May 19, 2022: Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday reiterated that Gorkhas were never foreigners and will never be considered such. He was referring to the Government of Assam’s cabinet decision to withdraw all D Voters cases that were to be tried at Foreigner Tribunals across the state. It is to be noted that Gorkha civil society organizations lead by the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) who became a party to NRC Case in Supreme Court of India supported by the Assam Gorkha Sammelan (AGS), All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union (AAGSU) and the literary organization Assam Nepali Sahitya Sabha (ANSS) had been demanding logical and legal conclusion of Gorkha D Voters case that had left out families along with the victim from the NRC. BGP in a statement published in the media in September 2019 had threatened that Gorkhas won’t go to Foreigners Tribunal (FT) to prove citizenship at any cost as the community feels insulted to approach FT to include their name in the National Register of Citizens (NRC). In the above lines CM Sarma, referring to the Gorkhas as an inseparable unit of the greater demography of Assam, declared that the State government is all committed to work towards socio-economic, academic and literary uplift of the Gorkhas of Assam.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 27th Triennial Conference of Assam Gorkha Sammelan held at Gyanpeeth Degree College, Nikashi in Baksa BTR CM Sarma said, 'The State government has a well-laid-out plan to further empower the Gorkha Development Council for all-round development of the people belonging to the Gorkha community. As part of that plan, let me take the opportunity to announce Rs 25 crore aimed at the welfare of the Gorkhas. This apart, the government will also take steps to introduce science or commerce stream at the Nikashi-based Gyanpeeth Graduate College for overall improvement of the educational scenario of the Gorkha youths,”  Praising the efforts of the Assam Gorkha Sammelan on issues ranging from raising the socio-economic status to restoration of self-pride among members of the community, the Chief Minister lauded the organisation for its never-ending endeavour and enthusiasm to work for overall development of the Gorkha community for the past eight decades. The Chief Minister also lauded the organisation for its role in building a chord of brotherhood with every other big or small community in the state, thus further strengthening the concept of greater Assamese community. Reacting to the announcement of Rs. Crores as AGS Conference special grant GDC Chairman Prem Tamang told this correspondent that we wish to build an office cum cultural research centre with conference facilities for all thirteen Gorkha tribes in Assam as it will strengthen the foundation of the Gorkha community. GDC chief is of the view of starting a Gorkha Handloom Mission under GDC to impart training to weavers; machineries for Gorkha handloom with raw materials in few Gorkha populated weaving society of Assam and also allot financial assistance to the entrepreneurs in this field.

The Chief Minister, praising the world-renowned bravery and valour of members of the Gorkha community, said Assam and Kingdom of Nepal have been sharing brotherly relations since times immemorial which dates back to one thousand to eleven hundred years, owing to geographical proximity which was led to movement of Gorkhas from the Himalayan country to various parts of India, including Assam since pre-historic period. CM Sarma, recalling the prominent roles of the members of the Gorkha community played in India’s freedom struggle, the neo-Vaishnavite movement against sectarianism and the madhyam andolan (movement for recognition of Assamese as the medium of instruction in universities), among others, said the community is a symbol of valour not only in India but also at the international stage. The Chief Minister further thanked the community for producing literary stalwarts who have contributed immensely towards growth of Assamese literary tradition. “Let me take this opportunity to announce that the government is sincerely taking every step needed for resolution of the long-standing problems and demands of the (Gorkha) community. Also, let me reiterate today that Gorkhas were never foreigners and will never be considered such. Also, we are taking measures to ensure members of the community are able to live a life of dignity and self-esteem just as other indigenous communities,” the Chief Minister added. He also released a souvenir ‘Nikashi Darpan’ on the occasion.

Replying to reporters on the formation of Gorkha Autonomous Council (GAC) the CM said that a cabinet decision should be taken for creation of any autonomous council besides other community considerations but currently we are empowering the Gorkha Development Council (GDC). Speaking to reporters at the Moni Kumar Subba Samanvay Xetra the conference venue Dr. Sarma said issue of according Tribal status to the tribes of Gorkha community can only happen after Gorkha CSOs initiate dialogue with the existing tribal groups. Only after a common consensus between the Gorkhas and the Tribal groups, the Government can consider for recommendation to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Ministers Urkhw Gwra Brahma, Ashok Singhal, MLAs Ganesh Limboo, Bhaskar Sarma, Jolen Daimary, Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) Chief Pramod Bodo, Political Secretary to CM Jayanta Malla Baruah, Political Secretary to CEM BTR Madhab Chetri, AAGSU president Arjun Chetri, ABSU president Dipen Boro, AASU president Dipanku Kumar Nath, ANSS president Durga Khatiwoda, BGP National VP Nityananda Upadhyay, Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh president and general secretary Nanda Kirati Dewan and Ramesh Bastola , Dillu Sarma VC Fishfed, Ranjib Sarma Chairman Sitajhakla, Roshan Chand MD Rains Inn, Ganesh Sarma were noted leaders and personalities who were felicitated and addressed the open session.

AASU president Dipanku Kumar Nath extended support to creation of GAC. Talking to reporters Nath said, ‘Gorkhas like other indigenous communities of Assam should enjoy autonomy to govern and develop so there should not be any difference of opinion in creation of Gorkha Autonomous Council (GAC) in Assam.’  The 80th Foundation day cum 27th Triennial Conference that began on 15th May 2022 Sunday concluded with open session on Wednesday. The conference elected Krishna Bhujel and Lakshmi Sedai as President and Chief General Secretary for the 2022-2025 sessions.