SIBLAC SEEKS BL SEATS IN THE PANCHAYAT POLLS

Monk body wants immediate withdrawal of monastic estates from the proposed Municipality, calls for protection of Dharma
GANGTOK, September 19: The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has reiterated its demand for reservation of Bhutia-Lepchas of Sikkimese origin in the ensuing Panchayat election to be done as BL seats on the lines of the Assembly seat reservations.
Basing its demand on the historical, social and political evolution and as per the Supreme Court Order, SIBLAC has deemed fit for the inclusion of BL seats in the Panchayat and Municipality polls.
“It must be remembered here that democracy is rule of the majority and protection of the minority,” a press release issued by SIBLAC reads.
Since the issue in question is purely a State subject, SIBLAC hopes that “the State Government would see wisdom in the demand and notify the BL seat reservation in the ensuing Panchayat Body, before the electoral process to constitute the ensuing Panchayat Body is started,” the release states further adding that “this would be in consistence with Article 243 T and Article 371F of our sacred Constitution.”
On the other hand, the Monk body of SIBLAC, Denzong Lhadi, has also expressed discontent with monastic estates being clubbed in the proposed three tired Municipalities across the State following different notifications of the UD&HD, Government of Sikkim dated May 22, 2007. This for the monk body is absolute encroachment, diversion and dilution of the existing Old Laws and traditional monastic authorities of premier monasteries of Sikkim hitherto protected by Article 371F of the Constitution. “It is an encroachment on the part of the State Government on the powers and authority, hitherto enjoyed by the premier Monasteries such as the Pemayangtse and Ralong,” the release states.
According to the release, the Denzong Lhadi has adopted a resolution in this regard mentioning that the areas which have been incorporated from the Monastic Estates to the proposed Municipality must immediately be withdrawn.
The monk body has also urged the Governor of Sikkim to invoke Section 9 of the Sikkim Municipalities Act 2007 to facilitate the same in upholding the Sikkimese dharma.