Let us stop fighting over scraps

   Even as the next Assembly elections draw nearer there is the need to remind ourselves of the importance of maintaining the peaceful atmosphere in the State during electioneering. What should be kept in mind, particularly by those who hold responsible positions in various social and political organizations, is to keep our sanity intact and not be carried away by mere politicking that would lead to unnecessary tension and insecurity in public life.

   Let us keep reminding ourselves that what we are fighting for is not a war of independence nor are we engaged in a revolutionary movement for total change in the system of governance. We are, to be honest to ourselves, merely participating in the democratic process that allows holding of elections once in a while. Even as we prepare for the next Assembly polls, be it in April or November, we must convince ourselves first of the need to look beyond electoral politics and work for the well-being of all people.

   We have seen several governments come and go in the past two and half decades. What is the net result of all these elections? Promises are made to be broken as soon as the polls are over. By and large, the situation has remained the same since Sikkim began identifying itself with the world’s largest democracy when the former kingdom reluctantly joined the mainstream of Indian politics in 1975.

   Forces of division and disunity were actively at work ever since 1973. They gained the upper hand in 1974, leading to Sikkim’s ultimate ‘merger’ with India in April-May 1975.  Fortunately, for the people of Sikkim a man from the majority community emerged in Sikkim’s turbulent political arena in the ’70s. He was hailed by the majority and loved by the minority. His name was Nar Bahadur Bhandari. But within two years of Mr. Bhandari stepping into Mintokgang, the Chief Minister’s official residence, he lost the confidence of the people.

   From the ashes of disaster was born Sikkim Sangram Parishad. Born on May 24, 1984, the SSP leadership gradually steered itself away from the minds and hearts of the Sikkimese people. The minority lost hope in Mr. Bhandari’s leadership while the majority clung to him but perceptive observers had already anticipated Mr. Bhandari’s next move. Forgetting the plight of three lakh Sikkimese the SSP supremo was setting his sights high for the leadership of the ‘one crore Nepalese’ in the sub-continent.

   But pride has its fall. And the strong and mighty fell on May 1994. The SSP leadership’s bid to forcefully curb democratic stirrings soon led to the emergence of Mr. Pawan Chamling. The two protagonists will once again face each other in the next polls. Whatever be their agenda for Sikkim it has to be achieved through the democratic process using peaceful and legitimate means. It is perhaps with this in mind that Mr. Chamling had made a casual suggestion for holding of the polls under Governor’s rule.

   One of the main characteristics of Sikkim’s unique and distinct identity is maintenance of peace, unity and communal harmony. Clashes between ruling party and SSP supporters in Jorethang last week has the potential of enflaming communal passion. This must never happen. More than ever before there is the need to ensure that things do not get out of control as was seen in south and west districts last week.

   As we move ahead let us constantly remind ourselves of the need to maintain our balance in whatever situation we find ourselves in. If we are really pursuing higher goals for our society then we ought to cement our bonds with each other instead of destroying it. Let us face it; what we are really after is for a few bags of cement and a few pieces of rod. Let us stop fighting over such scraps. It’s not worth it.

(Ref: Sikkim Observer, Hill Media Publications, November 7, 1998.)