressed that everyone should come forward for the protection of women in the state while BJP state-unit president, Padam Bahadur Chettri stated that the party would extend its full support on issues related to Sikkim.