Sikkim CM Rejects GRC’s Merger Demand, Cites Article 371F to Protect State’s Sovereignty

At the Namprikeang Namsoong festival in Dzongu, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang flatly rejected the idea of uniting Sikkim and Darjeeling, citing the state’s constitutional protections under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution. Addressing the people, he remarked, “Sikkim is safeguarded by Article 371F, which ensures that our state cannot be united with any other territory. No protest or external force can undermine the Sikkimese people’s power and rights.” The CM’s statement comes in reaction to the Gorkha Rastriya Congress (GRC)’s contentious demand for a union between Sikkim and Darjeeling. The GRC has argued that Darjeeling, once a part of Sikkim before being ceded to the British , shares deep cultural and historical ties with the state. GRC leaders have claimed that merging Darjeeling with Sikkim would restore its rightful identity and strengthen the Gorkha community, distancing it from West Bengal’s dominance. The demand is also rooted in dissatisfaction with the treatment of Darjeeling under Bengal’s administration and a desire for greater autonomy. Following the CM’s statement, Bharat Dong from the GRC requested further clarification. He proposed that the Sikkim government issue a formal pronouncement rejecting the merger idea to alleviate concerns. Dong stressed the cultural and historical linkages between Darjeeling and Sikkim, noting that Darjeeling was originally part of Sikkim and shared a strong relationship. He added, “We don’t want to be with Bengalis, but we never intended or stated any plan to protest for a merger with Sikkim,” Dong stated.