Indra Hang meets MoS Home, seeks support in addressing key pending demands of Sikkim

GANGTOK,: Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba on Thursday called on Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs at his office in North Block, New Delhi, and submitted a memorandum on key pending demands of Sikkim which awaits consideration from the Union government.

In his representation, the Lok Sabha MP drew the MoS’s attention towards the tribal status demand of the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim, a press release informs.

“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,” submitted the Lok Sabha MP.

Indra Hang added that the Sikkim government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay, is earnestly working in collaboration with the Central Government to address this issue.

“A resolution seeking their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list has been unanimously passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in 2021. We respectfully urge you to consider their inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list,” urged Indra Hang to the MoS Home Affairs.

During the meeting and also in his representation, Indra Hang apprised the MoS Home Affairs on the inordinate delay in reservation of seats for the Limboo and Tamang tribal communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, the release mentions.

“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,” said Indra Hang to the MoS Home Affairs.

The Lok Sabha MP also highlighted in his memorandum that the major religious communities of Sikkim, particularly the Buddhist community and the special institution of Sangha, have been striving for over a decade 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,” urged Indra Hang Subba to the MoS Home Affairs, adding that his support in addressing these concerns will be greatly appreciated by the people of Sikkim.

The MoS assured all possible assistance and interventions wherever required to fulfil these long pending demands. He also acknowledged the importance of ethnic unity which Sikkim has been successfully maintaining, the release informs.