Sikkim: Tensions Flare in Lachung Over Proposed Dzomsa Abolition, Two Cases Registered

LACHUNG: A public meeting at Sikkim's Thomchi Playground on December 12 ignited a heated debate over the proposed abolition of the Dzomsa system, leading to the registration of two cases at Lachung Police Station.

The first case, Lachung P.S Case No. 02/2024, filed under Sections 117(2) and 3(5) of the BNS 2023, involves accusations against Damdi Lachungpa and seven others. 

According to police sources, the pipons, Pema Wangdhi Lachungpa and Dorjee Chewang Lachungpa, had organized the gathering of around 250 local residents to discuss a memorandum dated July 21, 2024, addressed to the District Magistrate of Mangan, advocating for the abolition of the traditional Dzomsa system.

Seven unidentified individuals signed the memorandum, sparking heated debates. During the discussions, the complainant and his brother, Kundup Dorjee Lachungpa, allegedly clashed with Dzomsa members and were physically assaulted by the accused individuals. 

The second case, Lachung P.S Case No. 03/2024, filed under Sections 270, 125, and 3(5) of the BNS 2023, names Pema Wangay Lachungpa and Kundup Dorjee Lachungpa as the accused. This case stems from the same meeting, where tensions escalated when Kundup Dorjee allegedly raised a sharp weapon, identified as a khukuri, in an attempt to intimidate the crowd.

The Dzomsa is a council of villagers that administers the community and settles disputes in a democratic manner. The Dzomsa elects a headman, known as the "Pipon," to chair the community. 

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