Left-Out Communities In Sikkim And West Bengal Reaffirm Non-Political Stance In Quest For Tribal Status

MyNewsNE, Oct 20, 2024 Gangtok : On October 20, left-out communities from Sikkim and West Bengal reaffirmed their commitment to a non-political approach in their quest for tribal status during the second coordination meeting of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) held in Gangtok. The JAC, formed to advocate for these communities, emphasized its dedication to a collective effort that transcends political affiliations.

JAC President Shiva Kumar Rai stated, “We’re a non-political organization; we won’t comment on political matters. Our focus is on compiling a comprehensive ethnographic report for submission to Sikkim, West Bengal, and the Central governments.” The committee aims to raise awareness among students, youths, and grassroots communities regarding their demand for tribal recognition.

Concerns were raised about the absence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the meeting, with some opposition parties suggesting that the push for tribal status might be tied to a potential merger between Sikkim and Darjeeling. However, Rai refrained from commenting on these political implications, reiterating the committee’s non-political nature.

The JAC draws inspiration from past movements, such as the Bhasa Manyata Andolan in the 1990s and the recognition of the Limboo and Tamang communities as tribes in the 2000s. The committee, which includes members from the Gorkha Territorial Administration, has already submitted reports to the Central government regarding their demands.

To strengthen their cause, the committee has outlined several key initiatives:

• Conducting ethnographic studies to substantiate their claims.
• Launching a signature campaign to garner public support.
• Including communities from North Eastern states in their movement.
• Organizing a ‘Dharna’ at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, if necessary.

Darjeeling has been pursuing tribal status for 11 communities since 2014, and the JAC’s non-political approach aims to unite these left-out communities and amplify their voices. The committee’s commitment to a collective and apolitical advocacy strategy reflects a strategic shift toward focusing on their rights and recognition rather than engaging in political debates.