Joint action committee formed to get tribal status for left-out groups from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Dooars region

ANI, Siliguri (West Bengal), October 6, 2024 :  A joint action committee(JAC) has been formed to get the tribal status for the Gorkha community and other left-out groups from Sikkim Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Dooars region. 

The committee was formed after a coordination meeting headed by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and Raju Bista, MP of >Darjeeling in the presence of the community representatives. 

There are 12 communities of Sikkim including Thami, Bahun, Chettri, Sanyasi(Jogi), Newar, Kirat Khambu Rai, Kirat Diwan, Sunuwar, Gurung, Mangar Bhujel and Majhi and 11 communities of Darjeeling Kalimpong and Dooars region as Bhujel, Gurung, Mangar, Newar, Jogi, Khas, Rai, Sunuwar, Thami, Yakhna (Dewan) and Dhimal.

Speaking with the media, Chief Minister Tamang said, "We have been trying for a long time for the Tribal status of our state 12 communities. But it was along. But now we will do it jointly". Raju Bista, MP of Darjeeling who led the meeting for 11 communities of the region said, "Tribal status is a common issue in Darjeeling Sikkim state. So sat for a meeting where a committee formed. We decided to go jointly for the Tribal status when our demand was the same."

"Our first priority is to give justice to the 11 communities of Darjeeling and 12 communities of Sikkim. The Indian Constitution guarantees rights to all its citizens and it is high time for the Gorkhas and other left-out communities to receive what they rightfully deserve", he added.

The Government officials of Sikkim and West Bengal state MLAs were present at the meeting.