By Devika Bedi
To never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. -Arundhati Roy
Since 21 June, when the protests for an autonomous state of Gorkhaland revamped, the affected region has suffered a complete shutdown of business establishments, restaurants, hotels, schools and colleges. In the backdrop of a five pointer national GDP, tourism and tea production in West Bengal have taken a major blow. For the first time in 150 years, Darjeeling tea did not go for auction.
Power-play politics evident
Between the interplay of identity politics, heterogeneous narratives of development and international cross border disputes, the issue of autonomous Gorkhaland has re-erupted. Two crore Gorkhas in the country are facing political, social, economic and humanitarian hurdles. In a recent development, internal skirmishes between Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders have surfaced. “It’s felt that the agitation that is going on for whatever demand, may be justified or may not be justified…the ruling party in West Bengal probably is not in good terms with the Centre and it is because of the hostility between the two, the Centre and the state…the people are sandwiched, they are suffering.“, said National Congress Party leader Majeed Memon. GJM chief Bimal Gurung accused GJM Joint Secretary of treason under the influence of ruling party Trinamool Congress. This marks another chapter in the long struggle and protest for Gorkhaland.
Long struggle for ethnicity
The term Gorkhaland was coined by Subash Ghising, also the founder of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF). GJM is lead by Bimal Gurung. His party has demanded an autonomous statehood for the geographical region of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and other hilly districts of West Bengal. Considered as one of the oldest civil movements in India, its ethos is rooted in strong cultural, ethnic and economic distinction. With an intention of getting rightly regarded as Indians and not as Nepalese foreigners living in West Bengal, the movement began in 1907 and is still continuing. Three major players in the imbroglio may be identified as the central ruling party of BJP, state party of TMC and the rebels of GJM. The current collective diplomacy and political strategies are challenging preconceived nomenclature of Gorkhas in India and beyond, and other people dwelling in the affected regions. “We will not be oppressed by the administration anymore. The Gorkhas all over the world are with us.” said GJM assistant general secretary Binay Tamang.
Impact on India’s foreign relations
The proposed Gorkhaland falls at the gateway of North Eastern India. From this, it gains importance for the three major players the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the rebellious GJM. It comes as a turning point in Indo-Nepalese relations for now and in future. How the Indian administration treats this issue will determine how Indians living in Nepal (Madhesi and Terai) are treated in their country. For three months now, the issue is enveloped in power oriented rigmaroles and is making headlines more than frequently. Will Mamata Banerjee succumb to GJMs demands after facing a loss of 1-31 in the Darjeeling district elections or will she be able to restore peace in the undivided West Bengal?
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