Express News Service
August 26, 2014
A former panchayat pradhan Lobsang Tandup of Sagnam and incumbent pradhan Chhering Topge of gram panchayat Kungari, both panchayats bordering China (Tibet), have been arrested on sedition charges by police for threatening to seek China’s help, alleging that the Himachal Pradesh government was neglecting them in matters of development.
An FIR was lodged on Monday at Kaza police station on the report of Thakur Dass, an assistant sub-inspector of police who had conducted a preliminary probe against the two persons after media reports about their threat. Both the panchayats are located in interior Pin valley of Lahual-Spiti district, an area which, the duo alleged, has been facing criminal neglect and apathy of the government.
“We have records of statements by both the accused and video footing supporting the allegations. Both the persons are quoted saying that if the state government is not willing to help the panchayats to improve conditions including construction of a bridge, they will approach the Chinese for help,” said P L Thakur, Inspector General of Police (Mandi) ,who confirmed registration of FIR.
In Shimla, Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar said the government had taken the issue very seriously and probe will be done by a Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officer.
