‘Bringing forth women to protest was a cowardly act’: HSP on burning Bhaichung Bhutia’s effigy

GANGTOK: Condemning the act of burning Bhaichung Bhutia’s effigy at Namchi by a group of women on Wednesday, Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP) President Dr. Bina Basnett said that ”bringing forth the women folks of the party to protest was a cowardly act.”

A group of women burnt the former Indian footballer-politician’s effigy and shouted slogans holding placards to demonstrate protest against the statement given by him over the new Namchi hospital project.

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“They are putting the women as well as the general public’s life at risk. The concerned authorities grossly failed in their duties during a crisis”, said HSP President in a statement.

“HSP strongly condemns the burning of an effigy of a Padma Shree /Arjuna Awardee Bhaichung Bhutia, who is not only an icon of the State but a National icon”, she added.

"We will call it a Black Day in the history of Sikkim. Never in history has Sikkim witnessed such an unfortunate incident where the son of the soil - who brought in so much of name and fame for not only the state but for the entire nation has been disrespected in his own motherland”, the HSP president further said.

Bhutia had stated that the new hospital project should be stopped and taken up after the pandemic as the focus right now should be on upgrading existing hospitals.

He had also stated that the project takes over the only playground available in Namchi and should be shifted to Karfectar, near Jorethang.

“It is unbelievable and disheartening how a constructive suggestion for the welfare of people from an opposition leader and national figure was taken negatively by the people in the ruling government”, added Dr. Basnett.

Speaking further, she demanded the imposition of the President's rule in the state alleging that the situation of lawlessness is at the peak of a health crisis.

“If we still let this activity prevail in the State, we will damage the image of the State and also put people’s lives in danger. Bhaichung is a national figure and protecting him and his image is the state’s as well as the nation’s responsibility”, she further added.

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