Pawan Chamling's Convoy Attacked by SKM and BJP Supporters

Gangtok, October 10, 2019:

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) supporters reportedly attacked the SDF Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) bye election campaign team of candidate Moses Rai near the Assamthang helipad Poklok Kamrang in South Sikkim. According to reports, five-time former Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, was also a part of the convoy that was attacked.

A source told Inside Northeast that the situation is very tense ahead of the elections. "SKM and BJP supporters attacked the team of campaigners. Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was also part of the convoy that was attacked. They were lying in wait for the convoy, and caught them unawares. The SDF team was attacked with rods and stones, which is, frankly, very disturbing..."

The source also added that the attackers were carrying flags of the ruling SKM party as well as the BJP.

This latest incident of violence has been reported during heightened tension between the two parties ahead of the ensuing polls in the hill state.

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It may be mentioned here that the SDF has announced the list of candidates who will contest the upcoming polls. The candidates who will contest the bye-polls on behalf of the party are: Moses Rai from Poklok-Kamrang constituency, Nuk Tshering Bhutia from Martam-Rumtek constitency, and Rinzing Ongmu from Gangtok constituency, an official statement said.

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Bye Elections to 63 constituencies across Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, MP, Meghalaya, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh will be held on October 21.

It may be mentioned here that Sikkim will head for Bye Elections in Gangtok, Martam Rumtek and Poklok Kamrang Constituencies.

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