Sikkim University Student Arrested for Derogatory Remarks Against Nepali Language
The incident, which came to light on August 14, triggered widespread outrage among students, faculty, and local organizations.
GANGTOK– A controversy erupted at Sikkim University after a first-semester Master of Commerce student, Raj Shekhar, was arrested by Rani Pool police for allegedly making derogatory remarks against the Nepali language and community in an official WhatsApp group of the university’s Commerce Department.
The incident, which came to light on August 14, triggered widespread outrage among students, faculty, and local organizations.
According to sources, Raj, a resident of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly called Nepali a “foreign country’s language” and suggested that those who speak it should “go to Nepal.” He also questioned the observance of Independence Day on August 15, proposing that classes should be held as usual.
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The comments, made in a group comprising both students and faculty members, were viewed as highly offensive to the Nepali-speaking community, which forms a significant portion of Sikkim’s population.
The Sikkim University Students’ Association (SUSA) strongly condemned the remarks. Association President Anup Regmi described them as an “attack on communal harmony and an insult to the global Nepali community.”
“Such divisive thoughts are unacceptable in an academic space,” Regmi said, demanding Raj’s permanent expulsion from the university. He dismissed the student’s later apology — issued through a video message — as “insincere and forced” following media attention and police pressure.
Former SUSA executive Kiran Sharma also criticized the incident, reminding that Nepali is a scheduled language under the Indian Constitution and even appears on Indian currency notes. “These remarks not only target the Nepali-speaking community but also disturb the inclusive environment of the university,” Sharma said.
Registrar (In-charge) Laxuman Sharma confirmed that a complaint was filed by the Commerce Department with faculty support. The matter was referred to the Students’ Welfare Committee, which has already completed its proceedings. A final report is awaited to decide further disciplinary measures.
“As an institution, we are deeply concerned by such remarks and their impact on harmony on campus,” Sharma stated.
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The arrest came after local students filed a complaint, prompting swift intervention by Rani Pool police station. Raj was detained for questioning and later placed under arrest.
Nepali is one of the officially recognized languages of India and holds a special place in Sikkim’s cultural fabric, alongside Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, Hindi, and English. The state recently celebrated 33rd Nepali Language Recognition Day on August 20, where leaders highlighted its role in uniting diverse communities.
The arrest has sparked heated discussions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where many users expressed anger and demanded strict action. Calls for greater cultural sensitivity training and safeguards in educational institutions are also growing louder.
