Socio-Cultural Environment - Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT)

In the South district, the majority of the people are of Nepalese
origin. During the initial period of their migration to this area, all the
Nepalese were bracketed as ‘Paharia’ by the Lepcha-Bhutias. The so-
called Paharias, during the course of their adaptation to their new home,
adopted many a social norms set by the Sikkim rulers. As a result, the
behaviour of the Nepalese community residing in Sikkim acquired some
distinctiveness in contrast to their brethren in mainland Nepal. For
example, in spite of their affiliation to Hinduism, many of them perform
Buddhist rituals, which is not so common in Nepal. On the other hand,
the Bhutias who take great pride in their ancestry and heritage have
accepted the language of the Nepalese as the means of communication.
The Lepchas and the Limbus are less rigid and have free exchanges
with the Nepalese.
3.5 CONFLICTING INTERESTS
In South Sikkim, the conflicting interests are not very apparent
since the majority of the inhabitants are Nepalese. Though the Nepalese
form the largest ethnic group in the district, they do not necessarily act
as a homogenous group, especially in matters related to state politics. In
recent years, some of the ethnic Nepalese are demanding their separate
identity, distinct from the others, and are eschewing the habits and
cultures they acquired from other, more powerful races over decades, if
not centuries of co-existence. The Kirati communities, such as the
Gurungs, Rais and Subbas are reverting back to their roots, customs
and culture. There are definite signs of tribal revivalism against the
dominance of Hinduism and Lamaism.
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CISMHE