If no action is taken, we will take to the streets, says Ganesh Rai on alleged goons' attack on driver leader

The Citizen Action Party (CAP) has strongly condemned a brutal attack on one of its key members and warned of mass protests if the police fail to act swiftly. Speaking to reporters, CAP chief Ganesh Rai demanded immediate action against the attackers who assaulted Ashish Rai, President of the party’s Driver Welfare Council in broad daylight.

The incident took place at around 9:30 am on on May 5 in Chandmari, Gangtok. According to the CAP, Ashish Rai was inside another room when a group of eight masked individuals stormed in and attacked him with a knife and a machete. He sustained injuries and is currently being treated at STNM Hospital.

Ganesh Rai called the attack a direct assault on democracy and the society of Sikkim. "This morning, Ashish Rai was attacked by masked goons. This is not just an attack on an individual; this is an attack on the voice of the poor, the unemployed, and the drivers of Sikkim. His only crime is that he is speaking out against the injustices happening under the current government," Rai said.

The party has filed an FIR at Sadar Police Station and has demanded that the attackers be arrested within 24 hours. Rai expressed his concern over how such a violent act could take place in Gangtok in broad daylight. “Where do such masked men come from, and how do they dare to commit such crimes at 9:30 in the morning in Gangtok? This shows that the situation in our city is getting worse,” he said.

He further accused the ruling party of being behind the attack, saying the current government is intolerant and does not respect democratic values. "They are trying to silence anyone who speaks the truth. This government is not protecting its citizens; it is targeting them. This is very dangerous for Sikkim," he added.

Rai also said that such violence is not new and referred to a similar attack on Anand Rai in West Sikkim a few days ago. He claimed that unsocial elements have been brought from outside Sikkim and are being used to spread fear. "We have already informed the DGP about where these people are being kept, what kind of vehicles they are using, and how they are operating in Gangtok," he said.

He raised concern about the vehicle used during the attack and said that the attackers used a Scorpio with number plates hidden both in the front and the back. “How can such a vehicle even move around freely in Gangtok?” he said.

Ganesh Rai said that the CAP has already informed the Ministry of Home Affairs at the Centre and will also be meeting the Governor of Sikkim to seek justice. “We are meeting the DGP and we have faith that some honest police officers still exist who will take action. But if no action is taken, we will be forced to go to the streets. We will have to protect democracy and our leaders on our own,” he said.

The CAP chief said that Ashish Rai has always raised his voice for the rights of drivers, the unemployed, and the poor. “His voice is hurting the ruling party, and that is why he has been targeted,” Rai said. He added that it is the job of the government to protect people, but instead, it is creating fear.

Ganesh Rai said: “If this government hides the case, then we will not sit quietly. Our party will take strong steps. We ask the public to be ready.”