Gorkha issues will be addressed soon, assures Bista

DARJEELING,: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista stated Wednesday that discussions on the Gorkha community’s key issues including Statehood, Permanent Political Solution (PPS) and tribal status will resume shortly. He attributed the delay to recent political developments such as the elections and the Manipur crisis but assured that the dialogue process within the Home Ministry would reopen soon.

Speaking on the side-lines of a rally held here to welcome 1008 Kalidas Krishnanand, Bista said, “As far as the issue of the Gorkhas regarding Statehood or a Permanent Political Solution and the tribal status issues goes, it is on track.”

He expressed confidence that the government remains committed to resolving these issues. “The dreams and goals we are working towards are significant and patience is needed,” he said, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and support from the Central government.

When asked about the ongoing rift between their alliance parties, Bista dismissed rumours of any friction, stating that he is in constant touch with alliance leaders. “I have only yesterday met leaders of some of our alliance parties in Delhi and am in constant touch with leaders of our other alliance parties. I have not seen anyone angry towards us.”

He acknowledged the GNLF’s recent black flag campaign, saying it highlights the need for urgency but did not see it as a negative action. “The GNLF started a black flag campaign maintaining that a lot of delay is being made. They only want to send a message to the Centre demanding the solution for the issues here as soon as possible. I feel there is nothing wrong with that and if the Centre speeds up the process due to this, the people will be the ones who will benefit,” he added.

Responding to Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) chief Anit Thapa’s demand for more MLAs and MPs for the GTA area, Bista encouraged Thapa to share his proposals, reiterating that addressing past injustices remains a priority. “Thapa can give whatever suggestion he has regarding delimitation and I want him to share with me a copy of his demand as the most help for it can be provided by me. I feel that the injustice that has happened to us in the seventies and eighties should be addressed.”

On the issue of tribal status for 11 Gorkha communities, Bista reiterated that the solution lies with the Central government, not the State, and emphasized that collaborative efforts are key to achieving a positive outcome for the Gorkha people.