Zimba writes to PM opposing ‘Sikkim-Darjeeling merger’ issue

GANGTOK, : Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Tamang Zimba has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recording his opposition to the ‘Sikkim-Darjeeling merger’ issue, and stressing that Gorkhaland is the “only Constitutional path forward”.

Sharing copies of his letter written to the Prime Minister, the Darjeeling MLA on Saturday informed that he has officially written to the Prime Minister registering his strong opposition to recent proposals that suggest merging Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts with the State of Sikkim.

“Such proposals, while wrapped in the rhetoric of cultural continuity, are constitutionally untenable, strategically fraught, and democratically disconnected from the real aspirations of our people. They do not reflect the will of the Indian Gorkha community, nor do they offer any just or permanent political solution.

Instead, I have once again reiterated our long-standing demand for the creation of a separate State of Gorkhaland under Article 3 of the Constitution of India - a demand that arises from decades of peaceful democratic struggle, constitutional engagement, and the rightful assertion of political identity,” said Zimba.

The issue of ‘Sikkim-Darjeeling’ merger lingers in region, even though all the mainstream parties in both Sikkim and Darjeeling have flatly rejected any such demand.

Recently, former Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri took up the merger issue, which was also advocated by organizations like the Gorkha Seva Sena (GSS)and the Sikkim Darjeeling Ekikaran Manch (SDEM).

In his memorandum to the Prime Minister, the Darjeeling MLA expressed that the proposed merger has no constitutional footing and directly interferes with Article 371F, which grants special protections to the State of Sikkim. Any attempt to realign Darjeeling and Kalimpong into that structure would disturb its indigenous balance and create long-term legal and political conflicts, he said.

“This proposal also has serious national security implications. Sikkim is a sensitive frontier State, sharing borders with China, Nepal, and Bhutan. Merging politically unsettled districts into a zone already under strategic watch could jeopardize the Siliguri corridor, which is India’s lifeline to the Northeast.”

Zimba reminded that the Sikkim Legislative Assembly itself, in March 2011, unanimously passed a resolution supporting the creation of Gorkhaland. “If Sikkim genuinely wished for merger, why did its own legislature call for a separate State for us? Resolutions passed in an elected House are not ceremonial-they represent the voice of a people,” he said.

“As a representative of Darjeeling and a lifelong advocate for the cause of my community, I have made it clear: we are not seeking relocation-we are seeking recognition. We rejected Bengal’s political hegemony not to be absorbed elsewhere, but to shape our own future within the Indian Union. We want Gorkhaland-not by force, not through favour, but through the Constitution,” asserted Zimba.

Zimba urged the Prime Minister to ensure that no decision about the future of Darjeeling and Kalimpong is taken without due consultation with elected representatives and legitimate stakeholders. “Political shortcuts cannot replace constitutional processes. Proposals that emerge from personal ambitions or non-representative forums should not be entertained in matters of such national and regional consequence,” he said.

I place my full faith in the leadership of the Prime Minister, whose statesmanship has always risen to defend the Constitution and the unity of the nation, said the Darjeeling MLA. He expressed that under the Prime Minister’s guidance, this sensitive matter will be handled with the seriousness, sensitivity, and constitutional vision it deserves.

“Gorkhaland is not a demand born of division-it is a rightful call for inclusion. It is not a question of geography-it is a question of justice,” said Zimba.