India's Home Minister Amit Shah Discusses Gorkha Community's Demands, Proposal Sparks Sikkim Controversy
Summary
A draft proposal for a permanent political solution to the Gorkha demand has triggered a political storm in Sikkim after a leaked document suggested creating a North Bengal state by merging territories from neighboring states. Sikkim leaders and opposition parties have condemned the idea as a threat to the state’s identity and constitutional protections under Article 371F.
Key Points
- A leaked draft linked to Mahendra P. Lama’s proposal for a permanent solution to the Gorkha issue has sparked controversy in Sikkim.
- The draft reportedly included four options, including a North Bengal state formed by merging territories from neighboring states.
- Sikkim opposition leaders say the proposal threatens the state’s identity and Article 371F protections.
- Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) denied any plan to merge Sikkim with another state and accused the opposition of spreading propaganda.
