Gangtok, Dec. 14 -- The Sikkim Assembly has officially ratified the final report of the Sikkim State High-Level Committee (SSHLC), which calls for granting tribal status to 12 long-ignored communities.

These twelve communities of Sikkim that have been seeking inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes (ST) list, often referred to as the 'left-out' communities, are:

Bhujel, Gurung, Jogi (also known as Sanyasi/Giri/Jogi),Kirat Khambu Rai, Kirat Dewan (Yakha), Khas (Chettri-Bahun), Mangar, Newar, Sanyashi, Sunuwar (Mukhia), Thami, Majhi

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang introduced the pivotal resolution on Friday, hailing it as a momentous stride towards justice and recognition for these communities.

"Our government has approached this issue with ...