Chamling urges PM to address pending demands of Sikkim

GANGTOK, : Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has reiterated the long pending demands of Sikkim to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is scheduled to visit the State on Thursday.

In his memorandum which was released by the SDF, the former Chief Minister submitted to the Prime Minister that it is imperative that the Constitutional guarantees made to Sikkim by the Government of India during the merger be fully preserved.

Only then can the people of Sikkim continue to equally participate in the national mainstream with pride and dignity as citizens of India, said Chamling, also the SDF president. He submitted five key issues that require due and urgent consideration from the Prime Minister.

The demands were Limboo-Tamang Assembly seat reservation, tribal status for the left-out communities of Sikkim, facilitation of the visit of the 17^th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje to Rumtek monastery, implementation of Inner Line Permit in Sikkim, and protection of Article 371F and the constitutional safeguards it provides to Sikkim.

“On this historic occasion marking 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood, I respectfully place these long standing demands before you once again. On behalf of the SDF party and the people of Sikkim, I thank you for your visit and continued support,” said Chamling in his representation addressed to the Prime Minister.