Friday, Sep 16, 2022 08:15 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Sep 16, 2022 02:38 [IST]
GEYZING, : Sikkim Krantikari Morcha spokesperson
Jacob Khaling said Sikkim Government is silent on the issue of Jantar Mantar
protest to “avoid national attention and unnecessary flak”.
Speaking at a foundation stone laying
ceremony for Haat Bazaar at Rangsang under Geyzing-Bermoik constituency on Thursday,
Khaling justified the silence of the State government on Article 371F issue. The
political secretary to the Chief Minister stated, “The State government is
silent on Article 371F issue involving two Bihar residents because giving
importance to the issue may gain unwanted attention in the country. If the State
government speaks on the issue, it will become a national issue, drawing
unnecessary flak from all the corners. The issue pertaining to 371F has gained
no attention at the national forum till now. But if our own people keep
publicizing the issue then there is no doubt that the same will be a national
debate. Only SKM and its leader P.S. Golay can safeguard 371F.”
Khaling asserted that the SKM
government is committed to protect the special provision given to Sikkim.
Khaling, in turn, blamed “growing culture
of staging dharna” in Sikkim. He stated, “It is because of dharna culture being
promoted by some Sikkimese, the people from outside the State are also being
provoked to speak against the special provision given to Sikkim. Some people
from outside the State are being outwardly encouraged to stage dharna on the
issue related to Sikkim. The dharna culture in Sikkim is worrisome and if peace
and tranquillity of Sikkim gets disrupted then those who are involved in this
kind of hypercritic activities should be held accountable.”
Khaling, without naming Bhaichung
Bhutia, slammed the Hamro Sikkim Party leader for staging a dharna at Gangtok
DAC on Thursday. He asserted, "How can a person from Sikkim who has
shifted his voter card to another State keep advocating for safety of 371F? A
person who fought election in (West) Bengal twice is now pretending to fight
for the Sikkimese cause. He cannot protect 371F. A person who shifted his voter list to
another State for his political aspiration should not advocate for the
Sikkimese cause or safety of 371F.”
Without naming any members of SPYF,
Jacob Khaling stated, “Three-four trained persons with their vested interest in
the culture of staging dharna on small issues is gaining momentum in the State.
A negative culture of staging dharna on unnecessary issue with a motive of
disrupting the peace of Sikkim is at rife in the State since past 2-3 years. It
is out of logic to embrace the culture of dharna when the government has been
working committedly for the welfare of the State and its people. Such protest
movement was unnecessary when the State government had assured to look into the
matter and had supported their cause. A certain section of bewildered people
and organizations are trying to spoil the peace and tranquillity of the State.”
