THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM

SIKKIM: Article 371F of Constitution secures Sikkim Subject: CM

Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling has scoffed at the rumour that Sikkim Subject identity is being diluted by the state government. “The identity of Sikkim Subject is secure by Article 371F of the Indian Constitution which neither I nor even the Prime Minister or the President of India has any power to dilute”, Chief Minister said in public on Monday, December 13.

Chief Minister was addressing the people who had gathered when he laid the foundation stone of ‘Yama Green Residency’ at Ray Khola under Martam Rumtek Constituency. On the Sikkim Subject issue Dr. Chamling further said “the Parliament by a two third majority has to first amend the Constitution, if any Constitutional provision like the Sikkim Subject is to be changed”. Asserting that “Sikkim Subject is a serious issue”, he strongly pleaded to the people “not to listen to rumours”. In this context, Chief Minister recalled that “in 1997 the same rumour was floated”. He said there are many political parties but “they have no issues and their one point programme is to abuse me”. He urged opposition parties to do constructive politics and not to keep the people in the dark” Mentioning that Sikkim is a peaceful state with proper law and order, he said, “those who try to disrupt peace are enemy of the state and its people”. Regarding ‘Yama Green Residence’ of Mr. Thukchuk Lachungpa Chief Minister said after its completion tourist inflow will increase in the state and many people will get indirect benefit from through it. He urged the Sikkimese youth to change their mindset in order to avail the emerging job opportunities. He told the youth to think of the hotels and consider their rising demand of manpower and vegetable and other consumables.

Mr. Menlom Lepcha, Area MLA, placed before the Chief Minister different demands of the constituency like drinking water, road connectivity and garbage carrying vehicle. Mr. Thukchuk Lachungpa, promoter of Ray Khola Residency said that the he has plans to construct a 3-Star hotel near Ray Khola and mentioned that his 5-Star hotel is under construction at Sichey which will be completed in one year at a cost of Rs.23 crore.

[FROM SIKKIM REPORTER/ EDITED BY ASHOK CHATTERJEE]