Chamling calls for protection of Sikkim’s Constitutional rights on Independence Day

Friday, Aug 15, 2025 22:15 [IST]

Last Update: Thursday, Aug 14, 2025 16:34 [IST]

Chamling calls for protection of Sikkim’s Constitutional rights on Independence Day

GANGTOK,: Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has extended his warmest greetings to the people of Sikkim and to fellow citizens across India as the nation celebrates the 79th Independence Day.

“Our independence was hard-earned—achieved through the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination of countless freedom fighters. Today, we remember and honour their legacy, which granted us the right to live as a free people and shape our collective destiny as a nation,” said the former Chief Minister in his message.

Chamling expressed that in less than a century, India has made remarkable progress, and the nation stands today as an economic powerhouse with the fourth-largest economy in the world.

“Our presence on the global stage—both politically and economically—is steadily expanding. With a growing, skilled workforce, India is poised to become a global leader. However, as we celebrate our achievements, we must also confront the many challenges that still lie ahead.”

The former Chief Minister observed that in recent times, growing divisions along religious lines threaten the very foundation of our Republic. He recorded that India’s incredible diversity is the nation’s greatest strength. Therefore, we must protect this diversity and celebrate it as a source of our strength, not condemn it as a weakness, he urged.

Chamling reminded the Indian Constitution provides specific rights and protections to special category States including the North Eastern states.

“In Sikkim’s case, Article 371F was enshrined within the Constitution as a fundamental condition of our democratic merger with the Indian Union in 1975. This article safeguards the special rights, provisions and the unique identity of the Sikkimese people. Sadly, in recent years, these protections have been diluted and violated. We must therefore protect the sanctity of the Constitution. It is the constitutional duty of the Central Government to uphold and protect the spirit of federalism. The repeated erosion of Article 371F undermines the trust that formed the basis of Sikkim’s merger with India,” said the former Chief Minister.

Chamling maintained that Sikkim today faces a breakdown in law and order, rampant corruption, and a failure to safeguard public life and property.

“The MCX scam is one such glaring example of corruption on a national scale. These developments are deeply concerning, especially in a sensitive border State like Sikkim. As we mark 50 years of our Statehood, it is disheartening to witness this period as perhaps the most challenging in our history. In such circumstances, the Centre must ensure that the State is governed in line with the principles of justice and accountability,” he said.

The former Chief Minister said that Sikkim’s merger with the Indian Union in 1975 through a referendum was a proud and patriotic decision—a testament to our faith in democracy and the Indian Constitution. “Under the Sikkim Democratic Front government, we prioritised peace and stability in Sikkim, a geopolitically sensitive State. We understood that ensuring internal stability is essential not just for Sikkim, but for the territorial integrity and security of India,” he said.

Chamling recalled that during the SDF government, innovative policies were adopted that earned Sikkim a distinct global identity—most notably as the world’s first fully Organic State. “Through innovation, sustainability, and peace, we gave a progressive example of a border State. In this way, we have expressed our patriotism not only in words but through concrete contributions to our nation’s progress and global image. This is our contribution to our nation,” he said.

In his message, Chamling asserted that Independence Day is not only a celebration of our past but a call to action for our future. It is a time to remember our past, to assess where we stand, and to renew our collective commitment to building the India that our freedom fighters envisioned, he said.

“On this important day, let us also pay tribute to the brave soldiers who guard our borders everyday with courage and sacrifice. Their selfless service is the bedrock of our sovereignty and freedom. As we move forward as a nation, let us take pride in our achievements, embrace responsibility towards our challenges, and forge ahead with unwavering hope for a bright, progressive and inclusive future,” he said.

 

 

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi