Gen-Z in Nepal, Spin in Sikkim - Exposing the False Parallel

Nepal recently witnessed massive protests triggered initially by the ban on social media apps. However, that was not the sole reason. Nepal has long been struggling with rampant corruption, rising unemployment, and the government’s inaction or rather indifference towards the welfare of its people. Youths were compelled to leave the country in search of opportunities, while rural communities continued to suffer from utter governmental neglect. Meanwhile, leadership kept rotating among the same set of politicians in a most farcical fashion. This accumulated frustration and anger among the youth eventually peaked and the youths vented their wrath in the form of massive protests of September 8.

What began as peaceful demonstrations quickly turned violent when, instead of peaceful dialogue, the protestors were answered with bullets, tear gas, and water cannons, leading to the tragic loss of over 19 lives. Their deaths further inflamed the situation, resulting in attacks on the houses of political leaders, the burning of the Parliament building, the historic Singha Durbar, and other political properties. In the aftermath, the Prime Minister and Cabinet resigned, and the Army intervened to restore order. Eventually, the President invited former Chief Justice Smt. Sushila Karki to serve as Interim Prime Minister, and she took oath.

Nepal is a sovereign nation, and it is their prerogative to decide how they move forward and how and whom they choose to lead them. We can only sympathize with the lives lost and pray for peace to prevail.

Now, the funny part about the opposition in Sikkim is that they are trying to draw parallels with Nepal and incite violence using irrelevant and illogical propaganda. What they must remember is, Sikkim is a state within a sovereign nation, India, and its people know how to change governments peacefully, as they have demonstrated ever since Sikkim transitioned into the 22nd state of India. Be it L.D. Kazi led government or N.B. Bhandari led government or 25-year-long Pawan Chamling led SDF government, each one was replaced without consigning the state to utter chaos and anarchy. The people thought the LD Kazi government needed to be changed, and so they did. The people believed Bhandari government need to be ended and that’s what happened. And similarly, the people had had enough of SDF government’s misdeeds so the people voted them out and voted in Sikkim Krantikari Morcha led by Chief Minsiter Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) to power. The transition was peaceful and according to the people’s will. This is how democracy functions. Its ideals and foundations can never be undermined by opportunists who, after having been completely rejected by the people, resort to inciting youths. What these opportunists must learn from this shameful fiasco is that all their machinations shall similarly ignored roundly by the youths of Sikkim.

India, the world’s largest democracy, has a proud history of peaceful transitions of power. Since Independence in 1947, governments have come and gone, but democracy has never been compromised. While several other countries in the 1950s–60s faltered under coups and violent protests, India remained steadfast. Even the 1975 Emergency under the then PM, Indira Gandhi, now remembered as the darkest period of Indian democracy and observed as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas could not shake our democratic foundations.

Through thick and thin, India has sustained democracy and ensured smooth transfers of power. Against this backdrop, the opposition’s attempts to create unrest in Sikkim after losing the 2024 General Elections are laughable at best and a clear sign of desperation.

The current SKM government, with 32 out of 32 seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, was chosen by none other than the people of Sikkim, especially the young voters whom the opposition has unsuccessfully attempted to mislead. The verdict was clear: SKM was rewarded for its five years of good governance, welfare measures, and development works. Youths formed the largest voting bloc that is more than 50% in 2024, and the overwhelming support given to Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) shows whom they admire and trust to lead.

To try and provoke Sikkimese youth through fabricated and provocative videos will never succeed. Such attempts only expose the frustration of a defeated opposition. These political anarchists were completely rejected by the Sikkimese people in the recent election, and their new propaganda has also fallen on deaf ears. After having failed miserably in their bid to win the trust of the people through their programs and policies in the last election, these opportunists are now shamelessly trying to place themselves on a high moral pedestal. However, the Gen Zs of Sikkim have shown them their place by completely ignoring their propaganda. The Intelligence Bureau must take note of such elements who, in their frustration, may still attempt to disturb peace of this sensitive border state.

Unlike the false narrative being pushed, Sikkim’s Gen-Z is constructively engaged in nation-building and development. Thousands of youths are now regularized under the 4-year policy, with thousands more in line to be regularised. Many others are preparing for SPSC examinations, which are conducted regularly. Students are also gearing up for UPSC, JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams with government-provided support, including free coaching. The state offers 50 free MBBS seats and 30 reserved seats for Sikkimese students every year.

Sikkim is on track to achieve full literacy by 2027, and today only 2.6% of the population lives below the poverty line. Initiatives such as ‘One Family One Entrepreneur’ have encouraged startups, while cultural promotion and support for art, dance, and music have kept youth deeply connected to their heritage. Young Sikkimese hold key positions in both government and the SKM party, proving that youth voices are integral to governance and politics.

The Chief Minister maintains a close personal bond with the people, regularly engaging with them and addressing their concerns. This is one of the reasons he has been rated the best-performing Chief Minister for three consecutive terms. Furthermore, the government is delivering holistic development through schemes like Aama Sashaktikaran Yojana, Aama Samman Yojana, Sishu Samriddhi Yojana, Mero Rukh Mero Santati, Mero Bato Mero Bot, Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Scheme, and many more.

The reason I decided to write this piece is not because I believe Sikkimese youth will ever be swayed by the opposition’s illogical calls for violence, I wrote this piece to expose those desperate opportunists who put their personal politics above Sikkim’s interests. These anarchists have proved that they are least bothered about Sikkim. As youths of this state, we must remain vigilant against such opportunists and continue to engage positively for the growth, peace, and prosperity of Sikkim.