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| Former Sikkim Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari |
Addressing a gathering at the Gorkha Ranga Mancha in Darjeeling on the occasion of “Bhasa Manyata Diwas” (on this day in 1992 the Constitution (71st Amendment) Bill to incorporate Nepali in the 8th Schedule, was passed by Parliament – Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) Bhandari, stated “22 years ago this could be attained owing to our unity. Gorkhas living across the country came together in demand of the inclusion of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule. We have to adopt a similar approach for Gorkhaland. A separate state is the panacea for the Gorkhas.”
Bhandari as the Chief Minister of Sikkim and president of Bharatiya Nepali Rastriya Parishad had played a pro active role for the inclusion of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule. In his possession are documents since the demand for the inclusion of Nepali language was first raised in 1956 till the inclusion in the 8th Schedule on 31August 1992.
The Department of Information and Culture, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has decided to publish a book which will contain the important documents in Bhandari’s possession relating to the language demand. The youth wing of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had organized the commemoration and had invited Bhandari. GJM President Bimal Gurung was also present.
“70% of Sikkim’s population comprises of Gorkhas yet the State cannot address the identity issue of the Gorkhas. Only Gorkhaland can resolve this identity crisis and provide political security for the Gorkhas” stated Gurung.
Gurung alleged that though 22 years ago Nepali was given due recognisation there has hardly been any implementation. “Working in this direction GTA will strive to promote and implement Nepali language as the official language of the GTA” added Gurung who is also the GTA Chief Executive member. On the occasion eminent Nepali literature IB Rai and Laxmi Kalikotey were felicitated.
Source: himalayanmirror
