Did Sikkim’s SKM Dismiss Opponents’ Claims as Politically Motivated?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a heated exchange, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) vehemently rebuffs allegations from the opposition, Citizen Action Party (CAP), regarding a youth leader's alleged involvement in violence. As tensions rise, the SKM claims these accusations are politically motivated efforts to distract from corruption investigations.
Key Takeaways
- SKM denies allegations from CAP as unfounded.
- Claims of political motivation behind CAP's accusations.
- Ongoing anti-corruption efforts are a focal point of contention.
- SKM stresses the importance of professionalism in investigations.
- Political dynamics in Sikkim are intensifying amid public scrutiny.
Gangtok, July 19 (IAN) The governing party in the mountainous region, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), on Saturday strongly rejected accusations from the opposition Citizen Action Party (CAP) that its youth leader, Lakpa Moktan, incited an attack on CAP members near Sadar Police Station on July 17, branding the claims as unfounded and politically charged.
SKM spokesperson Jacob Khaling charged that CAP is trying to shift focus from the State Vigilance Department’s active anti-corruption initiatives and is targeting party officials out of sheer frustration.
Khaling maintained that Moktan played no role in the occurrence and challenged CAP to produce any supporting evidence. “Lakpa Moktan is innocent. There is zero proof against him. It would take them a hundred years to produce a youth leader of his caliber,” he stated.
He went on to assert that CAP was evading direct criticism of Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay, whose popularity continues to rise, and instead, they are attacking other SKM leaders.
The incident unfolded near Sadar Police Station after CAP members allegedly hindered vigilance officials. SKM spokesperson Bikash Basnet noted that twelve CAP members were named in a First Information Report (FIR) for obstructing officials for over three hours.
“The police acted based on the FIR and arrested only those identified. Later, some individuals voluntarily requested arrest, although their names were not listed in the FIR. This validates our police's impartiality - punishing the guilty while protecting the innocent,” Basnet remarked.
He further alleged that CAP’s protests were not spontaneous but rather motivated by the fear of being implicated in corruption cases tied to the prior Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government.
“Since May, the Vigilance Department has conducted extensive raids, including outside Sikkim, investigating corruption in hydroelectric projects and other initiatives. CAP’s agitation indicates they are shielding someone involved in pre-2019 scams,” Basnet alleged.
Khaling also addressed concerns regarding the reappointment of a retired divisional engineer in the Vigilance Department, emphasizing that it was necessary for technical expertise.
“Police are not engineers. The investigation required specialized knowledge, hence the appointment. Unlike the SDF, which exploited vigilance for political vendettas, we emphasize professionalism,” he added.
SKM spokesperson Krishna Lepcha compared CAP’s strategies to those employed by the former SDF regime.
“Their rhetoric and unfounded accusations mirror SDF’s tactics. Their leader, Ganesh Rai, was part of the SDF for 25 years - what did he achieve for the youth during that time? Now they advocate for good governance, but their past speaks volumes,” Lepcha stated.
Khaling also criticized CAP’s inconsistent position on bureaucratic extensions.
“Initially, they protest pensions, then job extensions. They lack clarity. While we halted routine extensions, some reappointments are essential for public interest,” he emphasized.
The SKM asserts that CAP’s accusations are a desperate maneuver to undermine the ruling party as public support for the government’s anti-corruption efforts continues to grow.
Point of View
The ongoing political confrontation in Sikkim underscores the heightened stakes in regional governance. As allegations of corruption and political maneuvering surface, it is crucial to remain critical of both sides. The SKM’s assertion of innocence and the CAP’s claims highlight the complexities of political accountability amid ongoing anti-corruption efforts. The unfolding situation calls for careful scrutiny to ensure public trust in governance.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the allegations made by the CAP against SKM?
The Citizen Action Party (CAP) accused SKM's youth president, Lakpa Moktan, of inciting an attack on their members outside Sadar Police Station.
How did SKM respond to the allegations?
SKM vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them as baseless and politically motivated, asserting that Moktan had no involvement in the incident.
What is the significance of the ongoing anti-corruption drive?
The State Vigilance Department's anti-corruption drive aims to address corruption linked to previous governments, which SKM claims CAP is trying to divert attention from.
What did SKM say about the police's actions during the incident?
SKM stated that the police acted based on an FIR, arresting only those identified in the report, which reflects the police's impartiality.
What parallels did SKM draw between CAP and the former SDF government?
SKM spokespersons compared CAP's tactics to those of the previous SDF regime, suggesting that their current rhetoric mirrors past political strategies.
