The crisis in Gorkhaland (West-Bengal) has been brewing for many decades and the stems from language – Nepali speaking people vs Bengali speaking people. Here, in this article, we are discussing in detail about the Gorkhaland Movement, its background, causes, the current situation, etc.
What is the Gorkhaland Issue?
- Gorkhaland consists of Nepali-speaking people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and other hilly districts of West-Bengal. The people belonging to these areas have ethical, cultural and language differences with the Bengali community of West-Bengal.
- The demand of Darjeeling as a separate administrative region dates back to 1907. But, the term “Gorkhaland” was coined recently, in the 1980s, by Subhash Ghising, the founder of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF).
- The Gorkhaland Movement is a movement mainly focused in the Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal, which demands the creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland.
- The area covers Duars and Terai region of West Bengal. And is famous for its tea and beauty, which are the main sources of its income.
Why is there a demand for separate statehood for Gorkhaland?
- The main reason for the separate Gorkhaland movement is due to the differences in ethnicity, culture and language.
- The people of Nepali-Indian Gorkha ethnic origin on the Northern part of West Bengal demands a state on basis of their cultural identity, which is very different from Bengali culture.
- In addition to an identity crisis, there is also an issue of poverty, under-development and politicisation of the issue.
- According to Rajat Ganguli (author of ‘Poverty, Malgovernance and Ethnopolitical Mobilization: Gorkha Nationalism and the Gorkhaland Agitation in India’). It was a failure of governance combined with politicisation that bred the Gorkhaland issue. He cites the historical trend, especially post-independence, where the issue erupts only when it’s pampered by political aspirations.
The story behind the rise of Gorkhaland – Chronology and Cause
How Darjeeling came into existence?
- Prior to 1780s the area was ruled by Chogyal of Sikkim
- Around 1780 the Gorkhas had captured Sikkim and most parts of the North East including Darjeeling.
- In 1814, the Anglo-Gorkha war broke out, which ended with the Treaty of Segoulee in 1815 (ratified in March 1816).
- As per the treaty, British East India Company took all the territory that Gorkha annexed from Chogyal of Sikkim.
- In 1817, through the Treaty of Titalia, the British reinstated Chogyal of Sikkim and gave back all the territory annexed by Gorkhas back to Chogyals.
- Though in 1835, through Deed of Grant, they took possession of the hills of Darjeeling from Sikkim.
- British added Bengal Duars and Kalimpong to Darling hills in 1864 via Treaty of Sinchula, signed between the British and Bhutan.
- Thus the present district of Darjeeling came into existence in 1866.
Chronology of ‘demands for autonomy’
- In 1907, The demand for a separate administrative unit in Darjeeling was raised for the first time by the Hillmen’s Association of Darjeeling.
- In 1941, it demanded exclusion of Darjeeling from Bengal and to make it a chief commissioner province.
- The undivided Communist Party of India, in 1947 submitted a memorandum to the Constituent Assembly demanding the formation of Gorkhasthan comprising Darjeeling district and Sikkim.
- In 1952, Akhil BharatiyaGorkha League (ABGL) meets Prime Minister and demands separation from Bengal.
- 1977- 81: The West Bengal government passes a unanimous resolution supporting the creation of an autonomous district council consisting Darjeeling and related areas.
- 1980: Subhash Ghising forms Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF).
- GNLF launches a most violent agitation in Gorkhaland movement history in 1986.
- In 1988, Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council accord is signed by GNLF, the state of Bengal and the Centre. Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council came into action. GNLF drops the demand for the separate state.
- In 2005, the same parties signed an in–principle memorandum of settlement to include Darjeeling in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which addresses the administration of tribal areas.
- Calling ‘the Sixth Schedule solution’ a betrayal to Gorkhaland, Bimal Gurung launched Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in 2007. The same year witnessed a rise in agitations for the separate Gorkhaland demand.
- In 2011 the memorandum of agreement for the formation of a Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), a semi-autonomous administrative body for the Darjeeling, passed by West Bengal legislative assembly to calm the GJM.
Major Post-Independence Movements related to Gorkhaland
- The All India Gorkha League (AIGL) came into existence in 1943 as the first political party in the Darjeeling hills. After India’s independence, it demanded the addition of Darjeeling to Assam and started ‘Assam Chalo’ movement. It worked on petitions, like the moderates, and had submitted memorandums to the President of India and the Prime Minister of India. It was never violent, except few exceptions.
- The biggest and most violent agitation took place in 1986 under the banner of GNLF, led by Subhash Ghising. Between 1986-88, Darjeeling witnessed most violent phase in its post-independence history of India. As per one estimate, more than 1200 people lost their lives. It ended with DGHC accord (discussed above).
- In 2004, the fourth elections for DGHC didn’t take place. Instead, in 2005, Darjeeling was added to the sixth schedule and a tribal council was set up with Ghising as its head. It leads to revolt by Bimal Gurung, who launched GJM in 2007. Thereby, the second biggest agitation in Gorkhaland movement took place. As evident from the turn of events, it was a politically motivated rather than identity driven.
- In 2010-2011, the Gorkhaland agitation saw a new turn after local leaders fought among themselves as one of the leader of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL), was allegedly stabbed to death by GJM supporters.
- In 2013, the demand for separation rose high again due to the division of Andhra Pradesh. The movement was peaceful under the leadership of GJM. GJM adopted the innovative method of protest called “Janta Bandh”. People were told to voluntarily stay inside on 13th and 14th August. There was no force used but the silence on streets was an evident sign of revolt. It was portrayed as an embarrassment to the government.
2017 Darjeeling Agitation
Cause
- West Bengal government’s decision to impose Bengali language in all the schools from Class I to IX.
What made it worse?
- Heavy-handed response from state leading to the death of protestors.
- Considered as an attempt by TMC (All India Trinamool Congress) to gain hold in Darjeeling. In 2017 municipal election, TMC won only 1 seat while GJM held 31 seats.
- GJM finds it as right opportunity to raise its importance.
Why Gorkhaland Movement Matters?
- It is one of the oldest movement in India (began in 1907)
- What happens in Gorkhaland will affect India-Nepal relations too. How India treats the problems of the Nepali people of hill origin in Darjeeling will affect how Nepal deals with the people of Indian origin in Nepal, i.e. Madhesi in Terai.
- Gorkhaland has a strategic location, it’s vicinity to the chicken neck that connects rest of India with North East. Its stability is must for India’s strategic and economic interests of the nation.
- Darjeeling is a tea and tourist hot-spot with a high level of poverty. It needs and has potential to become the economic engine of the East with a sustainable economic model. But such things will be possible only if there is stability in the region.
Possible Resolution -Division of the state of West Bengal, to create Gorkhaland
Pros
- It may create a stable and responsible government in Darjeeling.
- It will end one of the longest movement for the creation of a separate state in India
Cons
- It can lead to “Balkanization” of India.
- It may legitimise violence as a way to meet demands.
- The rise of agitation with the rise of new outfits shows that politics plays the vital role. The division would be an extreme measure for a problem that can be resolved by political consensus like done in 1988 and 2011.
- Division of state should be done on the criteria set by State Reorganisation Commission. Any diversion would only create a more dissension than the solution.
2. Giving more powers to Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, creating a transparent and open election process. It must be realised that GJM rose due to the failure of the government to conduct 4th DGHC elections.
3. The Parliament can amend the Constitution of India and insert autonomous district within West Bengal by adding a provision like 244 A, which provides for such method for Assam.
Conclusion
The demands for separate statehood in India have been there even before India’s Independence. Even after the state re-organization of 1956, there were demands from various corners of the country for the creation of a separate state. Linguistic, cultural, ethnic and economic distinctions can be traced as the core reasons behind these demands.
Hegel said, “We learn from history that we do not learn from history”. The repetition of history in the Gorkhaland issue is the living proof. Especially in the post-independence, where the rise and fall of momentum in demand follow the rise and fall of the party involved. The solution lies in pleasing the population rather than the parties. Gorkhaland can become an epitome of decentralisation or a failed divided state. The choice is in the hands of people protesting. Are they protesting for the right cause?
Article contributed by: Alok Singh
gopu says
really help full
Pranamsu says
Excellent presentation. Detailed analysis of the situation. Liked much. Thanks for the article.
Ved bukhariya says
Sir yeh toh gold gai
reeta kubavat says
Thanks. it’s very Useful
sangeeth says
Nice ,provide more useful article like tis……
Rajat Tamang says
Now the name Gorkhaland has become the source of income for the political parties. They played with the emotions of the people in the name of seperate state Gorkhaland and i personally think that the reason behind the failure for not have seperate state is unity. There are zero unity among the people which is very painful.
Subam Mukhia says
Nice article my friend keep on inspiring yes we can…..
Jay Singh rathor says
Very very helpful for everyone
RAM SINGH says
you are providing very useful knowledge related various issues to us.Reading articles of clears ias is always an excellent experience. it will become a very good platform for those aspirants who have no English background if you will provide it in hindi too.
Savio Tom says
Very informative and really useful. Thank you for making articles like this which are well researched, presented in a fashion that makes it easier to study and revise them. Kudos to the author of this article and the entire Clear IAS team.
Shails says
Good composition of information
most infromative article....... says
uyuyu
Seena abhilash says
worthy and most effective points used by the writer. Excellent presentation. simple and authentic. .. Thanks for ur support..
Pathi nsr says
TO
H.E.THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA,
RASHTRAPATI BHAWAN,
NEWDELHI-110001
Most Respected sir,
Subject :–Direct administration of acquired territories by union of India in accordance with the constitution -Need for ending violation of constitution and implementing constitutional rule in the acquired territories of Darjeeling,
Kalimpong and Doars in consonance with the constitution –prayed intervention and justice to the discriminated territories by seeking the opinion of supreme court through presidential reference –Regarding.
Pranam.This is to submit most respectfully to the notice of your Excellency that the hill people of the acquired territories of Darjeeling,Kalimpong and Doars have been pleading for justice since more than 110 years for a homeland of their own namely Gorkhaland.
It is discretionary on the part of union government to grant statehood subject to legislation by parliament of India.But as territories acquired from foreign countries by international treaties they are constitutionally entitled to be administered directly by union of India in accordance with the constitution as laid down under article 246(4) read with articles 1(3)c and 366(30).
India paid royalty to sikkim until 1975 for the ceded areas of Darjeeling and surrounding areas and still paying lease amount to Bhutan for leasehold areas of Kalimpong and Doars.
These acquired territories were acquired by union of India and not by west Bengal and the royalty and lease amount were paid and still being paid by union of India to sikkim and Bhutan respectively.
By default and definition these acquired territories were factually incorporated into union of India even though dejure incorporation is yet to be effected by way of constitutional amendment to the first schedule as was done in the case of other acquired territories like pondicherry,yanam,mahe,goa,diu,daman,chandannagore,sikkim and the exchange of enclaves between Pakistan and India.
These acquired territories have to be directly administered by union of India irrespective of the fact whether they are granted union territory status or not just as pondicherry,mahe,yanam were administered directly by union of India even before they were granted union territory status in 1962.Parliament has plenary power of legislation regarding acquired territories as in the case of union territories as per article 246(4)of our constitution.
Article 366(30) of our constitution describes union territory specified in the first schedule and includes any other territory comprised within the territory of INDIA but not specified in that schedule.
Ceded areas of Darjeeling and leasehold areas of Kalimpong and Doars are certainly acquired territories from foreign countries falling under article 1(3)c of our constitution and these territories have a legitimate constitutional right to be administered directly by union of India as per article 246(4) of our constitution and denial of direct administration by union of India of these acquired territories is violation of article 246(4),14 read with article 1(3)c,366(30) and section 14 of schedule 1 of our constitution.The unconstitutional administration of these acquired territories by west Bengal needs to be put an end to at the earliest.
Hence it’s hereby prayed that your Excellency may be pleased to have mercy on the micro minorities of these acquired territories to seek the opinion of supreme court of India by way of presidential reference under article 143(1) and instruct the union home ministry to examine the constitutional violation w.r.t.the acquired territories of Darjeeling,Kalimpong and Doars and initiate necessary steps to directly administer these areas in accordance with the provisions of constitution of India for the kind act of which the numerically insignificant and politically meek inhabitants of these constitutionally discriminated acquired territories shall be indebted to your Excellency throughout their lives.
With utmost reverence,
S.Raghupathi Naidu
Social worker
Darjeeling district,W.B.
Manu says
All this information is useful, but there is no mentioning of the fact that why government is denying Gorkha’s demand for a separate statehood since 1806?
Government side of the story should also be shown.
rajiv sarmah says
It’s from 1907 not 1806. In 1806 darjeeling was under gorkha kingdom till anglo gorkha war n with sikkim till 1835. Demand to british for separate state was denied cuz british could not have make it province as it still belonged to Sikkim which was not under british India. That’s why darjeeling was also not merged with Bengal or any state cuz it was a land of a princely state Sikkim. So british kept it as partially excluded territorry whr british laws were not applicable. Now from 1947 when Darjeeling’s inclusion with indian union was confirmed as thr was no king to demand it be it it’s parent state Sikkim( which did not join Indian union in 1947) this demand was denied cuz gov of India wanted to give it to Bengal to compensate for divination of Bengal. So it was merged with Bengal in 1956. Otherwise bihar was first applicant for darjeeling which was rejected on basis of different ethnicity wherease Bengals case was not different. Otherwise gov of India would have make it UT like many in north east which later got converted into states. Another reason gorkhas living in those regions became less indian in 1947 cuz the term indian which was cultural till 1947 became political in 1947 n for same ethnicities more presence in Nepal kingdom which was not under british empire but was not also part newly kingdoms joined Indian union in 1947 like kashmir, garwal, kumaon, baroda etc.
rajiv sarmah says
But very good presentation with history.
Chongjhot Bolek Satrajit says
History of Darjyu Lyang described wonderfully without mentioning the aboriginal Lepchas (the one and only indigenous tribe of the land).
Every rivers, mountains, places of Darjeeling are named in Lepcha language. By seeing the nomenclature of Darjeeling, state and central government of India must need to protect the land and Lepchas by giving self govern under Indian union. Tibetan rulers never demand the land again after loosing, because they new that, they don’t have legal rights. Because they are foreigners. They captured the Lepchas land by violating the blood brotherhood treaty. Same way Nepalese also do not have any legal rights to demand the land. Which, once they were captured but British was again reunited the land with SiKkim. Because SiKkim is the actual or legal owner of the land (darjeeling )and Lepchas are the land lords.
Aachuley.
Rahul says
Gorkhaland is not only demanded by Nepali speaking population, it is the demand of the NEBULA (Nepali Bhutia Lepcha). It was the NEBULA who demanded separate administrative province in 1907 from the Britishers and till date it is the NEBULA who has been demanding Gorkhaland. So, it is wrong to say it is only Nepali that demands Gorkhaland. If you look in the Gorkha Army, it is the representations of Bhutia Lepcha and Nepali who enrolled themselves during the 60s,70s ,80s and maybe till date. Again, the referendum during the elections and votes by the people (Nepali Bhutia Lepcha) is a clear indication to the democratic machinery of India. Gorkhaland in short is a demand for separation of administrative system as rightfully enlightened within the frame work of Indian Constitution.
Suman Sharmah says
Lepcha, Bhutia, Sherpa, Tamang, Dhimal, Mangar, Newar, Khas, Limbu, Rai/ Khambu, Tamu/ Gurung, Koche, Meche, Toto, Dukpa, etc. are part and parcel of the Gorkha race. It has been the divisive tactics of some government/ politicians to potryay these tribes of Gorkhas as separate entities. The Demand of Gorkhaland comprising Darjeeling & Kalimpong Districts and Dooars will fulfill the long aspirations of these tribes of Gorkhas to have own state in India called Gorkhaland. Creating Gorkhaland state is viable in all aspects considering the tea- tourism- hydel power- agriculture
horticulture- human resources- education hub- etc potential of Gorkhaland region, and it will also give more stability & security to India, considering it’s vital location, coupled with large scale migration of fundamentalist Bangladeshis perpetrated by successive govts in West Bengal for their vote banks. It should not be looked from the perspective of Indo- Nepal relations, as the Gorkhaland region is traditionally the land of the Gorkhas and they are the indigenous people of the land.