SSFG condemns Upreti’s statement that forum wants Sikkim- Darjeeling unification

Sikkim,Gantok,10 May :  

Gorkhaland has condemned the statement of Mr KN Upreti who had stated that the Forum is speaking for Sikkim-Darjeeling unification and that the declaration of triblal status to all the Nepali community of Sikkim is impossible.

In a press conference held on 10th May here at capital, Chief Convener of Sikkim Solidarity Forum for Gorkhaland Mr. Bharat Basnett informed the media that Mr Upreti is trying to defame the forum and before giving such statement he should study all news papers properly. Being a senior politician he should check his facts before giving any statements against anyone, added Mr Basnett.

He further mentioned that Mr Upreti has given wrong message to the people of Sikkim and the statement is having a negative effect on the forum. He further clarified that the forum is demanding tribal status to Sikkimese Nepali which is possible because Limboo–Tamang have already got tribal status, hence tribal status for all Sikkimese Nepali is also possible if the Government takes initiative.

He said there is special provision for Sikkim under the Constitution and due to this special provision Sikkim Subject holder are exempted from central income tax; further on the basis of special provision it is possible that government can declare Tribal Status for Sikkimese Nepali too as Limboo- Tamang also falls under Nepali community but they got the tribal status already.

Clarifying on the Sikkim-Darjeeling unification issue he added that the forum is supporting the Gorkhaland issue because Darjeeling people want a separate State and are facing many problems from past many years in different sectors. Hence the forum is only trying to unite the Sikkimese people to take a stand in favour of the neighbours. Sikkim should stand united as it is in the interest of the national security also. “We want to maintain communal harmony in Sikkim and if Sikkim becomes strong then the Country will be strong” said Mr Basnett.

Lastly he appealed to the Central Government to solve the Darjeeling problem and look into it from a social angle and not only politically.