Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) :: Feedback (original) (raw)

64. Karma Tenpa Tshering - 2015-04-22 08:24:00

Any word on the funds which were to be used for the construction of kabi lungtsok? Coz it could have been well utilised if "diverted" for the reconstruction of the old tumlong palace which by far has been neglected left, right and center. Thnx!

63. Vickey Palzor Lepcha - 2015-02-11 02:24:00

I am back to this website once again to refresh all my understanding of the protections we have in hand. And the best lines that I always refer to are as follows:

"Historical considerations and compulsions do justify inequality and special treatment."

"Indeed the argument in the case, in the perspective, is really one of violation of the equality principle rather than of the democratic principle. The inequalities in representation in the present case are an inheritance and compulsion from the past. Historical considerations have justified a differential treatment."

62. Chewang Pintso - 2014-11-19 08:54:00

If we go by the Sikkimese standard of accent and pronunciation, it is PINTSO Namgyal while if we go by the Tibetan standard of accent, it is definitely PHUNTSHOG.

61. Palmu - 2014-09-13 10:10:28

SIBLAC should strictly speak about the interests and safeguards of lepchas and bhutias. But i dont understand why to assert for LT seat reservation. when the chuk govt is not bothered about its reservation. i don't think sikkim gorkha party talks about safeguarding BL's rights?

60. Jigme N Kazi - 2014-04-24 12:31:46

Does SIBLAC have its constitution? It ought to have it. For contacts, names etc of its office bearers should be included ... Keep up your good work.

59. Admin - 2014-01-27 15:42:08

Thanks for your feedback. 'Pintso' represents the local pronunciation, but you're correct: 'Phuntsok' or rather 'Phuntsog' were closer to the written spelling.

58. Kinchok Tshering - 2014-01-27 10:37:59

Hello admin. Really liked the web, it was really englighting ... and fruitful and enjoyed going through. But got confused whether first king name was phuntsok namgyal or pintso namgyal ... i think if it is a typing error it need to be corrected. Thank u and best wishes to all.

57. Saldong Lepcha - 2014-01-16 19:02:51

As per the constitution of India every citizen of the nation have the right to protect preserve and demonstrate their identify ethnicity cultural items language and literature of all the linguistic communities, through the process of recognizance and implementation in public as well as in the market. But the tendency and concept should be bounded or within the framework of the Indian constitution, within its parts and articles thereof. The over all protection preservation and development of any extinct, vanishing, down trodden communities would be developed only through the process of development of its language and literature. So first develop language literature different cultural items ...

56. Karma D Bhutia - 2014-01-02 10:32:20

Tsetan Sir and all the respected members of SIBLAC, TASHI DELEK!! HAPPY LOSOONG 2014! May Guru Rimphoche bless you all with great wisdom, knowledge, courage and good health for your selfless service to our holy land Bayul Demazong. May your judgements be the foundations of JUSTICE and EQUALITY. May your every actions are based on the 8 noble path of Lord Buddha. GLORY TO OUR KANGCHENJUNGA GUARDIAN DEITY!

55. Karma D Bhutia - 2013-12-10 03:47:25

Hello admin, this website is indeed praise worthy. GOOD JOB!

54. PB Jain - 2013-02-28 06:24:47

Dear Sirs,

I had been associated with Lethang Hydro Project which had full public support and support of the local monasteries as well. We had taken up many social activities in the area. While opposing the project, may we request you to kindly consider the following points as well:

1. Since bridges are acceptable on Rathong Chu, we feel there would be no harm if a small diversion wier is allowed for Lethang.

2. Extraction and use of natural energy is respected in the Buddhism as is clear from the water powered, wind powered and solar powered prayer wheels.

3. There is already a dam (Rangit of NHPC) obstructing flow of Rathong Chu just after the Bum Chu water collection point and thereafter series of manmade structures are there till the Rathong Chu water meets the sea, so a small structure upstream for Lethang may also be kindly allowed.

4. Since nothing can be done to avoid mixing of rainy water flow into the Rathong Chu which brings all sort of material into the river, there is no harm if you please allow Lethang Project.

5. Our whole team has become jobless and pray for revival of the project for our roji-roti. We would thank you and the entire community if you permit the project. We assure you that sanctity of river would be enhanced as it would give life to many people and light to many homes. We would take care of river in very proactive manner in joint mission with SIBLAC.

Warm regards and many thanks, PB Jain

53. Loden - 2012-07-14 21:29:35

The no. of feedbacks itself shows we are minority (only 52). Somebody help us as we are in verge of extinction.

52. Namkha Zikmee - 2012-07-12 22:24:30

Phone tapping has been a serious issue. We are laid back type of people so we don't care what is coming and what has come. To my feeling all the activities of Sikkim their phone is being tapped, so please note the instructions:

1. Check your battery's energy rate. Pay extra attention to the times when you do not use your phone. If your battery drains during those times, then someone may be tapping your cell phone.

2. Feel your cell phone when it is not in use. It should cool down in between calls. If it is unusually warm, someone could be tapping it.

3. Listen for a buzzing sound. This sound can occur when the phone is not in use. Place it near your ear when it is off and stand next to a radio. However, this sound could just be bad reception, especially if you have an old phone.

4. Note any weird activity with your cell phone. Pay attention if it lights up, shuts down or has suspicious installed programs. If you did not program your cell phone to do any of these tasks, someone else may have control over your cell phone.

51. Loden - 2012-07-11 23:39:26

It is really strange or I may be too naive that after every hard struggle, result is fairly earned but outcome ah ... I don't know, I cant feel the change.

OK to justify the above statement I would say, while I was having a glance at the news of this extremely good site what I found missing is for e.g, some brave l/b convinces that this is being wrong and this must not happen so, they visits court for the given subject and court also accepts and tells that the matter will be seen immediately. So, they return gracefully but we tend to forget that serious matter soon after that, What we are lagging is not in motivation or intention but in result and its outcome. Now what must we do is put 2 and 2 and see if it is really 4 and check it again.

50. Admin - 2012-05-02 16:52:58

Best thanks for your kind words, Tenzin la. It's a pleasure to be of help.

49. Tenzin C'wang - 2012-05-02 00:06:52

One must thank Stefan for giving a new look to SIBLAC's webpage. Each section covering SIBLAC's issues are well presented.

48. T. Chopel Bhutia - 2011-07-22 13:17:54

nothing more, Thanking you very much!!!

47. Loden - 2011-01-13 18:00:39

I never thought when I would be born I would be dominated in my own birthland. Like fire dont burn without air how could handfull of us bring the changes.So, let us do what other think is impossible let us build our voice from minute level for no job is to late.

46. Pro-Sikkimese - 2010-10-24 12:19:11

Stand taken by SIBLAC and NASBO on Lithang Project was a great job. The Project now has been rejected by NEB,New Delhi. Congratulations!

45. P. Wongyal Denzongpa - 2010-09-04 14:58:20

Its a courageous thing to come forward on-behalf of BLs,2 speak for everyone ....I deeply want to thank u Agyala/Anum and all those who are here for a good cause..........and i shall always remain with u for our support

44. Vickey Palzor Lepcha - 2010-08-22 03:57:53

THE FLAG OF SIBLAC shall flutter all the way to that day when we shall all take a sigh of relief and say that YES BL..WE ARE NOW SAFE .. AGYA TSETEN IS DOING A GREAT JOB..EACH AND EVERY BL IN SIKKIM SUPPORTS THE CAUSE

43. Anonymous - 2010-06-11 21:25:26

well, you people are doing a great job,we know that we are asking for our own right,we have our eyes on you people and we are with you,NOW JUST ONE THING I WANNA SAY, DONOT GIVE UP.....

42. Dipak De - 2010-03-20 15:42:41

Human Rights philosophy and jurisprudence support the present struggle of the aboriginal Lepchas and Bhutias in Sikkim for their existence. It is the history and emperical evidence that you are cornered by the constant influx of Nepali immigrants.

Dipak De 20/03/2010 [Human Rights Activist; M.Phil in Human Rights; Member of Amnesty International; United Nations on line volunteer on Human Rights]

41. Gyatso - 2010-02-05 18:28:10

Few people like you makes this state worth of living otherwise its finished... we really love you and salute your efforts....

40. Ajoy Lepcha - 2010-02-03 13:13:00

Wel done SIBLAC at least something was done to protect, preserve and bringing awareness among many communities regarding the truth about the Sikkim. Iam afraid and now Iam so much confused "LEPCHA & BHUTIA", what about other communities who are granted tribal status by the Govt. of India as the Bhutia are enjoying after authentic Lepcha. Now Tell me What is the status of LEPCHA in the present situation. I found nothing new as the Lepchas are using as a pounching bag and for other as a ladder to claim their status. Well SIKKIM is a "GARDHAN" to all communities except........????

39. The Rong - 2009-10-17 15:55:59

people came to our land they asked for shelter n our elders gave them more than that,since our elders were good people they even let them have some land for growing some food but these people end up claiming things that was not theirs,and still our elders were not able to see what was coming or may be they liked to eat what the ’then’ outsiders were growing.Today,our elders are gone,the king has been dethroned(for good),people say we are developing but it is not development that is taking place in our villages our people are still under the process of civilizing because the ’then’ outsiders have now outnumbered us n does not want us to change they want us to do stuff like our elders did n many of them are still doing the same.since every body knows we are innocent and true they have nothing but the word COMMUNAL TO SLOW US DOWN. the elders in SIBLAC should hold on to your demands n goals so that we can join you in what you are doing.

38. Milan - 2009-10-10 04:10:17

Mr. C. Pintso, What i am trying to convey is that, Sikkim is disintregrating into small communal fragments,u don’t seem to know the reality, communal hatred incited by elders should be stopped.This very so called "enlightened people" are sowing seeds of communal hatred, this kind of deeds have been destructive in it’s nature, for that u need to refresh your history lessons. Sikkim subjects consists of people who were living in Sikkim for generations,and come under the preview of Sikkim Subjects Act 1961.Therefore, dubbing some people outsiders on their ethnicity,is simply and disturbingly ridiculous. Preserving one’s own culture is every people’s right and duty but not by trampling on other people’s basic rights.Let me also remind yout that we are part of India, which is a democratic country and not in a kingdom or feudal state.

37. C. Pintso - 2009-10-09 09:09:36

Mr. Milan, dont hold such stupid conscience when you seem to enthusiatically hoping that Bhutia-Lepchas’ rights and existence owuld be and should be done away with in the name of what you view as ’change’ or new world order or so. do remember, even the ever progressive new world order has high in its agendas to preserve and protect indiginous people, hence the word indiginous. Moreover, the Bhutia-Lepchas and Sikkim is complementary with each other, both are unthinkable in the absence of others. please remember, the SIBLAC have never tried to intervene or interfere in the inner affairs of others, what they are emphasising is on preserving their own rights. Mr. Milan I believe you should learn lesson from SIBLAC’s high ordeals and methodology to address its own sufferings. You should be broad minded. Please expand the horizons and level of your analyses and understandings.

36. Milan - 2009-08-01 20:29:36

Organisations like Survival Sikkimese and Siblac are based on same causes. They want to uproot the other Bhutia like the Chumbipa,Dopthapa,Tromopa, and want the Bhutia seats exclucsively reserved for the DENZONPAS.Which is very un-democratic and this kind of School of thought is creating uneasiness and ill-feelings among people. It is a bare fact that denzongpas hate people of tibetan origin,please visit ravangla and ask the tibetan people living there.It’s high time that we realise that we don’t live in the Erstwhile era of the kingdom of Sikkim under King.The world is undergoing rapid change, more so in our sub-continent.If we are to progress then such narrow-mindedness should be dropped. Every people have their own rights and please dont forget that we have something called "HUMAN RIGHTS" too. Sad Sikkimese

35. T. Palzor Bhutia - 2009-07-25 11:06:11

Mr. Milan, SIBLAC has never claim that the communities included in Bhutia definition as alian, infact SIBLAC is enlightening each and every community of their constitutional rights as guaranteed by Article 371F of the Constitution.Communities like Chumbipa ,Dopthapa,Thumopa,Khampa,Tibetan of Sikkimese origin falls under Bhutia definition and Kagatey,Yalmo and Sherpa of Sikkimese origin falls under Nepali of Sikkimese origin as per Represantation Of Sikkim Subject Act 1974, supported by 8th.May ,1973 Agreement and Art. 371F. of the Constitution. There are many legally supporting documents and proofs available with SIBLAC, why can’t you meet Mr. Tseten, convenor of SIBLAC to clearify yoursely of the doubt.Unless your political rights are protected your generation are never safe. T. Palzor Bhutia Bangaluru

34. Milan - 2009-07-23 21:20:58

There are Bhutia of Tibetan origin, who are staying in Sikkim for time immemorial,like the Chumbipa,Tromopa.They have a mark in Sikkim History,if we go back to a 150 years ago, Chumbi was a part of SIkkim.They paid their tax to the then Chogyal of Sikkim.Many of them have been granted Sikkim Subjects in 1961 by the Chogyal of Sikkim.Who very much knew that they were his people. Now, Siblac is claiming that they are alien people,which i strongly oppose.Everyone believes in preserving their own culture, but not at the cost of other people’s rights. It is sad to see that our small state, and Bhutia’s hardly make up 20% of the population is getting into all these narrow minded, communal, selfish, un-democratic,causes.I think that we have major important matters to solve in our state.The Rural poverty, unempolyment,corruption,sucides, drugs and heath issues are more important, i feel.

33. Dinesh Sharma - 2009-06-25 10:14:30

Dear Sonam Sherpa, You seems to be still in Solokhambu.Even in Nepal it is ruled and still rulling by Aryans races. its good that you are embraced by harmless Bhutias of Sikkim as their brethren.Be positive and think of your own identity before advising to others.Its BL who is fighting for your distinct identity-Sherpa. May God give you brain, guts and feelings of your own community. Good Luck. Dinesh, Gangtok.

32. Sonam Sherpa - 2009-06-21 02:15:40

remember to make difference in the democracy is only culture and race we belongs not the people we wear before in the ancient times, so lets united mongolieds together ie sherpa/rai/subba/gurung/thapa/pardhan/mangar together to be the successor of the race in the soil with one sound of mongolieds race and see the difference. support pawan chamling to make the difference since he is the only similer face after the long ruleing of the aryans fave agter our first CM. he is our own people of identies. Dr. pawan Kr. Chamling is the first admired CM in our Mongolieds Race so lets not cover the fact.

31. Sonam Sherpa - 2009-06-21 01:53:02

jo jeta who sikandar this is the rythm of indian democracy friend. we being sherpa is a part of southern provience and not included in our own community of mongoliods makes us sound helpless as united we can uproot difference.although we cannot think of mistake the king have made within you and us, wr are always with our own sentiments of coulture and habitents, we need to be together to proclime that our right exist as the son of the soil. so the st reservation is an impact to count us in the indian way as that st act was not the part of agreement with india during the 317a pact.

30. Tashi Peden - 2009-06-17 21:02:14

sir, thanks for brifing us about our rights, its really a sorry state that our BL-MLAs are all least bother about their constitutional rights, even the intelectuals and resource persons are also found not doing anything. Keep it up your good work . We the younger generation are with you. Tashi Peden, Gyalsing.

29. Wangdi - 2009-05-24 20:03:14

SIBLAC did good by tolerating and keeping the mind cool when Gorkhas tried to provoke and instigate Bhutias and Lepchas with communal weapons. This election has peoved that Gorkhas in Sikkim are A BIG ZERO. It would be a great shame if they try to stand again. We are still with you. Jai SIBLAC

28. Tshering Wangchuk - 2009-04-11 12:59:54

Agya Tseten, People of Sikkim have placed you in high esteem for the stand that you have taken on Art 371 F and Sikkimese people. Biraj Adhikari has become very focal oflate on Art.371 F. So much so that he is demanding reviewal of so-called referrandum that was organised way back in 1974. Adhikari’s demand for Associate State staus sounds a bit radical, but this has drawn the attention of many Sikkimese people and well wishers of Sikkim even from outside. You are a very dynamic and energetic leader. Adhikar needs your support.

27. Rinzin Namgyal - 2009-04-11 12:52:21

GJMM HEADED BY BIMAL GURUNG DECIDED TO SUPPORT BJP IN PURSUANCE OF THEIR DEMAND FOR GORKHALAND. WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF GOVT. AT THE CENTRE, THE DEMAND FOR SPEARATE STATEHOOD IS NOT POSSIBLE. AS IN THE LINE OF GJMM, SIBLAC ALSO SHOULD HAVE SUPPORTED CONGRESS OR BJP IN THE ENSUING PARLIAMENARY ELECTIONS IN THE STATE. SIBLACS DEMAND CANNOT BE FULFILLED UNITIL THEY HAYE SUPPORT IN PARLIAMENT.

26. Palzor - 2009-01-23 12:42:50

when the mla’s and some people have no gratitude for this sikkimese land,what more can you expect them to give when they listen but they are silent,a leader must arise and its upto siblac to find one who can stand against the corruption and the oppression of the sikkemese people,let us not be a refugee in our own land,it is now or never.

25. Pranoy Sharma - 2009-01-17 18:21:55

happy new year to SIBLAC, stand like a rock as usual, BL postery will rememder you in future.

24. Karma - 2008-12-24 12:42:09

Dear Agya Tsethen, aba chai sarai bhayo agya. With the increase of seats from 32 to 40 we are reduced to less than one third of the assembly. These existing BL MLA’s dont represent our community anymore. We should all get together and take very very serious action against these existing MLA’s who have sold our children’s future. Now what is going to happen to our protection and 371f. Agya please do something immediately. We have to take serious action against these existing MLA’s and all those BL’s who are supporting this Government’s descision regarding the increase of seats and not proportionate increase in BL nos. If we dont take any action, they will take it as our weakness.Common agya please do something fast.

23. Sikkimese Citizen - 2008-11-22 11:27:11

Agya, please check this link: www.voiceofsikkim.com/index.php?option=com\_content&view=category&id=105&Itemid=335.

22. Sikkim Subject - 2008-11-05 16:54:38

Dear Agya, You are doing fantastic job, Please keep it up. You might be aware that Sikkim National People’s Party has started a referendum with its signature campain. If We can all sign the referendum than Mr Biraj Adhikari can seriously take up the matter of Associate State Status with Government of India. So I request Siblac and all those who care for our beloved Sikkim to come foreward and help this referendum. Let us show the world what sikkimese people are made up of.

21. Wangchuk - 2008-08-25 15:25:41

Nepal Baba acctepted his mistake of defiling Holy Kheod Palri Lake in Sikkim.......Now what the Chamling Govt. has to say? I did not meant to hurt any religious sentiments; Nepal Baba, The man who planted a flag at Lake Khachoedpalri goes on record about his actions.

Staff Reporter, GANGTOK, August 24; The man who created ripples in Sikkim four years back by planting a flag in the holy lake of Khachoedpalri revisited the State today to give a spiritual discourse to his followers. Nepal Baba, also known as Om Nanda Guru or God Angel had come here all the way from Nepal to attend the programme organized by Heavenly Path, Sikkim Unit here at Pajlor Stadium here today. The Nepal Baba had created a furore in the State on July 2004 when he allegedly took a dip in the holy water of Lake Khachoedpalri and planted a flag in the middle of the lake. Worried over the "desecration of Sikkim’s sacred Khachoedpalri Lake", the Sangha MLA, Acharya Tshering Lama had filed a petition at the Supreme Court stating that taking a dip in the holy water of the lake is strictly prohibited and is against the basic tenets of the religious practice attached with Khachoedpalri Lake. In September, 2004 the Supreme Court issued notices to the State Government and the National Commission for SCs and STs. A Bench of Justices N Santosh Hegde and SB Sinha also questioned Sikkim"s police chief on Acharya Tshering Lama"s petition seeking to restrain Nepal Baba and his followers from construction of a temple near the lake. Asked to comment on this incident, the supreme of Heavenly Path God Angel said that the incident of Lake Khachoedplari was simply his "initiative to spread the message of love, peace and harmony and nothing more than that". Recalling the reactions from a section of the society in filing a petition case at the Supreme Court against him, Om Nanda Guru told SIKKIM EXPRESS that such reactions were "unexpected and depressing". He also said that his intention was misunderstood and that it was not meant to hurt any religious sentiments. "It was not only in Sikkim but I have planted flags in other countries as well. I never got any criticism for my acts in other countries," he added. Highlighting about the activities of the organization, he said that the main aim was to promote peace, love and harmony in the world through which the people can attain a way to heaven. "The heavenly path focuses on bringing unification and righteousness through peace," he added. Talking about his visit to Gangtok, he said "I have come here to explain the people about the positive and negative aspects of religion and also the method of attaining peace in the right way." Preached in more than 39 countries, the Baba said that the teachings of Heavenly Path God Angel focuses on the global issues such as global warming, terrorism, environmental hazards and many more. "In this era of globalization, every religion is trying to win each other but the motive of God Angel was to bring uniformity in every religion," he further said adding that the teachings are completely different from Christianity. Om Nanda Guru was enlightened at the age of five with a vision of being an ambassador of peace as a result of which, Heavenly Path God Angel was born.

20. SIBLAC - 2008-08-18 10:43:28

SOUTH ASIA INTELLIGENCE REVIEW ASSESSMENT; INDIA. Volume2,No.15.October 27, 2003, Sikkim; Lull Before the Storm? By;- Wasbir Hussain, Associate Fellow, Institute for Conflict Management, New Delhi; Consulting Editor, The Sentinel, Guwahati

New Delhi may not be exactly euphoric, but will definitely have heaved a sigh of relief when Chinese officials told the Indians, just before the meeting between Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Premier Wen Jiabao at Bali on October 8, 2003, that their Foreign Ministry website had stopped showing Sikkim as a separate country. Prior to this, Beijing used to mention Sikkim as a separate nation with a one-line comment saying, "The Chinese government does not recognize India’s illegal annexation of Sikkim." This Himalayan stretch of 7,000 square kilometers came to be a part of India following an agreement in 1973, and became its 22nd State on April 26, 1975, with the Parliament passing the Constitution 36th Amendment Act. If the current turn of events in this strategic border State of more than half-a-million people is any indication, New Delhi cannot afford to sit back and relax. It is not a revolt yet, but serious discontent is brewing within Sikkim’s 100,000 strong indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha ethnic group over their identity and political rights. Leading the community with its demand for Constitutional safeguards, in what has so far been a democratic movement, is the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC). Significantly, this organization has in its ranks several leaders belonging to the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), the party that is in power in the State. Thus, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, one of the convenors of the SIBLAC, is a ruling SDF legislator. For the indigenous Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkim, trouble started with the Constitution (Sikkim) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1978, that clubbed eight non-Sikkimese Bhutia communities under the category of ’Sikkimese Bhutias.’ A recent SIBLAC bulletin says that, instead of conceding the longstanding demand to remove these eight non-Sikkimese Bhutia communities from the category of ’Sikkimese Bhutias,’ the Indian Government, by its Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002, has included two more communities, Limbus and Tamangs, in the Scheduled Tribes list in the State. The inclusion of the Limbus and Tamangs, who are part of the majority Nepalese community, into the Scheduled Tribe list has been generally welcomed, but indigenous minority groups like the Bhutia-Lepchas fear a further dilution of their distinct identity and political rights. The Bhutia-Lepchas dominated Sikkim’s population until about 1875, despite the British taking Darjelling out of the Kingdom in 1860. However, when the British appointed their first political officer in Sikkim in 1887, the Crown encouraged the entry of a large number of Nepalese migrants to work as labourers. This was the beginning of a drastic change in this pristine Himalayan region’s demography, and today, the Nepalese form the largest ethnic group, with a population of about 300,000, in the State. Bhutia-Lepcha leaders like Tashi Bhutia disclosed last week, during telephone interviews from Gangtok, Sikkim’s capital, that the representation that the community now has in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly (the State Legislature) was ’not a genuine representation.’ An SIBLAC document details the community’s argument; "Presently, the 12 seats reserved for the Bhutia-Lepchas (in the 32-member Sikkim Assembly) are of no use to them, as a majority of voters in these constituencies belong to the majority community. Due to the inclusion of the eight non-Sikkimese Bhutia communities within the definition of ’Sikkimese Bhutia’ in the 2002 Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe Act and the Representation of People Act, 1980, seats reserved for the indigenous Bhutia-Lepchas under Article 371F (of the Indian Constitution), which has been upheld by the Supreme Court, have become meaningless, as non-Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepchas are legally permitted to contest from the 12 seats reserved for the indigenous communities of Sikkim." Understanding the historical considerations and compulsions for a special treatment to Sikkim and its people is extremely important if one is to put current tension in perspective. Sikkim’s close association with India, despite the Chinese claim on it, led to the signing of the historic Tripartite Agreement on May 8, 1973, between the Government of India, the Chogyal of Sikkim and leaders of three major political parties representing the three ethnic communities (Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepalese). Elections to the Sikkim Assembly were held in April 1974 in accordance with the May 8, 1973, Agreement. After the polls, New Delhi passed the Government of Sikkim Act, 1974. Now, the 1973 Agreement and the 1974 Act, while paving the way for a more democratic set-up in Sikkim also made clear-cut provisions for safeguarding the political rights of the Sikkimese people through seat reservation for the three ethnic communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. During the 1974 elections the seat reservation was as follows; 15 seats for Sikkimese Bhutias and Lepchas, 15 seats for Sikkimese Nepalese, one seat for Sanghas, representing the monasteries, and one seat for Scheduled Castes. When Sikkim became a full-fledged state in 1975, the Parliament, through an Amendment, inserted Article 371F, giving Sikkim a special place within the Indian Union, taking into account its unique historical and constitutional background. After all, Sikkim became close to New Delhi by remaining a Protectorate of India when the British left in 1947, and ultimately merged into it in 1975 at the end of the 332-year rule by the Namgyal dynasty. On the seat reservation issue, Article 371F states; "Parliament may, for the purpose of protecting the rights and interests of the different sections of the population of Sikkim make provisions for the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim which may be filled by candidates belonging to such sections and for the delimitation of the Assembly constituencies from which candidates belonging to such sections alone may stand for election to the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim." Four years after Sikkim’s merger with India, on May 18, 1979, the Parliament amended the Representation of the People Act and made the seat reservation in the Sikkim Assembly as follows; 12 seats for Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepchas, 17 seats general, 2 seats for Schedules Castes of Sikkim and one seat for the Sangha. A prominent Nepalese political leader challenged the reservation of seats for the Bhutia-Lepchas and the Sangha in court on the ground that race and religion had no place in secular India. The Supreme Court rejected the argument and said; ""Historical considerations and compulsions do justify inequality and special treatment" The departures are not such as to negate fundamental principles of democracy." Armed with the laid down Constitutional provisions and the Supreme Court ruling, the SIBLAC has intensified its movement with the following key demands; (1) Restoration of the original definition of ’Bhutia’ by amending the Scheduled Tribes/Scheduled Castes Orders (Amendment) Act, 2002, and (2) safeguarding the political rights of the Bhutias by delimiting the Assembly constituencies in those 12 reserved seats for Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepchas in accordance with Article 371F. Interestingly, the SIBLAC has linked up their movement with the possible fallout of what looks like an improvement in Sino-Indian ties. Last week, on the eve of Prime Minister Vajpayee’s National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra’s meeting with the visiting Chinese Vice Minister in the Foreign Ministry, Dai Bingguo, SIBLAC leaders urged New Delhi not to reopen the Nathu-la trade route, linking Sikkim with China’s Tibet region, saying that this would lead to a further influx of outsiders, and alter Sikkim’s demography. "Trade through Nathu-la will encourage influx. Before taking any final decision towards reopening of the trade route through Nathu-la, due cognizance must be given to the facts relating to the changing demography of Sikkim. Besides, we have seen that infrastructure development like hydro power stations, roads and airstrips have displaced and cornered the Bhutia-Lepcha community," the SIBLAC said in a communication faxed to Brajesh Mishra on October 22, 2003. The two countries, however, appear to have agreed to reopen this traditional trade route. The SIBLAC communiqu" added that the Bhutia-Lepcha community’s ’love for India’ and their ’sense of belonging to this country’ has gone a long way in making China change its position and accept Sikkim as a part of India. Against this backdrop, the organization said, it wants New Delhi not to open the Nathu-la route simply to boost trade by ’ignoring’ the threat of large-scale influx of people from across the border. "We are greatly concerned that the number of outsiders is growing at an explosive and unsustainable pace. The present rate of population growth (32.98 per cent during 1991-2001 as against 28.47 per cent in 1981-1991), if not moderated, has frightening implications on socio-political security of the minority Bhutia-Lepcha people in particular and Sikkimese people in general," the group said. An audience outside Sikkim, not to speak of the international community, may find it difficult to appreciate the Bhutia-Lepcha community’s fears and apprehensions. But New Delhi, on its part, would do well to see the writing on the wall and act judiciously to prevent yet another violent front opening up on yet another frontier. Sikkim, after all, is too strategically located an area - wedged between China’s Tibet region in the north, Bhutan in the east, Nepal in the west and the Indian state of West Bengal in the south. And, as some Bhutia-Lepcha leaders have said, none but the Indian Government would be responsible should a section of their agitators give up the democratic form of the movement, following the example set by other States in India’s Northeast, to take up guns.

19. Bhutia-Lepchas - 2008-08-12 22:05:16

The International Community wedded to truth and justice, is well aware of the violent methods adopted by Mrs. Indra Gandhi"s government to reduce Sikkim from a Protectorate to the 22nd. State of India in 1975. The events of 1973-75 are well documented by eminent authors and journalists and the bold statements of former Prime Minister Shri Morarji Desai that the "annexation of Sikkim by India" was a wrong, amply demonstrates the fact that the so-called merger of Sikkim was far from peaceful and democratic. The wounds of annexation have festered over the past three decades. The national leaders and Prime Ministers in New Delhi are content with the parliamentary support to the ruling party in the two Houses of Parliament, of the two MPs from Sikkim, who are no more than ciphers of the ruling government in Sikkim. The utter neglect and apathy of the Union Government to the pious hopes and aspirations of Sikkim"s indigenous community the Bhutias and Lepchas over the past 33 years has led to a situation similar to the ones prevailing in the dawn of insurgency and terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir and North Eastern States. Insurgency and terrorism has emerged as the greatest threat and danger to humanity today and governments all over the glove are searching means and methodologies to tackle insurgency and terrorism. India had suffered under the stress and strains of terrorism over the past five decades, and it seems, New Delhi is yet to learn lessons from the horrors of insurgency and terrorism. On the contrary, the governments in New Delhi in-connivance with State government are obliquely giving birth to insurgency and terrorism by the conscious and deliberate neglect to the repeated voice of the Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkim. All Central and State leaders proclaim aloud saying Sikkim is the most peaceful State in the country. Seldom have these leaders realized that the seeds of insurgency and terrorism sown in the soils of Sikkim, have sprouted and matured over the past three decades.. Terrorism and insurgency take birth in human minds and it comes to surface only when it attains full maturity. When it matures, it takes a heavy toll of lives and properties; and the government grapple with the problem without success. New Delhi and its puppet government in Sikkim should read the writing on the wall before it is too late. Every Sikkimese is now convinced beyond doubt that the dubious methods of New Delhi doling out central subvention and perpetuating an authoritarian rule by its cohorts in Gangtok are not all the parameters of democratic governance punctuated by justice, fair-play and redressal of grievances of every segment of civil society. Time is running out for New Delhi; and the precious time that is now left ahead, should be devoted to the cause of the indigenous Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkim.

18. Nickila - 2008-07-25 17:39:12

Sir, Thanks for the highlighting articles where we are genuinely finding ourselves in it. Keep-up the good work , we are with you.

17. Tsering Barfungpa - 2008-07-02 15:52:17

we considered our 12-BL MLAs as sick, paralised and bed-ridden with wounds. They are like deadman. Our posterity is cursing on them , their place is in hell. Go ahead SIBLAC , Guru Rimpoche is with you.

16. Sonam - 2008-06-27 15:43:03

Keep up the good work.Update the web site with all the activities of the organozation like the petition to the govenor.

15. Daisy - 2008-06-25 15:20:36

I truly feel that we Bhutias r not liked by some people in sikkim due to once we had king from bhutia community but what to do thats the truth which no body can erazed even if they want ha..ha..first lepcha said we dominate them snatched thier lands now others say we did this and that but fact is king issued sikkim subject to other cast also as the result of which how many genuine people r surviving anybody can tell?????

14. Anonymous - 2008-06-24 15:34:53

DEAR SIR KEEPING ON MOVING NEVER SAY DYING EACH N EVERY LEPCHA YOUTH OF SIKKIM IS WITH SIBLAC .KEEP UP DA GOOD WORK,MY BEST WISHES R ALAWAYS WITH SIBLAC. MAYALMIT G.S [CLOS]

13. Gyalwang Denzonpa - 2008-06-23 15:41:01

keep up the good work all the best wishes of sikkimese are with u.May Latsen Chenpo bestow his choiest on u ever. ke ke so so lha gyalo - may good be always be over evil

12. Chewang - 2008-06-21 15:33:23

AGYA CARRY ON WE ARE WITH YOU .I THINK THERE IS ONLY ONE SIKKIMIS B.L. LEADER THATS YOU.

11. Ramesh Agarwal - 2008-06-15 13:24:30

We are also born and brought up in Sikkim. We are the witnesses of how the indegineous BL are being marginalised and facing threat in their own homeland. Keep on fighting.

10. Govind Chettri - 2008-06-15 13:11:57

Let me express my sincere gratitude and thanks for raising the issue of Sikkimese Nepali in Delhi Dharna. Hope your organisation will do the same in future too.

9. Ongkit Lepcha & friends - 2008-06-14 21:03:49

Khamri, this is like a blessing in disguise for all of us, although we are all college students we were never highlighted of such issues by any one, it seems that we were misguided and kept in dark by our selfish so call leaders. Give us a call and will be there. ACHULEY.

8. Sonam Lepcha - 2008-06-12 12:00:43

congratulation,thanks for enlighting us,its time to wakeup now or else will really becomes homeless in our own homeland.we are with you.

7. Gyalpo Tsering Bhutia - 2008-06-10 11:51:50

I am really pleased that you all are saving our national heritage if want any support we are with u

6. Chophella - 2008-06-10 10:51:33

Respected Conveners, give a single call and the Sikkimese students across India shall be there in a moment, be it in Gangtok, or New Delhi or Geneva. we are much oblige to our organisation for representing our Sikkimese BL voice at every level. Chophel la, Bangalore

5. Jigma - 2008-06-10 10:45:36

SIBLAC must strive to achieve our ultimate BL agendas. the Bhutia Lepchas are with you. the younger generation educated BLs are with you who knows the issues that SIBLAC is addressing which infact is the Sikkimese voice. SIBLAC must not bow before the seasonal wind in Sikkim because we draw our inspiration from the Mahaguru Padmasambhava and our supreme guardian dieity Khangchen Dzoenga. Lho-Mein Tenpo Ya-Ki Shyo!

4. Jigdal - 2008-06-10 10:37:50

Its a shame on the 11 BL MLAs of the ruling SDF that SIBLAC has to undertake the genuine BL causes. Guru Rinpoche blesses the SIBLAC. India Government must wake up now or else it will be too late. the BLs of Sikkim must support SIBLAC in every manner possible, be it political, financial, mental, or anything. After all, it is a question of the minority Sikkimese BLs, who once ruled our beloved Denjong. Kudos to SIBLAC and shame on the 11 ruling BL MLAs. Jigdal, Gangtok

3. Chung Chung - 2008-06-10 07:04:21

Nice Site

2. Palden - 2008-06-09 18:20:05

Tashi-delek, I am not agree with "We are becoming refugees in our own land, but we can’t raise our voice". We can fight for our cause. If anybode wants to create obstacle, he himself stand as obstacle for his future. Tnahkyou for your effort.

1. Sunita Sarkar - 2008-06-09 18:14:44

Dear Editor, I came to know lots of hidden fact through your website.

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