‘Save Sikkim’ is an unstoppable movement of people: Chamling

GANGTOK,: Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has said his ongoing ‘Save Sikkim Mission’ is the need of the hour as demanded by the people of Sikkim.

“The Save Sikkim Mission is a mission demanded by the people of Sikkim. They have been inviting me to their towns and villages and to their homes to discuss these unfortunate and destructive developments taking place under the SKM government,” said Chamling in his weekly Sunday press statement.

Chamling, also the SDF president, had launched his ‘Save Sikkim’ campaign from Rongli under Chujachen constituency on November 28. He has so far covered Chujachen, Rhenock and West Pendam constituencies, all in East Sikkim.

“The mission had started with tremendous public support. The people’s mood, determination and energy are there for everyone to see. They are fearless and their movement is unstoppable. We are all out to save Sikkim from these forces that are all out to finish Sikkim. The victory will be ours. The victory will be of the true lovers of Sikkim,” said the SDF president.

During his campaign, Chamling is reaching out to the people and explaining to them on “why Sikkim needs to be saved”. He alleged that the SKM government is bent on suppressing the opposing voices including him and SDF workers.

“Several vocal citizens and our party workers who voiced their concerns on Sikkim’s important issues have been harassed legally and tortured mentally. Many have been arrested. The Sikkim police is being pressurized by the SKM government to work under their command. There have been cases of police stations refusing to accept FIRs from us,” said the SDF president in his press statement.

We will soon release the names of all the victims of the atrocities of this despotic government, said Chamling. He maintained that Sikkim is on the verge of a massive collapse, economically and politically.

“I had earnestly cautioned the people of Sikkim that the 2019 election would not be merely for forming the next government but it would be about saving or destroying Sikkim. The fulfilment of my prediction is there for everyone to see. Sikkim is on the verge of a massive collapse, economically and politically. I am not claiming to be a prophet but I had seen the evil intention and the direction of the SKM leadership,” said Chamling.

The former Chief Minister reiterated his allegations that there has been wholesale plundering of Sikkimese assets with Sikkim becoming poorer as all its wealth is draining out of the State during these four years of SKM government. He claimed that Sikkim government and the major businesses in the State are being run by outsiders.

“Another unfortunate and highly objectionable trend has started in rural Sikkim under the watch of this government. Landed properties are being sold to non-Sikkimese people. They are paying ten times the going price and people are being duped into selling. Some lands are registered in the names of local people and around 10% of sold lands are registered in the names of non-Sikkimese buyers. The land parchas are being issued in their names. Many such cases have been seen in Soreng, Jorethang, Namchi and Gangtok areas. This is an act of organized crime in which the government and SKM party are involved. How else can such illegal activities take place without being caught by the authorities?” said Chamling.

The former Chief Minister further alleged the SKM government of doing away the old laws of Sikkim and implementing Central laws that have diluted Article 371F.

“What I do not understand is the hurried manner in which the SKM government is implementing these Acts. The Supreme Court had asked for a response from all the States and UTs on migrant labour miseries. This was a golden opportunity for the SKM government to explain to the Supreme Court why Sikkim cannot implement ONORC which violates very foundational documents like the 8th May Agreement,” said Chamling.

The former Chief Minister reminded that during his SDF government, ration cards were issued only to SSC, COI and RC holders. There is a provision of a Benefit Transfer Scheme under which migrant labourers can avail of rations from their respective States, he said.

“But Ashwini Kumar Chand, RC of the Sikkim House in Delhi on behalf of the Sikkim government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court telling that ONORC has already been implemented in Sikkim. The Supreme Court had directed the State governments to generate public awareness and discuss the matter in the assembly before final decision about implementation would be taken. But the SKM government had no time for all these important exercises,” said Chamling.

Meanwhile, on his fifth day of ‘Save Sikkim’ campaign, Chamling visited several villages under West Pendam constituency.

A SDF press release informs that Chamling met the residents of Pendam Gadi, Karmithang, Bhurung, Ralong, Zitlang, Duga, Khani Gaon, Samsing and other villages. He interacted with the local villagers, youth, drivers and retired empoyees who shared their grievances and problems with him.