Northeast Desk, 31st January: The Sikkim Limboo-Tamang Apex Committee (SILTAC) has made an appeal to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, urging the passing of a resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the allocation of Scheduled Tribe (ST) seats. This plea specifically addresses the long-standing constitutional demand of the Limboo-Tamang communities for political representation through the allocation of ST seats.
Dated January 2, the memorandum emphasizes the constitutional entitlement of Limboo and Tamang communities to seat reservation in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly under Article 332, in conjunction with Article 371F(f) of the Constitution of India. Despite being granted Scheduled Tribes status in 2003, the rightful representation of these communities has been delayed for over two decades, prompting this urgent appeal.
Acknowledging the constitutional journey of the Limboo-Tamang communities, the document expresses gratitude for the ST status granted in 2003. However, it underscores the prolonged and unfulfilled demand for seat reservation in the Legislative Assembly, despite this recognition.
Pointing out the unique provisions related to Sikkim under Article 371F, the memorandum highlights the protection of rights and interests for various population sections. It also draws attention to the reservation of seats for other tribal communities and monasteries, emphasizing the distinct circumstances of the Limboo-Tamang communities.
Having faced legal challenges, including a writ petition filed in 2006 and subsequent Supreme Court disposal in 2016, the communities emphasize the unfulfilled demand for seat reservation, resulting in the loss of two general elections.
The memorandum recognizes the efforts of the previous government, led by Pawan Kumar Chamling, in attempting to pass resolutions in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. The Supreme Court’s directive to the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2016 further underscored the urgency of addressing this matter.
Despite positive developments in 2018, where proposals were made to increase assembly seats and reserve five seats for Limboo-Tamang communities, the promised expansion did not materialize. The memorandum expresses regret over missed opportunities and calls attention to the prolonged delay in justice for the Limboo-Tamang communities.
With the State Assembly Election approaching in 2024, the memorandum urgently urges the State and Union Governments to take prompt action. It appeals to the leadership of the Chief Minister and the SKM-BJP coalition government to pass a historic resolution, independently and exclusively allocating new ST seats for the Limboo-Tamang communities.
The Limboo-Tamang communities call for the urgent fulfillment of their 21-year-long constitutional demand before the impending assembly election, emphasizing that their Constitutional and Fundamental Rights are guaranteed by the Constitution of India.