Sikkim: Clash at Lachung public meeting; two cases registered amid altercation over Dzomsa abolition
Blog post description.
A public meeting held in Lachung on December 12, 2024, to discuss the abolition of the traditional Dzomsa system escalated into heated altercations, resulting in two separate police cases.
The meeting, organized by pipons Pema Wangdhi Lachungpa and Dorjee Chewang Lachungpa at Thomchi Playground, drew around 250 local residents. The primary agenda was to deliberate on a memorandum submitted to the District Magistrate of Mangan on July 21, 2024, seeking to dismantle the Dzomsa system. The memorandum was signed by seven unidentified individuals, sparking controversy within the community.
In the first incident, recorded as Lachung P.S Case No. 02/2024 under Sections 117(2) and 3(5) of the BNS 2023, the complainant and his brother, Kundup Dorjee Lachungpa, reportedly confronted Dzomsa members during the meeting. A heated argument ensued, culminating in an alleged assault by the accused, including Damdi Lachungpa and seven others. The victims were rushed to the District Hospital in Mangan for treatment and are currently recovering.
The second case, Lachung P.S Case No. 03/2024 under Sections 270, 125, and 3(5) of the BNS 2023, centers on an incident where accused Kundup Dorjee Lachungpa allegedly drew a khukuri, threatening the assembled crowd. While no physical injuries were inflicted, the act created panic and disrupted the meeting.
Police investigations are underway for both cases, with an inspection of the incident site already completed.
The Dzumsa system is a traditional self-government system in the villages of Lachen and Lachung in North Sikkim.The Dzumsa is a council of villagers that administers the community and settles disputes in a democratic way. The term "Dzumsa" literally means "gathering place".
The Dzumsa elects a headman, known as the "Pipon", to chair the community. The Pipon is the village chief and is responsible for representing the village to the outside world. The Dzumsa was established in the first half of the 19th century to provide structure and cohesion for the local societies. The Dzumsa is similar to Lok Adalats, as it resolves disputes within the community without going to court.The Dzumsa system was recognized by the government in 1985. It continues to function in Lachen and Lachung, even though the Panchayati Raj system was introduced in other parts of Sikkim.