Nepal needs to suggest India: Declare Gorkhaland soon or face another challenge!

Australiama.com Special

25th June, 2017

Gorkhaland movement reaches its height as tensions increase between the protestors and the Indian goverment, that still believes in supressing the voice by using bullet. Its been years since the movement first started demanding for a separate land, 'Gorkhaland'. The Indian government's decision to implement Bengali as a complusory subject trigerred fire among the Nepalese community. The move came to erase the identity of the Nepali speaking community who wants to be recognized as Nepalese Indians. 

Its high time the Indian government walks up the hill and addresses the issue by talks, not by bullets. Inclusive democracy is not complete without addressing these issues. The voice of more than 15 million people cannot be ignored. Nepalese always love peace and friendship. The Nepalese community in Darjeeling and Sikkim has always proven this. Even then when they were unheard of, and even when they were eaten up, when it comes to Sikkim. 

Turning back to history, if we actually go by each and every lines of the pacts & treaties, we still find that Darjeeling was and is an integral part of Nepal. However, Darjeeling is a part of today's India, at least in practice.  But even today Darjeeling seems calm and quite and agrees to, for what is being practised. Back in Nepal, people are okay and the Government of Nepal is more than okay on this matter.

The emotional attachment and support for Gorkhaland is always vibrant in Nepal. Whenever, there is a movement in Darjeeling, the support is unconditional. This is out of love and emotional attachment with the Nepalese in Darjeeling. The Government of India should fully understand the sentiment of this community that has been long seeking for its identity. When it comes to protecting the Nepalese communities, both at home and abroad, it is the duty of the Government of Nepal to take steps and engage in dialogue with the Indian government and Governments all around the world. At the least, this is expected from the ones who believe in their origin and ancestory of Nepal. The government of Nepal is the guardian of more than 70M people living around the world and should act like one! 

The people of Darjeeling call themselves Nepalese Indians. They are proud to be Indians, if the masses are to be believed. So, there is nothing to be worried about, Mr. Modi. Nepal's support is out of love & emotional attachment and because its to do with emotions, it is obvious and unconditional, not more than that. So, why is there a hue and cry on the goverment level, in India?

When Telanganga is possible, why not Gorkhaland? A simple question never answered! We do not want to believe that the Indian government is trying a different approach which will not address but supress the voice of the voiceless. Democracy is always about listening to people and addressing their issues. India needs to address this mass community of more than 70M Nepalese in the world and should declare Gorkhaland now and soon! This is the only way to grow strong and prosperous. India cannot be a global power without addressing the issues within its boundaries. You will get engaged in your own issues if this is the way to handle greivances. Its a time for India to show a bigger heart and try to listen to its fellow citizens. Make them feel that 'Delhi is not far from Darjeeling' ! Kakarbhitta is not far at all!

If 'Gorkhaland' is unheard of, the time is not so far, when the Nepalese community in Darjeeling might feel comfortable embracing Nepal and expect the guradianship of Nepal Government both emotionally and legally! Anyways, Nepal is and will always be a close neighbour of 'Gorkhaland'.

Lets unite to acheive the so far, 'unexpected'.

- Bikram Thapa (bikram.thapa46@gmail.com)

Tagged: Gorkhaland 7, Nepal 601, Kathmandu 85, India 154, Darjeeling 9