New political party launched in Sikkim

GANGTOK, FEB 21 (PTI) A new political party - Sikkim United - was today launched by a veteran journalist Jigme N Kazi to represent the indigenous people of Sikkim. "Our party would seek to protect the distinct identity of Sikkimese people within the constitutional framework and seek representation for the Nepali and tribal communities like the Lepchas and Bhutias in the state assembly," he told reporters here. The indigenous people in Sikkim comprises Nepalis and ethic tribal communities like Lepchas, Bhutias and others. Kazi said the new party will also demand reservation of assembly seats for the Sikkimese of Nepali origin and those others staying here for decades. "A cut-off date should be fixed for identification of non-Sikkimese residents," he said. He also demanded fresh delimitation of the assembly seats in the state and revision of voters' list before the assembly polls due next year. Kazi, former editor of the English daily "Sikkim Observer", expressed hope that his party would be able to provide a viable alternative to the people of the mountain state.

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