SDF calls for President’s Rule in Sikkim amidst political violence concerns

GANGTOK: Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party, under the leadership of its chief Pawan Chamling, organized a massive rally, on Monday (March 11), to address growing concerns over political violence in the Himalayan state.

The rally, which commenced at the SDF party headquarters located at Indira Bye Pass, culminated at the District Administrative Centre in Gangtok.

The primary motivation behind the peace rally was to protest against the recent Melli attack targeting former Sikkim Speaker KN Rai.

Former Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, while addressing the media after the rally, reiterated the alleged escalating violence under the rule of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) and expressed apprehension regarding the peaceful conduct of upcoming elections.

In light of these concerns, he called for the immediate imposition of President's Rule to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, in accordance with the Election Commission of India's guidelines.

Chamling emphasized the SKM's purported tendency to escalate violence, citing it as a reason to invoke special powers under Article 371F (G) of the Constitution to impose President's Rule.

The SDF reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and upholding law and order in Sikkim.

Furthermore, Chamling demanded the arrest of the mastermind behind the KN Rai attack, notwithstanding the police's apprehension of all seven prime accused involved in the case.