Counter statement to Citizen Action Party on the meeting for Tribal Status for Left-Out Communities held at Siliguri

“CAP has once again proved it is Anti-Nepali/anti-Gorkha”

I, the member representing one of the 12 left-out communities of Sikkim and Darjeeling, would like to address the recent statement issued by the Citizen Action Party (CAP) regarding our coordinated meeting. It is essential to clarify misconceptions and to present the facts surrounding the collective efforts for tribal status, which is aimed at the welfare and empowerment of our communities.

1. Consensus Among Main Stakeholders: The meeting that took place in Siliguri was conducted with the full participation and common consensus of representatives from the 12 left-out communities. This was not just a unilateral decision; it reflects a genuine effort to come together and address the shared aspirations. The meeting was chaired by Chief Minister of Sikkim with few members from the cabinet which is indicative of the fact that Shri Prem Singh Tamang is very serious regarding the demand of the 12 Left out communities.

2. Neutral Venue for Coverage and Communication: The choice of Siliguri as the venue was deliberate, as it serves as a neutral ground for both Sikkim and Darjeeling. Holding the meeting there facilitated coverage by national media, ensuring that our voice could reach the central government effectively. It is crucial that our demands be communicated clearly and broadly.

3. Clarification on Representation: It is surprising and disappointing that the CAP has questioned the absence of representatives from the West Bengal government and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Let me remind them that both the Darjeeling MLA and Kalchini MLA are part of the West Bengal government, and the MP from the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency was indeed present at the meeting. He represents approximately 1.5 million people, including those from the surrounding plains, which underscores the democratic representation involved in this process.

4. Concerns About CAP's Allegations: The language used by the CAP in its statement aligns with anti-Nepali and anti-Gorkha sentiments, which raises serious concerns about their motivations. It is evident that the CAP has been influenced or funded by forces opposed to the well-being of our communities. Their resistance to granting tribal status reveals a disturbing alliance with those who historically have opposed the rights of the Gorkha and Nepali populations. Furthermore, CAP’s engagement with parties from other states known for their anti-Nepali stance further exposes their true colors. The people of Sikkim are becoming more aware of these hidden agendas, especially considering CAP's dismal performance in the recent assembly elections, where they failed to secure even a single seat.

5. Misinterpretation of Our Intentions: The CAP's assertion that our meeting indicates a move towards the merger of Sikkim and Darjeeling is not only unfounded but also indicative of a lack of understanding. Raju Bista has never supported a merger in any formal or informal setting—neither in Parliament nor in public discourse. Such claims only reflect the CAP's desperation and misunderstanding of the political landscape.

6. Desperate Measures of CAP: Finally, it is crucial to point out that CAP seems to be desperately clinging to relevance by issuing press releases based on unfounded allegations and irrelevant topics. They should recognize that having little knowledge can indeed be dangerous, especially when it leads to misrepresentation of facts. With 94% of the people in Sikkim expressing their disapproval of CAP in the recent elections, it is evident that the citizens are well aware of the party's true intentions and affiliations.

In conclusion, I appeal to all members of the 12 left-out communities to stand united in our pursuit of tribal status for the 12 left-out communities, and we will not be deterred by baseless allegations or attempts to mischaracterize our legitimate demands. Our collective voice will continue to advocate for our rights and the interests of our communities. We urge the CAP to reconsider their stance and focus on constructive dialogue rather than fabricating narratives that serve only to undermine the aspirations of the people they claim.

With warm regards,

Amber Rai

Nandugoan, Namchi