Chronicle 2019
SIBLAC demands Verification of COI/SSC
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) demands a verification of Sikkim domicile documents in accordance with the prevailing laws of the state. Addressing a press meet at Press Club of Sikkim, SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia accused the government machinery of misguiding the judiciary regarding fake Sikkim Subject Certificates (SSC) and Certificates of Identification (CoI).
Recently, the High Court of Sikkim had disposed of the petition while directing the state government that CoIs are issued in high security holographic papers and the records are digitized.
In response to the petition, the state government-constituted commission had looked in the allegations of issue of doubtful/fake CoI. The commission, besides recommending security measures for the CoIs, had given its findings on the fake CoI allegations.
Countering the findings of the commission, the SIBLAC told media that the east district authorities recently cancelled the fale CoI of a person and his descendants after completing a protracted probe. "This is just the tip of an iceberg, there are many more persons in Sikkim who acquired CoIs in a fraudulent manner but the government officers concerned misguided the judiciary", the Convenor said.
As per SIBLAC, the fake CoI was seized and cancelled last week by the east district collectorate. "This fake CoI came to light only because two members of SIBLAC pursued the case before the east district collectorate for more than a decade", said Tseten Tashi. "Whereas the commission says that there no such fake COI but, at the same time, we have given an example of how a CoI was obtained by a person for him and his descendants in a fraudulent manner to take all the benefits of a Sikkimese including government posts", he said.
"This happened because of the lethargic attitude of the government officers concerned and their inefficiency resulting in the rights of genuine Sikkimese being snatched away by others", said the SIBLAC Convenor. The person whose fake CoI has been cancelled is said to be a resident of 4th Mile, JN Marg, a restricted area since it is close to the Indo-China border. "Today, a person living in a restricted area near the border with a fake CoI, is this not a threat to the national security?" questioned Tseten Tashi. "Hence, we demand that all Sikkim Subject Certificates and CoI are verified in accordance with the prevailing laws of Sikkim", he said.
To a question, the SIBLAC Convenor said the verification of CoIs should be done ba the state government. He did not mention a specific deadline on his demand but added that all those involved in issuing fake CoIs should also be punished under law.
"We also demand the state government to form a separate department while dealing with sensitive issues like SSC/CoI and Residential Certificates (RC)". said the SIBLAC Convenor. "We further appeal to fake SSC/CoI holders to surrender their fake documents and to live in Sikkim with peace and harmony without any tension", he said. All land parchas/records issued so far to the CoI and RC holders should be reviewed in the interest of the local Sikkimese people, said Tseten Tashi. He also demanded that Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime be implemented in Sikkim while drawing attention to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019 and National Register of Citizens (NRC). "All policies/acts/laws of the Union Government should be based on the terms of merger vis-à-vis Article 371F while notifying for Sikkim. The Sikkim Subject Regulation Act 1961 or Sikkim (Citizenship) Order 1975 should be a benchmark while dealing with the sensitive issues like CAB/NRC", said the SIBLAC Convenor.
To a question, Tseten Tashi said: "While it is appreciable that the two MPs from Sikkim spoke in the parliament against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), it would have been better if they could have sought an amendment in the bill itself seeking exemption for Sikkim. However, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Sikkim has Article 371F and Sikkim should not worry ... We must take this assurance from the minister on a positive note", he said.
Local Consent a Must before 'opening' Peaks: SIBLAC
The Union government has withdrawn its decision of allowing mountaineering expeditions to Mount Khangchendzonga and other 13 sacred peaks of Sikkim.
As per information, a high-level meeting was convened by AK Bhalla, home secretary, Government of India on August 30 in New Delhi. The matter of the sacred peaks was discussed in detail, following which the decision was taken unanimously. The meeting was attended by several concerned agencies including Chief Secretary AK Srivastava. It was decided that the 14 sacred peaks, regarded as deities in Sikkim, will not be opened for mountaineering and trekking. Additionally, it was decided that 10 other peaks of Sikkim will be allowed for mountaineering and trekking on the request of Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF).
Tseten Tashi, Convenor of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), said that he would not want to comment on the first part of the decision made by the Union government unless he receives any valid notification from them.
However, on the second part, Tseten questioned IMF for taking the decision on behalf of the state. "I have been associated with this issue for quite a long time. Sikkim government is the main stakeholder and only they have the authority to take the decision and not IMF. Does IMF know about our sacred peaks, do they know about our culture and nature?" he asked.
He also said that such crucial decisions should be made in the domain of the state government, stakeholders and the public of Sikkim. Both MHA and IMF should co-ordinate with the state government first and then take the necessary decision.
Earlier in August, the Union home ministry had listed Mount Khangchendzonga and other peaks of Sikkim open for climbing which triggered protests from the people of the state as they consider it as their guardian deity. The Sikkim government had requested the Centre to reconsider their decision.
–> Documentation: Sikkim simmers over Centre's Move to open sacred Peak of Kanchenjunga for Treks
SIBLAC extends Support to new Government
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, today announced that the organization would "support the new government till it shows results".
The focus of the SKM government, he said, should be to uphold the sanctity of Article 371F and protect it against any dilution. Article 371F of the Constitution which accords Sikkim a special status within the Indian Union, Mr. Bhutia said, needs to be understood and respected and protected since it provides protection to all Sikkimese.
"All the political rights of the Sikkimese Nepalis are secured in this article. The leaders must talk about it and try and get it secured", he said, while stressing that the special cover provided to Sikkim by the article should always be upheld. "The sanctity of Article 371F must be respected by the centre, the state and the political parties", he said.
He also stressed that IAS, IPS and IFS officers posted in Sikkim must be made aware about the article "so that everyone knows what and who are the Sikkimese people". He stated that government and parties must not misuse Article 371F.
Letter to the Chief Minister
To,
The Chief Minister
State of Sikkim
Gangtok, East Sikkim
Dated: 23/03/2019
Subject: Notice
It is pertinent to mention hereinto, that you have addressed the public at Namchi, South Sikkim on 5th March of 2019 on the occasion of foundation day of a political party SDF, wherein you are functioning president.
That during the said address you have delivered the speech for some time and during the course of said speech you have narrated derogatory words against myself and against my esteemed organization called SIBLAC alleging that I am the one who is responsible for non-allocation of Limboo Tamang seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly, which is extremely baseless and illogical in nature.
That simultaneously you have narrated that two sitting MLAs from Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party namely Kunga Nima Lepcha and Ven. Sonam Lama have ganged up with me with the command of their party president Shri P.S. Golay for aforesaid task.
That I don't retain any sort of liberty in order to comment on their behalf. However, it is at their discretion to deal with in accordance to their perspectives and wisdom. Nevertheless, I hereby demand you to exhibit/produce evidences and proof in order to justify your derogatory speech against me and my aforementioned esteemed organization.
That otherwise I consider that you retain mala-fide intentions against BL and LT communities of Sikkim. Furthermore, I consider you have fostered the ill intention to upraise communal polarization against aforesaid communities and attempted to disturb and pollute the communal harmony and common brotherhood among Sikkimese.
That it is to be acknowledged that Sikkim being a beautiful and tiny state geographically located in such a sensitive zone where the land and its people are surrounded by different international borders including China, and being a Chief Minister of the said state to nurture such mentality is again a threat for state and for national security.
That I have learnt that your party workers have been indulging in notorious activity like sticking or postering the photographs on walls and doors of households of myself, Ven. Sonam Lama, Kunga Nima Lepcha and Shri Raj Nath Singh Ji while coding wrong messages thereof, basically at places like Yoksum and Temi Tarku.
That, surprisingly, you have even concocted the name of eminent politician Shri Rajnath Singh, the present Union Home Minister, Government of India, and even you have specifically narrated the terms "National Adviser" which is to be understood as naturally National Security Advisor Shri Ajit Dovalji without applying mind and wisdom as "how it could be fatal for future of Sikkim." And it could be subject to huge embarrassment for Sikkimese in general as well as before the Union Government.
That OR ELSE place your apologia attitude towards SIBLAC, LT and BL communities of Sikkim and be apologetic towards Sikkimese in general. Henceforth, tender your sincere apology.
That OR ELSE you are compelling me to initiate appropriate action in order to maintain the image and prosperity of Sikkimese, BL, LT, SIBLAC before the innocent public and of course before the Union Government, as I may go extreme up to demand of personal appearance of Sri Raj Nath Singh Ji and Shri Ajit Doval as you have leveled the names of such luminary personalities of India.
And you will be responsible for that unfortunate day.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia
Former Minister
Convenor, Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee
Note:
In spite of my condemnation through press conference over your said speech, that even on 16th March 2019 you have repeated same at Namthang, South Sikkim.
SIBLAC refutes Allegations
"We have never opposed Seat Reservation of Limboo Tamang Communities" - SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia
"We condemn the malicious propaganda being spread by the SDF party against SIBLAC. There is a photo widely being circulated saying that me and two SKM MLAs are opposing seat reservation of Limboo Tamang communities in a meeting with the Union Home Minister Raj Nath Singh in 8th August 2018. This is an effort to spread hatred amongst different communities in Sikkim for vote bank politics," said convener of SIBLAC, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, addressing a press conference at Press Club of Sikkim today.
Mr. Bhutia informed that he along with two MLAs had met with the Union Home Minister Raj Nath Singh on a different date to submit a memorandum in regard to the protection of Article 371F.
Speaking on the LT seat reservation, he said that the delimitation process has been freezed till 2026 so there is no point or possibility of increasing the assembly seats to 40 as being proposed by the SDF government.
"We have never opposed seat reservation of Limboo Tamang communities anywhere or to anyone. We want the Chief Minister to prove the fact on the photo which is being circulated. If it happens to be true I am ready to shut SIBLAC and apologize to the chief Minister. I am being tagged as anti Nepali but it is not true. Shoot me in MG Marg if this is true," he added.
Mr. Bhutia demanded that Chief Minister Pawan Chamling give evidence of allegations that the organization blocked the Limboo-Tamang Assembly seats and tribal status of the 11 left-out communities of Sikkim.
On the issue of the ban on God Angel to Sikkim (Heavenly Path Organization), Mr. Bhutia said, "God Angel was misguided. When there was Places of Worship Act 1991 in place in Sikkim, why was God Angel allowed to take bath in the holy Khechoepalri Lake in West Sikkim in 2004. We Welcome God Angel to Sikkim whole heartedly, who are we to stop?"
On the issue of proportionate representation, he stated "In 2006, the Central government had written a letter to Sikkim government asking opinion on increasing the Bhutia Lepcha seat proportionately if the seats are increased in Assembly. The reply is yet to be given by the state government. We don't want the BL communities to get deprived of political rights like the majority Nepali community has been in regards to seat reservation."
He alleged that Chief Minister Pawan Chamling is engaged in divisive politics on the basis of caste and communities and he appealed for inclusive politics instead.
–> Documentation: Factsheet on LT Seats - March 9, 2019
Convenor on Fake SSC Case
Stakeholders for the betterment of Sikkim and Sikkimese people and future generations of Sikkimese attended the hearing over the vital case in Sikkim High Court which according to SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia is between Biraj Adhikari vs State concerning the 31,180 duplicate Sikkim Subject/Certification of Identity holders living in the state.
According to Bhutia, the matter is of grave concern for the state as well as for the future generations. Illegal people bearing duplicate SSC/COI were first presented by the State Government, but the state has yet to take action even after long years since the case was admitted in the High Court.
Bhutia reminds that in year-end of 2018 the Court had directed to constitute a committee regarding filtering of illegal holders following which a Sen Gupta committee was constituted. However, at the present hearing, the High Court informs that report was indeed submitted but, ironically, 7000 out of 31,180 illegal holders did not turn up. Tseten Tashi terms it really shameful that the state is keeping 31,180 illegal SSC/COI holders in anvil.
On 31 January 2019, the Election Commission of India ECI released voter lists of Sikkim. Astonishingly, a 18% voters hike is observed, a hike above the norm of 5% to 6%, usually. This is a dangerous indication for the Sikkim and Sikkimese in future, a red signal.
Bhutia also mentions that latest Citizenship Amendment Bill is lying pending in Rajya Sabha. Sikkimese MPs have shown support to that amendment but the larger population hasn't accepted it.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia questions the notification of Welfare Department regarding issuing of ST/SC to outside state citizens by our state. Implementation of the notification was discarded for implementation by then Chief Minister Bhandari who understood that it would do great damage to Sikkim's future generations. The present government, however, did just the opposite. Such things will affect the sanctity of Article 371F and will not lead towards betterment in the long run.
"I request Sikkim's young generation to wake up! Think seriously for future rather than indulging into petty politics", Bhutia appeals.
Convenor at Hamro Prajashakti News
In a startling revelation by SIBLAC Convenor Shri Tseten Bhutia, in an interview conducted by noted journalist Shri Anjan Upadhay of the Nepali newspaper Prajashakti, Shri Pawan Chamling and the SDF government have been caught red handed in misleading the Sikkimese people and inciting communal sentiments in the Limbu-Tamang assembly seat reservation issue.
Shri Pawan Chamling, had given a communal public speech in Jorethang accusing Shri Tseten Bhutia, SIBLAC and the two oppositional BL MLA's Shri K.N. Lepcha and Shri Sonam Lama (Sangha) of being anti Nepali. The CM had alleged that the three had met Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi and stopped the Limbu-Tamang assembly seat reservation. The SDF social media team circulated a photo of the three meeting the Union Home Minister in Delhi and with communal propaganda in line with the CM's communal speech.
The facts revealed by the SIBLAC Convenor in the interview and backed by official government documents and memorandums and released to the media are as follows:
1. That the Limbu Tamang Assembly Seat Reservation has been deliberately delayed by the SDF Government till 2026. The SDF Government hatched this plot to deny LT Seat Reservation by preparing a White Paper Report on Delimitation of Assembly Seats in Sikkim. This White Paper Report with an aim to delay LT Seat Reservation asked for LT Seat Reservation as per Article 170 which has frozen delimitation of Assembly Seats till 2026. However, the fact that the SDF Government cheated the LT Community is borne by the fact that Article 170 for Delimitation of Seats is binding for other States in India but it is legally not binding for Delimitation of Assembly Seats in Sikkim because Delimitation of Assembly Seats in Sikkim can be done in accordance to Article 371 F.
2. The Solicitor General of India (Highest Authority on law for GOI) in a letter dated 2/2/16 to the Government of Sikkim had confirmed and stated clearly that the LT seat Reservation can be granted under Article 371F immediately before 2026. In spite of receiving this letter in February 2016, the SDF Government has not taken any action till date to delay LT Seat Reservation. The moment the SDF Government writes to the Central Government notifying the LT Seats, LT Seat Reservation will come into effect. Therefore it was proved 100% that the SDF Government is stopping LT Seat Reservation.
3. Shri Tseten Bhutia also clarified about the photo circulated by SDF Social Media with communal propaganda and why the SKM MLA's Shri K.N. Lepcha and Shri Sonam Lama came along with him to meet Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister. This meeting was organized by the Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force and other BL MLA's from the SDF were also requested to accompany them but none turned up. Shri Tseten Bhutia released the Memorandum that was submitted to the Union Home Minister that day and the main demands were;
a) Restoration of Lost Assembly Seat Reservation for the Nepalis.
b) Grant Limbu-Tamang Seat Reservation as early as possible.
c) If the Assembly seats of Sikkim are increased to 40, the BL Seats should also be increased proportionately which is 37.5%
4) Shri Tseten Bhutia condemned the communal speech by the CM and expressed his displeasure on the conduct by a CM who has been in power for 25 Years. Shri Tseten Bhutia stated that the conduct of the CM is unbecoming of a CM.
5) Shri Tseten Bhutia highlighted the fact that so far it has been only SIBLAC that has presented memorandum to the Central Government time and again stating that the lost Reserved Nepali Seats in the Sikkim Assembly should be restored. That it was the Sangha MLA who moved a Resolution in the Sikkim Assembly for Restoration of Nepali Seats in the Sikkim Assembly. Also, to remove the immigrant tag on Nepalis, it was Bhaichung Bhutia, a BL who has approached the Supreme Court. Whereas the Nepali leaders do not take any steps or have political will for the restoration of the Reserved Nepali Seats.
6) Shri Tseten Bhutia appealed to all politicians to not do communal politics and to raise the standards of politics in Sikkim. Shri Tseten Bhutia explained that all Sikkimese are "Special People" in the Constitution of India because Article 371F can over ride the provisions in the Constitution of India. In the case of Sikkimese Nepalis, Shri Tseten Bhutia stated that no Nepali leader is making a serious effort to restore Nepali Seat Reservation which according to him can be achieved due to 371F.
To explain this, Shri Tseten Bhutia gave an example of a Case filed by the Panther Party of India stating that Delimitation of Kashmir should be done as per Article 170. The Jammu and Kashmir Government won the Case citing Article 370 in the High Court and Article 170 for Delimitation of Assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir was declared null and void. Shri Tseten Bhutia made a point and explained that Article 370 is a temporary article with an implied time limit whereas Article 371F is a permanent Article and is much stronger than 370.
The Panther Party appealed in the Supreme Court but the Supreme Court also upheld the earlier judgement that the Delimitation of Seats in Jammu and Kashmir should be done as per 370. During the course of the hearing and the Judgement of this Case, the Supreme Court relied heavily on the RC Poudyal Case challenging the Sangha Seat and Article 370 was upheld by the Supreme Court also by referring to the Judgement of the RC Poudyal Case. What this proves is that Article 371F is much more powerful than 370. Shri Tseten Bhutia appealed to all Sikkimese be united and live happily with communal harmony under the special protection given by 371F to all Sikkimese.
–> Source: Interview with Tseten Tashi Bhutia (video in Nepali language)
BJP condemns CM remarks on SIBLAC
The state BJP unit has condemned Chief Minister Pawan Chamling's accusation on Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) for the delay in granting of assembly seat reservation for scheduled tribes Limboo and Tamang in the state.
Referring to the Chief Minister's remark on SIBLAC's role in hindering the seat reservation, the state BJP unit in a statement said Chamling has morally conceded his inability to hold the post by making such allegations.
"The Sikkimese Limboo-Tamang had elected the SDF to undertake overall development. The Chief Minister instead failed to provide the rights of the people and is now blaming the organization. He has merely used the Limboo-Tamang seat issue as a poll plank while ignoring the communities", the state BJP alleged.
BL Organizations reject CM's Slander
Various Bhutia Lepcha organizations comprising of Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF), NASBO 371F, Save Longtsok Association (SLA), Sikkim Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (SILTA) vociferously condemn the speech delivered by the Chief Minister during the Janta Mela held at Soreng. The CM had blamed Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) to be responsible for the delay in getting reservation for Limboo Tamang seats in the Sikkim state assembly.
In recent speeches around the state, the CM had been blaming the Union Government to be responsible for the delay in LT seat reservation. Spokespersons of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) had also been stating that the LT reservation is now a central government subject and the centre alone has the power to reserve seats for the two communities in the state assembly.
The BL associations demand an immediate apology from the Chief Minister for inciting communal hatred and mistrust among the people of Sikkim, blaming an apex body of the BL minority for a matter which, according to the party's own words, is an entirely parliamentary subject. The associations also seek to know the stand of the BL MLAs who have been elected from the reserved BL seats and question why the senior BL ministers in the cabinet maintain stoic silence when the CM directly targets minority BL organizations for his own failures.
The associations reiterate that they are purely community based organizations working for the advancement of the BL tribal community and fighting against any threat to their socio-economic and political rights.
Chamling blames SIBLAC for Government Delay
Launching a scathing attack on the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today alleged the organization of hindering reservation of assembly seats for the ST Limboo-Tamang communities.
Terming SIBLAC as the reason behind delay in the seat reservation issue, Chamling said the SIBLAC has blocked the way for reservation from happening. He further alleged that SIBLAC is supporting the SKM and HSP parties and warned the people to be alert against the 'evil' political designs of the committee.
"Whom do you listen? Do you listen to Pawan Chamling who advocates truth or the forces that profess falsehood?" Chamling asked while addressing the Janta Mela at Soreng, West Sikkim. The Chief Minister reiterated that the SDF party would field five candidates from the Limboo-Tamang communities even if the seat reservation is not done by the central government.
Stating himself to be a secular leader, the Chief Minister said he is not against the Heavenly Path Organization as he is portrayed by some persons. It was due to a case filed by SIBLAC in the court that the Guru of Heavenly Path has been debarred from visiting the state, he said.