Gangtok: In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through political circles, Ashish Rai, the President of the All Sikkim Drivers Welfare Council, linked to the Citizen Action Party (CAP), was the victim of a violent assault in Rongey.
The attack, carried out by unidentified masked individuals, resulted in serious injuries to Rai, necessitating his immediate hospitalization for medical care. Law enforcement agencies have initiated an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this brutal act, with the motivation behind it currently unknown.
The Citizen Action Party has reacted with profound dismay and strong condemnation of the attack. In an official statement, the party described Rai as a committed young leader and a champion for the rights of the working class. They asserted that the assault by masked assailants at his rented accommodation in Gangtok was premeditated. The statement further detailed the grave nature of Rai’s injuries, including severe head trauma and significant blows to his knees and other parts of his body, leaving him in an unconscious state while receiving treatment at STNM Hospital.
The CAP underscored the significance of this incident, viewing it not merely as an attack on an individual but as an assault on the fundamental principles of democracy and the voice of the citizenry. They highlighted Rai’s background as a humble taxi driver who fearlessly voiced the challenges faced by the working class, particularly the dire state of roads and the hardships endured by drivers. The party contends that his advocacy and concerns have made him a target for those wielding power.
The Citizen Action Party further asserted that this event reflects a broader problem within Sikkim, where raising one’s voice for justice is met with intimidation, violence, and oppression. They posited that such attacks originate from those who have lost the confidence of the people and resort to governing through fear and terror.
The party has urgently called upon the Sikkim government to take swift and decisive action to identify and bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice. They also warned that any silence from the state’s side would only serve to strengthen the suspicion that the attack was orchestrated by influential entities.
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