As the clamor for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Sikkim grows strong with constant pressures mounting from the opposition Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP) and other social organizations, the ruling Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) party on Thursday reiterated on the provisions of ILP System and the measures initiated by the state administration to check illicit influx.

According to Bikash Basnett, the Chief Coordinator of SKM Media Cell and Secretary to the Chief Minister, “There is no such demand for ILP in public, but a few political parties are pushing for it. For instance, other northeastern states which have already implemented the ILP system consist of tribal communities. However, Sikkim is not a tribal state, but the state administration is working to attain tribal status for 12 left-out communities. After the process, Sikkim will implement the ILP system, and the government is open to dialogues with other political parties.” He pointed out that SKM has already enforced the labour laws to check the influx.

It is worth noting that the Hamro Sikkim Party (HSP) recently held the ‘Jan Sansad’, attended by more than 100 people from all walks of life, including representatives from more than 20 organizations. The initiative stressed that the Sikkim Government should pass a resolution to implement Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and hand it over to the central government.

Basnett also responded to the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) memo submitted to the State Election Commission (SDF), alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and registering complaints that the ruling party was interfering in the party-less election process.