Sikkim calls spl Assembly session to discuss Sikkimese' term row

NITESH R PRADHAN, SNS, GANGTOK, 1 APRIL 2022: Amid concerns on alleged dilution of the term "Sikkimese" with the passage of the Finance Bill 2023 in the Lok Sabha, which expanded the definition of the term and included "old settlers" of the state, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) has said that a special session of the state assembly would he held in the Himalayan state.

"It is for general information that a special session of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly will be held on 10th April 2023," he said.

"It is well known that Sikkim Krantikari Morcha Party is very serious, sensitive and sincere towards the identity, existence, security and rights of Sikkim and Sikkimese people," he added.

Jacob Khaling, the Spokesperson for the SKM and Political Secretary to the CM, said Mr Golay, the Chairman of the ruling SKM party, was very careful and sincere about the concerns of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. "As such, the Sikkim government succeeded in erasing the stigma of foreigners on the Sikkimese Nepalese community forever," he said.

Blaming the previous Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government, Mr Khaling said, "The common people know that the current government is facing many challenges due to the serious mistakes of the previous government regarding the interests and concerns of th e people of the state. But in every challenge the Sikkim government has succeeded in protecting the rights and identity of the people. Even in such challenges and situations, the present Sikkim government ha s been protecting the rights, honour, dignity and identity and existence of the Sikkimese people, and such initiatives will betaken sincerely in t he future as well."

Explaining further, Mr Khaling said the Supreme Court ruled on a case under which old businessmen residing in Sikkim would he exempted from income tax. Regarding

income tax, the finance bill passed by the country's parliament on March 24 has once again been discussed in Sikkim. As previously stated by the Supreme Court of the country in its revised judgment dated February 8, 2023, this finance bill passed by the Parliament is only related to income tax exemption.

"Even now the Sikkim subject is and will continue to be completely safe and effective.

However, to address the concerns and queries of the people of Sikkim in a positive manner, I would like to inform the general public that the Sikkim government is currently studying this issue in depth," he said. It may be mentioned here that various Sikkim groups have expressed concerns over the inclusion of a new list of Sikkim under the new Finance Bill.

Mr Khaling further said that the SKM and the state government were moving forward in a very sensitive, serious and responsible manner.

*The government has called an important assembly session of the Sikkim government on April 10 to discuss the reality of this issue, what is the government's stand and the supervision and stand of all the people's representatives and if necessary to pass resolutions in the interest of the people of Sikkim," he said.

According to him, a "full discussion" will be held during the special assembly session on the finance bill recently passed by the Lok Sabha. He said they will discuss whether the Bill violated the definition of Sikkim or not, and that the findings of the government through experts will be clearly presented before the House.

The ruling party said that a resolution will he passed in favour of the people of Sikkim and sent to the central government, and the definition and existence of the Sikkimese people will be kept intact by negotiating with the central government at every level.

Joint Action Council plans rally, movement

Meanwhile, the Joint Action Council (JAC) today reiterated its stand that the "Sikkimese" definition should not be diluted and that it should be maintained as per the historic tripartite agreement of May 8, 197:3 between the erstwhile Chogyal, Government of India and political parties of Sikkim.

The group has also announced a rally on April 8 at Singtam regarding the concerns over expansion of the "Sikkimese" term in Section 10 (2GAAA) of the Income Tax Act 1961 widen he Finance Bill 2023.

"The 8th May tripartite agreement clearly defines who are the Sikkimese and this should be kept intact, any other definition is unacceptable and invalid," said JAC's Keshav Sapkota.

"JAC would be compelled to start an indefinite movement on the roads from April 11," he added.

JAC further demanded that four resolutions adopted during the all-party meeting organized by JAC should be considered by the upcoming session of the Assembly.