Rising violence in Sikkim a deep concern, says Jacob Khaling

Amid rising concerns over recent incidents of violence in Sikkim, the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) held a press conference in Gangtok today, where senior party leaders, including spokesperson Jacob Khaling, addressed several key issues; from law and order to administrative decisions and political criticism.

Speaking on the recent unrest, Jacob Khaling said, “Law and order are under control. The police are working, and investigations are ongoing. We don’t believe in rushing justice. Everything will be done as per the law.”

Khaling acknowledged that the public is disturbed by the incidents, especially the one that occurred on the evening of the 17th, which, he said, has shaken the people, the administration, and the police. While no arrests have been formally announced yet, he assured that the authorities are actively working, and legal action will follow once the investigation is complete. “Even those who tried to flee have been brought in. The investigation is thorough,” he said.

He also said that, for the first time, Sikkim Police’s Vigilance Department formed a 28-member team that conducted fact-finding missions in Delhi, Hyderabad, and Siliguri. “This is a first in Sikkim’s history. Vigilance has been able to prove certain things from the past, and we will act based on evidence,” Khaling added.

In response to criticisms about administrative extensions and allegations of favoritism, Khaling explained that SKM had not given extensions but re-employment to experts and experienced individuals in the interest of good governance. “Some people don’t understand the difference. We brought back those with subject expertise—not to block promotions but to ensure public service delivery,” he said. He also pointed out that such practices have precedent at the national level, under both UPA and NDA governments.

Speaking on structural issues, he said how posts like Divisional Engineer remained vacant for years and were finally filled through due process, not political influence. “The posts existed but weren’t filled. We re-employed only those with genuine qualifications,” he emphasized.

Khaling also came out strongly against personal attacks on SKM Youth Wing President Lakpa Mukhtan, calling them unethical and unacceptable. “Criticism in politics is fine. But targeting someone personally is beyond democratic norms. I condemn this in the harshest words,” he said.

He told critics of past instances when SKM leaders were arrested for merely filing FIRs. “Back in 2011 or 2012, I was arrested and jailed in Namchi’s Boomtar jail for two nights just for lodging a complaint. What was the government doing back then?” he asked.

Khaling said that no one in the party will be spared if they make political mistakes. “We are a decent and disciplined party. Anyone who repeats such behavior will face consequences. We are committed to fairness, but also to accountability.”