Gorkhaland roadmap omits Sikkim, disputed clause removed, says Prof Mahendra Lama

Professor Mahendra Lama, a noted academic on the Gorkhaland issue, told India Today Northeast that the latest roadmap presented to the state government does not mention the neighboring state of Sikkim. He added that a clause which had sparked debate among stakeholders was deliberately left out of the final submission.

The roadmap, prepared by a committee of local leaders and experts, aims to outline a phased approach for granting a separate administrative unit for the Gorkha community within West Bengal. While the document covers territorial boundaries, governance structures and economic development plans, the omission of Sikkim suggests a focus on areas traditionally claimed under the Gorkhaland demand.

Lama's comments highlight internal disagreements within the Gorkha leadership about the scope of the proposal. The removal of the disputed clause, which reportedly related to the status of certain hill areas, may be an attempt to smooth negotiations with the state and central governments.

The government has not yet responded to these observations, and the roadmap is expected to be reviewed in upcoming meetings with political representatives from the Darjeeling hills.