Singling youth counter SDF claims

GANGTOK, 21 March: A joint press release issued by one Dinak Pandey on behalf of the “youth from Singling”, West Sikkim, and circulated by former SDF panchayat and now part of the disaffected group, Jacob Rai, has alleged that instead of punishing the culprits, the Sikkim Democratic Front government was working to protect and cover-up for the accused. The reference is to the Singling violence of last Friday.
The release further alleges that the government was trying to protect the Minister [RB Subba], countering that this was unfortunate because it was the Minister who ordered the assault on a Singling youth which led to the collapse of the law and order situation in this West Sikkim hamlet under the Soreng-Chakung constituency.
The release adds that in the light of the government’s response, people are now beginning to feel that they will have to look out for their security and protection on their own.

The release also alleges that the statements given by the SDF spokesperson, Bhim Dahal, on the incident were misleading and false.
In response, the youth have drawn up a list of 14 questions to Mr Dahal and to the Soreng-Chakung MLA, RB Subba, on the incident.
These queries range from seeking explanation on how the Minister can claim to not having been on the spot when his vehicle was found there and points out that this claim contradicts the SDF spokesperson’s contention that the Minister was attacked when he was on a door-to-door visit of the area.