Gangtok:15th Dec: President Denzong Sherpa Association,Sangay Sherpa, has said , It is an acknowledged and painful reality that several communities within the Sikkimese Nepali community, namely Khas Chhetri-Bahun, Newar, Rai, Manger, Gurung, Bhujel, Jogi, Yakha Dewan, Majhi, Sanyasi, Sunuwar, and Thami—have remained excluded from their rightful constitutional entitlements for nearly five decades, despite being protected under the special provisions of Article 371F of the Constitution of India.’
‘As Sikkim marks fifty years as the 22nd State of the Indian Republic, the resolution passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in support of granting Scheduled Tribe status to the 12 left-out communities under Article 371F represents a historic and corrective step toward addressing this long-standing injustice. The Denzong Sherpa Association (DSA) wholeheartedly welcomes this resolution and extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Sikkim for demonstrating political will and constitutional responsibility.’
‘The DSA firmly believes that the recognition and protection of the constitutional rights of these 12 communities is essential for ensuring the long-term security of Sikkim’s indigenous and minority communities, including the Bhutia-Lepcha, Sherpa, Scheduled Caste communities such as Kami, Damai, Sarki, as well as the Limboo-Tamang communities.’
‘In this context, the Denzong Sherpa Association expresses its full support for the initiative undertaken by the Government of Sikkim and reaffirms its commitment to stand in solidarity with the Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and the State Government in pursuing justice, inclusion, and constitutional equity for all indigenous communities of Sikkim,’ said S Sherpa,here today.
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