The Sikkim Democratic Front has demanded President’s rule in the state in view of alleged breakdown of law and order, looming economic crisis and “inept” handling of the Covid19 pandemic by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government.

M.K. Subba, the chief spokesman for the SDF, said at a press conference on Monday that recent manifestation of the breakdown of law and order was the assault on party colleague K. B. Dharnal in broad daylight. ‘There is already political terrorism in Sikkim and now, political assassination is being attempted,” Subba said.

Dharnal, a senior leader and one of the spokespersons for the SDF, had been assaulted near the SDF office at Indira Bypass here on Friday. He is recuperating at the Central Referral Hospital in Gangtok. Even though an FIR has been lodged, police are yet to make any headway in the case.

Subba said even though the daylight assault had happened a few days after some alleged SKM supporters had issued threats to Darnal on social media, the police were still looking for leads. “Leads are there everywhere…Even 72 hours after the incident, the chief minister is silent. There has been no word from the police administration. Is there law in Sikkim?” he asked.

The SDF threatened to take the protest mode if those responsible for the assault were not arrested by June 20. “We are issuing an ultimatum. If the culprits are not brought to book by June 20, the SDF will take very strong steps,” Subba said without elaborating on the party’s next course of action.

On the economic front, the SDF spokesman painted a bleak future, claiming that the budget for the current fiscal was already running in deficit. “The economic condition has become very critical. Ordinary people are finding it difficult to live their daily lives. Our economic burden is increasing by the day,” he said.

Subba also accused the government of being inept in handling the Covid19 crisis. “It is our good fortune that there has been no sharp increase in the number of cases. There has been so much of carelessness,” he alleged.

Subba said in view of many problems staring at Sikkim and in order to ensure the safety and |security of the state and its people, the |SDF would appeal to Sikkim governor Ganga Prasad to |impose President’ rule in the state.

“Our president (Pawan Chamling) will soon meet the governor with this proposal and our party will also be talking to other parties in this regard,” he said.

Other political parties and social organisations, too, have assailed the assault on the SDF leader and demanded the immediate arrest of the culprits.