The funeral of GJM supporter Mangal Singh Rajput, who immolated himself in Kalimpong last week in demand of Gorkhaland, was conducted today amid a gathering of thousands of people. He was buried as per the Christian tradition in Kalimpong.
The GJM organised a programme at Damber Chowk to commemorate Rajput’s sacrifice whose body was laid for a while to enable people to pay their last respects. GJM chief Bimal Gurung and other party leaders were also present to bid Rajput farewell. The SUMI school and ex-servicemen bands played a soulful dirge while the gathering present offered prayers for the departed soul.
Speaking to the gathering, Gurung said Rajput’s sacrifice would not go in vain as the Morcha would now not settle for anything less than statehood. He appealed to cadres to be ready to sacrifice their lives for the cause. “The sacrifice of Mangal Singh will always be remembered by posterity,” said the GJM chief, adding Rajput’s family would receive all possible assistance from the party.
Gurung added Rajput’s death should make the government realise every community residing in the Hills wants Gorkhaland. “Every community in the hills demands Gorkhaland. Mangal Singh’s act bears witness to this fact,” he asserted.
The GJM president added the Gorkhas have been sacrificing their lives for the country and the time has come for the government to acknowledge their demand. He went on to say he would lead the agitation in accordance to Gandhian principles. “We will not take up arms. The public is my weapon. The public should come out and take the agitation forward,” he said.
Gurung appealed to the government to refrain from suppressing the agitation by using force. “The government should refrain from creating a situation where we will have to recall all Gorkha soldiers from the borders,” warned the Morcha chief.
The GJM organised a programme at Damber Chowk to commemorate Rajput’s sacrifice whose body was laid for a while to enable people to pay their last respects. GJM chief Bimal Gurung and other party leaders were also present to bid Rajput farewell. The SUMI school and ex-servicemen bands played a soulful dirge while the gathering present offered prayers for the departed soul.
Speaking to the gathering, Gurung said Rajput’s sacrifice would not go in vain as the Morcha would now not settle for anything less than statehood. He appealed to cadres to be ready to sacrifice their lives for the cause. “The sacrifice of Mangal Singh will always be remembered by posterity,” said the GJM chief, adding Rajput’s family would receive all possible assistance from the party.
Gurung added Rajput’s death should make the government realise every community residing in the Hills wants Gorkhaland. “Every community in the hills demands Gorkhaland. Mangal Singh’s act bears witness to this fact,” he asserted.
The GJM president added the Gorkhas have been sacrificing their lives for the country and the time has come for the government to acknowledge their demand. He went on to say he would lead the agitation in accordance to Gandhian principles. “We will not take up arms. The public is my weapon. The public should come out and take the agitation forward,” he said.
Gurung appealed to the government to refrain from suppressing the agitation by using force. “The government should refrain from creating a situation where we will have to recall all Gorkha soldiers from the borders,” warned the Morcha chief.
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