The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has hit back at the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) over its recent remarks on women’s safety, asserting that respect for women remains one of the party’s “core values.” The SKM’s response followed SDF leader Komal Chamling’s statement that “women’s safety must come before politics,” made after her party met the State Women’s Commission and senior police officials to raise concerns about alleged cyber harassment targeting women leaders.
In a sharp rebuttal, SKM leaders accused the SDF of politicizing sensitive social issues for electoral gain. “A woman is like Lakshmi — a symbol of prosperity — deserving honor and protection in all aspects of life,” an SKM spokesperson said, adding that the party regularly dedicates events to women and mothers.
The SKM further alleged that its women members had faced online abuse and physical intimidation during the SDF regime but chose not to exploit those incidents politically. “True empowerment does not come from using women as political tools,” the party said, emphasizing that women’s dignity and respect form the foundation of its governance philosophy.