Sikkim: Limbu-Tamang community threatens SKM boycott, demands seat reservation ahead of 2024 assembly election

The Limbu-Tamang Voluntary Committee (LTVC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), declaring their intent to boycott the party unless seat reservations are granted for the Limboo and Tamang communities in the state assembly before the 2024 elections.

The demand for seat reservation was vociferously articulated during a rally organized by LTVC in Jorethang town today. Aptly named the 'Solidarity March,' the event aimed to highlight the longstanding omission of reserved seats for the Limbu and Tamang communities, despite being granted tribal status in 2003.

Addressing the crowd, LTVC representatives expressed frustration, stating that the Limbu-Tamang communities have endured neglect for two decades. "We will neither wait nor endure this neglect any longer," asserted LTVC during the rally, reiterating their demand for constitutional recognition through reserved seats.

The issue has persisted as a major political concern in Sikkim for the past two decades, surfacing prominently in every election since the communities were granted tribal status. LTVC emphasized that despite humble and relentless appeals for their constitutional right, the community had been left with no alternative but to resort to forceful social agitation.

"The only democratic path left is forceful social agitation, the only impactful way of bringing our demand in front of the government," stated LTVC representatives. The committee underscored that if a satisfactory resolution is not reached, they are prepared to take to the streets in agitation.

The seat reservation matter has garnered attention at the central level, with authorities seeking a formula for the necessary arrangements. However, Sikkim, under the protective shield of Article 371F, requires careful deliberation before executing any changes. LTVC stressed the need for a concrete and fair formula, indicating that the issue is paramount and demands immediate attention for the democratic fabric of the state.