A coordination meeting took place in Siliguri on October 6, uniting leaders and representatives from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and the Dooars. The gathering focused on the demand for tribal recognition for 12 communities in Sikkim and 11 communities in Darjeeling.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang emphasized the meeting’s cultural rather than political nature, stating, “This is a constitutional issue. Today, we discussed various reports, including an infographic and survey report, and decided to form a Joint Action Committee (JAC). This committee will comprise five members each from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Dooars.”
The newly established “Team for Tribal Status for Sikkim and Darjeeling” aims to revise and enhance previous reports submitted to the Office of the Registrar General of India. “Historically, both states have operated separately, but we are now committed to a unified approach,” Tamang noted, recalling past collaborative efforts that resulted in constitutional recognition for the Nepali language and tribal status for the Limboo and Tamang communities.
The JAC from Sikkim includes Dr. S.K. Rai, Mani Kumar Pradhan, Khilburna Gurung, and Narayan Khatiwada, while Darjeeling will be represented by Ramesh Rai, Deepak Pradhan, Bal Bahadur Sharma, D.B. Bhujel, and Dr. Prabin Giri. Dr. S.K. Rai has been appointed as the committee’s president.
