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.

GM Gurung main culprit behind Namthang clash, alleges Bhojraj

GANGTOK, 16 Oct: The 29 Golay supporters released on bail today were welcomed at their leader, PS Tamang’s residence at Tinzir Namchi by a huge gathering of supporters. Raising anti-SDF and anti-Chamling slogans, the gathering was addressed by former MLA Bhojraj Rai, MK Subba and Jacob Khaling. The dissident MLA, PS Tamang [Golay] was not present.
Bhojraj Rai lauded the police for ensuring that the same section of the Indian Penal Code as filed against Golay supporters were charged against SDF supporters as well. Condemning allegations of having using “outsiders”, Mr Rai said that they will soon hold a press conference to prove that this was false.
While speaking to media-persons at the court premises here awaiting the bail of the supporters under judicial custody, he said that their ‘movement’ will continue until GM Gurung is arrested for his involvement in the Namthang incident.
“We are not in the government so law and order is not our responsibility”, the former MLA said, adding that they should not be held responsible if delay in taking action against GM Gurung led to any untoward incident.
He accused former Minister GM Gurung of being the “main culprit” behind the Namthang incident and added that the arrest of 5 SDF supporters has reassured Golay supporters that the administration and police were doing their duty.
Continuing with his allegations against GM Gurung, Mr Rai said, “Being a former Minister and MLA, GM Gurung should act responsibly and not as the leader of goons. I am ashamed to say that I also am a former MLA after GM Gurung’s irresponsible behaviour on that day”.
If the police does not arrest him and take necessary action, the real movement will then begin, added Mr Rai.
On behalf of the released Golay supporters, Jacob Khaling said that they had cooperated with the law and police after the incident and GM Gurung should also follow suit. As for their arrest, he said that the episode has reinforced their resolve to continue with their movement for change.