(With inputs from PTI)

A 12-hour total bandh is underway in the state of Sikkim on Wednesday. The 6 am to 6 pm bandh was called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) over the Supreme Court’s observation that the Sikkimese Nepali community are immigrants that has angered all sections of the civil society in the state.

The JAC, with members cutting crossing political party lines, had earlier appealed each family sends at least three members to join a rally which will be held during the bandh, and asked businesses to remain shut.

The Supreme Court in its order dated January 13, 2023, had directed the Centre to amend the definition of ‘Sikkimese’ in Section 10 (26AAA) of the Income Tax Act 1961 for including income tax exemption to all Indian citizens domiciled in Sikkim on or before the merger date of April 26, 1975.

The apex court made the observation while delivering its verdict on a petition filed by the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim demanding exemption of income tax for those who had settled in the state before its merger with India on April 26, 1975.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang had said on 3 February that his government has already filed a review petition in the apex court for its rectification.

On 6 February, Tamang had met with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who the CM thank for “considering the sentiments of the Sikkimese people & supporting the state government by filing a review petition before the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.”

Shah too tweeted, “GoI reiterated its position about the sanctity of Article 371F of the Constitution that safeguards the Sikkimese identity, which should not be diluted.”

A deserted road in Sikkim on 8 February 2023, as the state observes 12-hour bandh.

Sikkim Health Minister, Mani Kumar Sharma had earlier resigned on 2 February from his post after questioning the state government’s handling of the issue.

In a letter to Tamang, he said the state government has not taken the sentiments of Sikkimese people seriously.

On 8 February, the CM declared that C. S. Vaidyanathan, the advocate who represented Lord Ram Lalla before the SC in the Ramjanmbhoomi Babri Mosque case, will be representing the Government of Sikkim.

A 48- hour ‘Sikkim Bandh’ was called by the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) on 4 and 5 February. The bandh turned violent in some parts of the North east sate and resulted in several persons being arrested.