Indra Hang takes up LT seat and tribal status demand with Tribal Affairs MoS

GANGTOK, : Indra Hang Subba, the lone Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, on Tuesday met Tribal Affairs Minister of State (MoS) Durgadas Uikey at New Delhi regarding the pending demands of Limboo-Tamang Assembly seat reservation and tribal status for the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim.

The discussion focused on the critical issues facing the Limboo and Tamang communities, as well as the 12 communities who have been left out of the Scheduled Tribes list, a press release informs.

Indra Hang informed the MoS regarding the pending issue of Limboo-Tamang seat reservation in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Despite their official recognition as Scheduled Tribes under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002, these communities have yet to be allocated the seat reservations they are entitled to, it was submitted.

Moreover, the meeting also highlighted the plight of 12 communities that, despite their distinct tribal lifestyle and characteristics, have not been included in Scheduled Tribes list. The continued exclusion of these communities represents a grave injustice and neglect of their rightful claims, the MP put forward to the MoS.

Indra Hang also emphasized that both these issues have been persistently raised in Parliament by various MPs from Sikkim, both in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

In addition to these issues, the discussion highlighted the vibrant and unparalleled cultural heritage of Sikkim’s tribes. From traditional bamboo crafts to intricate textiles and unique languages, these communities possess an invaluable cultural legacy that deserves preservation and advancement. Adequate funding is essential to support their continued development and safeguard their traditions.

In light of these discussions, Indra Hang earnestly requested the MoS’s personal intervention and support to address the issues of seat reservation for the Limboo and Tamang communities and the inclusion of the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim in the Scheduled Tribes list. With the MoS’s support, the Sikkim government will be better equipped to enrich, protect, and promote the traditional cultures, arts, and customs of our Scheduled Tribes, the release mentions.

The Lok Sabha MP remains confident that with dedicated advocacy, the rights and heritage of Sikkim can be upheld, ensuring their rightful recognition and representation in our legislative framework, the release states.