Golay, Rijiju vow to have 'foreign tag' row settled

The Supreme Court's observation of the Sikkimese Nepalis as "persons of foreign origin" has come under severe criticism from all sections of Sikkimese society. In Delhi today, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) met Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and submitted a memorandum, while discussing in detail the observations of the Supreme Court of India that came with the verdict in the case related to Income Tax exemption for Old Settlers of Sikkim.

- NITESH R PRADHAN

"During the discussions, the Hon'ble Law Minister patiently heard the issues regarding observation of the Hon'ble Apex Court, which had given the impression that the Sikkimese of Nepali origin are persons of foreign origin settled in Sikkim. I highlighted, and emphasized the provision of the Indian Constitution under Article 371F, wherein full protection and rights of the Sikkimese people are safeguarded," said Mr Golay.

According to reports, Minister Rijiju was apprised of the move of the Government of Sikkim to file review petitions in the Supreme Court so as to address the matter in the larger interest of all the Sikkimese people.

"The Law Minister assured that the Government of India was also filing a review petition, and would extend full support to the Government of Sikkim in this regard. He further confirmed that the Solicitor General of India would appear before the Hon'ble Apex Court and the Government of India is seriously taking this matter for an early resolution in the interest of all the Sikkimese," the CM posted in his social media handle.