Harka Bahadur's "anti-National" Comment a Political Stunt

Writes: Vikram Rai

Harka Bahadur Chettri's contention Bimal Gurung's speech on the 27th is "anti-national" shows how baffled he is after the Maha Jansabha by GJM at Kalimpong.

What is the criteria for being branded as "anti-national"? Has this been defined or categorically stated in our Constitution?

Yes , we read and hear of various people/organisations/ institutions etc being declared as "anti-national". For instance, those who burn and disrespect the national flag; those who disrespect the national anthem and the national symbols; those who declare a war against the state; those who commit acts of terrorism etc. But does exercising your Fundamental Right to Freedom of Speech qualify a person to be branded as an "anti-national"?

I would like to bring to light the Information Document, published by the Government of West Bengal in 1986, where in it's introduction, it is stated that the Gorkha Land Movement "is anti-national and seccessionist". The same Document justifies the accusation by publishing the Memorandum sent by Subash Ghissing to the King of Nepal. copies of which were sent to the King of Bhutan, Queen of England, all Presidents and PMs of all countries and even to the UN. To substantiate it's claim, the Document also published the speech of Subash Ghissing at Kurseong on 2.6.1985. Our question to Harka Bahadur Chettri is that has  Bimal Gurung gone to that extent ? So on what basis can Harka Bahadur Chettri request the Central Govt. to take a serious note of this?

Harka Bahadur Chettri and Bimal Gurung

Bimal Gurung's speech of the 27th was a simple query on the Historical status of Kalimpong, which needs to be clarified so that it's District status, which was declared by the State Govt. and which initially demanded by the GJM and welcomed by the GJM, is not subjected to any controversy later. His mention of the word "international" is but logical, keeping in mind, the link with Bhutan, a Sovereign State.

So, Harka Bahadur Chettri's claim smacks of political immaturity. In the context of the present political senerio, it is nothing but a political stunt.

Via TheDC

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