MARATHON MARCH from JONAI to GUWAHATI for OI and INDIGENOUS status of Gorkhas in NRC

10:44 PM

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Gorkhas of Assam

Gorkhafa  Harka Bahadur Chetry Marathon March for OI and Indigenous status for Gorkhas of Assam in NRC

Jonai 20th July 2016 ; Harka Bahadur Chetry, Chairman of Gorkha Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC) representing approximate 30Lakhs Gorkhalis of the state has undetaken a non-violent democratic peaceful long march which is now called  ‘MARATHON MARCH’  from Mukong Selek, Jonai in Dhemaji district to Dispur, Guwahati approximately 560Kms from 19th July 2016 onwards  in protest against discrimination in proving OI (Original Inhabitant ) status to the Gorkhas of Assam in the National Register of Citizens (NRC)  upgradation process. The route districts wise would be Dhemaji, North Lakhimpur, Biswanath Chariali, Sonitpur, Nagoan, Morigoan, Kamrup Rural, Kamrup Metro and Guwahati. Chetry is expected to cover 30-50 kms every day and reach Guwahati after 1st March 2016 while the Assam Assembly is in progress.

While starting off the rally from Murkong Selek yesterday Gorkhafa of Assam Harka Bahadur Chetry said, ‘Gorkhas of Assam have settled since time immemorial and have extensively contributed to national building process and the freedom struggle movement so denying Original Inhabitant and Indigenous status to Gorkhas in Assam in up-gradation process of NRC is sheer discrimination and attempt to deprive fundamental rights of genuine Indian citizens. The Marathon March which will be peaceful non-violent democratic rally without slogans and blockades from 6am to 6pm every day till reaching Dispur is our way of registering our protest against this conspiracy and saving the fundamentals rights of Gorkhas’.

Harka Bahadur Chetry, Chairman of Gorkha Autonomous Council Demand Committee (GACDC) representing approximate 30Lakhs Gorkhalis of the state has undertaken a non-violent democratic peaceful long march named ‘MARATHON MARCH’ from Mukong Selek, Jonai in Dhemaji district to Dispur, Guwahati from 19th July 2016 onwards in protest against discrimination in proving OI (Original Inhabitant ) status to the Gorkhas of Assam in the NRC Upgradation process. The rally has reached Telem in Jonai subdivision of Dhemaji today.

‘I welcome Civil Society Organizations, Non Government Organizations (NGOs), Mahila Samities, Associations, Unions , Federations,  Students Union, Youth Organizations and  Clubs, Foundations, Trusts, village development committees, Gaon Burahs, people holding public office, youth committees, organizations or any group also individuals  in any domain willing to extend their support and can contact Chief Secretary GACDC Sanjib Chetry and Vice Presidents Keshab Pandey and Raju Chetry who are marching along with me. I thank one and all  who participated today and covered a distance of 32 kilometers from 11.40am to 6.40pm today and expecting more participation from all walks of life’, said Harka bahadur Chetri while interacting with media at 7.30pm at Talem under Jonai subdivision.

Hundreds of Gorkhas waited in the roadside to have a glimpse of Gorkhafa and extend their support. Localities residing near the national highway arranged refreshments and lunch for their respected leader. Women, school children, students joined the marathon march as token support. GACDC office bearers said that  the numbers will rise and support will swell as the program progresses and it is very important that we extend support in all forms to our leader. GACDC has sought support and blessings for Gorkhafa from all quarters of people for peaceful and successful Marathon March.


Nanda Kirati Dewan

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AAGSU on NRC issue for Gorkha in Assam

11:01 PM

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GYASA

A DISCUSSION ON NRC WITH PREM TAMANG - PRESIDENT - AAGSU

As the issue of NRC in Assam has finally begun to subside with the assurance from the CM, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal that Gorkhas will be considered as genuine citizens of the state, we (GYASA) called up to speak with Shri Prem Tamang, President All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU) on the updates.

Welcoming the move by the government to identify illegal migrants, Prem Tamang said "AAGSU welcomes the move and appreciate the government's decision to acknowledge the history and contribution of the Gorkhas in Assam."

"As a responsible organization, AAGSU will continue to cooperate and speak not just for the Gorkhas , but also for other communities and will do everything to protect the state from illegal influx. We support the proposition that all Illegal Bangladeshis must be chased out from Assam."
"Some so-called intellectuals thinks Gorkhas as Nepali of Nepal. But no, we came with the land 300-400 years ago and have our history in this land. Our language is Nepali language and hence the confusion and people make issue out of it. Many think that many migrate to India from Nepal. But the fact is many go back rather than new coming in. And AAGSU welcomes the NRC move."

AAGSU on NRC issue for Gorkha in Assam

"We welcome the 1971 NRC cut off date and it will include 75-80% of our population. There might be chances 25% of Gorkhas may be left out as they do not have documents, but we are saying they are indigenous. There is always a possibility of bringing a special NRC team to count their status and get it re-verified."

Acknowledging that the issue is highly political, Tamang said "some people are playing politics out of this things. But this time, it will be guaranteed that we are not foreigners. Once we have the NRC, the foreigners tag will be forever removed and we will be a permanent resident of this proud land. NRC will give us our birthright of a motherland and AAGSU supports it wholeheartedly."

There are some few few places where there are lots of program coming. We are indigenous gorkhas living since time immemorial. We are in Assam and first of all my priority is Assam, my homeland. There are many bangladeshi in Assam. And we as Gorkhas as people of the land must also ensure that NRC is our responsibility to remove illegal immigrants. We are all together in this NRC movement."

Since there are many young, old ones in social media and lot of confusion and fear factors are coming in the minds of people and so many confusion. Yet he said they are doing all the best to ensure that NRC is implemented and we as Gorkhas as son of the soil of Assam will and must be covered.
We can't oppose the system, we must work along with the system, try to reason out our stand and why. He said he became President of AAGSU in a very difficult time. Concluding our short conversation, Prem Tamang said "We drank water of Assam since birth and childhood and Assam is our land and we love our land and are equally concern of the state. Mati, Mato and Jati comes in sequential order.

Wishing GYASA the best of luck and he appealed everyone to understand the issue and not to be led by false propaganda. He says, "let us continue using social media platform to highlight Gorkhas positivity."

Also on the 19th & 20th July Gorkha Autonomous Demand Committee (GADC), a wing of AAGSU, will be taking out a a "Paidel Yatra " from Dhemagi till Dispur last gate".

Via (GYASA) 

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Gorkhas to be included as Original inhabitant in Assam NRC - CM Sarbananda Sonowal

11:29 PM

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Gorkhas of Assam

GORKHAS‬ WILL BE INCLUDED IN NRC AS GENUINE INDIAN CITIZEN : ASSAM CM Sarbananda Sonowal

16th July 2016 Gorkha Joint Action Committee on NRC - Gorkha civil society organisation coordination committee member and Chairman of Gorkha Autonomous Council Demand Committe (socio-political wing of decade old basic demand of Gorkhas of Assam raised by AAGSU ) formerly 3 times AAGSU president Shri. Harkha Bahadur Chetri spoke to media persons regarding meeting held with Honble Chief Minister Shri. Sarbananda Sonowal regarding NRC upgradation and giving Original inhabitant (OI)status to the Gorkhas community in line to other communities of Assam.

H B Chetri said to CM "Any Nepalese or Nepali nationals found to be applying NRC with forged documents and linkages if proven may be booked and treated as legal foreigner in the state of Assam but if any genuine Gorkha is harassed by any officer across the state or left out in the process of NRC upgradation or recorded as NOI after CM's instructions and advice to GJAC, it will not be tolerated and violent democratic protest will begin till indefinite period across the state.'

Gorkha Joint Action Committee on NRC meeting with Honble Chief Minister Shri. Sarbananda Sonowal 

He also requested CM to undertake anthropological study of Gorkhas as Gorkhas are known to settle in Assam since 1800 AD with records and mythologically since time immemorial with respect to Gorkhss with lesser document / improper or incomplete document and make special provisions to include them in NRC.

He made an appeal to CM that No Genuine Gorkhas of the state should be left out in NRC upgradation.

Honble CM gave patient hearing to the delegation and affirmed that Gorkhas are integral part of Greater Assamese society since time immemorial. We will ensure Gorkhas are not marginalized anywhere and at any level in NRC upgradation process.

Replying to a query raised by Retired IAS officer D B Chetri chairman of GJAC regarding Nepali in Assam and India process of NRC, CM categorically told Nepali nationals are legal foreigner in India as per Indo Nepal Friendship Treaty of 1950 and will enjoy all rights as per the clauses of treaty. Bangladeshi or any other national other than Nepali are illegal foreigner in India.

Any foreign nationals will not be included in NRC and we are keeping a strong check in verification of individuals to ensure our state and NRC is absolutely free from foreigners at any cost that is why lots of time is invested in verification process and making draft NRC.

असम मा नेपालीवाद गर्दै छ -GJAC
गोर्खा दर्पण, असम : असम मा नेपालीवाद गर्दै असमेली गोर्खा हरुको आवेग संग खेल्दै छ — GJAC भन्ने प्रंसग अवतारित भयेको छ अहिले गोर्खावादी संघ संगठन को माज मा, हामीले थाहा पाये अनुसार GJAC ले NRC संदर्भ मा तैयार गरेको नेपाली/गोर्खा उल्लेखित स्मारक पत्रको कारण ले गोर्खा नाम धारी संघ संगठन हरु असंतुष्ट छन,वाहा हरुको भनाई छ गोर्खा र नेपाली एउटै वस्तु हैन र हामीहरुले जब भारतीय परिप्रेक्ष्य मा गोर्खा भनि मान्यता पायेका छुम, हामिले नेपाली शब्द प्रयोग गर्नु हुदैन,
यही विषय लियेर नेपाल मन्दिर गुवाहाटी मा नेपाली /गोर्खा माथी आह्वान गरियेको संयुक्त सभा ले पनि नेपाली शब्द हाटाउनु पर्छ भन्ने प्रस्ताव पारित गरेपछि पनि GJAC ले आफ्नो स्मारक मा नेपाली/गोर्खा शब्द लाई नै वाहाल राखछ ।
आग्सु ,गोजम ले विरोध गरेपछि र संयुक्त सभाले पनि नेपाली शब्द माथी असहमति प्रकट गर्दा पनि GJAC ले नेपाली शब्द लाई प्रधान्य दियेको कार्य निन्दनीय छ र याही कार्यकलाप मार्फत थाहा लागछ कि हाम्रो बुद्धिजीवी हरुको बुद्धि अजै पलायेकै छैन ।

GJAC को यो कार्यपन्था देख्दा दुई एक प्रश्न पनि हाम्रो मन मा जाग्नु र आफै उत्तर खोजने प्रयास गर्नु जरूरी छ कि-
के गोर्खा र नेपाली एउटै वस्तु हो?
के कुनै राष्ट्रीयता कहिले जातीयता हुन सकछर ?

Ctsy: Gorkha Darpan
Source:- Nanda Kirati Dewan

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Gorkha‬ Soldier martyred fighting Militants in LoC Kashmir

8:55 PM

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terrorism news

A ‪‎Gorkha‬ Soldier from ‪Assam‬ Martyred While Stopping Militants from Crossing LoC in Kashmir Arun Kumar Rai, a 1/3 Gorkha Rifles jawan hailing from Burha Burhi village, ‪Sadiya‬ in ‪‎Tinsukia‬ district of Assam was martyred on Monday along the Line of Control (‪‎LoC‬) in Jammu and Kashmir's ‪‎Kupwara‬ district when the army battled guerrillas who tried to sneak in from ‪Pakistan‬.

Army’s 1/3 GR and 100 battalion of Border Security Forces (BSF), who are manning the fence at 3 BEHAK forest area near Jumgund in Keran sector, intercepted heavily armed group of militants last night at around 12.30 am.

Arun Kumar Rai, a 1/3 Gorkha Rifles martyred fighting Militants in LoC Kashmir 

After being challenged, the group of militants believed to be infiltrators opened fire resulting in an encounter in which an Army jawan identified as Naik Arun Kumar Rai sustained serious bullet injuries. He was immediately evacuated to military hospital in the frontier of district. However, he succumbed to his injuries.

Army said that they have killed two Al- Badar militants in an encounter at Nowgam sector in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

(TNT News)

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MEETING ON ASSAM NRC WITH THE RGI OFFICE IN DELHI

9:31 PM

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Munish Tamang

Writes Munish Tamang

This afternoon I (Munish Tamang), along with ShrI Nityanand Upadhyay (BGP Assam state president & member of Joint Action Committee on NRC), Shri Guman Limbu (Convenor, BGP Delhi), met the Additional Registrar General of India at the RGI office in New Delhi

We presented a detailed case on the problem faced by Gorkhas, particularly those in Jagun area under Margherita Constituency in Tinsukia, Assam.

The authorities have failed to provide legacy data to people of this area thus seriously compromising their status in the ongoing National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam.

We had a detailed discussion and have been assured that immediate attention will be given to this important issue. We were also assured that the matter would be placed before the Supreme Court-appointed Judges Committee and also before Shri Hajela, the Supreme Court-appointed coordinator for NRC.

A memorandum jointly signed by Shri Nityanand Upadhyay and Shri D B Chhetry, IAS (retd), chief coordinator, Gorkha Joint Acton Committee on NRC, was submitted to the government officer.

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Aman Chetri selected in U-17 Indian National Football Team

8:40 PM

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sports news

28th June 2016 Gorkha youth Aman Chetri From Northeast Assam (Maligaon, Guwahati) - selected in U-17 Indian National Football Team. Son of Mr. Munna Chetri and Mrs. Seema Chetri, Aman Chetri who plays Forwards was selected for the U-17 Indian team last year by Nicolai Adam. He has been a part of the team for the past one year, went to Germany, Spain and Dubai for the exposure trips. After Sunil Chettri Captain Indian National Football Team and  Anirudh Thapa captain of the Indian National Football Team (Under-19) here is Aman Chetri another captain in the making.

Nicolai Adam, head coach of the Indian U-17 football team  had earlier said that he is finding several talented players from the Northeastern region, particularly from Manipur and Mizoram. On Assam players he said, Aman Chetry is impressing him very much. “Aman is a good player. But he got a knee injury during the last foreign tour. Hopefully he will recover soon and will be a part of the Indian team,” Adam said.

Aman Chetri selected in U-17 Indian National Football Team

Played U-16 AFC championship qualifier last year in Iran. He was a part of just concluded AIFF Youth Cup U-16. Now, he will be for Germany and Norway for 3 months on the 28th of this month.

He will play AFC championship in September, which is going to be held in Goa.

He will be a part of the U-17 Indian Football Team, in the Upcoming U-17 FIFA World Cup, which is Going to be held in India.

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Working together to save a Gorkha brother injured in an accident in Delhi

7:02 PM

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GYASA

25th June 2016 Delhi: Raju Chetry (24 years), a Gorkha brother from Duliajan, Assam defeated the death after getting extremely injured in a road accident in South Delhi.

Words are not enough to explain the smile that I have seen in his face today, though the wound is still profound and painful. It reminded me a quote from Dalai Lama and I quote “When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us to develop inner happiness and peace”.

Today is the fourth day since the fateful night of 20th June, when the tragic road accident almost taken his life. God was kind enough to send IGP Robin Hibu (IPS), the Messiah in this case whose timely action and intervention make the positive difference. All Assam Gorkha Student Union (AAGSU) Delhi Unit has been constantly trying our best to provide all possible help and assistance whatever we can do with our limited resources. It is a huge encouragement and inspiration for us when we see people coming from different parts of the country extending a helping hand in this case. A special thanks to our Gorkha brothers and sisters from Delhi (Ms Rebecca Rai – Delhi Police For North East Representative (DPNER – Darjeeling), Mr Rajen Chetry (2) – DPNER – Manipur, Mr Rajen Chetry (1) – Gorkha Youth and Student Association (GYASA), Mr Sunil Tamang – Delhi Police for whole heartedly supporting and standing with us in the hour of need. It will take enough time to fully recover and heal the wound physically but our support and prayers will give him strength to overcome this darkest period of his life. A much needed support, prayer, encouragement, motivation is the need of the hour to keep his spirit high.

Following are some of the Photos from the hospital

We are very much thankful to the people who have generously contributed towards the treatment of Mr Raju Chetry and would like to update you all their name and contributions, as a gesture to acknowledge their contributions.

1. AAGSU Delhi Unit - 5500
(Gopal Koirala – 1000/-)
(P P Sharma – 1000)
(Amit Sharma – 1000)
(Keshab Tamang – 1000)
(Pratap Limboo – 500)
(Sibu Konwar – 500)
(Rahul Adhikari – 500) Delhi
2 IGP Robin Hibu IPS Delhi 5000
3 Mr Rajen Chetry (2) Delhi 500
4 Ms Ranjana Rai Hyderabad 2000
5 Mr Bhushan Rai Darjeeling 1000
6 Mr Vikash Chetry Assam 300
7 Mr S Sherpa Darjeeling 1000
8 Ms Rebecca Rai Delhi 500
9 Mr Sunil Tamang Delhi Police 500
10 Mr Mohan Rizal Assam 500
11 Mr Bishnu Karki Arunachal Pradesh 10000
12 Mr Yogsem Lama Darjeeling 1100
13 Mr Hiralal & Mrs Manju Sharma Assam 2000
14 Mr Vijay Rai Chamling Sikkim 10000
15 Ms Srijana Rai Darjeeling 2000
16 Mr Sanjeev Kr (SHO Fatehpur Beri) Delhi Police 5000
17 Mr Prem Kr Limboo Assam 1000
18 Mr Mukund Upadhyaya & Mr Varun Adhikari JNU Student 1000
19 Mr AIT Limboo 1000
Total Amount received 49900/-

We All Assam Gorkha Student Union (AAGSU) humbly request all the well wishers, brothers, and sisters to generously contribute whatever amount you can for the treatment of our brother Raju Chetry. You can deposit the amount in the following account:

Account Holder Name: Prem Prasad Sharma
Bank Name: Axis Bank
A/C No: 913010049307931
IFSC Code: UTIB0001129
Branch: Duliajan, Assam

(Note: Mr Prem Prasad Sharma is President of AAGSU Delhi Unit)
“Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that”.
~ Norman Vincent Peale

Thank you!
Gopal Koirala
Publicity Secretary – AAGSU Delhi Unit
gkinstyle@gmail.com

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Gorkha Students JNU protests discriminatory citizenship policies of Assam Government (NRC)

8:49 AM

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northeast gorkhas

23rd June 2016 JNU Delhi Gorkha Students JNU brought up a poster on 23rd June in the campus protesting against highly exclusionary and discriminatory citizenship policies of Assam government.

"Given the recent history of exodus of Gorkhas from different North Eastern states, Bhutan and Burma, the current threat emanating from Assam and Manipur is highly credible and too large to ignore. Even under such threat the calculated silence maintained by political leaders claiming to represent ‘Gorkha cause’ are highly shameful and smacks of their opportunism. Why the loud chorus of praises made by Indian political establishment of bravery and the sacrifices made by Gorkha soldiers protecting this country somewhat transforms into morbid.

And indifference when that community is brazenly discriminated and vilified in public sphere. It is such numerous instances of political discrimination and exclusion which consolidates and justifies the demand for separate state of Gorkhaland." said Dawa Sherpa.

Gorkha Students JNU 

The Poster

Reject the exclusionary and divisive policies of ‘them’ and ‘us’ in Assam

“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty!”- Thomas Jefferson

The wicked hands of majoritarian chauvinism have always tried to squeeze the identity and existence of marginalized communities through its clever tactic of othering and isolating people. History have witnessed, whenever such tendencies of racial and linguistic hatred have been unleashed it has brought misery to the weaker nations and unending guilt to those who practice it. But it seems humanity do not learn from history and so it repeat its mistakes time after time in all possible spaces on earth. Such an act of majoritarian exclusionary and divisive policies is manifested in the form of a National Registration Certificate in Assam, which identifies the Gorkhas and the Muslims as ‘outsiders’ in the NRC forms thus preparing them to be excluded from their rights in their own homeland. The NRC earlier had fixed the base year as 1951 as per which anybody who was enumerated in the NRC of 1951 and the electoral list of 1951 shall be declared as original inhabitant (OI) of Assam. But under recent specific government notification, the Gorkhas and Muslims are excluded from the category of OI in the NRC forms even though they had all the official documents proving their name enrolled in the NRC of 1951. Many British official documents(like by Krishna Ram Medhi, Sub Deputy Collector, Samuguri in 1937 and Deputy Commissioner of Darrang in 1937) shows that Gorkhas were living in Assam for about century with perfect harmony with the indigenous population. But situation changed after the beginning of Assam Movement in 1980s, when the Gorkhas, Muslims and some other linguistic and religious minorities were perceived by locals as cause of their underdevelopment and treat to their identity and opportunity. They were arbitrarily labeled as ‘immigrants’ who come to rob jobs and lands from the natives and some of them are labeled more brutally as ‘illegal migrants’. The irony is that even those people whose ancestors came during the British times and who have settled considering Assam as their home are branded as immigrants in popular culture. They are treated as undesirables in the society, thus ghettoizing and putting them under the lenses of suspicion always. The level of hatred towards these communities has always been at a high degree in Assam since many decades. The abhorrence spread by the Assam Movement in name of fighting against “foreigner” may be unseen by the majoritarian value system but to the minorities it was a propaganda specifically designed to put the Assamese society in illusion and prey of a false belief that hating specific communities could bring peace and development to them. Such hate propaganda was also seen in Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland in the late 80’s when thousands of Gorkhas were forced to leave their homes and many even died in some unwelcomed ethnic conflicts. All the people of Assam need is hope in the midst of multi-cultaralism where societies interact together in harmony as equal socio-political beings. The Gorkhas of Assam have always been in peaceful coexistence within the larger Assamese society. It even went to the extent of changing its very identity to ‘Assameli Nepali’( Gorkhas of Assam) and trying to intermix Gorkha culture with Assamese and other indigenous culture through various forms of socialisation like marriages, celebrations of indigenous festivals together and respecting the cultural values of everyone. On the contrary, it seems that a few anti-social majoritarian chauvinists do not want peaceful coexistence and want to divide society in name of language, ethnicity and religion. They want hatred to be spread everywhere so that they can divide people into ‘us’ and ‘them’ and rule everyone through the medium of fear and ignorance. Such brazen principles of exclusion and hatred are not only experimented in Assam but similar acts are peeping through the window to terrorize minority communities in Manipur in from of three new bills. Given the recent history of exodus of Gorkhas from different North Eastern states, Bhutan and Burma, the current threat emanating from Assam and Manipur is highly credible and too large to ignore. Even under such threat the calculated silence maintained by political leaders claiming to represent ‘Gorkha cause’ are highly shameful and smacks of their opportunism. Why the loud chorus of praises made by Indian political establishment of bravery and the sacrifices made by Gorkha soldiers protecting this country somewhat transforms into morbid silence and indifference when that community is brazenly discriminated and vilified in public sphere. It is such numerous instances of political discrimination and exclusion which consolidates and justifies the demand for separate state of Gorkhaland.
 
We condemn and reject such exclusionary and divisive policies which are pitted against linguistic and religious minority communities and demand immediate revocation of such discriminatory rules/bills from Assam and Manipur. Let us unite and fight against such majoritarian injustice!

 GORKHA STUDENTS, JNU

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Dalbir Singh Lohar unsung Indian Gorkha freedom fighter from Assam

3:27 PM

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History

Writes Sanjog Chamling

Dalbir Singh Lohar (Nepali दलबिर सिंह लोहार) , unsung Indian  Gorkha freedom fighter, was a prominent political leader of Indian Freedom Movement from Assam. He was the first Indian Gorkha to win assembly election. Shri Dalbir Singh Lohar was a popular labour leader who closely worked with the Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) as he was associated with the Assam Provincial Congress. He was also the President of Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha Central from 1964 to 1968. Singh actively fought in the freedom movement of India.

Dalbir Singh Lohar

Dalbir Singh Lohar  joined the procession led by the Congress in 1921 during Gandhiji's visit at Dibrugarh in Assam. Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi visited Assam 4 (four) times. The first visit of Mahatma Gandhi took place in the year 1921 when he was invited by Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) to propagate the message of non-cooperation in Assam.

Dalbir Singh Lohar actively took part in Satyagraha launched by Gandhiji. During the third phase of the Satyagraha campaign middle of April 1941 a large number of political leaders were kept interned at home or placed under restrication and Dalbir Singh Lohar was externed from Assam for offering Satyagraha along with other leaders.

Rare photo of Late Dalbir Singh Lohar 

During the Civil Disobedience Movement in Dibrugarh (Assam) Dalbir Singh Lohar was imprisoned from 13-10-1930 to 12-01-1931. During the Civil Disobedience movement Dalbir Singh Lohar, Bir Bahadur Chettri, Anantalal Sarma, Bhakta Bahadur Pradhan were given imprisonment by the British Authorities. During the Quit India Movement, the Indian Gorkha freedom fighters of Assam were also sentenced to rigorous imprisonment and kept in different jails of Assam.

Dalbir Singh Lohar was one of the prominent leaders of the Digboi refinery strike of 1939 (Digboi is Asia's oldest refinery and the birth place of the Oil Industry in India). In 1939, the non-unionised Digboi oil refinery workers resorted to a strike.The Gandhi Movement of Congress for Indian Independence struggle was backed by labour rights and equality hence the strike was against the British  Administration. Jawahal Lal Nehru also gave speeches at Digboi condemning capitalist exploitation. The oil sector strike which began in 1939 and was so successful that eight platoons of Assam Rifles had to be brought in to crush it. Since the break of the World War II coincided with the Digboi labour strike therefore the  British had to take harsh steps to crush the strike by shooting down the president of the Labour Union which was followed by issuing orders of Quit Digboi, Quit Lakhimpur and finally Quit Assam to the leaders of the labour union.

In the first general election of Independent India Dalbir Singh Lohar became the first Indian Gorkha to win assembly election on a Congress ticket from Assam Digboi constituency. Singh got his Congress ticket for the first election on public deamnd as because All Assam Sikh Association had recommended Dalbie Singh, Labour Digboi Constituebcy Demanded seat for him.

NOTE - Looking for more information about legend Dalbir Singh Lohar as you can see we don't even have his photo. Information regarding his early life, education, birth and anything related to him would be very helpful. Request to readers, kindly pass the valuable information about Dalbir Singh Lohar to us so that we could publish theme here. You can  send us the information at indiangorkhacommunity@gmail.com


Sources 
Book -Urban History of India: A Case Study By Deepali Barua
Book - Indian Nepalis: Issues and Perspectives edited by Tanka Bahadur Subba
Book - Empire's Garden: Assam and the Making of India By Jayeeta Sharma
Information collected from Internet.

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Shiva Thapa's interview about training and his hopes for Rio.

4:38 PM

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sports news

In boxing, aggression is key: Shiva Thapa - the only Indian boxer to have qualified for the Rio Games so far, on his preparations and the unending chaos in the sport’s administration.
Writes Suprita Das*

New Delhi: Four years ago, he became the youngest Indian boxer to qualify for the Olympic Games. Now, Shiva Thapa, 22, says he’s grown as a boxer, despite the sport itself having stalled in India in the worst possible way over the lack of a governing body. In late 2012, the international ruling body for amateur boxing, AIBA, banned the Indian boxing federation after finding evidence of a rigged election. Ever since, Indian boxing’s administrators have been at war with each other, and the ban has stayed. The worst affected, of course, have been the boxers. There have been no national championships since 2012, the training calendar and camps for elite boxers have been thrown out of gear, and boxers have found it increasingly difficult to participate in international tournaments without a federation to represent them.

In 2012, an unprecedented eight boxers qualified for the London Olympics. This year, with just two chances left to qualify (one tournament is ongoing, the other is meant for pro boxers), Thapa is the only Indian boxer who has assured himself of a place in Rio 2016.

Shive Thapa is the only Indian boxer who has assured himself of a place in Rio 2016.

The bantamweight (56kg) boxer from Assam, currently ranked No. 6 in the world, spoke in an interview about training through adversity, and his hopes for Rio.

Edited excerpts:

You’re the first and so far the only Indian boxer to have qualified for Rio. Isn’t it going to be a bit of a lonely dressing room for you?
Yes, if nobody else qualifies, it will be a little lonely, no doubt. But I am hopeful our boys have one more chance of qualifying for Rio. Vikas (Krishan Yadav) has given himself one more shot at qualifying through the AIBA pro boxing route, and I am definitely hopeful about him.

You were the youngest Indian to qualify for London four years back. How have you grown as a boxer?
A lot. I am a different person, and a better boxer for sure. When I made the cut for London, it was a dream come true. But it got over in a flash. The last four years have been spent in making myself tougher, and better. The Olympics are always a huge occasion, there is so much more we attach to it than just the competition, and any of us who have qualified who says they are not nervous, are not telling the truth.

But the experience I gained last time, I’m sure that will help. I hope it’s going to be less overwhelming. I have now taken part in two World Championships, two Asian Championships, one Olympics, one Asian Games and one Commonwealth Games—I have fought against many different opponents, which has taken my boxing to a higher level. There is a lot more self-belief in me than before. And the big stage and the spotlight does not makes me nervous.

You were just 18 when you qualified for London. What was that like?
Yes, it’s actually the scenes in my home town, Guwahati, after my qualification, that I will never forget. The road near our house was lined with cars, and people, and members of the media. For days my parents, my sister, they couldn’t do anything normally. That’s why before a big tournament I always try and make a trip back home to see my family. I’ve done it this time too. I just switch off during those days, and don’t even check my phone.

And this time, after your qualified, you posed a question to Sachin Tendulkar on Twitter...

Yes, I am a massive fan of Tendulkar, and he’s played for India in so many World Cups. So I was keen to know how the best sportspersons handle pressure at that level.

And what was Tendulkar’s advice?
He said you shouldn’t think of the outcome, but focus on the process instead. He said that the pressure will always be there, but the idea is to just enjoy the moment, enjoy being on such a big stage like the Olympics, and when you begin to enjoy yourself, the pressure takes care of itself.

You say you’ve become a better boxer. How has that happened given the mess Indian boxing is in?
It’s been frustrating, and disappointing, no doubt. That’s why when I won my Olympic quota in China, it was more like overcoming a huge mental battle. I let out a scream after my semi-final, because I was relieved. In a way, you could say there was that pent-up anger inside me, and I wanted to come out strong despite the huge administrative barriers that, not just me, all of us faced.

During the trials for the Olympic qualifiers, you got a cut above your eye, which means just before the competition, you couldn’t even have sparring sessions. Did that make it even tougher?
Yes, it’s like going to write an exam without preparing for it! I needed stitches for the injury, and then couldn’t spar with anyone for fear that the cut would open. At that time all my training and sparring was in the head.

You realize there could be a scenario where you could be competing in Rio as an International Olympic Committee or an AIBA athlete, and not on behalf of India?

Yes, I hope it’s sorted before that. I know they are making efforts in that direction. We have been competing as AIBA athletes for these two years, and of course it’s very odd to not have anything written on my vest or jacket when I am competing. Sometimes when you’re not in the ring, but somewhere around the competition venue, people come and ask you which country you’re from, and that reminds you of the reality.

What’s been the biggest hurdle in training because of the federation ban for so long?
Getting more tournaments and exposure trips, definitely. See, so much of the scoring and judging in boxing has become subjective, and you can’t do much beyond what the judge has put on his scoresheet. But we have hardly got a chance to compete under these new rules. In Patiala (at the national training camp), we may have the best sparring partners, but anyone will tell you that training and competition are completely different.

So, for example, I have been working on increasing my aggression. In today’s boxing, I think, there is no place for dormant boxers who like to back-pedal and move around the ring without the intent to throw punches and score points. Aggression is key; you don’t have any option but to go for the kill. But it’s only when I am fighting a real bout in a competition that I will be able to judge if my aggression is in the right measure, or am I going overboard.

Every bout, and every competitor, is different. There can be no formula obviously. So getting more competitions makes a huge difference. Still I would say, AIBA has been quite generous and understanding with India; it could have been far worse, we could have been banned from competing completely.

What do you make of Vijender Singh turning pro?
It’s interesting times no doubt, with the road to pro boxing in our country being paved by Vijender who has been a game changer in amateur boxing for us, and now in pro too. I think it opens many doors for boxers, especially younger boxers. Our boys have been going through uncertain times, so they are going to lap up any opportunity. If you look at any other sports, even in India itself, the coaches have been working and training and identifying youngsters for the 2020 Olympics now, and that’s how it must be. But in boxing we don’t have that, because where are the competitions to identify new boxers?

Given a chance, would you be tempted to turn pro? You definitely have age on your side.
I don’t want to predict right now, because there’s nothing else that’s on my target at the moment apart from Rio. I have worked very hard to get my ticket, I have earned it, and want to make the most of it. Any decision on the future is for a later time.

*Suprita Das is a senior sports correspondent with NDTV.

Via livemint

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AAGSU slams NRC authority for Gorkhas deprived OI status

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Gorkhas of Assam

Kokrajhar, June 15: BTAD Region committee of All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU) strongly reacted over the deprivation of Original Inhabitant (OI) status in the NRC update process where several certain communities, including Gorkhas remained far from getting status in the state.

An intellectual and citizens’ meet was organized on Wednesday here at Kokrajhar Press Club with Dimbeswar Upadhyay, president of BTAD Region AAGSU in the chair. Intellectual, citizens and AAGSU leaders from four districts of the region participated in the meet and discussed on the hesitated and divisive policy while update NRC in the state by classifying OI and some other status among communities.

All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU) 

Speaking the reporters after meet, Dimbeswar Upadhyay,president and Tikendra Chetry, speaker of the students union slammed the NRC authority for utilizing divisive pattern while update NRC among communities where Gorkahs was deprived of Original Inhabitant status in the NRC update process. The leaders demanded the NRC authority should give detail definition while exercising status mentions, included OI status. They also urged government and NRC authority to make free and clear step from making harassed of indigenous peoples while implementing the NRC update in the state.



Via  ET

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Akhil Assam Gorkha Sammelan called uopn Gokha Organizations on NRC issue

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Gorkhas of Assam

14th june 2016 Assam, Akhil Assam Gorkha Sammelan organised a meeting inviting all the Gorkha/Nepali organisation of Assam to discuss as well as to take decision arising out of anomalies in the preparation of the NRC which has created aprehension in the minds of the Gorkhas/Nepalis of Assam . All the organisations about eight in numbers attended the meeting except Assam Gorkha Sammelan which is self-proclaimed and so called Mao Sangathan. In the meeting ,a drafting committee headed by our Chief Adviser Shri D.B.Chetri ,retd. IAS comprising of 19 members picked up from all the organizations present in the meeting.

Newly elected M.L.As Shri Ganesh Limboo and Shri Bhaskar sharma of Borsola and Margherita constituencies were felicitated by the office bearers of Akhil Assam Gorkha Sammelan with Pholam Gamocha and Nepali Topi in the meeting .

Akhil Assam Gorkha Sammelan called uopn Gokha Organizations on NRC issue

About 60 delegates were present from different parts of Assam .

Akhil Assam Gorkha Sammelan

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Gorkhas daughter Seema Subedi wins Mrs Asia International 2016

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Gorkhas of Assam

11th June 2016 After winning the title of Mrs India Asia International Gorkhas Daughter from Assam Mrs Seema Subedi made the Indian Gorkha community proud on a global platform by winning the title of Mrs Asia International. Seema Subedi had won the title of Mrs India Asia International along with the titles of Mrs Photogenic and Mrs Fitness Diva at the Mrs India Asia International Pageant 2016 in the event that was held at Hotel Hilton, Chennai.

Seema was representing India at the Mrs Asia International 2016 beauty pageant which was held from 6th to 11th June, 2016 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.June, 2016 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Seema Subedi’s winning moment at Mrs Asia International 2016

Seema Subedi after winning the title in Kuala Lumpur

This was the 6th edition of Mrs. Asia International Pageant and the world Final was held in the Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia from 6th to 11th June 2016.

Mrs. Asia International Pageant, that extravaganza platform for married and senior ladies to showcase their beauty, talents and success in a more contemporary and glamorous approach. While beauty is the key element, contestants are also urged to voice their opinions about marriage and current events.
All married women, young wives, mothers and even grandmothers from Asia Countries – are eligible to participate. 30Ladies from Asia countries including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan,Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Philippines taking part in this contest.

All 30 ladies from around Asia had arrived on 6th to compete for The Mrs. Asia International 2016 world grand final. They participated in the activities in Kuala Lumpur, visited Tourism place like KLCC, enjoyed the local fruits and food, sponsors' visitation, shopping, cultural night, Pre-Judging and many more.

The Mrs. Asia International 2016 Pageant world grand final was held at grand ballroom of E-city Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the 10th June, 2016.

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Gokul Sharma Captain of Assam Cricket Ranji Team, A Gorkha Pride!!

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sports news

Gokul Sharma is an Indian Gorkha first-class cricketer who plays for Assam and is the Captain of Assam Cricket Ranji Team. Sharma is a right-handed middle order batsman and right-arm off break bowler. Son of Mr. Khadanand Sharma and Mrs. Dil Kumari Sharma. Studied in Model High School, Born and Brought Up in Guwahati. He is also working as an Auditor at Indian Audit & Accounts Department (C&AG of India). His Best innings is 101 against Bengal in the Ranji Trophy in 2010-11.

Full name Gokul Sharma
Born December 25, 1985, Guwahati, Assam
Current age 30 years 167 days
Major teams Assam
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling style Right-arm offbreak

Gokul Sharma Captain of Assam Cricket Ranji Team

His Interview With The Gorkha Times Assam

The Gorkha Times Assam asked him some Questions,

-How does it feels to lead the Assam Cricket Team?.
He replies, "It's an honour to lead a team like Assam which have so much of potential and believe to perform at the highest level."

-Who is your Inspiration?
He Replies, "Well in cricket I always idolise Sachin Tendulkar, the way he goes about the game and also the kind of human being he is off the field and in my life my mother is my inspiration because I saw the toughest part she faced in her life, what I really appreciate and like about my mother was the attitude and the way she handled that situation was very learning experience for me"

-His view about "The Gorkha Times Assam"?
He Replies,"I would like to thanks them for promoting cricket and showing great interest for the development of the game. The Gorkha Times Assam is doing a great work by promoting crickets or any other sports,just like to give a big thank to them and keep encouraging the sportsperson"
With this small Interview Conversation, We also came to know about the Great Human Being. We are Proud of you Sir.

You are Sachin Tendulkar for the Gorkhas of Assam. We wish you all the best for your future endeavours, We will be always there to support you.

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AAGSU, AGS and BGP delegates met NRC coordinator for non OI for Gorkhas issue

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Gorkhas of Assam

8th June Assam: A team of All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU), Asom Gorkha Sammelan (AGS) and Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) delegates today met state coordinator of NRC honorable Prateek Hajela and discussed about the burning issue of NRC regarding OI and non OI for Gorkhas. The  delegation also met the honorable chief minister of Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and discussed various problems of Assamese Gorkhas.

On 4th May in came to the notice that OI will not be written for ‪‎Gorkhas‬ in the final National Register of Citizens - (NRC) card in Assam even if they have submitted documents of 1951.

AAGSU, AGS and BGP delegates NRC coordinator non OI for Gorkhas

Delegation also met the honorable chief minister of Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal

Source The Gorkha Times

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OI will not be written for ‪‎Gorkhas‬ on (NRC) card in Assam

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Gorkhas of Assam

Assam 4th May 2016: In the final National Register of Citizens - (NRC) card that will be issued to all, in case of Gorkhas Original inhabitant or Khilonjiya janagosti (OI) will not be written even if you have submitted documents of 1951. If this happens we will not get any government facilities in future. Several Gorkha officers working in NRC offices have brought this fact to light.

When some officers wrote OI in NRC documents of Gorkhas based on 1951 documents, the respective DCs asked to not write OI for Gorkhas & Muslims. Today an executive meeting of All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU)  central committee was held to discuss this issue. All Assam Gorkha Students Union AAGSU officials will meet Mr. Prateek Hajela, NRC coordinator and if his reply is not found satisfactory, a PIL will be filled in Guwahati High Court by AAGSU.

NRC in Assam: State coordinator Prateek Hajela

Earlier a meeting was held with the DC of Sonitpur and representatives of ‪AAGSU‬ and Asom Gorkha Sammelan and the DC had agreed to give a written reply on Monday.

What is  National Register of Citizens - NRC?
The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is the register containing details of all Indian citizens. After conducting the Census of 1951, the National Register of Citizens (NRC) was prepared by recording particulars of all the persons enumerated during the 1951 Census.

What is NRC 1951?
After the conduct of the Census of 1951, a National Register of Citizens (NRC) was prepared in respect of each village showing the houses or holdings in a serial order and indicating against each house or holding the number and names of persons staying therein, and in respect of each individual, the father’s name/mother’s name or husband’s name, nationality, sex, age, marital status, educational qualification, means of livelihood or occupation and visible identification mark. This was done by copying out in registers the particulars recorded during the Census done in 1951. This NRC was prepared under a directive from the Ministry of Home affairs (MHA).

These registers covered each and every person enumerated during the Census of 1951 and were kept in the offices of Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Officers according to instructions issued by the Government of India in 1951. Later these registers were transferred to the Police in the early 1960s.

What is NRC Updation?

National Register of Citizens (NRC) updation basically means the process of enlisting the names of all citizens residing in Assam at the time of NRC updation.

How will the NRC be updated?
The NRC will be updated as per the provisions of The Citizenship Act, 1955 and The Citizenship (Registration of Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. As per the two statutes, the citizenship status would be ascertained based on the NRC, 1951, Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of 24th March, 1971 and in their absence the other admissible documents of Pre-1971 period.


With inputs from  Assameli Gorkha

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Avinash Chettri - first cadet from the North East to win President’s Gold Medal

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northeast live news

Proud moment for us, the Indian Gorkha Community,  for the first time in the history of National Defence Academy (NDA), a Gorkha cadet from the North East has won the President’s Gold Medal for standing first in the overall order of merit and commanded the passing out parade (POP).

It was a proud occasion for Academy Cadet Captain Avinash Chhetry who is from Tezpur, Assam where he has witnessed the Army’s presence and their actions right from his childhood. The son of a paramilitary officer, he dreamt of joining the Indian Army since he was a child. He completed his schooling from the prestigious Rashtriya Indian Military School (RIMC), Dehradun before getting into NDA.

 Avinash Chettri - first cadet from the North East to win President’s Gold Medal

Speaking to Sakal Times, an elated Chhetry, said, “It is a proud moment for me and my parents as I have become the first cadet who has commanded the POP and won the gold medal. Since I have completed my studies in a military school, it was not that difficult for me to adjust to life at the academy.” Chhetry said that he would like to join either the Gorkha Rifles or Special Forces of the Indian Army as he wants to engage himself into combat roles in the future. According to Chhetry, the situation in the North East region has now much improved than it was in the past. Upon being asked whether he would like to lead an Army unit in his home state Assam, Chhetry quipped, “Why not?”



Via GYASA

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‎Gorkha‬ Man pushed from train to Death in Andra Pradesh

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Gorkhas of Assam

30th May 2016 Assam: On Monday morning Gautam Biswakarma of Pengri Tinsukia district Assam died in Nellore at Nayudepeta Andhra Prdesh being pushed away from the running train by a miscreants while he was going to join his work over there. He was engaged in a semi skilled job in Chennai.

All Assam Gorkha Students' Union activists of Pengri Regional committee have visited the family members and they spoke to police officials from Pengri as well as Andhra Pradesh to nab the culprit. The dead body of Biswakarma is yet to arranged to be brought back to Tinsukia for last rites as the family cannot afford to do do nd he was the only earning member of the t family. He leaves behind his wife recently born baby.

‎Gorkha‬ Man pushed from train to Death in Andra Pradesh

Numal Chettri president of Tinsukia district AAGSU have requested Railway Ministry and Andrapradesh administration to arrange to send the dead body to Tinsukia junction as soon as possible and nab the miscreant and punish them so that such incidents are not repeated any where in India.

The family members through AAGSU have request dynamic newly elected CM in charge of home affairs Shri Sarbananda Sonowal to kindly expedite the matter and speak to Railway Ministry and CM of Andrapradesh to act on this matter.

Via ‎AAGSU‬

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All Assam ‪Gorkha‬ Students Union Demands Action Against Drug Peddlers

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Gorkhas of Assam

On 28th May 2016, All Assam ‪Gorkha‬ Students Union (AAGSU) Duliajan Regional committee took out a rally in protest against illegal trade of drugs in different part in the district.

500 of AAGSU (Duliajan, Naharkatia, Tengakhat, Tengrai Charali), ATASU, MATAK students's, Bengali youth federation activists shouted slogans against the administration. Later they submitted a memorandum to the Deputy commissioner through the Police administration of Duliajan.

“Drugs have been posing a serious threat to the future of the upcoming generation, so the administration as well government should take immediate steps against it Or we bound to take more strong protest in future,” said Ratna Thapa, president of AAGSU Duliajan Regional committee.

(AAGSU) All Assam ‪Gorkha‬ Students Union Demands
Action Against Drug Peddlers

Prem Prasad Sharma for TheDC

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Gorkha martyred in Manipur terrorist ambush

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terrorism news

Manipur May 22 : Gorkha community deeply condole the sad demise of Mahesh Gurung and 5 other personnel. Mahesh Gurung of 29 Assam Rifles from Dehradun was martyred during a terrorist ambush reportedly by CorCom (Coordination Committee) militants at Hangshi, around 15 km from its battalion headquarters at Joupi village, in Chandel district of Manipur. The ambush took place between Hengshi and Tuiyang villages around 12.30 pm when the JCO and other jawans were returning after inspecting a landslide scene in the locality. Saheed Gurung had joined the duty only past month after spending his holiday at home. Saheed Gurung leaves behind his wife Seema Gurung, a 11 year old son, and a one day old baby daughter.

Mahesh Gurung of 29 Assam Rifles from Dehradun

Six personnel including an officer of the Assam Rifles have been killed in an encounter with terrorists in Manipur's Chandel district. The men belonged to a Quick Reaction Team.

Sources in the government said that an umbrella group of terrorist organisations planned and executed the attack. Four AK rifles, one INSAS Rifle and one LMG rifle have been taken away by the militants. CorCom, which is responsible for many bombings, is an umbrella group in Manipur comprising the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL), People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), Progressive faction (PREPAK-Pro), Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF – the political wing of the People’s Liberation Army – PLA), United National Liberation Front (UNLF) and United Peoples Party of Kangleipak (UPPK).

Home Minister Rajnath Singh - who reviewed the situation with top security officials -- directed the forces to take the "strongest possible action" against the terrorists involved.

Reinforcements have been sent to the area and a massive combing operation is underway.

Last year, 18 army personnel were killed in the same district in an ambush by a group of Naga militants.

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