Gorkhaland- A Demand for Identity
The Gorkhaland movement is a political movement in India that seeks to create a separate state for the Gorkhas, an ethnic group native to the Himalayas. The movement has been ongoing for decades, and has been marked by violence and protests.
The Gorkhas are a diverse group, with a variety of languages and cultures. They are mostly Hindu, but there are also significant Muslim and Christian minorities. The Gorkhas are concentrated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, as well as in the neighboring states of Sikkim and Assam.
The Gorkhas have long felt marginalized by the Indian government. They have complained of discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare. They have also accused the government of failing to protect their culture and language.
The Gorkhaland movement began in the early 1900s. In 1907, the Gorkha National Council (GNC) was formed to demand a separate state for the Gorkhas. The GNC was led by Subash Ghisingh, who would become a leading figure in the Gorkhaland movement.
In 1986, the Gorkhaland National Liberation Front (GNLF) was formed. The GNLF was led by Bimal Gurung, who would become another leading figure in the Gorkhaland movement.
The GNLF launched a violent agitation in 1986. The agitation lasted for over a year, and resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people. In 1988, the Indian government signed an agreement with the GNLF, granting the Gorkhas a limited degree of autonomy.
The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed in 1988. The GTA is a semi-autonomous body that governs the Darjeeling district. The GTA has its own elected council, and is responsible for a range of issues, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
However, the Gorkhas have not been satisfied with the GTA. They have continued to demand a separate state. In 2017, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) launched a fresh agitation for Gorkhaland. The agitation lasted for over a year, and resulted in the deaths of over 50 people.
The Gorkhaland movement is a complex issue with a long history. The Gorkhas have legitimate grievances, but the movement has also been marked by violence and extremism. It is unclear whether the Gorkhas will ever achieve their goal of a separate state.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Gorkhaland movement?
The Gorkhaland movement is a political movement in India that seeks to create a separate state for the Gorkhas, an ethnic group native to the Himalayas.
- When did the Gorkhaland movement begin?
The Gorkhaland movement began in the early 1900s.
- Who are the Gorkhas?
The Gorkhas are a diverse group, with a variety of languages and cultures. They are mostly Hindu, but there are also significant Muslim and Christian minorities. The Gorkhas are concentrated in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, as well as in the neighboring states of Sikkim and Assam.
- What are the Gorkhas’ grievances?
The Gorkhas have long felt marginalized by the Indian government. They have complained of discrimination in education, employment, and healthcare. They have also accused the government of failing to protect their culture and language.
- What has been the government’s response to the Gorkhaland movement?
The government has responded to the Gorkhaland movement with a mixture of repression and concessions. In 1988, the government signed an agreement with the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), granting the Gorkhas a limited degree of autonomy. However, the Gorkhas have not been satisfied with this arrangement, and have continued to demand a separate state.
- What is the future of the Gorkhaland movement?
It is unclear whether the Gorkhas will ever achieve their goal of a separate state. The movement is complex and has a long history. The Gorkhas have legitimate grievances, but the movement has also been marked by violence and extremism.