IGJF writes to Mamata Banerjee, demands land rights based on physical possession

DARJEELING, : Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF), a newly formed political outfit, has written to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, demanding land rights based on physical possession for the indigenous Gorkha, Adivasi, Rajbanshi and other communities residing in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts, as well as the Terai and Dooars regions.

In the letter, IGJF’s chief convenor Ajoy Edwards stated: “I write to you to bring to your kind attention the critical and longstanding issue of granting land rights to the people residing in Darjeeling, Kalimpong districts, Terai and Dooars. Despite repeated appeals over the years, this matter remains unresolved and continues to affect the rightful claims of these residents.”

Edwards emphasized that the inhabitants of these districts, including those living in tea gardens, cinchona plantations, DI Fund and forest areas, have lived on this land for centuries. “They are indigenous to this region and have a profound cultural and historical connection to it,” he added.

Referring to the State government’s ‘Nijo Griha Nijo Bhumi Prakalpa' scheme, which provides up to five decimals of land to eligible landless and homeless families in other parts of Bengal, Edwards said that such a scheme is unsuitable for the unique context of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Terai and Dooars.

“The residents of the above said region cannot and should not be categorized under the framework of landless schemes applicable in other parts of Bengal. I strongly urge the government to grant land rights to the above mentioned indigenous people of aforesaid areas, recognizing their historical and cultural ties to this region,” he said.

Edwards further added that if the existing laws do not provide such recognition, the IGJF urges the State government to amend the West Bengal Land Reforms Act to include special provisions addressing the unique needs of the aforementioned regions.