SNS and JAC Condemn GRC’s Remarks on Sikkim-Darjeeling Merger

Sikkimey Nagarik Samaj (SNS) and Joint Action Council (JAC has strongly condemned the statement made by Gorkha Rastriya Congress (GRC) leader Bharat Dong regarding merging Sikkim and Darjeeling. Both organisations termed the statement as divisive, baseless and harmful to Sikkim. The Gorkha Rastriya Congress (GRC) has demanded the merger of Darjeeling with Sikkim, accusing the Sikkim government of evading responsibility. In a press conference, the GRC warned that if the merger isn’t finalized within a month, they would push for Darjeeling’s independence. The demand has been widely criticized as divisive, with local organizations reaffirming their commitment to protecting Sikkim’s sovereignty and identity. In response to this SNS described the statement as an irresponsible attempt to distort history and undermine the constitutional sanctity and territorial integrity of Sikkim as protected under Article 371F of the Indian Constitution. “Sikkim’s identity, culture and political status is protected under Article 371F which was instituted to preserve the unique historical, cultural and social fabric of the state after it merged with India in 1975. Any attempt to question this constitutional safeguard is anti-Sikkimese and anti-democratic,” said Samso Subba, General Secretary of SNS. SNS said despite cultural ties between Darjeeling and Sikkim, the two are political entities with different historical background. “Gorkha Rastriya Congress’ statement is divisive, provocative and based on complete misinformation of historical and legal facts,” SNS added, asking the people of Sikkim to remain united against such forces. The organisation also asked the Government of Sikkim and Central Government to take serious note of the statement and prevent such divisive agenda from spreading. JAC also echoed the same view and described Dong’s statement as “divisive hallucinations” and accused him of trying to disturb the peace of Sikkim. “Sikkim’s identity formed by its indigenous people and the Nepali community cannot be compromised. Bharat Dong’s idea of merging Sikkim and Darjeeling is a baseless proposition to create chaos,” JAC said in a statement. JAC further added, “If Bharat Dong has problem being an Indian, he is free to leave this country. But no conspiracy against Sikkim will be tolerated.” The organisation reiterated its commitment to protect Sikkim’s identity, heritage, culture and sovereignty and asked the people of Sikkim to remain united against any external forces trying to break their unity.Sikkim is one and will remain one.