Showing posts with label Manipuri Gorkhas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manipuri Gorkhas. Show all posts

Rfn Bikas Gurung martyred in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Jammu & Kashmir

4:15 PM

Son of the soil Indian Gorkha Rfn Bikas Gurung Indian Army got martyred during ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera area of Jammu & Kashmir today.

Bikash was a Gorkha Jawan From Manipur.

"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars on routine Indian Army patrol, 700 metres inside Indian territory in Naushera sector along the Line of Control (LoC) Saturday morning," a senior army officer told PTI.

In the exchange of fire, Rifleman Bikas Gurung of 2/1 Gorka Rifles was grievously injured and succumbed to injuries. The 21-year-old soldier belonged to Khunka Khuki village of Manipur, and is survived by his mother.

May his soul rest in peace and may God give strength and courage to his family and friends.

RIP Brother

Jai Hind Jai Gorkha

Distinguishing "Gorkhalis" And "Nepali" Immigrants

3:08 PM

In terms of migrants and immigrants, it is well acknowledged that due to the open border policy shared between India and Nepal, people from both the nations have emigrated from one nation to the other.

While immigration has continued freely post Independence, what majority of the people in India fail to realize is that prior to the British invading various parts of India, Nepalis were already living in across the length and breadth of India. Places like Darjeeling, parts of Sikkim, Kangra, and Garhwal were actually parts of Nepal until 1816 when these tracts of lands were handed over to the British. The land which were usurped by the British also contained a healthy population of Indigenous Nepali speaking population – today these people who did not cross the border, but for whom the borders crossed them back in 1816, are recognized as GORKHAS in the Indian context.

The term "Gorkha" is used in India to identify the Indian citizens of Nepali ethnicity including the indigenous Lepchas and Bhutias (in the Darjeeling and Sikkim context), from the citizens of Nepal who are referred to as "Nepalese."

Treaty Blues

Due to Indo- Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 (INFT) – the term "illegal immigrants" does not apply to people from Nepal entering India or Indian citizens entering Nepal. Every Indian citizen who moves to Nepal or every Nepali who moves to India does so legally and is protected by the INFT of 1950.

Article 6 and 7 of the INFT – 1950 state the following

Article 6: Each Government undertakes, in token of the neighborly friendship between India and Nepal, to give to the nationals of the other, in its territory, national treatment with regard to participation in industrial and economic development of such territory and to the grant of concessions and contracts, relating to such development. Article 7: The Governments of India and Nepal agree to grant, on a reciprocal basis, to the nationals of one country in the territories of the other the same privileges in the matter of residence, ownership of property, participation in trade and commerce, movement and other privileges of a similar nature.

Sadly it is these two clauses which were written to safeguard citizens from India and Nepal in each other's country, which creates misunderstanding and problem for Indian Gorkhas.

Most of the people across India naturally assume that all "Nepalis" are from Nepal, and start calling us "foreigners," "immigrants," and "outsiders" in various parts of India, and particularly so whenever we have demanded our rights to a separate state – Gorkhaland here in Darjeeling.

Via Hamro Manipur

JAC-PLAL opposes native status to Gorkhas

9:18 AM
Aug 24, 2016 IMPHAL, Aug 23: Opposing the demand of the Gorkha people to the State Government to ‘grant them native resident status’, the Joint Action Committee for Protecting Liangmai Ancestral Land (JAC-PLAL)has urged the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the tribal affairs portfolio, not to pay any heed to the demand.In a lengthy memorandum submitted to the Deputy Chief Minister, the Liangmai JAC justified its stand pertaining to the Gorkha issue by highlighting certain background.

“The Gorkha might have come to Manipur sometime in the first decade of the last century but they came to the soil of Manipur as soldiers, cooks, milkmen, traders and agriculturists” it pointed out in its memorandum. According to JAC-PLAL,  then political agent in Manipur, Maj HD Maxwell had verbally ordered Gorkha to move towards Kanglatongbi, Kangpokpi, Irang Part I & II to rear cows and buffaloes on February 17, 1915.Another permission was also given to 42 Gorkha families at Matakong onAugust 23, 1957. The above two permissions speak of their (Gorkha) non-resident status, the Liangmai JAC confirmed.It said, “The Gorkha on the verbal permission of the then political agentcame and occupied Liangmai territory in 1915 without the consent of the original settlers and land owners.
 JAC-PLAL opposes native status to Gorkhas
Manipur
Even as they had come and occupied the land, the Gorkha agreed to pay annual tributes to the native land owners. Since then they had been paying the tributes to the land owners till today (Copies of the tribute receipts enclosed as Annexure 1). Besides this, occasionalagreement had been drawn between the Liangmai native villages and tenant (Gorkha) to the effect that the tenants would abide by the customary and traditional practices of the Naga villages.  (Copies of agreements enclosed as annexure 2).”According to JAC-PLAL, there is no Khasland in Liangmai territory.In this regard, the Liangmai JAC recalled a landmark ruling of the Guwahati High Court in Imphal permanent bench between the North East Council, Shillong, the State of Manipur and the Deputy Commisoner, Ukhrul versus the Hundung Victims of Development Project, in which the verdict was passed in favour of the petitioners whose land had been acquired by theNorth Eastern Council through the Government of Manipur.

The verdict is reproduced here below for necessary information— We are here concerned with Hill Areas of Ukhrul that there’s no Government Khaslandin Hill areas of Ukhrul…..”.JAC-PLAL said that every village in Liangmai area is well defined as a unit with clear demarcation of boundaries between the villages. While such was the clear position, the then authority had pushed the migrant Gorkha “to our country andhad caused the present crisis.“The then political agent of Manipur, C Gimson, ICS in his note to foreigners vide copy of Memo No.4770/MS dated 15/8/1943 had written an inspection note of Irang part I & II to the effect that no boundary fixation was required in thearea.

To substantiate the statement, an improvised copy of the said memo is enclosed herewith for necessary information as annexure 3,” it pointed out while adding, “Again another political agent in Manipur, GA Stewart, ICS had issued an order on the 2nd July 1938 to the effect that no grazer should move from onevillage to another without an expressed order from the political agent in Manipur. Improvised copy enclosed as annexure 4.“In the light of the above stated facts and points, it is crystal clear that the Gorkha are not native residents of the State and the land they occupy was given for their temporary stay under certain agreements and conditions.

It is unthinkable to grant them native resident status when theindigenous people of the State are crying for protection of indigenous rights,” the Liangmai JAC added.“It is therefore, requested to look into the matter judiciously and take necessary action not to grant native resident status to Gorkha (Gorkhas),” the JAC-PLAL urged the Deputy Chief Minister.

Via- Sangai news


Ex-MLA of Manipur Kishore Thapa passed away, AMGSU expressed condolence

9:19 AM
Aug 17, 2016 The All Manipur Gorkha Students’ Union (AMGSU) today expressed deep condolence over the demise of former MLA Kishore Thapa and shared the grief and pain of the bereaved family.

The union said that the deceased foremr MLA was a prominent leader of the Gorkha community in Manipur and his untimely demise is a great loss to the community.

The general secretary of the student body, LB Adhikari recalled that Kishore Thapa was consecutively elected thrice from Kangpokpi Assembly Constituency from 1976  to 1990 while adding that he was elected twice on the Congress ticket and one as an Independent.

While sharing the grief and pain of the bereaved family, the union also prayed for the Almighty God to give strength to the family members to bear the irreparable loss of the dynamic Gorkha leader.
Meanwhile, the All Manipur Gorkha Students’ Union, Irang Part-II Unit said that the 70th Independence Day was celebrated at Irang Part-II Govt High School, Panikhetti yesterday.
Ex-MLA of Manipur Kishore Thapa passed away.
Ex-MLA of Manipur Kishore Thapa passed away.
It also said that the celebration was graced by Chandra Bahadur Basnet, secretary, Irang Part-II Authority Board as chief guest while Tilachand Poudel, president, AMGSU and Hanspokhri, authority member attended as functional president and guest of honour respectively.

The tricolor was hoisted by the chief guest. Hundreds of students from various educational institutions of the surrounding areas attended.

Via thesangaiexpress 

UCM stands by Gorkha UG group assertion in Manipur

IMPHAL, Aug 1: United Committee Manipur (UCM) president Elangbam Johnson has categorically stated that the reports about presence of a Gorkha militant group at Kanglatongbi, Kalapahar, Saparmeina and other places predominantly inhabited by Gorkhas are genuine.

Quoting news reports published in a section of the media at Imphal, Johnson made this assertion while speaking to media persons at their Lamphelpat office today.

There were reports about Gorkha people carrying out wall-poster campaign for a militant group named United Gorkha People’s Front (UGPF).

Even today, walls painted with UGPF in red colour can be seen at public places.

There was no harm when the United Gorkha Committee Manipur (UGCM) contradicted presence of any Gorkha militant group but it was simply unacceptable if they claim themselves as indigenous or native people of Manipur, Johnson asserted.
Manipur Imphal Map
Manipur Imphal Map
Affirming that he spoke about the presence of UGPF during the Great June Uprising and Unity Day observation at Kekrupat on June 18 this year, Johnson said that he made the same statement in line with the UCM’s principle of not favouring any political manoeuvre driven by ethno-exclusive  political aspirations.

Already, many indigenous communities of the State have been undertaking political movements which are primarily driven by ethno-exclusive political aspirations. If non-indigenous people too join this bandwagon, the threat to Manipur’s integrity would only multiply.

The UCM has been/would be fighting against all attempts to jeopardise the integrity of Manipur, Johnson asserted.

He then appealed to all communities of the State not to launch political movements  driven by ethno-exclusive or parochial aspirations.

Affirming UGCM’s statement that Nepalese and Gorkhas came to Manipur around 1920, Johnson said that during those times the Foreign Department set up under the Maharaja-in-Council collected taxes from foreign immigrants as well as for the cattle they brought with them. Under the same system, taxes were also collected from Gorkhas.

When Manipur regained independence in 1947, the Manipur State Council granted citizenship to 1000 Gorkhas under the Manipur Nationalisation Act 1947.

Again, many Gorkhas were granted citizenship under the Foreigners Permission Act enacted in 1958 after Manipur was merged into the Indian Union. The same Act was amended in 1978 and all the Gorkhas who came to Manipur after 1978 were assumed as foreigners. By this time, a large number of Gorkhas had already settled in Manipur, Johnson said.

In similar fashion, large number of Marwaris, Telis and Bengalis settled in Manipur.

Yet, UCM is not opposed to any particularly community. They may claim as citizens of Manipur but it is unacceptable if they go to the extent of claiming themselves as indigenous or native people of Manipur, Johnson added.

Via thesangaiexpress

Manipur Gorkhas laud state and MLA Kipgen for nominating Milan Pradhan

Gorkha bodies laud state and MLA Kipgen

KANGPOKPI, July 22: The apex body of the Gorkhalis in the state United Gorkha Committee Manipur and Gorkha Union Sadar Hills today appreciated Okram Ibobi Singh led government for nominating Milan Pradhan as a member of ADC Sadar Hills.

Hari Prasad Nepal, chairman, UGCM said that Gorkha people in the state are deeply contented by the state government’s thoughtfulness and encompassing decision to uphold the principle of “just and fairness” in nominating Milan Pradhan as the government nominee in the administration of ADC Sadar Hills.

“Such noble decision without depriving or unduly favouring anyone on the part of the state government is indeed laudable”, commended the UGCM chairman while adding that the state government has rightly taken the decision to nominate Milan Pradhan.

The UGCM also in particular appreciated Kangpokpi AC MLA Nemcha Kipgen in proposing Milan Pradhan as government nominee to ADC Sadar Hills.
Manipur Gorkhas laud state and MLA Kipgen for nominating Milan Pradhan
Manipur Gorkhas a file photo
The Gorkha apex body leader said that the honest and impartial decision of MLA Nemcha Kipgen is truly praiseworthy which signifies her neutrality among various communities inhabiting the constituency and her fair governance attitude towards the people.

“The Gorkha community in Sadar Hills in particular is indeed fortunate and blessed to have such fair-minded MLA”, he added.

The Apex Gorkha body also wishes Milan Pradhan a healthy and successful career in his new endeavor while congratulating him on being nominated as member of Autonomous District Council, Sadar Hills.

Meanwhile, the government nominee Milan Pradhan also conveyed his sincere gratitude to the state government and MLA Nemcha Kipgen for their decision to nominate him as member of ADC Sadar Hills.

“I am extremely happy over the Government and local MLA decision”, said Milan Pradhan while lauding Manipur Government and MLA Nemcha Kipgen.

Via Imphal Free Press



United Gorkha Committee of Manipur delegation met Chief Minister O.Ibobi

Manipur  7th july 2016 United Gorkha Committee of Manipur (UGCM) delegates meet CM Okram Ibobi Singh and had positive response from Hon'ble CM. Various greviences were tabled. Beside ILPS, the delegates also shared Gorkha community's issues. 14 members delegates of United Gorkha Committee, Manipur (UGCM) accompanied with Sekmai AC MLA Shri Kh. Devendro Singh meet Hon'ble Chief Minister, Shri O.Ibobi Singh and discussed various greviences that have been facing by our community.

After a hour long discussion a copy of Memorandum had been submitted to CMO-Manipur.

Demands chartered are as as follows-

  • 1. The Government of Manipur must invite Gorkha community for consultation during redrafting the ILPS bills. 
  • 2. 200-300yrs old History of Gorkhas settlement in Manipur should be preserved and no "Migrants" allegation should be made on Gorkhas of Manipur.
  • 3. To reintroduce 4 Gorkha Gram Panchayats which has been abolished few years back. 
  • 4. To protect and insure the safety of Gorkhas in Manipur as well to facilitate remote areas with proper connectivity, healthcare, quality education, etc
  • 5. Service quota in various department of State Govt. to be reserved for the aspiring Gorkha youths.
United Gorkha Committee of Manipur delegation met Chief Minister O.Ibobi
United Gorkha Committee of Manipur delegation met Chief Minister O.Ibobi
    Besides several other points General Secretary of AMGSU also added few core agendas of the Union.
  • 1. To check the Discrimination faced by Gorkhas while seeking Residential Certificate, Domicile Certificate, Gorkha Certificate and other required documents in District Administration Offices, and offices of SDC, SDO in Gorkha dominated areas.
  • 2. Proposed for building a statue to honour first Gorkha freedom fighter Saheed Niranjaan Singh Chettry. Taking a serious note, Hon.CM ask to find a proper place where that can be install.
  • 3. Proposed to construct a Gorkha Hostel in state capital.
  • 4. Non availability of facilities like proper educational institutions, health care, and electricity in Irang areas was the another point.


He assured electrifying Irang areas will complete by October this year.
Meeting with CM as been completed with thanks giving for keeping his words for providing the monetary assistance to the injured victims, and job to the father of Tilak Poudel who was killed in Police action during the protest against the rape of a minor girl on 18th April 2014.

Report via Lok Adhikari, General Secretary, All Manipur Gorkha Students' Union.

United Gorkha Committee Manipur formed to meet new drafting committee on ILP Bills

KANGPOKPI, Jun 27: The Gorkhas of Manipur today formed a new organization to be the apex body of the Gorkha community in the State to address the grievances and issues related to the Gorkhas and represent the Gorkha community in sharing views and opinions with the new drafting committee on Inner Line Permit System [ILPS].

The newly formed Gorkha organization christened United Gorkha Committee, Manipur was formed during a meeting today at Rose English High School, Kanglatongbi.

Various Gorkha civil bodies including Gorkha women leaders, social workers, politicians, bureaucrats, intellectuals, well-wishers, etc attended the meeting.

The joint meeting of the Gorkhas unanimously resolved to form a coordinating committee to address the grievances and issues of Gorkha community in the State and to follow up the current burning issue of the State.
Rally for Inner Line Permit (ILP) by women activists of IMA Market at BT
Rally for Inner Line Permit (ILP) by women activists of IMA Market at BT
While it resolved to name the committee as “United Gorkha Committee Manipur” which was reportedly constituted by various Gorkha civil bodies leaders, it also nominated some prominent Gorkha leaders and subsequently elected the office bearers of the newly formed committee.
Hari Prasad Nepal, Bhumi Prasad Vikas and Shiva Kumar Basnet were elected as president, vice president and general secretary respectively while LB Adhikari, Karan Rai, Dillip Bhurtel and Rajen Rai were elected as the joint secretaries.

Another seven persons were nominated as members in the meeting and it was also resolved to nominate members and advisory boards from other places of Gorkha inhabited areas.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Hari Prasad Nepal said that the Gorkhas in Manipur have various civil bodies but there is no organization to represent the entire Gorkha community as a whole on any issue so far in the State.

Therefore, UGCM is formed as the apex body of the Gorkhas of Manipur to tackle any issue of the Gorkha community, he added.

Nepal further said that UGCM will also represent the Gorkha community of Manipur in sharing views and opinions with the new drafting committee on ILPS and other current issues of the State while adding that it [UGCM] will address the grievances of the Gorkhas and work for the welfare of the community in the State.

Via thesangaiexpress


 
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