GANGTOK, : A one-day symposium focusing on the
long-standing issue of seat reservation for Limboo and Tamang communities was
organized jointly by Sukhim Yakthung Sapsok Songchumbho (SYSS) and Sikkim
Tamang Buddhist Association (STBA) at Hyangla Dhim, Shyari, Gangtok on
September 1.
The meeting was attended by Member of
Parliament (Lok Sabha) Indra Hang Subba, Gyalshing zilla adhakshya D.S. Limboo,
former Special Director General of Police and SYSS advisor Oma Hang Subba, SYSS
president C.S. Limboo and STBA president Binod Tamang along with
representatives from both the Limboo and Tamang communities.
The symposium discussed the issue of
securing Assembly seat reservation for the Limboo and Tamang communities who
were added to the Scheduled Tribe list in 2003. Despite this recognition, these
communities are yet to receive corresponding political representation in the
State Assembly. The discussion explored
various aspects of seat reservation in the State Assembly, the legal aspects,
and the cases that have shaped this issue over the years, informs a press
release.
Advocate Pradeep Tamang highlighted each
aspect of the issue, including the latest relevant cases. The presidents of
both the communities assured each other of their commitment to the issue and
requested that the government take up the matter seriously and expediently, the
release mentions.
A memorandum was submitted to MP Indra
Hang Subba along with a resolution passed on August 31, 2024 by the SYSS and
STBA. In the memorandum, the two
associations have expressed their support to the tribal status for 11+1
left-out communities, while asserting the distinct tribal statuses of the
Limboo and Tamang communities.
They have also requested that ruling
party Sikkim Krantikari Morcha to pass a party resolution on the issue and
appealed the State government to bring forth a comprehensive resolution in the
Assembly, outlining the government’s stance and the formula for resolving this
issue.
Further, they have urged the Ministry of
Home Affairs to introduce a Bill in Parliament, providing a clear solution for
the reservation of seats for the Limboo and Tamang communities through
appropriate amendments to existing laws.
MP Indra Hang Subba assured the
gathering of his full support in advocating for the communities' demands at the
highest levels. The event also saw the participation of students from both communities
who were educated on the intricacies of the issue.
