SDF’s roots are in Sikkim with Sikkimese as our owners: Chamling

GANGTOK, : SDF president and former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on Sunday paid rich tributes to former MLA late PL Subba during a zonal meeting of SDF (West Sikkim) at Geyzing.

In his address, Chamling remembered late Subba as one among those who are genuine and ideologically connected with the SDF and an asset for the party.

A two-minute silence was observed at the meet to mourn the demise of the former MLA, a SDF release informs.

Speaking about the current political situation, Chamling stressed that the SDF is a party of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Calling SDF an “organic party”, he affirmed that SDF’s roots are in Sikkim and that the “maliks” are the Sikkimese people, unlike the current government which has its roots outside the State, the release mentions.

“The ideology of the SDF is the protection of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people but the only ideology of the SKM is to hold on to power,” said Chamling.

The SDF president also highlighted the recent judgement on the AOSS petition, which he said, has opened a Pandora’s box in the State. It has diluted special status of Sikkim, making the Sikkim Subject valueless, he said.

Remarking on the ‘One Nation One Ration Card’ scheme, he cautioned those gathered about the danger of demographic change this poses as now due to ONORC, migrant workers can also get access to a voter card based on the ration card provided through ONORC.

“When SDF lost the elections, it was not only the party that lost but peace lost too, the people of Sikkim lost and now Sikkim is losing the special protection and privileges under Article 371F. The people of Sikkim have lost to such an extent that today they can no longer speak,” said Chamling.

Looking at all the critical issues facing Sikkim, Chamling urged the SDF cadre and the public gathered to give their support to the Sikkim BachaoAbhiyan to safeguard the future of Sikkim, the release mentions.

SDF (west) general secretary (organisation) Dinesh Rai presented the welcome address while SDF Yangthang in-charge DB Subba gave a progress report of the party in West Sikkim.

As part of the visit to West Sikkim today morning, Chamling also visited Tikjek to pay respects to former MLA late PL Subba.

In his weekly Sunday press statement, the former Chief Minister maintained that ‘goonda raj’ prevails in Sikkim given the series of physical assaults on SDF workers. He also rejected the SKM’s stand that the attacks on SDF workers were plotted by the SDF itself.

“Let me repeat that a total of 68 SDF supporters have been violently attacked so far and the shameless SKM spokespersons have the audacity of telling the media that the SDF party is attacking its own people. Only a goon mentality can come up with a theory like that,” said Chamling.

“If these glaring examples do not make this regime look like a goonda raj, what will? Every time they break the head of a Sikkimese youth or any other Sikkimese citizen, my claim about their goonda raj becomes vindicated. Our broken heads, broken houses, broken party offices, and broken vehicles are the proof of who is ruling the State,” said the SDF president.

“I appeal to the Governor and the Centre to intervene and implement President Rule in Sikkim before the violence intensifies,” said Chamling.