Neighboring state Sikkim is hot around the observation of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court observed a case on January 13, saying that the Nepalis of Sikkim are of ‘foreign origin’ and added fuel to the fire. Pawan Chamling’s party Sikkim Democratic Front has called for a 48-hour bandh in Sikkim in protest. This ban is widespread in the state. Tourism has also had a huge impact. Many foreign tourists are stuck. Health Minister Mani Sharma has already resigned protesting the silence of the Sikkim government.
A 48-hour general strike has started in Sikkim from Saturday. Today is the second day of the bandh. Several untoward incidents have already taken place across Sikkim due to this ban. On the first day of the bandh, stones were pelted at the SDF building on Indira Bypass in Gangtok. Even party chief Pawan Chamling’s residence was attacked. Broken window glass.
The SDF alleged that supporters of Sikkim’s ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha carried out the attack on the former chief minister’s house. Besides, SKM supporters have been accused of harassing an SDF supporter in South Sikkim’s Zorthang. The police have started investigating the two incidents. Additional police forces have been deployed in various parts of the state to control the situation.
Meanwhile, Sikkim’s tourism has suffered due to the ban during the tourist season. As many tourists are stuck in Sikkim, many tourists have canceled their trip to Sikkim. Sikkim Health Minister Manikumar Sharma recently resigned due to the protests. Addressing the Chief Minister, Manikumar Sharma said, “The state government has not taken the sentiments of the people of Sikkim seriously. I feel, there is no need to stay in this government.” Additional Advocate General Sudesh Joshi also resigned for the same reason.
