Sporadic incidents of post poll violence reported from West and South districts

GANGTOK, 20 May: A string of political violence has been occurring in the districts ever since the announcement of the election results on 16 May. Supporters of both parties, the SDF as well as the SKM, have been resorting to mild aggression post results such as pelting of stones and vandalism and threats.

On 19 May, the Kaluk police arrested a few SKM supporters on charges of assault and vandalism in the house of an SDF supporter Subhas Rai at Zeel, West Sikkim. The SKM supporters allegedly barged into the house of the complainant at around 11:15 pm on 18 May reportedly armed with lathis, stones and assaulted the gathered SDF supporters and vandalized the house.

The accused have been booked for rioting and intimidation.

Meanwhile, the Jorethang police arrested two persons today on charges of attacking the complainant, Deepak Bhandari, on 17 May; the accused had broken the window pane of his house and then set the house on fire.

Incidents of post poll violence were earlier reported from Melli, Temi and Jorethang. In Jorethang, an FIR was registered against Milan Tamang for pelting stones on a victory rally being led by Dil Kumar; Milan and 6 others were arrested.

More incidents of violence were reported from Jorethang. Unknown SDF supporters have been booked for pelting stones, vandalizing and attempting to burn the house of DB Rai of Samseybung, Jorethang; his house also served as the local SKM party office.

Another group of alleged SDF supporters have been charged with stoning the house of Krishna Maya Pradhan, also at Jorethang. 2 persons were arrested.

In Melli two cases were registered against Daud Tamang and other SDF supporters for rioting on 17 May. In one complaint, the house of Harka Maya Chettri of Turuk Panchgerang basti was vandalized and in another incident of violence, the house of Padam Bahadur Chettri of the same village was also vandalized. There have been no arrests in this connection thus far.