The demand for Gorkhaland reverberated in Nagaland as Gorkha domiciles of the state organised the ‘Global Gorkhaland Unity March’ on Sunday at Kohima in solidarity with other Gorkhas across the world.
Organised by the Nagaland Gorkha Association (NGA), the rally witnessed some 10,000 Gorkhas marching to the Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Nagaland Governor.
NGA general secretary at the rally said that the Gorkhas of Nagaland are standing in solidarity with their Gorkha brothers and sisters in Darjeeling as the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state is a question of the “Gorkha Indian political identity.”
Stating that the Gorkhas have been discriminated against the West Bengal government, Thapa added that the attitude of the West Bengal government has hurt pride and dignity of the Gorkhas.
“We therefore join the Global Gorkhaland Unit March to show the Government of India as well as Government of West Bengal that the people of Darjeeling are not isolated, the Gorkhas of whole world are with them. We march for the dreams and aspirations of our children, we march for our identity, language, culture and our birthright in India,” Thapa said.
The NGA in its memorandum said that it is “the desire and aspiration of the entire Gorkha community of India to establish their Indian identity so that every Gorkha can proudly defend their country.”
Naga bodies extend solidarity to Gorkhaland demand
The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Angami Students Union and the T Khel Council of Kohima village extended solidarity to the Gorkhaland movement.
NPMHR secretary general Neingulo Krome while terming the ‘Global Gorkhaland Unity March’ as a significant initiative said that it has brought every Gorkha together irrespective of geographical boundaries.
He further urged the Gorkhas to continue the fight but not through violence rather democratically.
The NTC held that the Gorkhaland issue is India’s priority and should not be delayed as ignoring it would be an exhibition of “deliberate insensitivity.”
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