Bhutia, Lepcha bodies & others to back SKM

SNS, Gangtok, 4 April 2014: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and seven other social organisations today announced their support to the Opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha in the upcoming assembly and Lok Sabha elections. 

The other organizations that will support the SKM are Monks of Sikkim, Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force, National Bhutia Organisation of Sikkim (NASBO), 

Affected Citizens of Teesta, Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim, Save Kabi Lungtsok, and Save Sikkim. 

“We have been given a step-motherly treatment since the last 20 years by the SDF (Sikkim Democratic Front) government, and it has paid no heed to our demands, while infringing on our rights. Hence, we want to support the SKM, because the need of the hour is change,” SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia told a press conference here today. 

The organizations said they have extended their support to the SKM as per the issues the party has incorporated in its election manifesto. “If the Bhutias, Lepchas and the Nepali and business communities are concerned about a better future, then they should vote for the SKM and bring about a change,” Mr Bhutia said. 

He, however, clarified that the organizations are simply supporting the SKM and that they will have no affiliation to any political party, whoever wins the elections. 

In its manifesto, the SKM has promised to abolish the land Transfer Act 2005, and has claimed it will scrap projects being carried out at different sacred sites of the state, Mr Bhutia added.