Gangtok: The effigy of Indian footballer Bhaichung Bhutia was burned in Namchi at Central Park Square in South Sikkim on Wednesday by a few women as he opposed the construction of a 300-bedded hospital in Namchi, South Sikkim.
The women were burning Bhutia's photo. Later, they were identified as the members of Dakshin Sikkim Nari Sangh (South Sikkim Women Wing). They also held placards and raised slogans in favour of Namchi hospital, bashing Bhutia's position. They even warned the former Indian football captain against playing with the lives of the people of Sikkim.
According to the reports, earlier, Bhutia had suggested that the hospital could be shifted to a different location in South Sikkim. He also claimed that the construction of the new hospital would compromise the famous 'veterinary ground,' considered the only playground in Namchi.
Last Friday (June 5), Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay laid the foundation stone for the 300-bedded hospital. While suggesting that the hospital could be shifted to a different location in South Sikkim, preferably Karfectar near Jorethang, which he highlighted, would be in closer proximity to both South and West Sikkim districts.
The same was opposed by the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party, who claimed on June 8 that the hospital construction would not stop at a cost. They also questioned Bhutia over why he never opposed the upcoming Bhaichung Stadium, also in Namchi.
South District Magistrate Bharani Kumar said, "We are taking appropriate action as per law. There was no arrest made, but we identified them to belong to a group called Dakshin Sikkim Nari Sangh. We came to know after the incident and police personnel were deployed at the scene. This is a violation of the lockdown period, and appropriate action will be taken. Beat cops were there at Central Park, and they dispersed the crowd. Names of the individual have not been ascertained yet, police will carry out an inquiry. Once we get the report, we will initiate legal action against them. We have asked for a report from the Station House Officer in Namchi if they belonged to any politically affiliated group."
It is to be mentioned that Sikkim is currently in lockdown. The authorities responded that the protesters are being identified and appropriate action shall be taken against them.
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