SDF condemns SKM MLA’s statement

GANGTOK, 04 June: Sikkim Democratic Front has strongly condemned Sikkim Krantikari Morcha MLA Ugen Nedup Bhutia’s recent ‘threat’ [included in a memorandum submitted to the Governor] where he has said that “Sikkimese people shall immediately withdraw exercising their due political rights without fear or fervor, preferring to revert back to pre-1975 model”. SDF has alleged that it is a “threat” issued to the head of the State of Sikkim, the Governor.

It may be recalled that on 02 June, the Kabi-Lungchok MLA had written to the Governor of Sikkim, Shriniwas Patil, urging his intervention into what he alleges to be victimisation of government employees of Kabi-Lungchok. Mr Bhutia had said that if such practice is not stopped the people of Sikkim could “withdraw exercising their due political rights without any fear and fervor”.

An SDF press release issued by its publicity secretary, Chudamani Mishra alleges that the SKM MLA’s statement suggesting that Sikkimese people will secede from India is “highly provocative, anti-India”, and has exposed the anti-national image of the SKM party.

“By making such a statement, SKM is practically following the agenda of separatists with the blessing of former Chief Minister NB Bhandari whose anti-merger and anti-India stance is well known,” the release states.

SDF has termed it “most unfortunate” that the SKM MLA has made such an anti-national statement only days after swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution of India.

“His deplorable statement amply borders on sedition and the SDF party urges the Government of Sikkim and the Government of India to take strong cognizance of the matter and apprehend such secessionist leaders,” the release adds.

The release says that the SKM MLA must appreciate that he won by a narrow margin of 126 votes or 1.3% and does not have the mandate or the authority to make such a sweeping statement on behalf of Sikkimese people.

“We completely condemn such anti-national sentiments and are shocked that an elected representative has threatened the Governor of the State of Sikkim of secession,” the release concludes.