No question of debate on Article 371F: SNPP

GANGTOK, 04 Dec: As the debate on Article 370 of the Constitution of India related to Jammu and Kashmir picks up pace in national media, Sikkim National Peoples Party [SNPP] here also joined issue and held forth on Article 371F even though this part of the Constitution has not been brought into question anywhere. SNPP held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Article 371 F and passed three resolutions.
Addressing a press conference today, SNPP president, Biraj Adhikari, explained that the national debate on Article 370 led to queries regarding Article 371 F from the people, which is why the party held a meeting on the issue.
“Article 371 F is a permanent article for Sikkim so there is no question of debate on the Article under any circumstance. If there is any debate it should be on the violation of the Article or on its importance in protecting the aim and spirit of the 8th May Agreement”, said Mr. Adhikari on the first resolution passed.
Speaking on the second resolution, Mr Adhikari stated that the party appeals to all political parties to give party tickets only to Sikkim Subject Certificate holders to contest the upcoming Assembly elections. He further appealed to the people to protest if any political party fields candidates who do not have a Sikkim Subject Certificate.
Responding to media queries, he said that at present, the party was working on making people aware on important issues of the state rather than fighting the upcoming assembly election. However, he also hinted at the possibility of an alliance with another party.