Harka Bahadur Chettri questions Sikkim’s opposition to Darjeeling merger idea

Jan Andolan Party (JAP) founder Harka Bahadur Chettri has questioned Sikkim's opposition to the idea of a Darjeeling-Sikkim merger and said that he has the right to express his views on the issue.

"If Sikkim doesn’t like it, they say ‘don’t say it.’ But who is Sikkim to stop me? I follow the Parliament in Delhi, not Sikkim. If Delhi rejects it, that is different. But Sikkim has no authority to tell me what to say or not to say," Chettri said.

Speaking on the demand for a Darjeeling-Sikkim merger, Chettri said that while he does not have the power to make it happen, the possibility exists if people believe in it and work toward it. He called on supporters to take the matter to Delhi rather than seeking approval from Sikkim. "Why should I ask Sikkim and Gangtok? Who are they?" he asked.

Chettri also criticized the mindset of some Nepali-speaking people, alleging that they hesitate to fight for their own rights due to fear of consequences. He said that his demand was for the safety and future of his people and accused those opposing the merger of being "narrow-minded" and acting in their self-interest.

Referring to history, he claimed that the people of Darjeeling had roots in Sikkim and that the idea of merging the two regions was not new. He also questioned the long-term future of Sikkim, asking what the state would look like in 50 years and how Darjeeling and Sikkim could remain separate.

Despite opposition from Sikkim, Chettri insisted that he and his supporters would continue voicing their opinions. "We shouldn't change our statements based on what others say. We will speak what we feel is right," he said.