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BJP Sikkim Demands Accountability over Media Obstruction at STNM Hospital; Management Promises Written Clarification

GANGTOK, SIKKIM — Following a distressing incident involving the forceful obstruction of media personnel at STNM Hospital, Sochaygang, a delegation led by Sangay Gyatso Bhutia Spokesperson of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and accompanied by Sangay Pulger State Secretary of Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) formally met with the Medical Superintendent and the management team today to demand transparency and uphold the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
The intervention follows reports of a journalist being prevented by police from documenting the ongoing water crisis at the hospital, a matter of urgent public concern. During the encounter, the police officer cited direct orders from the Medical Superintendent as the basis for the intervention.
Key Concerns Raised by the BJP Delegation:
• The Misuse of Authority: The party questioned whether specific directives were issued to the police to suppress reporting on utility deficiencies.
• Public Interest vs. Privacy: While the BJP respects patient confidentiality within clinical wards, the party maintains that reporting on a utility crisis in public areas is a matter of public right and should not be censored.
• Authorization of Force: The delegation sought to clarify if the police were acting under a formal written request from the administration or if administrative authority was being used as a shield for unauthorized censorship.
During a thorough discussion, the BJP team strongly advocated for the Freedom of Speech and Expression as enshrined under Article 19 of the Indian Constitution. In response, the Medical Superintendent and the hospital management team reiterated their department's stand on media presence within the premises.
The BJP delegation has officially requested a written clarification regarding the hospital’s policy on media access and the specific instructions given to security personnel. The STNM management has committed to providing this formal written clarification within few days.
The Bharatiya Janata Party stands firmly with our journalist friends and media houses. Silence and censorship are not solutions to administrative challenges. The BJP believes in press freedom and would not tolerate such incidents against the right of Press and Media. We also commend the courageous mediapersons for boldly highlighting public concerns and ensuring accountability.

Issued by:
Sangay Gyatso Bhutia,
Spokesperson BJP(Sikkim)