Khas Chettri Bahun ethnological report readied for ST status submission: ASKCBKS

KUSH HANG LEEWANG

GEYZING, : Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri Bahun Kalyan Sangh (ASKCBKS) on Monday said they have been working diligently for inclusion of Khas (Chettri-Bahun) community under Scheduled Tribe category along with other left out communities and has readied a comprehensive ethnological report as sought by Union Tribal Affairs Ministry for submission to competent authority. 

Addressing a press conference here, ASKCBKS president Narayan Khatiwada said the fresh report covers historical, cultural, geographical and demographic aspects of the Khas community and has been prepared by experts under the directives of Chief Minister P.S. Golay. 

“The ethnological report we had submitted earlier was rejected by the Registrar General of India on grounds of incompleteness. This time, we have put together an authentic, detailed and concrete document that fulfils all criteria sought by the Centre. We are hopeful that along with 11 other left-out communities, the Khas will also be included under the Scheduled Tribe category,” Khatiwada said. 

Calling the document, compiled in book form, a “historical database,” Khatiwada said the work was the result of a year-long effort and meticulous research by experts. 

Responding to Citizen Action Party (CAP) president Ganesh Rai’s allegations that the recent high-level meeting of 12 left-out communities at Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi was a wasteful expenditure, Khatiwada said the remarks were misleading and politically motivated. 

“The Ashoka Hotel is a government property where accommodation is provided at concessional rates. The expenditure incurred was reasonable and balanced. The figures quoted by Ganesh Rai are self-produced and baseless,” he said, urging Rai not to “politicise community issues with falsified claims.” 

The ASKCBKS chief further said that scheduled tribe recognition would fulfil a long-pending aspiration of the 12 left-out communities in the State, and efforts to undermine the process would be against their interest. 

Clarifying confusion over February 26 being observed as a holiday, Khatiwada explained that the date marks the foundation day of ASKCBKS and should not be construed as a religious or cultural festival of the Khas community. 

“February 26 is a day for all members of the Khas community, regardless of religious affiliation, to come together on one platform,” he said.