Political apathy and land disputes push Sikkim and Darjeeling into crisis: Dr. Mahendra P Lama

Renowned academic and leader Dr. Mahendra P Lama shed light on the deepening socio-political crisis in the Himalayan region, particularly in Sikkim and Darjeeling. He said that the failure of political parties to address key demands, including statehood, Scheduled Tribe (ST) recognition for 11 left-out communities and fair land distribution, has pushed the region into a precarious situation.

Dr. Lama criticized both the West Bengal and central governments for their indifferent approach, accusing them of manipulating local political leaders and delaying crucial decisions. “Our leaders have become weak, and the governments have learned how to control them. Promises are made, meetings are held, but no real solutions come out,” he said.

Dr. Lama stressed the need for a new approach in dealing with the Indian government, advocating for direct negotiations rather than endless meetings that yield no results. “Why should we keep attending meetings that drag on for years? We need negotiations with concrete outcomes; what demands can be met now, which ones will be addressed next, and within what timeframe,” he said.

He also questioned the silence of the central government regarding the state’s issues, suggesting that internal political conflicts between West Bengal and New Delhi have left the demands of the hill people in limbo.

One of the most pressing issues highlighted by Dr. Lama was the controversial land allocation policy. He condemned the government’s move to grant 30% of land to private entities while failing to protect the interests of local communities. “This land does not belong to private developers; it belongs to the people who have lived and worked here for generations,” he said.

He said that any land given to private businesses for hotels and resorts should also include a mandate for 80% local employment. “If companies are allowed to build here, they must ensure that our people get jobs. Otherwise, we are simply allowing outsiders to exploit our resources while our own communities remain unemployed and deprived,” he said.

Dr. Lama said that true development should benefit local communities rather than large corporations. He cited the history of tea plantations in Darjeeling, where the British exploited local resources while profits flowed elsewhere. “We cannot let history repeat itself. Development must be for our people, not just for business interests in Delhi or Kolkata,” he warned.

He called for a radical shift in strategy, urging local leaders to reject superficial agreements and fight for tangible benefits. “We must directly tell the government; don’t just promise us five decimals of land, give our people their rightful ownership,” he said.