DARJEELING: The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) and its frontal organizations revived its original demand for Gurkhaland, a separate state for the Gorkhas, at an emergency meeting here.

The crucial meeting presided by the GNLF leader, Subash Ghising, unanimously adopted a nine-point resolution demanding a separate state for the Gorkhas within the Indian Union comprising the ceded land of Darjeeling, lease hold land of Kalimpong, western Dooars and Assam Dooars.

Addressing the rank and file of the party at Gorkha Kangamandu, Ghising said that the Gorkhas had been denied justice everywhere even in New Delhi.

After 12 years I am giving a fresh call for Gorkhalandas there is no leader to listen to us, he added.

Meanwhile, with the passage of the language Bill, including Nepali in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the hills of Darjeeling witnessed violent scenes once again. The Gorkha National Liberation Front, which had unsuccessfully tried to back the cause of Gorkhali or Gorkhabhasha, saying Nepali was a foreign language attacked the homes of pro-Nepali leaders.

Two grenades were lobbed at Madan Tamangs house, which failed to explode. The houses of two other Nepali supporters were heavily brick batted. No one was injured,

Darjeeling town was quiet now but tense. Shops and establishments were open, but there was a general sense of foreboding.

The meeting, which out rightly” condemned the inclusion of Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule, decided that under no circumstances would the GNLF accept the official recognition of Nepali.

The GNLF would also launch a movement to expel the names of the Nepali people from the electoral roll and impress upon the Center to “seize the political rights and activities of the Nepali nationals within Indian territory.”

Describing the official recognition of Nepali as a “violation of Gorkha citizenship accord” signed by the Center and the GNLF on August 23,1988, the meeting resolved to observe black flag days, give bandh calls and launch other forms of agitation. 4

The meeting also decided that the GNLF would “fight tooth and nail” for an immediate amendment in the nomenclature of Nepali language by naming it as “Gorkha bhasha

When and how the agitation will be launched has not been decided. Ghising continues to enjoy considerable support, despite the nervous jubilation of the pro-Nepali language parties and groups, who celebrated their victory at Darjeeling’s Chowk Bazar.

If the tentative celebrations are any indication, the opportunities comprising the dissident GNLF, Bhasha Parishad, CPM, Congress and smaller groups is still not strong enough to take on the GNLEF. The recent meeting was briefly disrupted by GNLF musclemen who shouted anti Nepali slogans at the venue. i the celebration.

The meeting was also  by the two GNLF, MLAs, N.B. Chhetri from Darjeeling and N.K. Kumai from Kurseong.

Article extracted from this publication >> September 4, 1992