SKM to shoulder leadership on Golay on 06 Oct

GANGTOK, 23 Sept: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha today announced plans to formally shoulder the leadership of the party on former MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], on 06 October, next month. A press communiqué issued by SKM publicity secretary Jacob Khaling informs that this was decided at a central working committee meeting of the party held here at the head office today.
The meeting discussed various aspects of Mr. Tamang’s disqualification from the Legislative Assembly [following his resignation from the party he was elected from] and welcomed his resignation as historic and pro-people.
The meeting also fixed 06 October as the date when it would formally hand over charge of party leadership on Mr. Tamang. A grand event will be organized for the day to welcome him into the party and hand over charge to him, the release adds.
The release also informs that the meeting also passed a resolution thanking the Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, for releasing Mr. Tamang by recognizing his resignation from the SDF and disqualifying him from the Legislative Assembly. Mr. Tamang was now free to join the SKM and take over a leadership role, the release underlines.
Earlier, various speakers at the meeting to digs at the ruling party for its vacillating stand on Mr. Tamang and his resignation.

Golay becomes a former MLA SPEAKER INVOKES ANTI-DEFECTION LAWS TO DISQUALIFY UPPER BURTUK MLA FROM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

VISHNU NEOPANEY
GANGTOK, 20 Sept: PS Tamang [Golay] is now a former MLA. Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly today passed an order disqualifying the Upper Burtuk MLA from the House. The disqualification follows from Mr. Tamang’s resignation from the ruling party on whose ticket he had been elected on in 2009. The resignation would have automatically attracted disqualification on the basis of anti-defection rules. The stage is now set for bye-elections for Upper Burtuk constituency and it will interesting to see whether these are called, when they are called, who participates and what level of contest takes place.
Speaker KT Gyaltsen, while passing the order on Mr. Tamang’s disqualification, explains that the decision has been prompted by paragraph 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India. The disqualification comes into effect immediately i.e. from 20 Sept itself.
Mr. Tamang, it may be recalled, had circulated his resignation from primary membership of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front on 04 September. With this, as per Article 191 of the Constitution of India under ‘Disqualifications for Membership’ Sub-Section 2, Mr. Tamang has been disqualified from remaining a member of the State Legislative Assembly, it is informed.
The Speaker, it is informed, passed the order after the SDF party accepted Mr. Tamang’s resignation and recommended his disqualification to the Speaker.
The Sikkim Legislative Assembly secretariat has also confirmed the rebel MLA’s disqualification.
Interestingly, the first notification issued by the SLA secretariat today had misspelled disqualify and a corrected notification was reportedly issued after this typo was pointed out.
As per the ‘Anti-Defection Law’ underlined in Tenth Schedule of Articles 102(2) and provisions as to disqualification on ground of defection says in Paragraph 2sub section ‘(1) Subject to the provisions of [paragraphs 4 & 5, a member of a House belonging to any political party shall be disqualified for being a member of the House- (a) if he has voluntarily given up his membership of such political party; or (b)   if he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by the political party to which he belongs or by any person or authority authorized by it in this behalf, without obtaining, in either case, the prior permission of such political party, person or authority and such voting or abstention has not been condoned by such political party, person or authority within fifteen days from the date of such voting or abstention. ‘A person shall be disqualified for being a Member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State if he is so disqualified under the Tenth Schedule.’

Golay counters SDF, insists he has resigned

GANGTOK, 13 Sept: Upper Burtuk MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], today released scanned copies of speed post receipts and email details of his resignation from the Sikkim Democratic Front. This, in response to statements coming from the ruling party camp that they have not received their MLA’s resignation letter yet, and that they have only read about it in newspapers.
Mr. Tamang today released details suggesting that he had emailed his resignation letter to the party on 04 September and had forwarded the same to newspapers. He adds that he had also posted his resignation through speed-post and that this was delivered to the party head office on 10 September at 10:35 AM.
He has countered that the party was refusing to acknowledge his resignation because it did not have answers for the issues raised therein. Meanwhile, he has reiterated that he resigned from all posts and primary membership of the SDF party on 04 September.

Golay’s party today, supporters continue quitting SDF to be at Singling

GANGTOK, 03 Feb: Rebel SDF legislator Prem Singh Tamang [Golay] is expected to formally announce his own regional political outfit at Singling in West Sikkim on Monday. With the party announcement lined up, his supporters still in the Sikkim Democratic Front have begun tendering their resignations. In this series of resignations, Prahalad Bhattarai and Tara Prasad Bhattarai of Namcheybong constituency also quit SDF on Saturday. It is informed that Mr. Bhattarai was a CEC member and Tara Prasad Bhattarai has a primary membership.
Similarly, Chewang Dadul Bhutia of Arithang constituency also submitted his resignation from both of his active and ordinary posts from the SDF party. It is informed that he joined the party on 03 April 2004. There have also been some resignations from Jortehang, the Golay camp informs.
Meanwhile, according to close aides of Mr. Tamang, 04 Feb was recommended as the best astrological date for the formation of the new party. The party, it may be recalled was supposed to have been launched last October, but kept getting postponed. There is no turning back for the promoters of the new party any more since formal invitations have already been sent out along with public appeals. What remains to be see however is the composition of the new outfit and what position Mr. Tamang will take in it.
Sources inform that the party’s flag and central executive committee members will be announced on Monday, along with issues that the party plans to take up immediately.
A close aide of Mr. Tamang further informs that the party will maintain one-person, one-post rule and that the constitution has also been drafted in the same lines. It is learnt that a ‘strong step’ against the proposed repeal of Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act 1961 will be announced on Monday as well.
Sources further inform that the constitution-level branches of the new party were to be established simultaneously, however, since supporters from different areas were keen to attend the party announcement function at Singling, this has been withheld for two days.

Namkha announces plans to quit SDF in support of Golay

FORMER OBC BOARD CHAIRPERSON BHARATI SHARMA EXPLAINS WHY SHE RESIGNED FROM RULING PARTY
GANGTOK, 01 Feb: The sequence of resignations from the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front in the run-up to the 04 February launch of dissident MLA PS Tamang’s political party continued today with former Minister Namkha Gyaltsen announcing that he too would be tendering his resignation from the SDF.
A three time Sangha MLA, Mr. Gyaltsen joined the SDF in February 2004. He was the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee president at the time. He was first elected as a Sangha MLA on a Sikkim Sangram Parishad ticket and served as a Minister for 6 months in 1994 during the Congress government of Sanchaman Limboo.
Addressing a press conference today, Mr Gyaltsen alleged that SDF and its government had become a ‘one man show’ and delivered an ‘autocratic government’, which was why he decided to leave the party. He said that there was a ‘need for change’ in Sikkim now and believes that the medium for this change will come on 04 February in the form of new party of the PS Tamang [Golay].
Also today, four more active members of the ruling party submitted their resignations at the party headquarters. They are: Babita Chettri, Junu Chettri, Linus Lepcha and Jyoti Gurung.
Earlier last week, former OBC Board chairperson, Bharati Sharma, who was a CEC member of the ruling party, also quit the SDF. Addressing a press conference today, she said that the Chief Minister, who is also the SDF party president has been working against the principles and policies of the party.
Ms Sharma resigned from the party on 21 January and today announced support for the new party of the dissident MLA.
She accused the CM of playing divide and rule politics and made specific reference to the Chettri, Bahun and Newar communities still awaiting inclusion in the Central OBC list. The three communities were included as OBC in the State in the year 2003.
“When I was OBC chairperson I asked the CM to speak to the centre to include these communities in the central list but was ignored,” she alleged. Ms Sharma further alleged that the Sanyasi community which was included in the central OBC list in 1999 were shortchanged when the State government superseded this notification by including Sanyasi in the state OBC list along with Chettri, Bahun and Newar in 2003.
On women’s empowerment, she alleged that the ruling party turned to it women cadre only to defend the CM and pointed out that Sikkim has received only seven women legislators through the SDF tenure in power and not sent even one to the Parliament.

ACT’s Dawa to join Golay’s party

ACTIVIST QUITS A.C.T. TO KEEP ORGANISATION APOLITICAL, WILL JOIN NEW PARTY ON CONDITION THAT IT IMPLEMENTS NO HYDEL PROJECTS
GANGTOK, 03 Feb: Founder-member and general secretary of Affected Citizens of Teesta [ACT], Dawa Lepcha, announced plans to join the new political outfit aligned to dissident SDF MLA PS Tamang when it is launched in Soreong on Monday. Making the announcement at a press conference held here at the Press Club of Sikkim today, Mr. Lepcha also informed that he has also resigned from ACT to reiterate the organisation’s apolitical credentials, but stressed that he will be taking is anti-dam position to his political career as well. His joining the new party, he underlined, would be conditional to the assurance that the party adopts an anti-dam stand and does not implement any hydel project if it forms the government.
Mr. Lepcha’s decision to join the new party has been welcomed and endorsed by all members of ACT.
Explaining his decision, Mr. Lepcha expressed that after hunger strikes, demonstrations, representations and other activities, he is convinced that there was now the need to pursue the cause of the dam affected citizens in more resurgent way. “Hence I decided to explore other options to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said of moving into politics now.
He informed that as an activist, he sat on a 63 day hunger strike in 2007 and then again for 96 days in 2008 and achieved the scrapping of 4 hydel projects out of 6 planned for Dzongu.
On the current scenario, he informed that the process of issuance of environmental clearance for Teesta HEP Stage IV has reached an advanced stage in the concerned Ministry despite the promoters having failed to hold a public hearing twice.
He shared that as an activist he has delivered all he possibly could in that role and since more needs to be achieved, he has decided to seek out political solutions by joining politics himself.
ACT working president, Tseten Lepcha, who accompanied him to the press conference, mentioned that the decision has been accepted by members of the organization and stressed that Mr. Dawa Lepcha will however always be part and parcel of the movement to defend the rights of the Sikkimese people. He also put on record that ACT acknowledges his sacrifices and contributions to speak for dam-affected citizens and thanks him for all that he has done so far. 
On the organisation’s latest concern, its working president said, “The ACT expresses serious concern over the fact that the process of issuance of environmental clearance for Teesta HEP stage IV has reached advanced stage in the MoEF especially since this project has been opposed by all resident of Dzongu, particularly by the Power Minister, who is also area MLA, all panchayats and members of ACT.” He added that the grant of environmental clearance based on incomplete public hearing is a violation of basic rights of the Sikkimese people and went against the spirit of environmental policies of the country.
He added that even the issuance of Wildlife clearance by the State Wildlife Board was a serious violation of the rights of the stakeholders of the region and such major decisions without the prior informed consent of the local bodies like the Eco Development Committees and the JFMCs has defeated the very concept of Public Participation in Protection and stakeholders of the region.
He added that such major decision without the prior informed consent of the local bodies has also defeated the very concept of public participation in protection and preservation of the rich bio-diversity of the ecologically fragile region.
“This action has also contradicted the stand of the State government which had boycotted the public hearing twice,” he added. ACT has urged the concerned agencies to take necessary remedial step to stop the devastation of the region.

SUSA to support Golay’s party

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: Sikkim United Students Association [SUSA], formed some months back, today announced “full support” for the political party of dissident SDF MLA PS Tamang scheduled to be launched on 04 February at Singling, Soreong in West Sikkim.
Addressing a press conference today, SUSA president, Karma Tashi Bhutia, explained that the association’s support for the new party was because the State government has not been able to deliver quality education despite claims and assurances.
While on the topic, SUSA advisor, Meghraj Chettri, informed that the class XII batch of Sombaria Senior Secondary School, which will be appearing the board examinations in March, has still not given their Physics practical so far.
Another SUSA advisor, Kamal Neopaney, in turn contended that the new party in the offing provided the only viable alternative to the SDF government. He further claimed that SUSA has around 2,000 members across the state and that the decision to support the new party was taken in consultation with all members.
Meanwhile, Mr. Bhutia contended that student drop-out rate was high in primary section and that there were no job opportunities created by the government for students upon completion of their studies. He also argued that while cash incentives have been announced for sportspersons, no efforts have been made to establish sports academies or adequate infrastructure to groom such talent. In this regard, he made special reference to Bhaichung Bhutia, who, he said, has not been provided land to establish a football academy in Sikkim.
Mr Bhutia alleged that the state government only works to bring private educational institutions into the state but was not working to bring institutes like IIT and IIM or even support the Sikkim University in true sense.

We are not goons or drug addicts, counter Golay’s youth supporters

GANGTOK, 30 Jan: The youth wing of the soon to be launched political outfit of dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], addressed media persons today for the first time. “We have come out openly to change the system and bring about good governance in the state,” said youth supporters of the dissident MLA at a press conference. The new party is slated to be launched on 04 February at Singling, Soreong in West Sikkim.
Members of the youth wing strongly condemned being branded as “Golay’s goons, robbers and drug addicts”. “The state government has become outdated and there is a need for new age leaders”, said Bhanu Rasaily during the press meet today.
He alleged that the ruling government has created divisions in the society making people isolated, weak and uncreative. He further alleged that the government has destroyed the entrepreneurship spirit of the youth by creating obstacles along the way. 
“The state has numerous hydel projects and pharma companies but the healthcare system in the state is pathetic and local people still need to go out for treatment. The government does not have any long term plans and does not offer enough support for entrepreneurship,” Mr Rasaily further alleged.
“It is high time that the youth came out and worked together to bring change,” added Arthur Targain of Gangtok, contending that the youth have now finally come out to bring this change for the state and its people.
Another youth wing member, Shakti Prasad Adhikari of Chujachen alleged that despite the presence of hydel projects and industries, the youth are still unemployed and remain neglected by the government. “Due to the lack of opportunities frustration is high among the youth, which is also leading them towards drug addiction,” he claimed.
Mr Adhikari alleged that the government is misleading the youth with ad hoc jobs and demanded that vacancies in the state government be filled with permanent service and not temporary ones.
“Although the policies and programmes of the ruling government are good on paper, in reality nothing has been happening. Even when a youth wants to take an initiative, their projects are rejected by the authorities concerned,” alleged T Wangyal, also of Gangtok. An environment of fear prevails in the state where people are made to feel like outcasts if they are not with the ruling party, he added.
Zigmee Bhutia of Gangtok in turn explained that the youth wing of the upcoming political party will work both as a political organization as well as a social one especially focusing on issues of the youth. “If the government was serious about its work, it should have solved the problems of drug addiction and unemployment in the state by now”, he alleged.
Pawan Parsai of Ranipool, speaking on unemployment, alleged that the skill development programmes being conducted are on irrelevant subjects which are useless for the youth of the state.
“Development should result in employment generation and revenue for the state but in Sikkim nothing of the sort is happening”, alleged Tilak Basnet of Melli. He went on to allege that victimization and political pressure on government employees is hampering the proper functioning of the state administration.
The press conference today was also addressed by Junu Chettri of Namcheybong.

Govt expected to introduce 3 major resolutions, Golay to stay away from Assembly session today

GANGTOK, 29 Jan: Dissident SDF MLA, Prem Singh Tamang will not be attending the Sikkim Legislative Assembly session called for 30 January, Wednesday. Meanwhile, official sources inform that the State government is expected to introduce three important resolutions along with the supplementary budget for financial year 2012-13.
Former MLA, Bhojraj Rai confirmed that the dissident MLA will not attend the winter session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly following the fiasco last year in June during the budget session when Mr Tamang had been evicted from the house midsession.
Mr Rai said that the dissident MLA is busy preparing for the launch of his own political outfit on 04 February. He also hinted that Mr Tamang is expected to vacate the Upper Burtuk seat publicly on 04 February, before hoisting his own political banner in Chakhung, West Sikkim.
Invitation cards for the launch have been sent out across the state, he further informed.

Golay condemns Vigilance raid on ASP

GANGTOK, 28 Jan: Dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], has strongly condemned the recent Vigilance raid on Sikkim Jail ASP, Kado Tshering Bhutia. The MLA has alleged that the raid was “an example of how the ruling party uses political pressure on innocent and honest officials of Sikkim”.
A press release issued by Mr Tamang alleges that the ruling government started harassing ASP Bhutia after “an incident that occurred on 15 May 2002” following which he was frequently transferred. The MLA has also stated that conducting a raid at night is an attack on the fundamental rights of a person. The first raid on the said officers residence was conducted on the night of 24 January. Condemning the raid he has said that such acts have been devised to “terrorize” government employees.
Mr Bhutia and some others have become victims of official investigation since the Rolu Picnic of 21 December 2009 and even after the completion of the whole investigation on 10 September 2012 the concerned department has still withheld the final report.
The release goes on to allege that the government is not allowing the CBI to enter the state to investigate the corruption allegations against the CM through different notifications, by setting up one-man commissions and by passing different bills in the assembly. On the same, Mr Tamang has demanded that the government allow CBI to carry out its investigation before initiating vigilance raids on its own government officials.

Another 15 accused in Rhenock incident surrender to police and make bail

GANGTOK, 18 Jan: Following the release of 13 accused in the Rhenock rioting case on bail yesterday, another group of 15, also allegedly involved in the incident, surrendered to the police at Rhenock Police Station last night and were released on bail today.
The 15 accused had been absconding since the incident in Rhenock on 11 January. Those who surrendered at the Rhenock police station were former Minister Phuchung Bhutia, former Police Inspector Sonam Lachungpa, Neema Theengh, Basu Dev Adhikari, Kala Rai, Bishnu Khatiwara, Nandu Raj Pradhan, Shakti Prasad Adhikari, Dawa Tamang, Mohan Labar, Sabin Subba, DB Chettri, Nirpat Gurung and Santosh Kumar Pradhan. Like the 13 before them, they have also been booked under section 147/148/148/353/427/120 (B) R/w. Section 3 of PDPP Act 1984.
First Class Judicial Magistrate here at Gangtok today released the 15 accused against a surety bond of Rs 35,000 each.

Golay supporters make bail in Rhenock incident

GANGTOK, 17 Jan: Thirteen persons arrested on charges of being involved in the vandalizing of the Rhenock Police Station on 11 January were released on bail today.
Judicial Magistrate [East & North], Suraj Chettri, granted bail to the 13 accused after hearing the bail application moved by a team of lawyers headed by Bandan Rai while the public prosecutor Chandra Shekar Ghimerey opposed the bail.
After hearing both the parties at length, the Judicial Magistrate reserved the order and passed the order later in the afternoon releasing all the accused on surety bond bail of Rs.35,000 each.
The Judicial Magistrate has directed all the accused persons to cooperate with the Investigating Officer in the case and not to leave the state without the permission of the court and the IO.
All the 13 arrested: Bishal Tamang, 29; Ajay Rai, 23; Jitu Gurung, 26; Mahendra Subba, 30; Bikash Limboo, 30; JB Basnett, 47; KN Sharma, 23; Laxmi Niroula, 38; YT Lepcha, 45; Bikash Limboo, 18; KT Bhutia, 45; Sandeep Gurung, 21 and K Manger, 26 were released from the State Jail at Rongyek, this evening. All are supporters of the dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], and were picked up after the group demanding the arrest of former MLA KB Chamling [in connection with the seizure of literature deemed defamatory to Mr. Tamang] went berserk at Rhenock last week and vandalized the Rhenock Police Station and damaged an impounded vehicle there.
A group of Golay supporters were outside the Rongyek Jail to receive the 13 with khadas.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Judicial Magistrate had also released Janak Chettri, Mr. KB Chamling’s driver in whose vehicle 228 defamatory booklets had been found. Also today, the Judicial Magistrate also cleared the release of the vehicle seized in connection with the episode of vandalism.
Meanwhile, several others named in the FIR for their alleged involvement in the Rhenock incident are still absconding. Among the accused named in the FIR at the Rhenock police station but still to be arrested are Neema Theeng, MK Subba, Sonam Lachungpa, Phuchung Bhutia, DB Chettri, V Khatiwara, NR Pradhan, Santosh Pradhan, Pravin Subba, Dawa Tamang and KT Adhikari.

CM not committed to preserving Sikkim’s Old Laws, Golay alleges

GANGTOK, 16 Jan: Dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], has alleged that Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s assurances regarding the repeal of the Companies Act 1961 were a mere “eyewash” to mislead the people.
In a press release issued today, the Upper Burtuk MLA has further alleged that the CM failed to keep his commitment of not allowing Direct Taxes into Sikkim which led to the repeal of Sikkim’s own tax law. In its 1998 party manifesto, SDF had promised that it would not allow the implementation of direct tax in the State and would raise its voice in the Lok Sabha. However, Mr. Tamang states that this did not happen and the state withdrew the Supreme Court case challenging the implementation of direct tax “betraying” the Sikkimese public.
Further stating that the Sikkim MP, PD Rai has not uttered a single word against the Companies Act in the Parliament, Mr Tamang has alleged that his silence reveals the ruling party’s true intentions.
The MLA has also criticized the Sikkim Land Transfer Act-2007 and said that the CM and the SDF government has violated an old law - the Sikkim Land Revenue Act - and has allowed Sikkimese land to be leased out to non-Sikkimese and industries.
Further condemning the alleged statement made by the CM at Jorethang he has stated that the schemes and benefits are meant for all the needy in the country including Sikkimese people who have paid taxes to the government.

Bail hearing for 13 arrested in Rhenock rioting set for 17 Jan

ALTO INVOLVED IN RIOTING INCIDENT SEIZED; ANOTHER 14 ACCUSED STILL ABSCONDING
GANGTOK, 15 Jan: The bail hearing for the 13 accused in the rioting and ransacking of the Rhenock police station on 11 January has been set for 17 January. Supporters of dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay], along with their legal counsel had arrived at the District & Sessions court, Gangtok, this morning to seek bail for the accused persons presently in judicial custody.
It is informed that the bail application was submitted today at the court and the hearing set for 17 January.
Meanwhile there have been no more arrests but the police on 14 January seized a private Alto vehicle from Rangpo which, according to them, was involved in the Rhenock incident. The driver, however, claims that he was not involved and that the vehicle was being used by someone else.
It is informed that the police, quite obviously, are objecting to the bail application and are seeking the surrender of all the accused persons involved in the rioting which took place at Rhenock bazaar on 11 January. In the same vein Golay supporters contend that it is the job of the police to arrest accused persons and that application for bail is a different matter. On the other hand Janak Chettri, the driver of KB Chamling in whose vehicle the police found the 228 supposedly defamatory booklets has been released on bail.
It is now learnt that among the accused who have been named in the FIR at the Rhenock police station are also Neema Theeng and MK Subba. In fact there are close to 30 people named in the FIR and among them are Sonam Lachungpa, Phuchung Bhutia, DB Chettri, V Khatiwara, NR Pradhan, Santosh Pradhan, Pravin Subba, Dawa Tamang and KT Adhikari.
As per the SP East, Dr. MS Tuli, all these accused are presently absconding; the police have been searching for them but they are not available in their respective residences.
Apart from sections of the Indian Penal Code covering rioting having been imposed against them along with damage to public property etc they also stand accused of criminal conspiracy. The police has been on the lookout for them for the past few days; in the process nakabandhi has also been done in Ranipool and other places by the police with the help of IRB personnel in their search of what they call ‘anti social’ elements.
In the meantime the 13 arrested so far for rioting are still at the State Jail at Rongeyk and among them are Bishal Tamang, 29; Ajay Rai, 23; Jitu Gurung, 26; Mahendra Subba, 30; Bikash Limboo, 30; JB Basnett, 47; KN Sharma, 23; Laxmi Niroula, 38; YT Lepcha, 45; Bikash Limboo, 18; KT Bhutia, 45; Sandeep Gurung, 21 and K Manger, 26.

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.

Golay supporters vandalise Rhenock Police Station, 10 arrested

PROTEST AGAINST PAMPHLETEERING AND DEMAND FOR KB CHAMLING’S ARREST GOES OUT OF HAND
GANGTOK, 11 Jan: First there was strong sloganeering, then the shops downed shutters, then the police station was gheraoed, then vandalized and finally Section 144 imposed on Rhenock bazaar. By late evening, 10 persons had been arrested on charges of rioting and other sections of the IPC for their alleged involvement in the incidents of the day. The East district town of Rhenock went through a tense Friday today.
Rhenock bazaar is presently under imposition of section 144 by which assembly of 5 or more people is not allowed and such assembly liable to arrest by the police. In the process of vandalisation today, the official vehicle of former MLA KB Chamling was damaged, several window panes at the police station broken, furniture upturned and the police have registered criminal cases of rioting and damaging public property against the perpetrators. As mentioned, by late evening, 10 persons had been taken into custody in connection with the events of the day. The details of the arrested persons could not be confirmed till the time of going to print. Officials inform that more arrests will follow.
It all started yesterday with the arrest of Janak Chettri, the driver of former MLA and present Chairman, KB Chamling, at Rhenock on charges of allegedly being in possession of over 200 booklets carrying derogatory and defamatory content against dissident SDF MLA PS Tamang. Today, supporters of PS Tamang, around 60 of them, reached Rhenock police station demanding the arrest of KB Chamling for allegedly masterminding the distribution of the defamatory pamphlets against Mr. Tamang.
When the response of the police was not in accordance to their demands, there was vandalizing of the official vehicle of KB Chamling [seized yesterday and impounded at the Police Station] and also stone pelting and damaging of the Rhenock police station this evening at around 4 p.m.
Golay supporters reached Rhenock at around 10 AM today demanding the arrest of the former Chief Whip of the SDF party, KB Chamling. SDPO Rongli and Rhenock police engaged them in a dialogue for most part of the day but there was no backing down from their demand. Mr. KB Chamling, as per sources, was at Aritar above Rhenock today.
When dialogue broke down, the agitating party of Golay supporters are reported to attacked the police station. IRBn personnel who had been deployed in view of potential law and order problem likely to arise, dispersed the mob and section 144 was imposed. Shops had closed down much earlier following an advisory of the police, it is learnt.
As per DIG [Range], V Vinayak, the situation is now more or less under control and criminal cases of rioting and damage to public property along with obstructing public servants from discharging their duties have been registered against those involved in the vandalisation today. Furthermore, as per the DIG Range, the culprits have been identified and will be rounded up and arrested.

Golay camp blames SDF, says pamphlets incited Rhenock incident

GANGTOK, 11 Jan: MN Dahal and Jacob Khaling, close aides of the dissident SDF MLA PS Tamang, alleging that the ruling Front was circulating offensive literature against Mr. Tamang, blamed it for the Rhenock incident [read accompanying news report] arguing that the incident was triggered by the circulation of the said pamphlets.
Accusing the ruling party of indulging in such pamphleteering in the past as well, the release goes on to contend that a cache of such pamphlets was confiscated from a former MLA’s official vehicle by a group of ‘alert’ youth at Rhenock on Thursday following which an FIR was lodged. The release goes on to state that although the driver was booked and the vehicle seized, the demand to have the former MLA arrested as well was ignored and upset the people. The police delay was unfortunate, the release goes on to state, further demanding an independent inquiry into the circulation of the pamphlets in question.

Cops to take stern action against pamphleteering

GANGTOK, 10 Jan: The politics of pamphleteering has begun once more in the State, and this time in earnest, with both the ruling front and the opposition parties, primarily the Golay camp, each having allegedly published, printed and circulated anonymous letters and booklets against each other. The state police department is viewing the matter rather seriously with the Police Headquarters having issued strict directives to the district police to curb the menace as well as take action against anyone involved in the circulation and distribution of pamphlets.
As per a directive issued a few days ago by the DIG [Range], Vineet Vinayak, all the Superintendents of Police in the districts have been directed to take strict action ‘as per law’ against the culprits. This direction has been issued as the police have come to know of numerous scurrilous and defamatory pamphlets being distributed across the state by various people. The SPs of the respective districts have been directed to initiate strict action against anyone found to be engaging in their publication/ distribution.
Recently, a booklet was being circulated targeting the Chief Minister and his son as well which showed news clippings of Nepal based papers on the CM’s tour of Nepal etc. Then again, a few days back, another booklet, this one targeting PS Tamang and his group was in circulation which alleged various acts of corruption on the Upper Burtuk MLA during his tenure as Minister in the past.
In fact complaints against this have been lodged in the Sadar police against a particular allegedly SDF worker. On the other hand, the Rhenock police is also informed to have filed a complaint against the driver of a former MLA. It is informed that a bundle of pamphlets was found in his vehicle.

Rolu picnic anniversary celebrated sans Golay

EXPECT NEW PARTY ANNOUNCEMENT BETWEEN 10 TO 18 JAN 2013: BHOJRAJ
NAMCHI, 21 Dec: The 4th anniversary of the infamous Rolu Picnic was observed today here at Rolu, South Sikkim. Like the past two years, this year too, the dissident SDF MLA, PS Tamang [Golay] did not attend the celebrations but some of his close aides were present.
Golay supporters from different parts of the state attended the celebration, which, as per the organizers, was a purely non-political gathering. Although the picnic aspect lent a non-political colour to the event, the songs played during the occasion were composed by the Golay camp and the supporters also chanted slogans of ‘Parivartan’ while a band, also named ‘Parivartan’, entertained the gathering with live music.
Despite the organisers’ assertion that the event was a non-political one, political stirrings around this year’s Rolu picnic could not be ignored. Rumours of Mr. Tamang launching his political outfit on the occasion were in circulation, but those expecting such an announcement left disappointed as the dissident MLA failed to even make an appearance today.
While talking to media persons here at Rolu, former MLA and a close aide of Mr. Tamang, Bhojraj Rai, said that the new political party will be launched between 10 to 18 January next year and will not be registered in the name of Mr. Tamang. In fact he hinted that the party may be registered in his name.
On being asked whether the dissident MLA will resign from the SDF to officially become an Opposition leader, Mr. Rai said that due to “some technical reasons” Mr Tamang will not be resigning from his post as Upper Burtuk MLA.
He further stressed that the Rolu picnic was never a political stage. “It is a kind of gathering to enjoy the season and has been developed as a platform to take some time off from busy schedules and to relax”, he said.
Mr. Rai also informed that the name of the new political party and the party symbol are yet to be decided but will be finalized before 10 January 2013. The announcement of the new party will be made either in West or in South Sikkim at a formal programme and after its formation a huge public meeting might be organised at Jorethang, he added.
On Mr. Tamang’s claim of a number of sitting MLAs willing to join the new party after it is formed, Mr Rai reaffirmed that this was true and further claimed that some senior SDF leaders have already expressed their support to their ‘movement’.
Welcoming the formation of the Democratic Alliance of Sikkim [DAS], he stated that the decision to work with DAS would be made on a later date. Mr Rai further said that there is high possibility of mid-term assembly elections in the state.
On the party symbol, he mentioned that the candle is only one of the options suggested and they would accept whatever decision the Election Commission of India takes.

Golay supporters gear up for Rolu Picnic anniversary

GANGTOK, 19 Dec: Dissident SDF MLA from Upper Burtuk, PS Tamang [Golay] will once again be observing the anniversary of the Rolu picnic of 2009 at the same venue on 21 December, Friday. The Rolu Picnic, hosted by the MLA and his close aides shortly after the Assembly elections that year saw Mr. Tamang go public with his dissidence against his party and government and the political colour of the picnic attracted disciplinary action against government servants suspected of having attended the ‘picnic’.
While many would have expected Mr. Tamang to announce his political party on the Rolu anniversary, especially since many of his close aides have been announcing that the party will be unveiled before the year ends, sources state that this is unlikely.
While this will not be the time for the declaration of the new political party, it is expected that some political statements and announcements will be made by the dissident faction led by Mr. Tamang.
Sources meanwhile inform that a new party, supposedly the one to be floated by the ‘Golay camp’, was recently registered at the Election Commission of India, New Delhi, but not in the name of Mr. Tamang thus leaving the option open for him to continue as a dissident SDF MLA and quit at a later date.
There is also the question of the party symbol which is the prerogative of the ECI. The desired symbol sources inform was the candle.
On the other hand while the declaration of the new party is not expected this 21 December at Rolu, there may be some hints at its constitution or even the manifesto, which, as sources inform, have already been prepared and kept ready. It will be interesting to see whether any government employees attend the picnic this time.