Sikkim tribal leader Tseten Tashi Bhutia urges protection of Article 371F

Sikkim’s tribal leader, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, has made a strong appeal to the government and politicians to uphold the sanctity of Article 371F, which provides special constitutional provisions to the state. In a statement on March 19, he expressed concerns over the alleged dilution of Sikkim’s special status due to vote bank politics and vested interests.

Tseten Tashi Bhutia’s remarks came in the backdrop of astronaut Sunita Williams' return to Earth after her space mission. Drawing a symbolic connection between space exploration and governance, he stated: "If our leaders cannot contribute even a fraction of what Sunita Williams has achieved, the least they can do is respect the Constitution and uphold Article 371F."

The leader highlighted that while space missions unite nations and push human potential to new frontiers, some political actions in Sikkim are weakening the very foundations that protect the state's unique identity. He called for an urgent course correction to prevent long-term damage to the constitutional safeguards granted to Sikkim.

Urging political leaders to put the state's interests above short-term gains, he emphasized the need to preserve Sikkim’s special status, saying, "Let us draw inspiration from space, where national borders fade away, and work towards unity, justice, and integrity on our own land."