Preface
This article is based on newspaper references which I did during my IIMC (Indian Institute of Management Calcutta) years. I wanted to do some serious research and was preparing a proposal for the same. However, like many of my unfinished projects this too so far not been done. I am sharing this with a sincere hope that someone else might find this useful for his/her research. The language might be crude partly because it was always a rough draft I was preparing beside my busy preoccupations with other projects at the Institute and partly because I don't write well, for which I sincerely apologize. However, the facts are cross referenced with many links for you to take up your own project. I thank Prof. Bhaskar Chakrabarti and Prof. Raghabendra Chattopadhyay for everal discussions on these issues in the hot summer afternoons. I am grateful to the library staff of Bidhan Chandra Ray Libary of IIMC and National Library, Kolkata. Additionally I thank Mr. Lyngwa and Mr. Lyngdow of the Ministry of Water Resources, Sikkim for providing me valuable inputs during the inception of this research and for those lovely Darjeeling tea at Gangtok.
Table of content
Introduction:
The global political and
economic forces call for increasing integration of diverse cultures. Social
scientific theories argue for the obituaries of nation states (Appadurai, 1997[1]).
However, at another extent there are local forces making a distinctive shift
towards the formation of micro fragments (Singh, 1998[2]).
The crisis of identity in this situation becomes one of the major determining
factors in movements which seek to maintain culturally distinctive boundaries (Hall,
1992[3]).
In this context the present paper would try to understand the nature of Gorkhaland
movement and the question of Gorkha Identity in northern part of West Bengal.
To do so, the paper uses secondary materials including scholarly articles and
news paper references.
Gorkha:
the question of identity
The word Gorkha has its
origin from a district in Nepal of the same name[4].
The kingdom of Gorkha was established by Drabya Shah in 1559. In India the two
terms Gorkha and Nepali are used interchangeably. However, the political
movements in different times have favoured the term Gorkha to differentiate
their movement for Gorkha and thereby not giving it the nature of a movement
for foreign (Nepali) people (Golay, 2009[5]).
However, scholarly articles have differentiated between Nepali people of Nepal
with that of Indian Nepalese. As Subba (1992[6])
defines the former as Nepalese and the later as Nepalis its emphasis is given
on the linguistic dimensions. The source of identity crisis as reported by the
official website of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha lies with the very fact that Gorkhas
are often treated as being different, not Indian[7].
The scholarly articles
present a limited and fragmented picture of Gorkha identity. Pradhan (1982[8]),
Subba (1985[9])
focuses on the aspects of migration and integration of Gorkhas in mainstream
Hindu caste system. These indicate the existence of a fundamental fissure in
Gorkha subjectivity.
The Gorkha movement: a historical
account
Historical development
of Gorkha people in India since the mid 19th century encourages a
separate Gorkha identity. Around 1900 the Nepali people find that their
integration with West Bengal is artificial (Bomjan, 2008[10];
Debnath, 2007[11];
Chatterjee, 2007[12]).
Post
independence movement:
Post independent India sees
a stronger demand of identity recognition of the Gorkhas. In 1947 Communist
Party of India (CPI) supported autonomy is demanded in public meeting in Darjeeling.
Although local CPI leaders suggest the formation of “Gorkhasthan”, the leaders
of Bengal vehemently oppose this idea. Afterwards, the issue of autonomy has
been hotly debated over and over again in Bengal assembly. However, Bengal
government never addresses the issue seriously. Even their language has not
been recognised before 1988, when Nepali started serving as co-official
language.
The language issue:
The plain land Bengal
politicians have taken a long time to officially recognise the Nepali language.
In 1961, the West Bengal Official Language Act recognises Nepali as a language
to be recognised in three subdivisions of Darjeeling district, viz. Darjeeling,
Kurseong, and Kalimpong. For the rest of Bengal, only Bengali is the official
language. However, the implementation of these provisions has been taken place after
the formation Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) – the autonomy given by the
state in 1988 (Mokatan, 2004[13]).
Gorkhaland Movement under Gorkha
National Liberation Front (GNLF):
The Gorkhaland movement
starts in 1979 under the leadership of Subhas Ghishing led Gorkha National
Liberation Front GNLF which launches a tough struggle. A separate state for
Nepali settlers has been their principal demand. In September 1980 a memorandum
to Prime Minister states that the objective of their movement is the creation
of a separate state, the 22nd state of India. They further demand to
consider Nepali as a language under 8th schedule of the Constitution
of India. The struggle reaches its peak in between 1986 and 1988 where more
than 1200 people die because of political turmoil. Meanwhile the struggle has
been viewed sympathetically by the Nepalese people from Nepal (See Subba, 1992[14])
which gives this movement a pan country touch.
The GNLF takes an eleven
point action during 1986 and afterwards which includes the following (Pal, 1986[15]):
a.
Observe
a black flag day on 13th April against atrocities on Indian
Nepalese.
b.
Organise
a 72 hour Strike from 12th to 14th May, 1986.
c.
Burn
State Reorganising Report of 1955 which attaches the hilly districts with West
Bengal.
d.
Burn
the Indo-Nepal treaty of 1950 which makes Nepali inhabitants of West Bengal as
immigrants.
e.
Organise
movement against indiscriminate felling of trees by plain land Bengalis.
f.
Boycott
elections.
g.
Boycott
MLAs, ministers and parties which does not conform the demand of Gorkhaland.
h.
Organise
movements to stop all vehicles taking bolders from hills to plains.
i.
Do
not observe important national celebrations including Independence day,
Republic day, Gandhi Jayanti, Netaji Jayanti etc.
j.
Convince
people to not to pay taxes.
Eventually with this
announcement people meet with Khukris
(Dagger) the traditional Nepali war weapon. They condemn CM Jyoti Basu and PM
Rajiv Gandhi for the plight of the Gorkhas in India (Mukherjee, 1986[16]).
To avoid mass disaster during the 72 hours bandh, the state deploys2000
policemen to the sensitive places and pre arrested 100 supporters[17].
The large scale procession show their support network in hills. This procession
results in violent conflict between CPIM cadres and GNLF suppoerters (Kundu,
1986[18]).
In this period the state government also gets intelligence report that they are
spreading their network in the Terai and that an armed struggle would get
initiated[19].
Meanwhile Ghishing threatens to begin armed struggle (Bhaumik, 1986[20]).
However, their demands remain unheard by the centre. On 27th July
1986 mob organises with Khukri to
confront police that results in killing of one police man, and several injured
others. Police in response fires back killing 13 people and injuring 38 others.
Army called upon and imposed curfew in Kalimpong[21].
State - GNLF: the dialectics
After these mass
agitations, the Government of West Bengal issues an information document
presenting the fact the Darjeeling and adjacent region has always been highly
prioritised (Government of West Bengal, 1983[22]).
Jyoti Basu led left front government accuses congress because of their support
to the Gorkha movement and argues against Congress led government’s submission
policies against agitations in several north eastern states (Pal, 1986[23]).
In response Congress leader Priyaran Ranjan Das Munshi points to historical
neglect by left government to the real demands of the hill people[24].
However, Pradesh Congress supremo Subrata Muherjee points to the Darjeeling
unit’s support over the issue[25].
From congress’s participation in the meetings organised by GNLF his statement
appears to be more reliable[26].
The then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi does not label GNLF movement as
antinational, but he strongly opposes the division of West Bengal[27].
Rajiv Gandi sees the demand for Gorkhaland as something launched by the Nepali
Gorkhas who start living in India after 1950s, and the removal of article 7 of
Indo-Nepal treaty would enable their citizenship in India, which is unjustified
demand. He however criticises Bengal government for not taking the development
issues in Darjeeling seriously[28].
Along with increasing
agitation Ghishing seeks help from UN secretary general and Nepal king. The
home ministry expresses interest to initiate talk with GNLF. In this situation the
Government of West Bengal argues that the matter of Gorkhaland falls under the
purview of state government hence centre should stay indifferent[29].
However, the home ministry clarifies that the movement seeks support from
outside country hence the matter comes directly under the purview of Government
of India. The ministry advises the Government of West Bengal to prepare a
platform to hold talk[30].
The Government of West Bengal however imposes three preconditions to GNLF
before holding the talk, first, theat GNLF should withdraw their letters to UN
and king of Nepal, second, they should stop violent movement, and finally, they
must withdraw separatist demand. Home ministry supports the Bengal government,
but warns CPIM cadres not to confront GNLF members[31].
On 23rd January, 1987 GNLF partnering All India Gorkha League (AIGL)[32]
instructs every household and business men of Darjeeling to hoist Gorkhaland
flag and celebrate anti-bengal day[33].
Eventually the Rajib Gandhi led Government of India expresses the concern for
holding talk, and invites Ghishing to New Delhi[34]
and announces that the Nepali people migrated to Bengal hilly provinces before
1950 would automatically become the citizen of India[35].
In response to this proposal they suspend their anti-bengal movement.
As a result of the
inconclusive talk between the two, GNLF withdraws their movement for the next
two months[36].
However, in March 1987 they also decide to boycott the assembly election[37]
and warn that a mass scale movement is on its way.[38]
The centre dismisses the deadline but assures for a good package.[39]
In summer of 1987 a
growing frustration against Ghishing within GNLF is reported. Several
extremists within GNLF reports agony because of the fact that Ghishing attempts
to find a negotiated solution of the Gorkhaland problem[40].
Perhaps to placate his supporters Ghishing suddenly calls for a 13 day bandh,
and violent campaign. GNLF activists blow off bridges and disconnect
Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong from mainland[41].
In response to this while the Government of West Bengal deploys security forces
to restore the law and order the Central government on the other hand escorts
Ghishing to home ministry to initiate talk[42].
After the discussion he flows back to Darjeeling in an army helicopter to
withdraw the mass violent campaign[43].
In September 1987 a meeting between Ghishing, Jyoti Basu on behalf of
Government of West Bengal and Home minister Buta Singh takes place where all
sides accept the need to give Darjeeling autonomy[44].
Eventually left front unanimously approves the formation of a Hill council.[45]
Congress endorses the proposal[46].
GNLF also accepts the formation[47].
The Nepali language however is not included in eight schedule of Indian
constitute until August 1992.
DGHC – the formation and failure:
The issue is resolved at
least temporarily in 1988 by the establishment of DGHC which gives it a
territorial autonomy to the Gorkhas to design and implement their own
development policies[48].
The Structural feature restricts
DGHC to become a full fledged autonomous body, because one third of the council
members are nominated. Furthermore, although the body enjoys autonomy under
sixth schedule of Indian constitution, it has limited power to generate its own
resources. Two most effective revenue earning mechanisms, viz. Tea and forest
resources are outside of its jurisdiction. More importantly they are supposed
to supervise local government enjoying supervising power.[49]
Several disputes between Darjeeling Kolkata emerge especially on issues of
Local governance. Under the command of Ghishing, DGHC ignores participatory
approach of decentralised planning. GNLF wins in three consecutive elections
after 1988; however their performance remains sluggish (Chakrabarti, 2005[50]).
The establishment of
DGHC as a means of giving regional autonomy, becomes more and more inefficient.
Even when DGHC’s
sluggish performance is notable, the demand for a separate state remains
unattended (Chakrabarti, 1988[51];
Biswas and Roka 2007[52]).
Gorkha movement afterwards:
Mc.Henry
(2007[53]) points out the
separatist movement would continue since there is a marked economic inequality
between plain land and Gorkha inhabited part exists. Although economic
development has never been an agenda as Mr. Ghishing finds Darjeeling to be far
well off than most districts of Bengal (Bagchi, 2011[54]). However, the hill
agitation that once compelled to form DGHC, has re-emerges with a new leadership
in late 90s. One of the major reasons is the failure of DGHC and arguably
Ghishing’s undue capitalisation of the movement.
The transitional phase:
Gurung’s unexpected
settlement is seen by many as betrayal to the original demand of Gorkha people.
GNLF’s swift consecutive win in DGHC election makes prominent fragments within
the GNLF members. It goes on so far to make Ghishing dissolve GNLF party unit
in Kalimpong because the winning member announces the regeneration of
separatist movement (Karlekar, 1989)[55].
Ghising further declares that the council is not a stepping stone for the
formation separate state[56].
With these statements GNLF fast looses its support base from the hills (Gazmer,
2008a)[57].
Throughout this period, people accuse him as betrayer (Times of India, 2003)[58].
The agitation against him goes on so far that people set a deadline for him to
leave hill (Chhetri, 2011)[59].
From 2008 onwards, Darjeeling hills have seen an all party coordination against
Ghishing (Gazmer, 2008b)[60].
Eventually Ghishing’s life becomes vulnerable as his house is attacked.[61]
He no longer remains the face of Gorkha movement (Sen, 2008).[62]
Meanwhile, Mr. Bimal
Gurung once a prominant participant of armed struggle under Ghishing led
movement in late 1980s uses Gandhian style in his Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)
led movements which gives a new dimension to the Gorkhaland movement in West Bengal.[63]
The politics of strike and state’s
response:
Under the new leadership
fresh demand for Gorkhaland gains prominence. In post 2000s the demand for the
implementation of sixth schedule and removal of Ghishing before his term gets
over gain prominance. However, new agitation begins to take shape as one of the
RED FM radio jockeys comments on the Indian Idol contest winner as “Chowkidar” a
common term of abuse for people from India's northeast.[64]
This comment from a plainland Indian to a North East Indian fuels the
initiation of movement that uses Strike as its main power.
Pre-tipertite meet in 2008:
The initial bands are
called with demands such as the repairing of Hill Cart road.[65]
Since February 2008 regular strikes hamper the daily life of people living in
Hilly districts.[66] The
repeated general strikes hit the tourism economy of the hilly districts. The
strike covers the nationalised banks and ATMs which makes it difficult for the
tourists to sustain.[67]
The Morcha supporters attempt to spread the agitation towards the Siliguri,
i.e. at the plains. They tries to initiate indefinite hunger strikes in
Siliguri, however, cops are called to keep them out of Siliguri.[68]
By June 2008 because of continuous agitation tourists start moving out the
hilly towns. About ten thousand tourists move down suddenly as GJM supporters
attack one of the tourist buses in middle of June 2008, a time when tourism
activity is at its peak in North Bengal.[69]
It adversely affects the tourism industry of the region as tourists become
disconnected from the rest of the mainland India for a few days.[70]
Eventually they are forced to leave Darjeeling and the adjacent areas.[71]
The prolonged strike leaves detrimental effect on the famous tea industry of
North Bengal as well.[72]
One of the estimates indicates a total loss of $475,000.[73]
Viewing the situation
the CPIM-led Left Front Government of West Bengal takes initiative to restore
peace in hills. Buddhadeb Bhattachayya, the then Chief Minister of Bengal calls
for an end of Darjeeling Bandh, after five consecutive days of successful
strikes. The continuous hunger strike by Morcha Supporters leads to serious
illness of several members.[74]
Government of West Bengal is forced to initiate talk by arranging an all party
meet on Darjeeling issue in June 2008.[75]
In between tourists are attacked.[76]
Morcha supporters initiate talk with Central Government of India. The GJM general
secretary Roshan Giri meets the then Home Minister Shivraj Patil asking for a
separate state- Gorkhaland. They are advised to convince the left front ruled
West Bengal.[77] Initiation
of talks between the centre and GJM representatives suspends the continuous
bandh in hills upto July 5, 2008.[78],[79]
Meanwhile Minister of External Affairs Mr. Pranab Mukherjee invites talk on
Darjeeling issue without precondition.[80]
Government of West Bengal shows no hesitation in holding tripartite meeting
involving GJM and the Central Government.[81]
The GJM leadership shows no softness towards West Bengal leadership. They blame
the Chief Minister as responsible for the violence in hills through CPIM party
cadres.[82]
Government of West
Bengal protects Darjeeling hills with paramilitary forces as uninterrupted
strike continues for 1800 hours. Looking at degraded situations, Chief Minister
calls for an all party meet, strategically excluding GJM.[83]
Another round of bipartite meet between Bengal CM and GJM leadership fails to
yield any concrete outcome in following month. While the Government of West
Bengal offers a greater financial and administrative autonomy to DGHC, they
stick to their demand for a separate state.[84]
In this context a tripartite meet becomes meaningless.[85]
Tripartite meetings and the
Telengana issue:
After 2008 meet the
centre, state government and GJM in a tripartite meet agree on principal to
abolish the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council and to set up an alternative
administrative framework in Darjeeling. In exchange GJM agrees to maintain
peace in hills.[86] GJM rejoices this decision and sees
it as the first step towards the formation of separate Gorkhaland. However,
their claim for separate state is denied at the onslaught of the tripartite
meet.[87]
In December 2009 central
Government’s decision of making Telengana an independent state instigates GJM’s
for separation. On 11th December, 2009 they launch “fast onto death”
for separate Gorkhaland.[88]
Four members of GJM along with BJP leader Jaswant Singh meet Home Minister P.
Chidambaram to discuss on the possibility of forming a separate state. Because
of their demand being denied, GJM announces a four day strike and relay hunger
strike.[89]
GJM’s activities during the December indicate Telengana movement works as an
eye-opener for the Darjeeling parties.[90]
The Government of West Bengal and Centre expects to meet in another tripartite
meet during December 2009 but GJM shows no initiative to restore peace
conducive of holding a meeting.[91]
However after their meeting with senior opposition leader L.K Advani, GJM drops
their Bandh call and also puts off the hunger strike to move positively towards
tripartite meet on 21st of December, 2009.[92]
These changes in the political climate indicate GJM’s eagerness to participate
in the meeting.[93]
However, the much publicised tripartite meet ends in stalemate because of GJM’s
overemphasis on separation issue.[94]
Continuity of Agitation in 2010:
Because of repeated
failure in tripartite meetings, GJM supporters threaten to drive Superintendent
of Police and District Magistrate out of Darjeeling thereby installing home
rule.[95]
They give a deadline of February 10, for fixing up fifth round of tripartite
talk.[96]
After February 10, Hilly provinces observe a twenty four hours of strike.[97]
As the agitation continues, home ministry finalises broad outlines for talk
over the issues of Gorkhaland.[98]
In March 2010, GJM proposes for interim set up prior to Gorkhaland.[99]
The home ministry agrees on the demand and P. Chidambarm calls for a meeting on
April 9 which prominently ignores involvement of state government.[100]
The next tripartite meeting in May 2010 on Gorkhaland issue is failed because
of differences of opinion regarding the territory under the interim set.[101]
Madan Tamang murder and aftermath:
When the future of the
interim set remains uncertain, Gorkha movement sees a historical incident. The
India Gorkha League president Mr. Madan Tamang, a prominent proponent of
Gorkhaland, is brutally stabbed and killed arguably by GJM supporters.[102]
This results in spontaneous shut down of hilly provinces.[103]
The CPIM leadership blames GJM supporters for the murder. One of the senior GJM
leaders steps down from the party in protest of Tamang’s murder.[104]
CPIM sees the cornered GJM as a golden opportunity to reinforce their control
which they lack since the onslaught of Gorkhaland movement.[105]
Their political process fails to continue for long as the meeting regarding the
functioning of Gorkhaland Authority for Darjeeling (GAD) instead of Darjeeling
Gorkha Hill Council progresses.[106]
The fruitfulness of the meeting results in suspension of bands by GJM.[107]
Agitations before and meetings
after assembly election 2011:
With a view of
maximising her support the Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamta Banerjee, the
then Railway minister makes a visit in Darjeeling with a promise to initiate
development activities through rail.[108]
Apart from this initiative the central government remains indecisive on the
Sixth tripartite meeting with GJM. The party leadership decides to resume their
politics of strike.[109]
As the decision for implementation for GAD does not get attention, Mamta
Banerjee announces job generating projects. She gets immediate attention.[110]
However, in December 2010, GJM calls strike as the interim authority is not
activated[111]
which they withdraw as the centre assures them of taking quick action regarding
GAD.[112]
With further delay from
central government GJM leadership announces seven day strike in January, 2011.[113]
By February the agitation reaches to such a state that GJM supporters burns
down several tourist lodges,[114]
and police kills two persons in Darjeeling.[115]
The situation goes out of control and army is called for.[116]
In consequence GJM announces continuation of strike.[117]
Meanwhile West Bengal
progresses towards assembly election. GJM prepares to contest for Gorkhaland. A
clear divide in GNLF and GJM’s strategic partnership with left front and TMC
respectively is surfaced.[118]
Assembly election in
2011 sees a changeover when Mamata Banerjee led TMC gains a historical victory.
GJM’s demand for rapid development of Darjeeling increases as TMC wins.
Significantly the strong demand for a separate Gorkhaland decreases.[119]
In consequence TMC indicates positive initiatives as Mamata Banerjee fixes up a
meeting with GJM on June 6, 2011.[120]
In this context the Union Home Ministry advises GJM leadership not to rush on to
any extreme measure and to find a common ground for Gorkha issue.[121]
After meeting, the GJM
leadership expresses their satisfaction with meeting outcomes, as they find a
ray of hope in resolving their issues with Gorkhaland.[122]
Their seven-point demands get attention from TMC led Government of West Bengal.
As a result GJM retreats from their demand of a separate state, Gorkha
Territorial Administration is deemed to be formed and Mamta Banerjee declares
that Darjeeling issue is resolved.[123]
Visions:
The history of
Gorkhaland movement indicates a) multiplicity of factors ranging from identity issues
to development issues, b) in several occasions the movement is negotiated with
special provisions from the state agencies, c) leaders’ opportunism and d)
often violent agitation which call for counter violence from state force. Politics
of strike, violence and counter violence severely affect the life of the common
people, the tourism and tea industry of the region. Although Bengal Chief Minister
declares possible resolution of the Gorkhaland issue, more recent trends
indicate virtual monopoly of GJM in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong
(Banerjee, 2011[124]).
After reading the draft bill of Gorkha Territorial Administration GJM study
forum indicates dissatisfaction.[125]
Meanwhile the main opposition in West Bengal, CPM finds GTA to be no solution.
The day after the GTA agreement GJM renews its demand for separate state
(Zeenews, 2012)[126].
In December 18, Times of India (2011)[127]
reports that the youth wing of GJM asserts the demand of separate Gorkhaland as
the newly-formed Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) will not be able to
fully meet the aspiration of the hill people. The issue quite far from
resolution and is going to play a significant role Bengal politics and tourism
industry in near future.
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on 21st June, 2011.
[68] Cops Keep Morcha out
of Siliguri,
Express India, February, 21, 2008. Accessed from http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Cops-keep-Morcha-out-of-Siliguri/275914/
on 21st June, 2011.
[69] Gorkha Supporters
Attack Tourist Bus Near Darjeeling, The Times of
India, June 11, 2008. Accessed from http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-06-11/india/27745883_1_gjm-supporters-kalchini-darjeeling-hills
On June, 21, 2011.
[70] Tourists left
stranded as Gorkha Agitation Mounts, CNN-IBN, June, 11,
2008. Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tourists-left-stranded-as-gorkha-agitation-mounts/66967-3.html
on June, 21, 2011.
[71] Unrest Hits India’s
Famed Darjeeling Hills, Reuters, UK, June 10, 2008. Accessed from http://uk.reuters.com/article/2008/06/10/uk-india-strike-gorkha-idUKDEL4745220080610
on June, 21, 2011.
Unrest in Darjeeling, Tourists Asked to
Leave, IBN-LIVE, June, 10, 2011.
Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/news/unrest-in-darjeeling-tourists-asked-to-leave/66918-3.htm
on June, 21, 2011.
[72] Strike
in Indian Tea Growing Area, BBC News, UK, June, 9, 2008. Accessed from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7443261.stm
On June, 21, 2008.
India's Tea-Growing Darjeeling Area Disrupted
by Gorkha Strike,
Bloomberg, June 17, 2008. Accessed from http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aJv2mQYdG2G8&refer=india
On
June 21, 2011.
[73] Strike Threatens
India’s Tea Industry, Seattletimes, Accessed from http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008003434_tea18.html
on, June, 21, 2011.
[74] Call for an End to
Darjeeling Bandh, The Hindu, February, 25, 2008. Accessed
from http://www.hindu.com/2008/02/25/stories/2008022556960800.htm
on June, 21, 2008.
[75] Buddhadeb Calls
for an All Party Meet on Darjeeling Issue. The Hindu, June 12, 2008. Accessed from http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200806121621.htm
on June, 21, 2011.
[76] Ethnic Tension in Darjeeling, Tourists
attacked, Sify news, June 12, 2008, Accessed from http://www.sify.com/news/ethnic-tension-in-darjeeling-tourists-attacked-news-kolkata-jegrArhheaj.html
on 21st June, 2011.
[77] GJM team meets
Patil, stresses on Gorkhaland, Indian Express, June, 25, 2008.
Accessed from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gjm-team-meets-patil-stresses-on-gorkhaland/327035/
on June 21, 2011.
[78] Gorkha Group in
Delhi Suspends Darjeeling Bandh, CNN-IBN June 21, 2008. Accessed from
http://ibnlive.in.com/news/gorkha-group-protests-in-delhi-suspends-bandh/67698-3.html
on June 21, 2011.
[79] GJM leaders meet Patil; Darjeeling bandh relaxed till July 5, June,
24, 2008, News Track, Accessed from http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/3793,
on June, 21, 2011.
[80] Centre ready to table talks with Morcha but minus any rider, Express News Service, Jun 15, 2008 Accessed from http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Centre-ready-to-table-talks-with-Morcha-but-minus-any-rider/322975/#
on June, 21, 2011.
Centre Open to Talks but no Gorkha State:
Pranab, The Times of India, June,
15, 2008. Accessed from http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-06-15/india/27763755_1_gorkhaland-tripartite-meeting-gjm
on June, 21, 2011.
[81] West Bengal not averse to tripartite talks:
Buddhadeb, The Hindu, June
18, 2008 Accessed from http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200806180307.htm,
on June, 21, 2011.
[82] Darjeeling tourists get
time till today evening, Sify News, June, 16, 2008.
Accessed from http://www.sify.com/news/darjeeling-tourists-get-time-till-today-evening-news-kolkata-jegrA6jifib.html on June 22, 2011.
[83] West
Bengal govt to keep GJM out of all-party meet, IBN – Live, June, 22, 2008.
Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/news/west-bengal-govt-to-keep-gjm-out-of-allparty-meet/67090-3.html
on 22nd June, 2011.
[84] Meet fails to resolve Gorkhaland
impasse, Daily News and Analysis, June 28, 2011, Accessed
from http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_meet-fails-to-resolve-gorkhaland-impasse_1174160
on 22nd June, 2011.
Bengal Rules Out Demand for Separate
Gorkhaland, Express India News, June, 27, 2008, Accessed from http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Bengal-rules-out-demand-for-separate-Gorkhaland/328163/
on 22nd June 2011.
[85] Buddhadeb holds talks with GJM team, The Hindu, June 28, 2008.
Accessed from http://www.hindu.com/2008/06/28/stories/2008062854341300.htm
on 22nd June 2011.
[86] Tripartite
meeting agrees to abolish Gorkha Hill Council, The Hindu, August
12, 2009. Accessed from http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/12/stories/2009081260521200.htm
on June 27, 2011.
Centre agrees to
scrap Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, Indian Express,
August 12, 2009. Accessed from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Centre-agrees-to-scrap-Darjeeling-Gorkha-Hill-Council/501063
on June 27, 2009.
[87] Government gives GJM just a small rope, Indian Express. August 13, 2009. Accessed from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/govt-gives-gjm-just-a-small-rope/501481/
on June, 27, 2011.
[88] GJM Launches Fast-Unto-Death for Gorkhaland,
The Outlook India, December 11, 2009. Accessed from http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?670906 on June, 27,
2011.
[89] Telangana gives hope to Gorkhaland,
IBN LIVE, Dec
11, 2009 Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/news/telangana-gives-hope-to-gorkhaland/106944-37.html
On June 27, 2011
[90] Telangana
eye-opener for Darjeeling party, The Telegraph, December, 2009
Accessed from http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091211/jsp/frontpage/story_11850722.jsp
on June 27, 2011.
[91] Situation still not
conducive for talks with GJM: Bengal govt, Indian Express, Dec 16 2009, Accessed from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/situation-still-not-conducive-for-talks-with/554654/ on June 27, 2011.
[92] GJM drops bandh call after meeting Advani, The Hindu, December
15, 2009 accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article65263.ece on June, 27, 2011.
GJM puts off hunger strike, The Hindu, Dec 20,
2009, Accessed from http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/20/stories/2009122061131100.htm
on June, 27, 2011
[93]Ahead of Darjeeling
talks, GJM hints at a ‘climate change’,
Indian Express, Dec 19
2009, Accessed from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Ahead-of-Darjeeling-talks--GJM-hints-at-a--climate-change-/556413
on June, 27, 2011.
Gorkhas
keen to join tripartite talks on Gorkhaland statehood, News Track, Fri, 18
Dec 2009, Accessed from
http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/139220,
On June 27, 2011.
[94] Gorkhaland talks end in deadlock, The Times of India, Dec 22, 2009, Accessed from http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-12-22/india/28087934_1_gorkhaland-tripartite-talks-tripartite-meeting on June 27, 2011.
India new 'Gorkha' state talks to continue, BBC News, Calcutta Monday, 21 December 2009, Accessed from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8423897.stm
on June 27, 2011.
[95] GJM
threatens to drive out DM, SP from Darjeeling, Indian
Express, Feb 08 2010, Accessed from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/gjm-threatens-to-drive-out-dm-sp-from-darjeeling/576921/0
on June, 27, 2011.
[96] GJM sets deadline
for tripartite talks, The
Hindu, February 8, 2010, Accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article102657.ece on June, 27, 2011.
[97] 24-hour Morcha bandh on Saturday Highway to
Gangtok kept out of strike, The Telegraph, February 12 , 2010, Accessed from
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100212/jsp/siliguri/story_12096359.jsp
on June, 27, 2011.
[98] Home ministry finalises broad outline of talks on
Gorkhaland, March, 16, 2010, Accessed from http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_home-ministry-finalises-broad-outline-of-talks-on-gorkhaland_1359802,
on27th June, 2011.
[99] GJM proposes interim set-up prior to Gorkhaland, The Hindu, March 16, 2010, Accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article246184.ece,
on June, 27, 2011.
[101] Hill talks trip
over territory, The Telegraph, May 12 , 2010, Accessed from http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100512/jsp/nation/story_12439402.jsp,
on June 27, 2011.
[102] Top Gorkha leader fatally stabbed in
Darjeeling, The Hindu, May 21, 2010, Accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article434923.ece,
on June 28, 2011.
[103] Senior India Gorkha
leader Madan Tamang killed,
The BBC News, 21 May 2010, Accessed from, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8696304.stm,
on June28, 2011.
[104] GJM leader steps down ‘protesting’ Tamang’s murder, The Hindu, May 23, 2010, Accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article436556.ece,
on June 28, 2011.
[105] GJM cornered, CPM
eyes a foothold in hills,
Indian Express, May 26
2010, Accessed from http://www.indianexpress.com/news/GJM-cornered--CPM-eyes-a-foothold-in-hills/623793,
on June 28, 2011.
[106]6 Gorkha outfits to attend key meet with govt today, August, 3, 2010, Accessed from http://www.darjeelingtimes.com/columns/dj-history/1170-6-gorkha-outfits-to-attend-key-meet-with-govt-today.html,
on June 29, 2011.
[107] Bandh relief for
Darjeeling, CNN-IBN, Aug 24, 2010,
Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bandh-relief-for-darjeeling/129509-3.html,
on June, 29, 2011
[108] Mamata begins Darjeeling tour, meets
political parties September, 26, 2010, Accessed from http://www.sify.com/news/mamata-begins-darjeeling-tour-meets-political-parties-news-national-kj0wadcagdb.html
on June, 29, 2011.
[109] GJM threatens to paralyze Hills TNN Jul 5, 2010, Accessed from, http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-05/kolkata/28300247_1_tripartite-talks-gorkha-janmukti-morcha-gorkhaland,
on June, 29, 2011.
[110] Mamata announces slew of projects in
Darjeeling, SIfy, Septemer, 27, 2010, accessed from
http://www.sify.com/news/mamata-announces-slew-of-projects-in-darjeeling-news-national-kj1vadjdgid.html
on June, 29, 2011.
[111] GJM calls bandh
from December 21, The Hindu, November, 29, 2010, Accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/article920697.ece
on June 29, 2011.
[112] GJM
calls off Darjeeling bandh, December, 18, 2010, The Washington Bangla Radio,
Accessed from http://www.washingtonbanglaradio.com/content/121696410-gjm-calls-darjeeling-bandh,
on June, 29, 2011.
[113] GJM
call for seven day bandh in Darjeeling from tomorrow, The Hindu, January 17,
2011, Accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article1097438.ece,
on June, 29, 2011.
[114] GJM
violence causes Rs 3 crore loss to forest department, February, 9, 2011 The
Hindu, Accessed from http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/other-states/article1180513.ece,
on June, 29, 2011.
[115] Two
killed in police firing in Darjeeling, IBN Live, Feb 08, 2011, Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/news/two-killed-in-police-firing-in-darjeeling/142767-37.html,
on June, 29, 2011.
[116] Darjeeling violence: West Bengal government
seeks Army deployment, NDTV, February 09, 2011, Accessed from, http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/darjeeling-violence-west-bengal-government-seeks-army-deployment-84251,
on June, 29, 2011.
[117] GJM Indefinite Bandh to Continue, No
Relaxation, Accessed from http://news.outlookindia.com/item.aspx?711852,
on June, 29, 2011.
[118] WB: GJM to contest
elections for Gorkhaland, CNN-IBN, Apr 17, 2011, Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/news/wb-gjm-to-contest-elections-for-gorkhaland/149467-37-64.html
on June, 30, 2011.
[119] Gurung
congratulates Mamata, says ray of hope after 34 years, IBN
LIVE, May 30,2011, Accessed from http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/gurung-congratulates-mamata-says-ray-of-hope-after-34-years/706647.html,
on June, 30, 2011.
GJM puts Gorkhaland demand on backburner, The Hindu, May 31, 2011, http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/31/stories/2011053158470100.htm,
on June 30, 2011.
[120] Talks with GJM June 6, says Mamata, News
MSN, May 31, 2011, Accessed from, http://news.in.msn.com/national/article.aspx?cp-documentid=5184571,
on June 30, 2011.
[121] GJM in no mood to
rush Didi, The
Times of India, Jun 3, 2011, 01, Accessed from, http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-03/kolkata/29616789_1_gjm-general-secretary-gorkhaland-gjm-leaders,
on June, 30, 2011.
[122] Gorkha front
positive on resolution of Darjeeling issue, NDTV, June 06,
2011, Accessed from http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/gorkha-front-positive-on-resolution-of-darjeeling-issue-110550,
on June, 30, 2011.
[123]
Darjeeling issue solved, says Mamata after talks with GJM, Deccan Herald, June
7, 2011, Accessed from http://www.deccanherald.com/content/167076/darjeeling-issue-solved-says-mamata.html,
on July, 1, 2011.
[124] Banerjee,
A. (2011) GJM win Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong municipal elections, on
November 18, Accessed from http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/WestBengal/GJM-win-Darjeeling-Kurseong-and-Kalimpong-municipal-elections/Article1-771005.aspx
on January, 01, 2012.
[125] Gorkha
Territorial Administration(GTA) Agreement and its Clauses Destorted, accessed
from http://www.gorkhacreed.com/groups/gorkhaland/forum/topic/gjm-gorkha-territorial-administration-gta-agreement-and-its-clauses-have-been-distorted-in-the-bill/#post-2235
on January, 03, 2011.
[126] Zeenews. (2011). GTA solution no solution at all: CPI(M), December
23. Accessed
fromhttp://zeenews.india.com/news/west-bengal/gta-solution-no-solution-at-all-cpi-m_748383.html
on January, 03, 2012.
[127] The
Times of India. (2011). Renew Gorkhaland agitation: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha
youth wing, December 18, Accessed from http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-12-18/india/30530983_1_youth-wing-gorkha-janmukti-morcha-bimal-gurung on January, 03, 2012
What a beautiful archival work you have done. Thanks a lot for sharing it for free. It will help whoever wants to know or do research on these issues. Take up this research if you can.
ReplyDeleteMindblowing details wonderful ground work. Its so rare now a day. And you are giving it away without even geting it published! Thanks for the 'social work'
ReplyDelete