SAGAR CHHETRI, Gangtok 06 Feb: Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) vice-president Krishna Kharel has called for the state government to take decisive action against Samson Tamang for his offensive remarks regarding the Khas community. Kharel emphasized that the SDF will persist in advocating for this issue until Tamang publicly apologizes and retracts his statements.
During a press conference, Kharel criticized the state government for its inaction, claiming it has failed to protect the dignity and self-respect of the Khas community. He alleged that the government’s silence suggests a potential conspiracy to create division within Sikkimese society, using Tamang as a scapegoat.
Kharel pointed out that when the SDF was in power, it worked diligently to promote unity among Sikkimese communities, ensuring that the Khas community’s rights and privileges were recognized. He reiterated the SDF’s commitment to maintaining Sikkim’s unique identity while advocating for the rights of Nepali-speaking communities across India.
He urged the current SKM government to safeguard Sikkim’s special status and protect its residents’ rights. Kharel criticized the SKM for failing to address the issue adequately in the assembly and questioned the silence of local MLAs from the Khas community.
In support of Kharel’s statements, SDF General Secretary for Press & Publicity, Divya Sharma, demanded immediate action from the Sikkim police to arrest Tamang and expressed concern over the apparent lack of response from both law enforcement and elected representatives of Khas community in light of such serious allegations.
