Gangtok, March 1: The general secretary of the state Congress Tseten Lepcha has welcomed the recognition of the indigenous Lepchas as a primitive tribe by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government.

Lepcha has described the SDF decision as one of the most significant initiatives undertaken by any government in Sikkim for the welfare of the community.

In a press release issued by him today, Lepcha stated that, besides being a historic event, the new status was also a fulfilment of a legitimate demand of the community to bring its members to the periphery of national development.

He also said not only would the recognition safeguard the tribe from extinction, but also provide better opportunities to ensure improved quality of life and work for social empowerment of the community.

Lepcha also thanked the various Lepcha organisations for having tirelessly worked and pursued the cause.

The general secretary has assured that he and his colleagues in the Sikkim Pradesh Congress would try their best to solicit the support of central Congress leaders to ensure that the Centre accords the primitive-tribe status to the Lepchas.