No infringement upon 'Sikkimese' term, all-party meet agrees

Eight political parties today attended a historic all-party meeting called by the Joint Action Council (JAC) and concluded that the term 'Sikkimese' should not be infringed upon at any cost, while it will be relevant only in the context of matters related to Income Tax exemption in the Himalayan state.

- NITESH R PRADHAN

The JAC had called the meeting in view of the recent developments emerging in the Himalayan state due to the recent Supreme Court judgment on IT exemption to old settlers as well as terming and subsequent deletion of Sikkimese Nepalis as "persons of foreign origin." The parties attending the meet included the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), BJP, Congress, Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP), Citizen's Action Party (CAP), Sikkim Republican Party (SRP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

A four-point resolution was unanimously adopted by the parties in the meeting.

"The Supreme Court of India has though clarified in its judgement dated 8th February 2023 that the definition of 'Sikkimese' as referred in the case of AOSS vrs. Union of India is relevant for the purpose of the explanation to clause 26 (AAA) of section 10 of the Income Tax Act, 1961 only," the resolution reads.

In light of the observation of the Supreme Court of India, the resolution has demanded that the State Government pass a resolution in the State Assembly or issue an official notification, stating that the term 'Sikkimese' shall not be infringed upon at any cost either for the purpose of Income Tax exemption or any other rights and privileges as guaranteed to Sikkimese people under Article 371F of the Constitution of India. "Article 371F being the soul of Sikkim is non-negotiable," a resolution said.