- July 31, 2017
Unity March :: A Separate Gorkhaland State Out of West Bengal
NAGALAND POST :—————- Gorkha community of Nagaland under the aegis of Nagaland Gorkha Association (NGA) joined the “Global Gorkhaland Unity March” which was carried out in over 150 cities and towns across the globe on Sunday in a first of its kind event.
In Nagaland, over 10,000 Gorkhas from Kohima, Tseminyu, Zubza, Lalmati, Medziphema and other surrounding villages took part in silent procession organized by NGA in collaboration with Gorkha Public Panchayat Kohima and sister Gorkha NGOs.
The rally started from Gorkha Public Panchayat complex, Chandmari Kohima and concluded at Raj Bhavan, where a memorandum was submitted to the Prime Minister through Nagaland Governor, in support of creation for a separate Gorkhaland state to be carved out of West Bengal.
NGA general secretary P.K. Thapa said that the unity march was to show to the Government of India and West Bengal that the people of Darjeeling were not isolated but the Gorkhas living across the globe are with them.
Thapa lamented that Gorkhas despite being Indian citizens for centuries, have been faced with identity crisis.
This has hurt the sentiments of the Indian Gorkhas and for which the Gorkhas demand that they be treated on the basis of equality and trust just like any other citizens of this country.
In the memorandum signed by NGA president Nobin Pradhan and general secretary Prem Kumar Thapa, stated that Indian Gorkhas had been permanently settled in various parts of India, which accounts for about 1.5 crores in population. Darjeeling district and adjoining Dooars under Jalpaiguri district West Bengal, is the home of about 35 lakhs Gorkhas with an approximate area of 6,450 sq. km.
These areas have been ruled, administered and exploited by numerous rulers, administrators, agency as well as dictators.
However, till today no authority appeared to have given due attention on the logistic development of region vis-à-vis ethnic people on the principle of democratic welfare state.
Highlighting the history of Gorkhas, NGA recalled that in 1907, the Hillmen’s Association of Darjeeling had demanded a separate state for the Gorkhas to the British India Authority to preserve its distinct identity.
However, the demand was suppressed and even after Indian States Reorganization Act 1956, the land of Gorkhas under Darjeeling district and Dooars along with its inhabitants was merged with the state of West Bengal without the consent and will of the local diligence.
In his message, read out by Buddha Lama, NPMHR secretary general, Neingulo Krome acknowledged that the “Global Gorkhaland Unity March” was a significant initiative as it had brought every Gorkha together cutting across all barriers regardless of geographical boundaries for the first time in the 110 years of struggle and perseverance.
Nagaland Tribes Council member, Joshua Newmai in his address called upon Government of India to take up the genuine movement for Gorkhaland on priority, saying prolonging the issue would only result in further crisis and problems.
Angami Students’ Union president Visako Rino, who also addressed the rally, extended full support to NGA’s demand. T. Khel council Kohima village representative also addressed the gathering.
Earlier, the programme was led by Jenny Lamechane Chhetri and Probhu Gurung. A two-minute silent prayer was also observed as a mark of respect to the martyrs while vote of thanks was proposed by organizing secretary GGUMK & president Gorkha Public Panchayat Kohima.
