Gangtok: In a significant development, the Sikkim state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has submitted a memorandum to Sikkim Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, pressing for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the perplexing demise of Late Padam Gurung.
Demanding Clarity and Transparency
The BJP spokesperson, Kamal Adhikari, held a press conference at the Raj Bhawan premises after the delegation’s meeting with the Governor. Adhikari expressed deep concern over reports of a recent incident in Namchi where peaceful protesters demanding a thorough and unbiased investigation into Padam Gurung’s tragic death were met with a harsh response from the Sikkim Police.
Adhikari emphasized, “The right to peaceful assembly and expression is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society. The incident has left the state shaken and in search of justice.”
Seeking Answers for an Unsolved Case
The BJP highlighted that, until now, no significant progress has been made in investigating the circumstances surrounding Padam Gurung’s demise. The party’s memorandum underscored the perceived vagueness and potential influence on the ongoing investigation.
“The investigation seems vague and influenced by the unseen forces,” the party stated. They pointed out a previous incident involving an attack on a social worker, Keshav Sapkota, which had raised concerns about the fairness of the police authority. These incidents have led to a sense of insecurity among the citizens and have called into question the efficacy of the police in ensuring public safety.
Governor’s Role and BJP’s Call for Action
Referring to the constitutional powers vested in the Governor under Article 371F (g) for the security of the state, the BJP urged the Governor to ensure that the investigation into Padam Gurung’s death is conducted with absolute transparency, impartiality, and adherence to the principles of justice.
The party spokesperson highlighted, “We have given time and chance to the government to solve the issue, but no concern or solution has been drawn yet.”
Intra-Party Disagreements
Notably, the BJP also took the opportunity to criticize its own MLA from Darjeeling, Neeraj Zimba, for involving himself in Sikkim’s internal affairs regarding Padam Gurung’s case. The party stated that Sikkim’s matters are internal and that outsiders should not intervene without proper invitation.
“Sikkim is one society, Padam Gurung’s case is an internal matter. Neeraj Zimba being a BJP member from Darjeeling has no reason to invade the concern of Sikkim,” Adhikari asserted.
Also Read: Rally in Sikkim’s Namchi Turns Violent, Section 144 Imposed
Gangtokian Web Team, 10/08/2023