SKM Lacks and Scores
First Impressions
Sikkim breathes a sigh of relief as a new political unit emerges, largely consisting of attitudinal nomads defecting from other parties, once more. All the hopes and aspirations dashed by INC, SJP, SSP and SDF in unbroken succession are shifted unwarrantedly to a new triple: SKM. Take pity on these poor chaps! They do not have the slightest chance to comply with all the expectations burdened on them.
To tell the truth, there are a number of matters SKM managed pretty well. One is the timing of the official launch. Unlike the Democratic Alliance of Sikkim (DAS) established in the thick of a Black Month, the leaders of SKM had the spiritedness to resist public pressure waiting for a more auspicious period for the foundation of their organisation. One does not require the gift of prophecy to foretell DAS to be a non-starter, not only due to that mischief but based on the fact as well that they try to serve us old wine in new skins. SKM was wise enough not to join DAS resisting pressure from that side as well. Finally, the acronym 'SKM' chiming with the state's label on vehicles' number plates is a virtual winner.
The 'SDF Rebel' deserves our sincere thanks for sparing us another 'Democratic' party which, in the long term, may prove to be quite the opposite. However, as much as SKM is an inspiring acronym, as much the full version falls short. 'Sikkim Krantikari Morcha' is too Nepali-centric, all the more as there is no Lepcha, Limbu or Bhutia equivalent available. A movement claiming to represent the Sikkimese as a whole would probably do better resorting to neutral ground chosing an English designation. Furthermore, the term 'Morcha' is an unfortunate choice as it has, at least at our corner of the subcontinent, a negative connotation smelling of mobocracy.
By the way, the name is not the only particularity having that forbidding smack. Regrettably, the leaders of SKM are either unable or unwilling to tame the brute emotions of their followers. It does not help that the puppet master of the movement is marvelled as a rebel. Overthrowing a medieval despotic regime with stone-age techniques such as pelting stones or beaning one's adversaries is an out-dated approach and does not have anything rebellious or revolutionary in it. Hence, thinking people will be reluctant to entrust such a party with the future of the state. It's hard to understand the new party does not confide in the power of debate with well-founded arguments. The state party messed up things to such an extent that it can keep down criticism with carrot and stick only. Most obviously, those in power are vulnerable, facts, figures and a clearly felt public discontent rather speak against another term. The cocky self-praise drowning Sikkim in connection with the foundation anniversary of SDF speaks volumes: They feel uneasy. Therefore, on the part of an oppositional party, the preference of fists over brains is a mystery unless, of course, it lacks the latter.
SKM is a promising group regardless of the fact that, under the present conditions, it's a child's play to appear promising. Since plenty of Sikkimese are of rather innocent nature, it will be a cakewalk as well to win electorate's confidence, but much needs to be done to justify electorate's confidence. To be against Chamling does not make up for a political program and mandatory schemes. In respect to the courting on the part of DAS, SKM won't be able to manoeuvre for perpetuity. They'll have to put the cat among the pigeons or shut up and subordinate.
The most serious problem of the novice movement, however, is the imminent peril of becoming a pool of spineless turncoats with the ever increasing number of renegades joining. History taught us that a couple of them do not convert due to reconsideration of their principles as they can't reconsider something they never had. The purpose of their defection is to perpetuate a corrupt system favouring their selfish interests. They do not care about lacks and scores, their concern is for lakhs and crores.
Chopel Serkhangpa, 5th March 2013
Illustration: Screenshot from 'MechQuest'. An SDF Rebel as most people outside Sikkim will understand the term - if at all. A member of the 'Soluna Defense Force', this is an avatar (character) of MechQuest, a browser-based role-playing game. The SDF fighters defending the planet Lore are labelled 'Rebels' by 'EvilCorp' attempting to get hold of the planet for exploitation. - It's just a game, but sounds quite true to life ...