Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has lashed out at national daily, The Hindu after its May 13, 2025 edition published a map of India that excluded the state of Sikkim. The omission has sparked outrage, with Tamang calling it a “serious and unacceptable error” and a blow to India’s territorial integrity—especially significant as Sikkim marks 50 years of statehood this month.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) at 10:30 AM on May 14, CM Tamang wrote:
It has come to my attention that The Hindu, in its edition dated 13th May 2025, published a map of India omitting the state of Sikkim. This is not a mere oversight, it is a serious and unacceptable error that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.
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— Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@PSTamangGolay) May 14, 2025
“It has come to my attention that The Hindu, in its edition dated 13th May 2025, published a map of India omitting the state of Sikkim. This is not a mere oversight—it is a serious and unacceptable error that undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation.”
He stressed that the error was especially hurtful during a moment of pride for the state:
“At a time when we are celebrating 50 years of Sikkim’s Statehood, such a misrepresentation is deeply hurtful to the people of Sikkim and an affront to the unity of our Republic.”
Tamang also underscored Sikkim’s constitutional and legal status: “Sikkim is an integral part of India, with its identity firmly safeguarded under Article 371F of the Constitution.
He called on The Hindu and other media outlets to show greater responsibility when depicting India’s geography, warning that such lapses can damage national unity.
Public Outrage and Allegations of Repeated Offenses
The issue quickly gained traction online. At 11:15 AM on May 14, one X user wrote:
“Habitual offender The Hindu has again published a map of India excluding Sikkim. This is not just an editorial oversight—it appears to be a deliberate act to question India’s unity and insult Sikkimese citizens, who proudly chose India 50 years ago.”
The post accused the publication of violating not only Article 371F, but also Articles 19(2) and 19(3) of the Constitution, which allow restrictions on free expression in the interest of national integrity.
“A generic apology is no longer enough. This map omission is not the first and likely won’t be the last unless serious accountability follows.”
Broader Media Criticism: The Times of India, Deccan Herald Also Under Fire
This incident has reignited criticism of other mainstream media outlets over perceived misrepresentation of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the use of terms like “Indian Controlled Kashmir”—phrasing that echoes Pakistan’s narrative.
The Times of India came under fire after its April 23 report on the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 tourists, described Jammu and Kashmir as “Indian Controlled Kashmir.”
BJP leader Amit Malviya wrote on April 25: “After The Hindu, now it’s The Times of India furthering Pakistan’s position… the same group that once pushed the ‘Aman ki Asha’ campaign.”
Users like @MehHarshil and @Pamphlet_in accused the paper of publishing incorrect maps and siding with anti-India narratives.
Deccan Herald was also criticized on May 6, 2025, after reportedly employing the same language. A user referred to the publication as an “ISIS mouthpiece,” amplifying the belief that certain media outlets are undermining India’s sovereignty through subtle editorial decisions.
The Hindu’s Track Record and the Kashmir Angle
The Hindu has been criticized before for calling Jammu and Kashmir “India-controlled (administered) Kashmir.” Critics say this is in line with Pakistan’s official position, which calls the territory “Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK).”
Here, the timing of such mistakes—usually during geopolitical hotspots such as terrorist attacks or important anniversaries—is considered by many to be highly suspicious.
Media Accountability in Question
Until now, The Hindu has not made any public announcement on the Sikkim map exclusion, although sources say that the issue is in editorial consideration. In the meantime, critics hold that customary apologies by large newspapers such as The Times of India have done nothing to build trust or dissuade future offenses.
Worriers say these repeated gaffes—wilful or otherwise—have grave implications, particularly when they lend credence to narratives which seek to undermine India’s sovereignty.
