The former speaker of the Sikkim Assembly, KN Rai, and senior Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) spokesperson SK Timshina were assaulted by unidentified individuals in Namchi district on Friday afternoon, news agency PTI reported citing local police.
According to the PTI report, the incident occurred at Mazi Gaon, Melli, around 2.30 pm, resulting in facial injuries to Rai.
Following the assault, the SDF swiftly condemned the attack, labelling it a heinous crime and urging the immediate arrest of those responsible. The party also submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, advocating for the imposition of President's Rule in the state to ensure fair Lok Sabha and assembly elections, anticipated to be held concurrently.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang condemned the assault on former speaker KN Rai, stating, "I strongly denounce the unpleasant and anti-social assault on former speaker Shri KN Rai in Malli, Namchi district today".
"Rai, a respected politician and senior citizen, should never have been subjected to such mistreatment," the CM stated, adding that strong action against the perpetrators would be taken.
"Our state thrives on peace and harmony, and such despicable acts will not be tolerated. I urge everyone to uphold peace, unity, and tranquillity, rejecting violence and strife," Tamang said in a Facebook post.
Jacob Khaling, the CM's political secretary, expressed solidarity with the senior leader, ensuring that appropriate action would be taken against the perpetrators.
"A murderous assault on a senior leader, whether from the ruling or opposition party, is unacceptable. Such politics of violence is not acceptable in any form," he wrote on Facebook.
BJP Sikkim president DR Thapa also condemned the assault on Rai and Timshina, stating, "Such incidents have no place in a society aspiring for progress," in a press statement, as reported by PTI.
READ | Sikkim: Indian Army Rescues 500 Tourists Stranded At Nathula Amid Heavy Snowfall