BGP concerned over insecurity of Gorkhas in NE states

PRADIP LOHAGUN 

KALIMPONG : The Bharatiya Gorkha Sangh has raised the issue of insecurity being felt constantly by the Gorkhas living in the North Eastern states. Speaking today at a press conference here, BGP national spokesperson R Moktan demanded the Centre and the governments of the NE states to ensure security of the Gorkhas residing in those areas. He strongly condemned the recent incident in Karbi Anglong, at the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, where seven houses of Gorkha families were torched by underground Naga extremists. The incident has created an environment of terror and insecurity among the Gorkha people living in the region, said Moktan.

 

“The BGP is very serious on the issue. We will form a high power committee that will visit the places and the victims. After gathering necessary details, a report will be prepared on the basis of which we will meet the prime minister, home minister and other concerned ministers of the NE states to bring the matter to their notice while also demanding necessary action.” The BGP spokesperson also welcomed the Guwahati High Court’s verdict to scrap the ‘D’ voter status clause using which the Assam government disenfranchises suspected ‘foreigners’ living in the state. He said the high court’s ruling will bring about a profound change in the social and political lives of the Gorkha community in Assam. According to Moktan, the ‘D’ status was a ploy of the Assam government to dilute the citizenship of the Gorkhas and deprive them of voting rights. “We welcome the verdict of the Gauwati High Court. This will eradicate the biased attitude towards Gorkha voters in Assam,” he asserted.