Editorial : Democracy & Gorkhaland!

“We want Gorkhaland and nothing else” is what the people of Darjeeling hills are shouting and we too echoed it, agreeing with the demand. The movement sparked with the announcement of implementation of Bengali language as a compulsory one, and reignited the century-odd old dream for recognition of identity. And this time, it is a peoples’ movement. Peoples’ huge participation, vigilance over the leaders’ steps and outbursts of protests against any hint of opportunistic negotiations has led this movement to another level. 

We participated in the 'Pahal Walks' along with songs, poems, street plays, slogans and posters to support the liberation struggle of the Gorkha nationality and to condemn the state terror unleashed. Gorkhas are oppressed minority and are demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland within the Union of India. The government should listen. In India, the formation of States were initially done on the basis of languages, although certain policy changes were done later. But why can't there be another State Reorganisation commission formed and several other such demands reviewed? India acts like a jail to many oppressed ethnicities. Various nationality or linguistic struggles across the country proves it.

Darjeeling region was under the control of the kings of Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal in phases, sometimes a autonomous region, sometimes in Bihar and lately was incorporated in  Bengal. Who are the aboriginals of this place? Historians might have different opinions about it, but yet it is for certain that the Gorkha/Nepali people are dwelling in this region for centuries. This topic might be discussed further, but we must understand that, only history cannot determine the future of people living in some place. Today people have thrown away the kings and colonial rules in the bins of history and is struggling with the system of capitalism, while writing the history of common people. In this journey, the voices of the people rendering their bloods and sweats must be heard. If we can't understand this, then history would deny the struggle and establishment of life of black Americans or Bengali refugees too. Can history afford to deny that? Should it do so?

After many long struggle and sacrifices, the Nepali people in this region have established their language-literature-culture, which is much different from the rest of Bengal. During British period, on the one hand, freedom movement was ongoing and on the other, was the struggle of the toiling mass. On one hand, voices of dissent and on the other, the quest for identity. This is how the history of Darjeeling took its shape.      

When we feel proud calling our country a 'democracy' and while the majority people of this region are demanding separate state for their nationality, then 'democracy' should recognise it. The government of West Bengal, the present one or the previous, has always acted against the voices of the hill people. The Chief minister, who used to say that 'the hill is smiling', is now unleashing havoc state terror, her police is killing innocent lives, internet and local medias blacked out, foodgrains and medical supplies being interrupted, and sending armed forces in consultation with the centre. We know the role of this Central government and BJP is dangerous to the unity and progress of the people of the country and now it is becoming clear in the context of Darjeeling also.

In this movement communal violence must be avoided. Democratic rights of ethnic minorities must be protected. We must expose the role of State Government and the ruling party for trying to develop opposition in the Bengali community, towards this movement and creating division among the Gorkha community by forming various tribal boards, so as to destroy the inner force of the movement. We must steer this movement for enhancement of our identity, for democracy, for the betterment of the toiling class, for employment of youths, for education of students, for better health system for the common people and for overall development of society.

Not mere emotion, but far-vision should be the driving force of the movement. We shall advance our struggle to build a 'Democratic Gorkhaland' and a 'Democratic India' in its true sense.