The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has raised concerns over recent violent attacks on citizens in the state and has demanded that the Sikkim Police Accountability Commission take immediate action.
At a press conference held in Gangtok, BJP Sikkim spokesperson Passang Gyali Sherpa strongly condemned the attacks and questioned the silence of the state police and administration.
Addressing the media, Passang Sherpa said, “In recent days, Sikkim has witnessed a disturbing rise in violence. A few days ago, Anand Rai was attacked, and just yesterday, another youth, Ashish Rai, was also attacked by masked goons. These attacks are not random. They are targeted, and the attackers are hiding their faces, spreading fear among the people.”
Sherpa expressed concern that the police department, despite being led by Director General of Police (DGP) Akshay Sachdeva whom he described as a law-abiding and justice-loving officer has failed to act. “Even though we all know DGP Akshay Sachdeva as a super cop, no proper action has been taken against the attackers. No arrests, no press conferences, not even a word of assurance to the public,” Sherpa said.
He pointed out that this inaction is creating an environment of fear and insecurity in Sikkim. “When people who speak for the poor and voice the concerns of society are attacked and there is no response from the police, what message does it send? People are beginning to say they need to protect themselves. They are losing trust in the system.”
The BJP leader said that it is even more troubling that these incidents are occurring at a time when the state is preparing to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Sikkim’s 50th Statehood Day celebrations. “Sikkim has always been proud of its peaceful image. Now, just before the Golden Jubilee celebration, we are seeing unrest. This is not good for the state or its people,” Sherpa said.
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He urged the Police Accountability Commission to intervene, especially since the police have remained inactive. “Sikkim has a Police Accountability Commission, and it is there for times like this. When the police and administration do not function properly or are influenced by politics, this commission is supposed to step in,” he said.
Sherpa said that two well-respected intellectuals are part of the commission and that the people of Sikkim have faith in them. “We request the Police Accountability Commission to take suo motu action. The people of Sikkim are watching. The image of the state must be protected before the Prime Minister’s visit.”
He further added, “What is surprising is that even the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party is demanding action through press releases and statements. But they are the government. The police department is under them. Why are they asking for action as if they are in the opposition?”
The BJP spokesperson also used the platform to raise several issues the party has encountered during their ongoing outreach campaign in Sikkim. As part of their "Seva and Sampark Abhiyan", party workers have been visiting various villages and towns to understand public grievances and monitor the implementation of central government schemes.
During these visits, Sherpa said, “We have received serious complaints. For instance, in several rural areas, people are getting extremely high electricity bills after the installation of smart meters. Families who earlier paid nothing are now receiving bills as high as Rs 4,000. Especially for BPL families, this is unacceptable.”
He mentioned one BPL family who wished to remain anonymous out of fear of being attacked. “People are scared to even speak up now. Goons are being sent to threaten anyone who raises their voice. This is what Sikkim has come to.”
Sherpa also criticized the steep rise in solid waste management fees after privatization. “Earlier, people paid Rs 50. Now, it’s Rs 250 to Rs 350. The poor are suffering. On top of that, electricity bills, license fees, and other charges have gone up. The economic pressure is breaking people.”
On the issue of water supply, Sherpa said, “Despite Sikkim having more water resources than many other states and over 35 power projects, people are still facing water shortages. Pipes laid under the Jal Jeevan Mission are being misused. Projects are completed on paper, but on the ground, people still have no water to drink.”
He accused the state government of failing to utilize central funds properly. “We have given over Rs 1,000 crore to the Sikkim government for development. But people in the villages are still struggling. Where has the money gone?”
He also spoke about delays in payment under the MGNREGA scheme and issues with the distribution of old age pensions. “People have not received their MGNREGA wages for months. Many elderly citizens have not received their pensions. These are central schemes meant to help the poor, but they are not reaching the beneficiaries.”
Sherpa said that if people continue to remain silent out of fear, the situation will only worsen. “Today it is Anand Rai. Tomorrow it could be someone else. People are afraid. They think, ‘Why should I speak up if I am not affected?’ But injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
He called for unity among the people of Sikkim to raise their voice against injustice and poor governance. “Until we all stand together, this oppression will continue. Corruption will grow. And those in power will continue to misuse it.”
Sherpa urged the Police Accountability Commission to act and protect Sikkim’s image ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. “We are a peaceful state. Let us not allow violence, fear, and political vendetta to ruin our reputation. We hope the Commission will act in the interest of justice and restore faith in the law-and-order system.”
Pasang Sherpa also said 'centre has written a letter to state government to deport any Pakistani citizens but in Sikkim we haven't seen any action on this from DC's.
