Gorkhaland Activist Samuha to hold Delhi programme

DARJEELING,: The apolitical organization Gorkhaland Activist Samuha (GAS) is set to hold a “national assembly” in Delhi at the end of this month, focusing on the issues of Gorkha identity and political security.

In a press conference here on Wednesday, GAS leaders said the program, scheduled for 22nd and 23rd November, will include Indian Gorkha participants from various parts of the country.

“Our programs are planned based on suggestions from the people. The Delhi program was proposed by someone from Dehradun, who suggested it should be held before the parliamentary session, not during it,” said GAS leader Kishore Pradhan. He added that the aim is to bring together the thoughts and aspirations of Indian Gorkhas in one place.

GAS has been organizing programs in Delhi annually on the demand for Gorkhaland, especially during parliamentary sessions. This program comes ahead of the winter session of Parliament, scheduled for December.

“The suggestion was to hold a meeting where a resolution could be passed regarding our demands, which we believe is Gorkhaland. This resolution should then be presented to the government for action,” Pradhan said, adding that local demands from different areas are considered secondary.

Pradhan said they have visited North-East areas and contacted people over the phone to discuss the upcoming Delhi program and the appointment of a central interlocutor.

“Most political and non-political organizations make this a Darjeeling-centric issue, but we are trying to make it nationwide,” he said.

Regarding the national assembly, Pradhan said the draft proposal will be tabled on the first day for discussion, with a resolution adopted on the second day, which they will try to hand over to the government. Like previous programs, this event will be funded through crowdfunding.