SDF condemns ‘politically motivated’ arrest of party functionary Arun Limboo

GANGTOK, : The opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has strongly condemned the arrest of its Labour Front vice president, Arun Limboo, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at silencing dissent.

Speaking to the media outside the Gangtok Sadar Police Station on Monday evening, SDF spokesperson Krishna Kharel alleged that Limboo’s arrest earlier in the day was made based on a complaint filed by an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Government of Sikkim. The complaint was reportedly in response to a statement Limboo had made on a social media platform.

Kharel asserted that Arun Limboo, as a political leader and citizen, had merely expressed concerns about the growing corruption and suppression faced by the people under the present government. “His statement was critical of the Chief Minister and his spouse, but nowhere did it attack the sovereignty of the nation,” Kharel said. “This arrest is simply an attempt by the ruling SKM government to curb, suppress, and oppress the true voice of the people.”

The SDF spokesperson further accused the SKM government of consistently targeting dissenters and those who raise questions about governance. “We have engaged legal experts and will fight this unjust act both legally and politically. We will ensure our leader is released safely,” he added.

Kharel stated that once Arun Limboo is released, the party will take the issue of what he called "conspiracies and treacherous acts" by the ruling government to the people. “We appeal to the citizens to analyze the current situation and stand up for the restoration of true democracy in Sikkim,” he said.

The SDF delegation, which visited the Sadar Police Station, claimed they were unable to meet the Station House Officer or obtain a copy of the FIR.

“In a democracy, people are the ultimate authority,” Kharel said. “When we were in power, even when individuals shaved their heads in protest to defame our leader, we never resorted to such arrests.”

SDF Women’s Wing in-charge Komal Chamling also spoke to the media, expressing concern over what she described as the growing trend of using law enforcement and hired goons to suppress dissent.

“It is disheartening that leaders and citizens who speak out against the government are being harassed and arrested. But the government must understand that voices raised in truth cannot be silenced in a democracy,” she said.

“We will fight this battle legally and politically. The SDF stands firmly with the people of Sikkim, with democracy, and with those who dare to speak out against injustice,” said Komal.