New Delhi, August 1, 2024 – Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba met with Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs, at his office in North Block, New Delhi, on Thursday to submit a memorandum addressing key pending demands of Sikkim requiring consideration from the Union government.
In his representation, MP Indra Hang Subba highlighted the ongoing demand for tribal status for 12 left-out communities of Sikkim. He emphasized, “Twelve ethnic groups belonging to the Sikkimese Nepali community have long sought inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list. These groups, whose lifestyle and culture are intrinsically tribal, have been advocating for this recognition within the constitutional framework for an extended period.”
MP Indra Hang Subba added that the Sikkim government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, is working earnestly in collaboration with the Central Government to address this issue. “A resolution seeking their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list was unanimously passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in 2021. We respectfully urge you to consider their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list,” he urged the MoS Home Affairs.
During the meeting, MP Indra Hang Subba also raised the issue of the inordinate delay in the reservation of seats for the Limboo and Tamang tribal communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. “The Limboo and Tamang communities of Sikkim were officially recognized as Scheduled Tribes in 2003. According to the Indian Constitution, tribal communities are entitled to reserved seats in the State Legislative Assembly. However, despite the passage of 22 years since their recognition, Limboo and Tamang communities have yet to receive their reserved seats. We kindly request your intervention to expedite this process and ensure their rightful representation,” he stated.
Additionally, MP Indra Hang Subba highlighted in his memorandum the efforts of major religious communities in Sikkim, particularly the Buddhist community and the special institution of Sangha, to obtain permission from the Government of India to welcome His Holiness the 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje to Sikkim. “This matter holds profound significance for the spiritual and cultural fabric of Sikkim. We request your kind assistance in facilitating this request,” he urged the MoS Home Affairs, adding that the support in addressing these concerns will be greatly appreciated by the people of Sikkim.
The Hon’ble Minister assured all possible assistance and interventions wherever required to fulfil these long-pending demands. He also acknowledged the importance of the ethnic unity which Sikkim has been successfully maintaining.
