Protect Sikkim and its identity

M B KARKI

VIEWPOINT

The issue of dual citizenship and uncontrolled influx has today become a grave concern, threatening the very existence of the Sikkimese Nepali community. Individuals who vote in both countries i.e., India and Nepal are directly contributing to the erosion of the identity of genuine Sikkimese Nepalis. There are Sikkimese Nepalis who have resided in Sikkim for generations, whose documents are issued only in Sikkim (SSC/COI) and whose property and roots exist solely within Sikkim, not even in other parts of India, yet these individuals are now being pushed towards an identity crisis because of such practices.

It is a humble request to those holding voting rights in more than one country to exercise their franchise in a single nation only. I ask that the decorum of democracy be upheld and the value of constitutional principles be respected. The population of original Sikkimese people is declining rapidly and in this alarming situation, the repeated labeling of Sikkimese Nepalis as “immigrants” has become a dangerous narrative with long-term consequences. Even if such references are removed from judicial records or judgments, they are never erased from the public mind.

It is important to remember that in many judgments, observations regarding historical migration from Nepal often ignore the distinct political history of Sikkim as an independent and sovereign kingdom until 1975. Before the merger with India, His Majesty the Chogyal of Sikkim lawfully granted Sikkim Subject Certificates (SSC) to residents of Sikkim, including the Nepali community and certain old business communities that had lived in Sikkim for generations. These grants legally recognized the people as subjects of the land, not immigrants.

After Sikkim became the 22nd State of India in 1975, the political position of the Sikkimese Nepali community changed significantly. The community lost its reserved seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, which were converted into general seats. At the same time, the reserved seats for the Bhutia-Lepcha community were reduced. Records further show that although members of the old business community have contested elections under general seats, they have never succeeded in winning till now.

The most serious threat today is the unchecked influx and the illegal granting of voting rights to outsiders. While the Constitution of India allows free movement of citizens, this provision is being misused by our political leaders till now. Allowing individuals from outside the state, and even from Nepal, to influence Sikkim’s elections puts the Sikkimese Nepali community at grave risk. Such practices strengthen the false narrative of "immigrant" status, despite deep and generational roots in this land.

If the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is implemented, it must begin with the cancellation of dual citizenship and the initiation of strict legal action against those holding voting rights in both Nepal and India, and even in two different states within India. Borrowing vote banks from other states or foreign countries to gain political power is a betrayal of the future of Sikkim and its people. It undermines democracy and endangers the dignity and rights of genuine Sikkimese citizens.

There is deep worry as the population is shrinking day by day and permitting citizens of other countries to vote in Sikkim only reinforces the unjust perception that the original inhabitants are outsiders in their own homeland. It is a humble request to our government authorities to respect the sentiments and rights of the real subjects of the former Kingdom of Sikkim, whose status was recognized by His Majesty the Chogyal long ago. Political safeguards and constitutional assurances have already been lost and today the community stands on the verge of losing its identity itself.

Let it be clearly stated: people are born free and shall die free. Though the body may return to dust, history, governance, and legacy pass through generations. Every decision taken by those in power has been noted.

Enough is enough. Stop playing with the future of young Sikkimese. Protect Sikkim and its identity.

(M. B. Karki is a lawyer and activist. Views are personal)