Gorkhaland, a story of political bungling

By Keshav Pradhan

The images of violence from north Bengal show how New Delhi and Kolkata have mishandled the emotive issue of Gorkhaland for decades. Since 1907, Nepali-speaking people have been seeking separation of Darjeeling from Bengal for years. The problem has simmered since pre-independence days when in 1946 CPI’s Darjeeling unit asked for “Gorkhasthan” comprising Darjeeling, Sikkim (then an independent kingdom) and Nepal.

Always accused of neglecting the hill areas, Kolkata’s CPM and Congress leaders later in 1985 hoped to solve the problem by granting more autonomy to the areas dominated by Nepali-speakers. But that didn’t stop Subhash Ghisingh’s Gorkha National Liberation Front from launching a bloody campaign for Gorkhaland. But Ghisingh’s campaign was soon capped with the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1988.

For a while, the issue appeared settled. But soon the hills simmered again. Except now, the blame for neglect was divided between Kolkata, Ghisingh and New Delhi.

The genesis of the current unrest lies in the Centre’s attempt to turn Darjeeling into a tribal region by putting the DGHC in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. In November 2007, New Delhi initiated the move in Parliament as a follow-up to a tripartite agreement between it, Kolkata and Ghisingh.

This upset non-tribal Nepalis, who form about 70% of the hill population. They accused the three of trying to divide them on ethnic and caste lines. What hurt them even more was the fact that neither the Centre nor the state government took any Nepali leader other than Ghisingh into confidence. “Kolkata thought it could suppress us by using Ghisingh,” says Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League president Madan Tamang.

The hill people suspected foul play when the Centre last year recognised two Nepali ethnic groups —Tamangs (to which Ghisingh belongs) and Limboos — as scheduled tribes.

Overnight, Ghisingh became an outcaste in his own community and lost his clout over Darjeeling to his former protege and GJM chief, Bimal Gurung. The GJM came into existence about the time the Centre was preparing to introduce the Sixth Schedule Bill in Parliament. Most of its leaders had earlier helped Gurung garner votes for singer Prashant Tamang in reality TV show Indian Idol III. Owing to pressure from the GJM, the Centre in March decided to put the Sixth Schedule Bill on hold.

Centre against division of WB on Gorkhaland issue

New Delhi, June 13 (PTI) The Centre has ruled out any division of West Bengal on the Gorkhaland issue and is keen that the crisis in Darjeeling hills and neighbouring areas is resolved through peaceful means.
“We will try and solve the issue peacefully within the ambit of the Darjeeling Hill Council and see to it that there is no danger of the state’s division,” Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters here.

The Centre was looking forward to the all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya at Kolkata on June 17 in a bid to resolve the situation, Dasmunsi, who is also the state’s Congress chief, said yesterday. PTI

“Bimal Gurung’s Bluff has been called” – Anonymous Gorkha

Dear Ed,

Please do publish the following:

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is acting and reacting too fast! So much so that it could hurt its own popularity and stand amongst the people. The changes in decisions that has been taking places are so fast paced that it remains unclear today as to where Bimal Gurung and his Gandhigiri ultimately stands. Certainly, the term Gandhigiri should no longer be used vis-a-vis Bimal Gurung’s Political antecedents.  It will only bring bad name to the ‘Father of the Nation’. I further suggest that the term, “Gorkhey Gandhi” also be not associated with him as he is completely unworthy of it.

The indefinite strike which racked up Darjeeling Hills in the top charts of Global Media has been called off as soon as it had been declared. In fact, the indefinite strike as one can see today lasted effectively only one day. If this had been envisaged even a week ago would it had been necessary to pack of 80, 000 tourists from the Hills within a period of 12 hours? Will Darjeeling enjoy the same reputation and love amongst the tourists nationally and globally ever? Bimal Gurung spoke from Chowrasta calling for the ‘Ultimate Sacrifice’, then asked everyone to prepare themselves and fill their ladders for at least two months. People flocked to the market and brought everything paying 20 to 25 rupees for rotten onions. Prices of all goods sky rocketed and even then people brought everything they can and when every thing was done, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha called off the Strike. It is common knowledge that West Bengal CM has invited Bimal Gurung to Kolkata for talks. What will they talk about – since Buddhadev will not accept Gorkhaland and Bimal Gurung is not supposed to accept anything else. There is a certain farce that seems to be going on between the two and as a result the people have been forced to suffer. Bimal Gurung’s and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s short sighted politics has hurt Darjeeling Hills economy based on Tourism irreversibly. I only hope that the world will somehow find in their heart to forgive us and offer their goodwill.

All in all, Bimal Gurung’s lie has been caught, he no longer knows what he is doing. His bluff has been called. He is no longer a leader to be believed in, let alone to be offered one’s every thing including life. Will he bring Gorkhaland on the 10th of March 2010 as he as declared…he better because that day will otherwise be his last as the leader of the Gorkha people. 

Yours faithfully,

Anonymous Gorkha

[PLEASE NOTE THAT THE AUTHOR OF THIS LETTER IS SOLELY AND INDIVIDUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EVERY WORD SPOKEN. THE HIMALAYAN BEACON AND BARUN ROY IS NOT LIABLE COLLECTIVELY OR INDIVIDUALLY NOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WORDS OR EMOTIONS EXPRESSED IN THE LETTER. THE LETTER HAS BEEN PUBLISHED UNDER 'HAVE YOUR SAY' CATEGORY]

Chief Minister Buddhadeb invites Bimal Gurung for talks

Kolkata, June 13: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has invited Gorkha Janamukti Morcha Chief Bimal Gurung for talks on Darjeeling issue on June 18.

“Chief Minister has invited Bimal Gurung and his followers to meet him separately on June 18 at Writers Buildings to discuss the Darjeeling issue,” Chief Minister’s Secretariat sources said.

An all-party meeting would be held on June 17 on the issue, a day before this meeting.

Gurung had met the Chief Minister two months ago following renewed demand for a separate Gorkhaland State by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM).

Meanwhile, the situation in Siliguri, where 48-hour shutdown by protestors had paralyzed normal life, is fast returning to normal with the police, administration and business organisations taking steps to maintain law and order.

Sashastra Suraksha Bal (SSB) personnel have been taking out flag marches in the areas since morning.

Most of the stranded tourists have left for new Jalpaiguri railway station on way to Kolkata.

STRIKE CALLED OFF UNTIL 16TH JUNE – People resents GJM’s unstable politics!

DARJEELING: GORKHA JANMUKTI MORCHA HAS CALLED OFF INDEFINITE STRIKE UNTIL 16TH OF JUNE, SPEAKING TO THE PRESS, ROSHAN GIRI, THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF GORKHA JANMUKTI MORCHA SAID, THAT KEEPING IN MIND THE GOVERNOR’S APPEAL THE STRIKE WAS CALLED OFF. Asked as to why Gorkha Janmukti Morcha forced the tourists to leave Darjeeling Hills and created an artificial downward surge in the hill economy and the subsequent call for indefinite strike and then opening the same for ’stacking up the ladders’ when the Strike was ultimately to be called off, Roshan Giri said that the party had taken up the decision in order to allow developmental works in the Hills. When asked further, why Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had given up their agitational programme when the State Government had not accepted their demand for Gorkhaland,  had there been a change in the stance of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Roshan Giri refused to answer.

People severely resented Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s present day unstable attitude, Rabin Tamang, a teacher working at a local school said, “why do Janmukti have to throw out all the tourists suddenly, then call for a strike, then ask people to remain ready for the supreme sacrifice, creating an economical vacuum and when everyone were ready, the strike was called off…I am not in favour of strikes.. but if this is to repeat again, people might not believe in GJM’s agitational programme and ultimately call it a bluff.” Similar resentment were heard among numerous others. Radhika Sharma said, “I am very much relieved that the colleges will now open and we will be able to study… I am in my third year and am preparing for a career in Advertising in Banglalore. Everything is so unstable in Darjeeling Hills. It is almost impossible to know that will happen next.” Jiwan Gurung, an owner of a popular restaurant in Darjeeling said, “what is going on? First we pack off the tourists and ask them to leave. Then we call indefinite strikes. Bimal Gurung warns and asks us to prepare for two months indefinite strike. We prepare… people rush in to buy any thing they get and when everything is brought and every single penny spent, GJM withdraws the strike. The tourist season would have lasted until next month. GJM has severely blundered in its strategies and sadly, Darjeeling Hills will have to suffer from it for many years to come.”

Buddhadeb invites Gorkha leader for talks

KOLKATA: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Friday invited Gorkha Janamukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung for talks on Darjeeling issue on June 18, a day after all party talks are to be held on the issue.

“Chief Minister has invited Bimal Gurung and his followers to meet him separately on June 18 at Writers Buildings to discuss the Darjeeling issue,” Chief Minister’s Secretariat sources said. [Inset: Buddhadev Bhattacharjee]

Bhattacharjee would shortly send a letter to Gurung, the sources said.

Gurung’s last meeting with the chief minister was held two months ago following renewed demand for a separate Gorkhaland state by the GJM.

Last month, a GJM delegation had a meeting with state government officials.

Shops, markets in Siliguri down shutters apprehending trouble

Siliguri, June 13: Shops downed their shutters and vehicles went off the roads as presence of a large number of security force personnel in Siliguri triggered panic among the people as a result of which the town on Friday presented a bandh-like look. [Inset: Siliguri]

Except rickshaws, the most common transport in Siliguri, there were very few vehicles on the deserted roads.

The police, however, explained that there was a panic reaction to the presence of a large number of security men patrolling the streets.

Superintendent of police, Darjeeling, Rahul Srivastava said that the situation was normal with no one restricting the movement of vehicles in the town and trucks loaded with food stuff and other essential commodities moving towards the hills freely.

Srivastava said of the six companies of CRPF, some were deployed in the town and the rest were sent to Malbazar in Dooars region of Jalapaiguri district, which too had witnessed violence between rival groups on Thursday.

Normalcy returning in Siliguri

SILIGURI: Paramilitary force personnel on Friday conducted flag marches in violence-hit areas of Siliguri where the situation was fast returning to normal with the administration and business establishments taking initiatives to restore calm.

Shops, markets and business establishments opened following assurances by the police and administration though there was no formal announcement of withdrawal of the ongoing bandh by little-known outfits like Amra Bangal, Bangla Bhasa Prachar Samiti and Janajagaran Manch.

Vehicles were seen plying on roads. “There was no impact of the bandh in Siliguri and police was ready to frustrate any attempt of violence,” Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, Rahul Srivastava said.

Other than 200 Sashastra Seema Bal personnel conducting flag marches here since Thursday, 600 CRPF personnel requisitioned by the district administration for deployment in Darjeeling hills reached here this morning.

The CRPF was partly deployed in Siliguri and the rest was sent to Malbazar in Dooars region of Jalapaiguri district, which too had witnessed violence between pro and anti-bandh supporters on Thursday, he said.

Indian army asked to quash strike

KOLKATA: Officials in an East Indian state asked the military on Thursday to rush troops to help quell a strike by a Gurkha separatist group that has shut down businesses and transport and threatened the region’s vital tourism industry.

The Gurkha Janamukti Morcha wants a separate state for ethnic Gurkhas in the hill areas around Darjeeling in West Bengal state.

There were scattered reports of violence in the region on Thursday. Protesters burned buses, police cars and ambulances, and injured eight Indian tourists and eight police officers in separate incidents. Nearly a dozen other people have been injured since Wednesday, said senior police official K.L. Tamta.

West Bengal Home Secretary Ashok Mohan Chakraborty asked the military to rush troops to the area. He said military officialsassured him units were on standby and ready to assist. For the third day in a row, most shops and businesses were closed in Darjeeling and nearby towns, an area famous for its tea and cool climate.

Stranded tourists were beginning to leave the area, but local hotel owners and tour guides said the strike was a major blow to their business.

“As responsible tour operators we have asked the tourists not to come to Darjeeling,’’ said Samrat Sanyal of the Eastern Himalaya Tour and Travel Operators’ Association.

Gorkhaland issue: Centre rules out division of WB

New Delhi, June 13: The Centre has ruled out any division of West Bengal on the Gorkhaland issue and is keen that the crisis in Darjeeling hills and neighbouring areas is resolved through peaceful means.

“We will try and solve the issue peacefully within the ambit of the Darjeeling Hill Council and see to it that there is no danger of the state’s division,” Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters in New Delhi.

The Centre was looking forward to the all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya at Kolkata on June 17 in a bid to resolve the situation, Dasmunsi, who is also the state’s Congress chief, said. [Express India]

Army deployed in Darjeeling

Kolkata: The West Bengal government yesterday called the army to stage a flag march in Siliguri in Darjeeling district, rocked by violence between a group demanding a separate Gorkhaland in the region and some Bengali-speaking outfits opposed to it. Some tourists were injured in the violence. Six platoons of army have been called so far to curb violence in Siliguri.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee told reporters at State Secretariat Writers’ Building in Kolkata: “I had a talk with the army officials and asked them to stage a flag march in Siliguri and its adjacent areas. The army will be deployed there as early as possible.”

Considering the gravity of situation, the district administration banned congregation of five or more people at Bhaktinagar and Pradhannagar areas in Darjeeling district.

However, Home Secretary Ashok Mohon Chakraborty said the situation has been brought under control and the government has decided not to deploy the army in the violence-hit areas.

“The situation in Siliguri is better now. The review committee, comprising top officials from the army, Darjeeling district administration and the police, have decided to keep the army on stand-by,” Chakraborty told reporters here.

He said a large contingent of the police has been deployed in all trouble-prone zones in Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts.

“We have asked the army to be prepared. If there is any trouble we will call the army immediately to tackle the situation,” the home secretary added.

Gorkhaland’ strike hits tea, tourism in Darjeeling

Kolkata, June 13: Protesters clashed with police in rolling Darjeeling hills on Thursday as a strike over demands for a separate state hit the region’s tea and tourism industries, police and officials said.

Gorkhas, who are ethnic Nepalis, demand a separate “Gorkhaland” be carved out of West Bengal to protect their culture and heritage.

Supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Gorkha People’s Liberation Front) urged tourists to leave the hills, a popular destination as temperatures soar on the plains below, to avoid getting caught up in the protests.

They have eased a ban on tourist buses for two days.

In the foothills to the south near the town of Siliguri, supporters of the ruling communist government of West Bengal said tourists had been beaten up by Gorkhas.

More troops head for W Bengal town

Six-hundred more paramilitary forces are headed for Siliguri in West Bengal a day after violence rocked the northern town. On Thursday army troops conducted patrols on a request from the regional Communist government.

“I contacted the army, discussed the situation with the authorities and asked them to patrol streets as early as possible in Siliguri and the vicinity,” Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee told reporters in Kolkata.

The violence erupted over demands for a separate Gorkhaland state carved out of West Bengal.

Protestors in Siliguri opposed to the demand observed a general strike on Thursday and blockaded supply lines to the hill town of Darjeeling, which triggered the clashes. [News Today]

In Newspapers Today

Darjeeling Statehood Movement Taking Ethnic Turn?

By Santosh Kumar Agarwal

The North Bengal Bandh call given by, ‘Amra Bangali’, a communal outfit, against attack on Bengali tourists by Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters in doors on11^th June, started taking an ethnic turn in the morning of 12^th June’08, the third day of statehood movement, as Nepalese and anti-Gorkhaland Bengalis fought with stones across Mahananda river where a Nepali settlement at Bhanunagar was attacked by ‘Amra Bangali’ supporters. Police also had to burst 30 tear gas shells to drive away the mobs at Siliguri, Pradhannagar and Bhaktinagar Police station areas of the city. Prohibitory orders were clamped and at noon, Paramilitary forces staged flag marches in these areas. The Army has been asked to remain prepared for any eventuality.

Darjeeling on boil, Army called in

NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: With tension gripping Darjeeling and Siliguri following clashes between pro-Gorkhaland and anti-Gorkhaland supporters, the West Bengal government on Thursday called in the Army to patrol the streets.

At least 10 companies of Central forces have also been despatched to the disturbed locations, reeling under separate bandhs by the Gorkhaland Janamukti Morcha (GJM) and Bengali outfits over the last couple of days, to help the state police in restoring law and order.

“I contacted the Army, discussed the situation with the authorities and asked them to patrol streets as early as possible in Siliguri and the vicinity,” chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee told newspersons at Writers’ Buildings in Kolkata. Conceding that unrest was growing in Siliguri and its adjoining areas, he appealed to people there as well as all political parties to maintain peace and not resort to violence.

The state government also sought Central forces to deal with the situation. While BSF took out a flag-march in Siliguri on Thursday, SSB companies are already in the area waiting for deployment. CRPF companies will also join in shortly. At the same time, the state government has begun attempts at addressing the issue politically.

All all-party meeting has been convened on June 17 to discuss the crisis. The meeting, to be held at Writers’ Building in Kolkata, will hear out the views of political parties on the renewed struggle for ‘Gorkhaland’ and discuss possible ways to defuse the situation.

The Communist Hegemony – Eastern Europe Revisited

By Upendra Mani Pradhan

Mao Tse Tung once said, “…Communism is not love. Communism is a hammer which we use to crush the enemy”… seems like… the communists in West Bengal follow only this doctrine of communism. It happened in Eastern Europe; it happened in Nandigram; now it’s happening in North-Bengal. The communists in West Bengal have taken over from where their communist Russian masters had left during the cold war era. The patterns are the same and so is the lack of humanity and benevolence on part of the communists that marked the communist rule from 1950’s till the fall of communism in 1989.

Numerous nations, nationalities and people across Eastern Europe had been subjected to ruthless persecution and intimidation by the communist Russia, same tactics are being used by the CPI (M) led West Bengal government in the foothills of Darjeeling and areas in and around Doors (Duars). The communists in Russia did not allow freedom and independence to people who were non-Russians; they refused to acknowledge the rights and liberties of other nationalities. The communists in West Bengal have taken the same attitude towards people who have had the guts to defy them and stand against them.

People in Nandigram refused to bow down to the might of CPI (M), their defiance was crushed brutally and thousands of people were killed, raped and brutalized by the communist machinery. The state police part of the communist Gestapo watched with relish the murder of thousands of helpless farmers, very much like when every state organ was controlled by the communists in Russia.

Hundreds of thousands of people who are against communist rule in West Bengal, and want a separate identity of their own, a separate economic system, a freer and democratic form of governance are being targeted by the communists in the North-Bengal region. Yesterday the CPI (M) frontier organizations such as Bangla O Bangla Bhasha Bacchao Samity, Aamra Baangali, Janchetna Morch, Janjagaran Morcha fully supported by state machinery brutalized the town of Siliguri. They invaded neighborhoods where minority people live; they specifically targeted the Gorkhalis, who have always defied the communists and their party machinery. This is very similar to how the minorities in the then USSR were treated, with threat and violence.

Siliguri Yesterday in Pictures

All Photos by Himalaya Darpan

Siliguri in Pictures Yesterday

All Photos by Himalaya Darpan

Violence erupts amid Gorkha protest for separate state : India calls in army in Darjeeling

* Ethnic Bengalis chase away protesting Gorkhas

KOLKATA: Protesters clashed with police in India’s famed Darjeeling hills on Thursday as a strike over demands for a separate state triggered violence and forced the government to call for the army, police and witnesses said.

Gorkhas, who are ethnic Nepalese, have been demanding a separate state called “Gorkhaland” be carved out of the eastern state of West Bengal to protect their culture and heritage. Supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Gorkha People’s Liberation Front) asked tourists to leave Darjeeling town to avoid getting caught in the strike.

On Thursday, supporters of the ruling communist government said tourists had been beaten up by Gorkhas and called a parallel strike in Siliguri, a town on the foothills, officials said. They also beat up ethnic Nepalese, triggering clashes that police tried to contain with batons and tear gas. Dozens of people were injured.

Darjeeling under siege

By Pramod Giri

Siliguri was taken hostage on Thursday by a riotous Aamra Bangali mob, which launched systematic attacks on another group, throwing stones and burning property. The police lathicharged the rioters and fired teargas shells, but only after the situation threatened to get out of hand.

The attack gave a communal twist to the Hills-plain divide in North Bengal. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) had relaxed its indefinite bandh in the Hills to let people stock up essentials, but Aamra Bangali had declared one of its own. The outfit, never known for its presence in the area, displayed a surprisingly strong support base and no fear of the police.

Ethnic strife in Menu!

Police trying to calm Anti-Gorkhaland Activists in Dooars Terai

Photo by Himalaya Darpan

Exhibition to select Sikkim University logo, flag

GANGTOK, June 11: The exhibition and voting of entries of original logo, flag designs and motto of Sikkim University began here at the White Hall complex from today. Veteran businessman Motilal Lakhotia, inaugurated the exhibition. Also present on the occasion was the Vice-Chancellor of Sikkim University Dr. Mahendra P Lama, staff of SU, students, teachers and members from the civil society. More than 300 logos, flags and mottos, received from all over India are on display. Talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS, Dr. Lama said that the idea behind organizing the exhibition was to know as how much the people across the country had appreciated the idea of Sikkim University and also to connect Sikkim with the rest of the nation.

Stating that the response has been overwhelming, he informed that the best exhibits will be selected by the Executive Council, to be further placed for final selection. “The selected contestants will be asked by the members of the Executive Council about the hidden qualities, intrinsic values etc about their respective logos, mottos and flags,” Dr. Lama added. The best entry under different categories will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 25,000.

CS calls meeting to take stock of bandh situation – Govt to ration Petrol, Diesel and LPG

GANGTOK, June 11: The Chief Secretary ND Chingapa chaired an emergency meeting at Tashiling Secretariat yesterday evening to take stock of situation arising out the indefinite bandh called by the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) in the neighbouring Darjeeling District.

The meeting focused mainly on the situation rising out of the closure of National Highway 31A due to the indefinite bandh and its subsequent effect on Sikkim. The meeting was attended by the Heads of Departments of the concerned departments during which the Chief Secretary directed the Food and Civil Supplies Department, STCS and all District Collectors to take stock of and regulate supply of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG.

He further requested the concerned officials to explore the possibility of arranging escort for vehicles to transport stranded tourist and other essential commodities in co-ordination with their counterpart in Darjeeling, West Bengal. The Chief Secretary also directed the Home Department to coordinate with the Army for using Army reserve pf Petroleum products in case of emergency and trucks, tankers for transport of Petrol, Diesel, LPG, and other essential commodities. He appealed to all the departments to coordinate and ensure that there is no shortage of essential commodities in the State.

Bandh bane for Sikkim – Tourist exodus continue

GANGTOK, June 11: Sikkim was totally cut off from the rest of the country for two days following the indefinite bandh called by the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) in the neighbouring Darjeeling Hills. The second day of indefinite bandh was marked with more confusion amongst the stranded vacationers who waited haplessly at the Sikkim Nationalized Transport (SNT) and Deorali Motor Stand here for vehicles to safely ferry them to Siliguri.

According to sources, SNT buses were allowed to ply towards Siliguri only after a telephonic conversation between the leaders of GJMM and the officials from the State Government. However, there was some respite for the tourists as well as locals as the GJMM today relaxed the bandh for 72-hours till Saturday morning in order to facilitate them a safe passage back home. The bandh was lifted from 1pm today. It will continue till Saturday 6am. Talking with the media, LN Pradhan, General Manager, SNT said that ten buses were being used to ferry tourists to Siliguri this evening.