Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s rally to protest SC’s ‘foreigner’ tag for Sikkimese Nepali

The ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) organised a rally on Monday to demand removal of the “foreigner” or “immigrant” tag from Sikkimese Nepalis.

On January 13, 2023, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India issued a judgement order in which it termed Sikkimese Nepali “foreigners.”

The rally from Tadong to the District Court was attended by Sikkim Chief Minister’s wife, Krishna Rai Golay, Speaker of legislative assembly Arun Upreti, MP Indra Hang Subba, Political Secretary to Chief Minister Jacob Khaling, and other SKM ministers, functionaries, and workers.

Speaking to Northeast Live regarding questions being raised about the role of Additional Advocate General, Sudesh Joshi who had in 2013 appeared before the SC where a petition was filed wherein the Nepali community was referred to as migrants, SKM spokesperson Jacob Khaling said that Joshi will be removed from his post. He also informed that the government is also looking at investigating where what went wrong and who is responsible for the mistake and that the government is also getting ready to file a review petition.

In 2013, Additional advocate General Sudesh Joshi had appeared for a petition in the Supreme Court where it referred to majority of the Nepali community of Sikkim as migrants.

Lok Sabha, MP, Indra Hang Subba said that there is a demand for him to raise this issue in the Parliament, he will do it after looking into all the legal aspects of the matter. “The party and the government had already spoken about this matter so I kept shut until now” he added.

Also Read: Sikkim Govt to move SC to expunge mention of Sikkimese Nepali community as foreigners