Gangtok: Even as Sikkim Police have clarified that there is no evidence of an organised terrorist module or any imminent threat to public safety following the arrest of a 19-year-old man over alleged links to the banned terrorist outfit Islamic State (IS), Upper Burtuk MLA Kala Rai has called for a statewide verification drive of tenants and commercial establishments, citing the state’s strategic location along international borders.
“What happened yesterday—along with these recurring incidents—is a warning for all of us. We need to take this very seriously. As you can see, Sikkim is surrounded by international borders on all sides. This is not just about yesterday’s incident,” Rai said.
Referring to previous security-related incidents in the state, Rai claimed that two Pakistani nationals suspected of terror links had been apprehended near the Gurudwara in Gangtok around three years ago. The legislator also alleged that a senior leader of the banned insurgent outfit ULFA had lived in Sikkim for several years while working as a schoolteacher.
Rai urged the government to tighten scrutiny over trade licences and prevent their illegal transfer or renewal.
“You all know that close to the 6th or 5th Mile, a top leader of the ULFA was living here for seven to eight years, teaching children in a school. Everyone should be aware of this. What we want now, and what we repeatedly say, is that trade licences should not be renewed indiscriminately or transferred in violation of the law. We have heard—whether it is true or not, we need to know—that some people were running shops here. When individuals who are not local voters operate businesses here, we know very little about them. Such practices must be stopped,” Rai said.
Calling for immediate verification drives in major commercial areas, including Lal Bazaar, Rai said every commercial establishment should be checked thoroughly.
The MLA also stressed the need to fix accountability among landlords and ensure stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Gangtok Range) Tenzing Loden Lepcha said there was “presently no intelligence indicating any imminent threat to public safety” and “no evidence of any organised terrorist module, local extremist network, or communal angle operating within the State.”
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Police said the investigation into accused Md. Arju, who was arrested by Sadar Police from Nam Nang under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has uncovered extensive digital evidence, including alleged communication with individuals in India and Pakistan and the dissemination of extremist propaganda.
The police said the probe is examining possible interstate and international linkages. However, police have maintained that the case, based on evidence gathered so far, appears to involve online self-radicalisation rather than an organised terrorist network operating within Sikkim.
Also Read | Sikkim Police rule out terror module after youth held over Islamic state links