Sikkim Khas Sangh Slams Pawan Chamling’s Remarks, Urges End to Divisive Politics

The Akhil Sikkim Khas Chettri-Bahun Kalyan Sangh (ASKCBKS) has strongly condemned former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s recent remarks regarding the Khas community, calling his statements divisive and misleading.

In an emergency meeting chaired by President Narayan Khatiwada, the Sangh expressed deep concern over Chamling’s comments made during a public programme on June 22, 2025. According to the Sangh, Chamling had claimed that the Khas identity was artificially created after Sikkim’s merger with India and that even the Indian government was surprised by the term’s usage.

In response, ASKCBKS dismissed Chamling’s statements as “childish” and “uninformed,” asserting that the Khas identity — representing the Chettri and Bahun communities — has long-standing historical roots in Sikkim. The organization also highlighted official recognition of the Khas community under Government Notification No. 74/SWD/ADM/2021 and further validation through the 2022 Unnayan Survey by the Department of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring & Evaluation (DESME).

The Sangh also pointed to national-level acknowledgement, citing public speeches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he referenced the Khas community of Sikkim.

Addressing the criticism around the February 26 holiday, ASKCBKS clarified that it is an organizational day for community solidarity, not caste- or religion-based.

The Sangh strongly objected to Chamling’s alleged use of the derogatory term “lodar” for Sikkim Health Minister G.T. Dhungel, demanding a public apology for the disrespect shown.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and unity, ASKCBKS urged Chamling to refrain from divisive politics, especially with the 2027 caste-based census approaching. The organization pledged to continue working for the collective welfare and social harmony of Sikkim.