Sikkim CM Dismisses Merger Talks with Darjeeling Hills
Sikkim's Stance on Merger with Darjeeling
Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang
Gangtok, Sept 27: The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), has firmly rejected any notion of merging the state with the adjacent Darjeeling hills, emphasizing his administration's commitment to safeguarding Sikkim's constitutional integrity.
During a community event in Gangtok, Tamang characterized ongoing discussions about unification as impractical, referencing the protections afforded by Article 371F of the Constitution, which was established when Sikkim became part of India in 1975.
Reiterating his government's resolve, Tamang stated, “As long as our government remains steadfast like the Himalayas, the security of our state is assured,” and added that they would not yield on the state's rights “even if it costs us our positions.”
The topic gained traction after a four-point proposal was presented to the Central Government by Professor Mahendra P. Lama, a former chief economic adviser to Sikkim, regarding a lasting political resolution for Darjeeling. Tamang indicated that critics misinterpreted the fourth point of this proposal as a push for unification.
He also accused the opposition party, Citizen Action Party-Sikkim (CAP-Sikkim), of disseminating misleading narratives and political propaganda, despite their awareness of the legal impossibility of a merger.
Expressing concern that such rhetoric could destabilize the region, Tamang remarked, “If something goes awry in the future, who will take responsibility? We must act only after fully comprehending our position.”
In response to the Chief Minister's accusations, CAP-Sikkim denied promoting a merger, asserting that their focus is on ensuring executive accountability and transparency.
Party representatives expressed that public unease arises from what they perceive as a lack of transparency regarding recent high-level meetings in Siliguri and New Delhi involving leaders from the Darjeeling hills.
“We are united in our commitment to protect Sikkim from any disruptions. While we value our close relationship with the people of Darjeeling, we categorically oppose any merger,” stated CAP-Sikkim leader Ganesh Rai.
He further called on the government to reveal details of the regional discussions, emphasizing that the constitutional protections under Article 371F must remain intact.
The Sikkim unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has also voiced its opposition to the merger discussions, urging regional leaders to avoid what they term as impractical proposals.
In rejecting the merger demand, BJP Sikkim president Dr. D.R. Thapa urged Professor Lama to reconsider his stance, asserting that Sikkim's constitutional identity is non-negotiable.
“The special status of Sikkim under Article 371F is crucial for preserving its cultural and linguistic identity. This status is vital to the state's uniqueness and cannot be compromised,” Thapa remarked, labeling the unification debate as a diversion from regional development.
Former Chief Minister of Sikkim and leader of the Sikkim Democratic Front, Pawan Chamling, has also expressed his opposition to any unification efforts.
Chamling pointed out that those advocating for a merger are “offending the sentiments of both Sikkim and Darjeeling residents.”
“We possess information that condemns such proposals and we object to them. We believe the aspirations of the region should be addressed through the long-standing demand for a separate Gorkhaland state,” he concluded.