In Washington, DC, at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. About 3 minutes: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32. After 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all. No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He...
“DARJEELING”, the very name of this hill station in India reminds you the colonial days and tea. Because it was the British colonizers; who were constantly on look out for cooler places, obviously in India it uses to be in hills what would remind them their home. The temperature in tropical countries, particularly in summer months use to be unbearable for them for mercury touching anywhere between 35 to 44 degree Celsius! In India Shimla and Darjeeling earned their reputation for hosting the colonial administrators with their staffs with families during summer months for running colonial administration for years. Though with English rulers, gone are the colonial days and prestige of Darjeeling, but it still holds name in world for its tea. It still the producer of world number one flavored tea and sold at a price, unthinkable for we ordinary mortals!
Off late, a new hue for Gorkhaland is raised time and again. It stared in the decades of 90s, lot of agitations, number of strikes called by the local Gorkha people , finally got the award of local autonomy albeit to very limited extent and their leader Mr, Subhash Ghising was calmed with whatever he was offered. But that finally failed to satisfy the aspiration of the people who want full autonomy, rather freedom! At present their new leader Mr Bimal Gurung is agitating for such status, Mr Subhas Ghising having stepped down. For the Government of India, it is bolt from blue and for the government of state that is West Bengal, it is ridiculous! After all the tourism is the main industry there besides tea. Mr Gurung , in all the way , likely to lose the support of locals who mostly depend on these two industries for their lively hood. Their fate can only match to that of people of Kashmir. This summer Darjeeling saw minimum number of tourists. However, let us see , how far Mr Gurung`s or in that case the demand of a separate Gorkhaland is justified.
How many of us know the history of Darjeeling? Do you know once upon a time it was a part of Sikkim! Gorkhas were nowhere then in and around that area. Later with incremental interest of Britishers and development of tea industries, created a market for labor force. That brought hordes of Gorkhas from neighboring Nepal, way back in mid 1800s. The impoverish condition at their native country and the available opportunities what could be availed of by them almost without any competition because people of plain are not use to the hilly cold climate, opened up a Eldorado for them. The Gorkhas of Darjeeling and around areas are the progenies of the same immigrants. History testifies that the inhabitants of the place before the annexure to British Raj, were Lepchas and few other tribals, numbering in few hundred but they were swayed with the arrival of Gorkhas from Nepal, the neighboring kingdom.
Let us see what history tell us. The East Indian Company`s Nepal acquaintance with Nepal goes back to1767. The three Newar Kings were ruling Nepal, which was under threat from Gorkha ruler Prithvi Naryan. The Newar Kings sought help of British. In respond to their call and East India Company`s own empirical design Captain Klnloch was sent but he was compelled to withdraw due to unfamiliar climate of Terai. The Gorkha chief overran Nepal and the valley between Kali and Mechi rivers, from west to east was brought under his ruling. Let us cut the story short. It was again another war between British and Nepal in 1814 brought the entire area back under British control. The East India Company kept Garhwal and Kumaon under their direct control and under the treaty of Seagauli in 1816 , restoring the remainders with the Kings and chieftains who originally own the land. The King of Sikkim was one of them.
It is necessary to mention that Darjeeling was originally a part of Sikkim. Sikkim being a adjoining county of Nepal became a victim of several inroads of Gorkhas between 1780-1800 and the British intervention was necessary to settle the disputes every time. Two Britishers Liod George and JW Grant were deputed by the then Governor General Lord Bentinck to Sikkim to arbitrate the disputes. They were the first European who was captivated by stunning beauty of Darjeeling. They expressed the feeling to Lord Bentinck and urged him to acquire the place for a sanatorium. The British realized the importance of the place for its strategic importance too. It was its close proximity to Nepal, Bhutan, and the road leading to Tibetan capital Lasha. So, finally on February 1835, the King of Sikkim ceded Darjeeling to the Company by a deed of grant. However till 1865-70 Darjeeling could be approached by road through an enclave passing through Sikkim. A dispute arose between the King of Sikkim and British by 1850, and finally after the war between Bhutan and British in 1865 the area covering KalimponG along with other territories of western Dooars was annexed and finally incorporated with Darjeeling in 1970.
This is the short history of Darjeeling. Originally only few hundreds of Lepchas (tribals) were the inhabitants of the area. Later, having taken over the place, the British started construction and plantation (tea). This invited the Gorkhas from Nepal for jobs of labors in thousands and they gradually flooded the local population and settled their permanently. Now they claim for more autonomy; more than what they have given earlier. What is they are upto is best known to their leaders, who are under pressure by their own people to tone down the agitation. This summer Darjeeling saws few tourists from other part of Bengal and elsewhere, depriving thousands whose livelihood is directly connected with tourism, like hoteliers, cabbies, guides, small shop owners and likes. The ensuing festive seasons starting from 3rd week of September is also not promising under the prevailing situation. Their current charter of demand is not very clear. May be they are better known to their leaders. Well the very proposition of "GORKHALAND", is suggestive for another landlocked separate country. Is it feasible under the Indian Constitution or another fresh amendment to effect such demands is required? Would any one suggest!
Off late, a new hue for Gorkhaland is raised time and again. It stared in the decades of 90s, lot of agitations, number of strikes called by the local Gorkha people , finally got the award of local autonomy albeit to very limited extent and their leader Mr, Subhash Ghising was calmed with whatever he was offered. But that finally failed to satisfy the aspiration of the people who want full autonomy, rather freedom! At present their new leader Mr Bimal Gurung is agitating for such status, Mr Subhas Ghising having stepped down. For the Government of India, it is bolt from blue and for the government of state that is West Bengal, it is ridiculous! After all the tourism is the main industry there besides tea. Mr Gurung , in all the way , likely to lose the support of locals who mostly depend on these two industries for their lively hood. Their fate can only match to that of people of Kashmir. This summer Darjeeling saw minimum number of tourists. However, let us see , how far Mr Gurung`s or in that case the demand of a separate Gorkhaland is justified.
How many of us know the history of Darjeeling? Do you know once upon a time it was a part of Sikkim! Gorkhas were nowhere then in and around that area. Later with incremental interest of Britishers and development of tea industries, created a market for labor force. That brought hordes of Gorkhas from neighboring Nepal, way back in mid 1800s. The impoverish condition at their native country and the available opportunities what could be availed of by them almost without any competition because people of plain are not use to the hilly cold climate, opened up a Eldorado for them. The Gorkhas of Darjeeling and around areas are the progenies of the same immigrants. History testifies that the inhabitants of the place before the annexure to British Raj, were Lepchas and few other tribals, numbering in few hundred but they were swayed with the arrival of Gorkhas from Nepal, the neighboring kingdom.
Let us see what history tell us. The East Indian Company`s Nepal acquaintance with Nepal goes back to1767. The three Newar Kings were ruling Nepal, which was under threat from Gorkha ruler Prithvi Naryan. The Newar Kings sought help of British. In respond to their call and East India Company`s own empirical design Captain Klnloch was sent but he was compelled to withdraw due to unfamiliar climate of Terai. The Gorkha chief overran Nepal and the valley between Kali and Mechi rivers, from west to east was brought under his ruling. Let us cut the story short. It was again another war between British and Nepal in 1814 brought the entire area back under British control. The East India Company kept Garhwal and Kumaon under their direct control and under the treaty of Seagauli in 1816 , restoring the remainders with the Kings and chieftains who originally own the land. The King of Sikkim was one of them.
It is necessary to mention that Darjeeling was originally a part of Sikkim. Sikkim being a adjoining county of Nepal became a victim of several inroads of Gorkhas between 1780-1800 and the British intervention was necessary to settle the disputes every time. Two Britishers Liod George and JW Grant were deputed by the then Governor General Lord Bentinck to Sikkim to arbitrate the disputes. They were the first European who was captivated by stunning beauty of Darjeeling. They expressed the feeling to Lord Bentinck and urged him to acquire the place for a sanatorium. The British realized the importance of the place for its strategic importance too. It was its close proximity to Nepal, Bhutan, and the road leading to Tibetan capital Lasha. So, finally on February 1835, the King of Sikkim ceded Darjeeling to the Company by a deed of grant. However till 1865-70 Darjeeling could be approached by road through an enclave passing through Sikkim. A dispute arose between the King of Sikkim and British by 1850, and finally after the war between Bhutan and British in 1865 the area covering KalimponG along with other territories of western Dooars was annexed and finally incorporated with Darjeeling in 1970.
This is the short history of Darjeeling. Originally only few hundreds of Lepchas (tribals) were the inhabitants of the area. Later, having taken over the place, the British started construction and plantation (tea). This invited the Gorkhas from Nepal for jobs of labors in thousands and they gradually flooded the local population and settled their permanently. Now they claim for more autonomy; more than what they have given earlier. What is they are upto is best known to their leaders, who are under pressure by their own people to tone down the agitation. This summer Darjeeling saws few tourists from other part of Bengal and elsewhere, depriving thousands whose livelihood is directly connected with tourism, like hoteliers, cabbies, guides, small shop owners and likes. The ensuing festive seasons starting from 3rd week of September is also not promising under the prevailing situation. Their current charter of demand is not very clear. May be they are better known to their leaders. Well the very proposition of "GORKHALAND", is suggestive for another landlocked separate country. Is it feasible under the Indian Constitution or another fresh amendment to effect such demands is required? Would any one suggest!
Comments
The Gorkhas are a small little community in India where people of diverse origins mingle to contribute a great composite Indian culture. They are the descendants of General Amar Singh Thapa who invaded India and annexed Garhwal and Kumaon that included the hill stations of Simla, Musssoorie, Lansdowne, Almora, Nainital, Ranikhet and Pithoragarh.
In the northeast General Johar Singh and General Purna Ale overran a major part of Sikkim in 1788, which included Nagri and Darjeeling. The British defeated the Gorkhas during the Anglo Gorkha war of 1814-16 and the lands they had conquered were ceded to the British and re-profiled. Those who have been living in India since the Gorkha invasion are known as the Indian Gorkhas.
Darjeeling is a much favoured tourist destination with several options for a traveler. One of the best things to do is a Joyride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The Joyride on the DHR begins at Darjeeling Railway Station, the fun begins as soon as the guard blows his whistle and the steam engine gives a long “toot to chug” off to Ghoom the highest railway station in World reached by a steam engine.
One of the main highlights of the train journey is Cresswell’s double loop an engineering marvel at Batasia, which was opened for service on the 10 March 1919. Batasia in Gorkha language means the windy place. The train halts for 10 minutes on top of Batasia spur where one can view the wondrous Kanchenjunga Range, the distant hills and vales and Darjeeling town from a well laid out garden with seasonal flowers. People romp about the place in happiness, enjoy the crisp air which rejuvenates the mind and soul, take photographs but the War Memorial right in front of them that has a list of 131 martyrs (from 22 September 1947 to 20 May 2007) who have laid down their lives for the country since Independence lies forgotten and forsaken. A few occasional functions by the Army are done with unwavering respect to these noteworthy men. The politicians of India are the worst defaulters they must know that remembrance of these righteous and valiant men is so much more than what we do or say.
The War Memorial itself is an imposing piece of architecture on an oval shaped platform with 9ft high bronze statue of a Gorkha soldier in reverse arms or “Shok Shastra” and a 30ft high triangular granite cenotaph on a three-foot octagonal base, with the “Roll of Honour” engraved on it. Unfortunately, we don’t even bother to reflect for a few seconds for the people who gave their lives to save this beautiful country. If you closely read the plaque in front of the War Memorial, it reads, “ In memory of the brave Gorkha soldiers of Darjeeling Hills who laid down their lives in the battle field for the greater cause of the motherland.” Yes, all the 131 boys are from the Darjeeling Hills, all buried or cremated in the holy soil of India after the country’s Independence. The list contains only names of boys from Darjeeling excluding Assam, Bakloh, Bhakshu, Dehra Dun, Dooars (WB), Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, Uttaranchal, etc, where Indian Gorkhas live.
There is a difference between the Indian Gorkhas and that of Nepal (no disrespect meant). The soldiers from Nepal serving in India are professional soldiers who owe allegiance only to their respective regiments and those who die in action are transported to Nepal. Bodies of soldiers born, buried or cremated in Indian soil like Darjeeling and other places as above are Indian citizens. Perhaps, Darjeeling has the largest number of martyrs from a single community in India. Body bags coming from the LoC are still a regular feature in Darjeeling.
Indian regiments, be it the Sikhs, Dogras, Assam, Bihar, Gorkhas, etc, before India’s Independence fought for the British Empire and cannot be said that they had fought for their nation. This honour can only be given after 15 August 1947. Undoubtedly the most distinguished Indian Gorkha soldier was Major Dhan Singh Thapa who was awarded India’s highest Gallantry Award the Paramvir Chakra in 1962 (Ladhak). Strangely not a single Gorkha officer has risen to the rank of Lieutenant General even after serving the nation with such dedication.
The only reason being that they have no political clout. It may be mentioned here that during the Anglo-Gurkha War of 1814-16 a mere Gorkha Captain Bal Bhadra Kunwar with 600 men and women with antiquated weapons defeated a well equipped four thousand strong modern British Army led by Major General RR Gillespie in the battle of Kalanga (also called Nalapani now in the State of Uttaranchal). General Gillespie was shot dead while making a courageous charge on the fort led by him which led to a rout of British forces.
Way back in 1962 we heard with great grief and shock the news that Gautam Singh Subba of our village Nimki-Danra in the outskirts of Darjeeling town had been killed in OP Enemy Action during the Indo-China conflict. Gautam Singh Subba a young MBBS doctor whom I knew personally had just joined the Army Medical Corps when this unfortunate and tragic incident happened. My grandfather and I went down to meet his bereaved father who was a tall and distinguished gentleman. When my grandfather offered his condolences Gautam’s father with misty eyes and a faraway look proudly said “I’m glad that he died for his motherland.’ It was relief that he felt that way but I’ll never forget the heartbreaking incident.
I knew Captain Suraj Sharma as a small kid; his father Ramkrishna Sharma WBPS (Retd) was a colleague of mine in the Police Department. Suraj a Captain in the Second Para Regiment a premier commando unit of the army was killed by terrorist bullets in an encounter on 8 July 2001 morning. The funeral ceremony was held at Kurseong crematorium high up on the hills. After a charming and solemn military farewell Ram lit the funeral pyre of his son. I embraced him tightly when he whispered “ Dear som (pal) don’t worry, he did his job for his country.” As I had lost my equilibrium I careened and teetered down the steps of the crematory, I turned back to have a last look when I saw Ram standing serenely and calmly against the background of the leaping flames of his son’s funeral fire. It was a moving encounter too deep for tears.
We must learn to respect and honour with reverence these brave soldiers who never knew that the words they just spoke would be their last, the breath they took on the battle field would be their final or the family they loved and missed so much would never be seen again.
Very often unkind comments are passed against the Gorkha community without knowing who they are. The word Gorkha is derived from ‘Go-Rakha’ (protector of cows), they originally were the Rajputs of Rajasthan who fled to Nepal during the Muslim invasion of India allegedly in the 14th century after their women had performed the rite of Jauhar. The intermarriage between the Rajputs and a section of the Nepalese population produced the Gorkha race.
A brief resume of the Indian Gorkhas may help to create a better understanding of this marginalized community. Among the Indian Gorkhas there have been national level freedom fighters like Dal Bahadur Giri, Savitri Devi, Commander Purna Singh Thakuri (INA), Capt Dal Bahadur Thapa (INA) who was hanged on 3 May 1945 at Delhi Central Jail, Major Durga Malla (INA) hanged at Delhi Central Jail on 25 August 1944. His equestrian statue has been installed at the premises of the Indian Parliament. The late Ari Bahadur Gurung (Bar-at-Law) was one of the signatories of the Indian Constitution drawn up by the Constituent Assembly, which came into effect in 26th January 1950.
Records show that the Gorkhas of the three-hill sub-division of Darjeeling have one of the highest literacy rates in India. There are eminent musicians like Louis Banks the Jazz king of Asia, late Bobby Banks mentor of the once famed Calcutta Symphony Orchestra, Master Mitrasen Thapa (Bhakshu-Dharamshala) an Indian classical music exponent and folk singer, Capt Ram Singh Thakuri INA composer of kadam kadam badayeja and subha sukha chain ke barsa barese fame are all Gorkhas. The Gorkhas, however, have a wrong notion that Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri tuned the National Anthem. Jana Gana Mana Adhi Nayaka Jaya… was tuned and composed by Rabindranath Tagore and it was first sung on 27 December 1911 at the Calcutta session of the INC, whereas Capt. Ram Singh Thakuri was born in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, in August 1914.
Prashant Tamang comes from a background where almost every family in Darjeeling hills has either a singer or a musician with a very appreciative audience. Prashant sang well and owing to the American Idol-style of mass audience voting he won, the matter should have ended there with a good cheer.
International sportsmen like Shyam Thapa, Ram Bahadur, CS Gurung, Puran Bahadur and Sunil Chettri have made their mark, the great Everest hero Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was a Darjeeling boy and we are proud of him.Goray Douglas a painter of international repute was a Gorkha. The1977 Sahitya y Award winner Indra Bahadur Rai erudite scholar and writer has done much for the promotion of Indian literature.
People hope that the Gyanpith Award Selection Committee in the near future nominates him for this prestigious literary award, it is long overdue. Mahendra P Lama is the vice chancellor of the Central University of Sikkim. On the political level Pawan Chamling is the CM of Sikkim and Subash Ghising is credited for the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. To top all such achievements the Gorkha Regiments are fighting and guarding the frontiers of India. What more can a country ask for from a small community like the Indian Gorkhas? Haven’t they spilt enough blood on the frontiers for the protection of the country? Isn’t it time to treat them with favour and respect?
Of late, ominous clouds have formed over the political horizons of Darjeeling with deep and frightening rumblings. The nation cannot afford to undergo another violent agitation in this region that will provide a soft landing for forces inimical to the country. The borders are long and porous ideal for the merchants of destabilization. Sending Para-military forces and the Army to quell any movement in the hills will be a case of only treating the symptom and not the disease.
Till now the District Police administration and the District Civil Administration
have handled the situation admirably well but they have their limitations. When things happen, as seen in the past, it happens in a bewildering pace and nobody wants the problem to solved only after mass death and destruction. Whatever demands the Government deems fit should be fulfilled. The Indian Government must instill confidence among the loyal Gorkha population in this sensitive border area aimed at political stability and a robust economy. Ad-hoc measures will not serve the purpose what is needed is a long and lasting solution. It is not a police problem it has to be solved politically.
Coming back to the War Memorial I remember an Indian patriotic song written by Kavi Pradeep and composed by C Ramchandra. It was beautifully rendered by Lata Mangeshwar around the end of the Sino-Indian war of 1962. This song was sung to honour the gallant Indian jawans (infantry) who sacrificed their lives on the icy desolate peaks of the Himalayas during the conflict.
Aye mere watan ko logo, Tum khub lagalo nara, Ye shuv din hai hum sab ka, Lahara lo Tiranga pyara Par mat bhulo seema par, Biro ne hai pran gawaye, Kuch yad unhon bhe kar lo, Jo laut ke ghar na aye, Aye mere watan ke logo, Zara ankhon me bhar lo pani, Jo shaheed huwe hain unke Zara yad karo kurbani
O! the people of my motherland! Raise all the slogans you desire This is a great day for all of us Hoist your beloved Tricolour But don’t forget in the border The brave did lose their lives And remember each great soldier Who did not return home forever O! the people of my motherland! Do shed a few tears for them
For those who martyred on ice Remember their great sacrifice.
1. Memorandum of Darjeeling Dist Committee (CPI) on GORKHASTHAN
Dated: 06/04/1947 to the Constituent Assembly.
EXTRACT :
In the opinion of the COMMUNIST PARTY OF INDIA, the Dist of Darjeeling belongs to the Gorkhas and it is their homeland.Further ,it is the considered opinion of the Communist Party of India that the Gorkhas living in darjeeling Dist, the adjoining state of Sikkim and the so-called independent state of Nepal where their number is 3 lakhs,1 lakh and 60 lakhs respectively, constitue a distinct nationality having a common language, a common culture and common historical tradition.
The Communist Party of India,therefore,demands that after making necessary revisions,of the existing boundaries, the three contiguous areas of Darjeeling Dist, Southern Sikkim and Nepal be formed into one single zone to be called “GORKHASTHAN”.
The CPI vehemently oppose the sinister British Imperalist PLAN of excluding the Dist of Darjeeling from the REST OF INDIA and its constitution into a SEPERATE CHIEF COMMISSIONER’S PROVINCE as has been PUT FORWARD by the DARJEELING HILL-MEN’s ASSOCIATION and its memorandum to Ld PATRICK LAWRANCE, secretary for the State of India,in December ,1941.
It has reasons to apprehend that the British imperalists are hatching a plot to place the Dist of Darjeeling with other tribal people of Assam and Dooars in a altogther NEW PROVINCE to be called NORTH-EASTERN HIMALAYAN HILL PROVINCE.
The C.P.I. demands that an immediate end must be made of the present status of the dist of Darjeeling described in THE GOVT OF INDIA Act,1935 as a ” partially excluded Area ” and with it all the special powers of the Bureaucracy, as a premilinary step to further the political,economic and cultural conditions of the Gorkhas and the Hill tribes living in this Dist.
S/d: Ratanlan Brahmin M.L.A.
S/d: Ganeshlal Subba.
Copy to : Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Vice-President of the Interim Govt.
: Liaquat Ali Khan, Finance member, Interim govt,Leader of Muslim LeagueAssembly Party.
Dear Arabinda Bhattacharjee,
Yes, your last sentence that the Gorkhas are demanding a separate COUNTRY is nothing but a joke.
Can citizens of India ever DEMAND A SEPARATE "COUNTRY" from Government of India under Article 3A of Indian Constitution?
I ONCE AGAIN CHALLENGE YOU :
If BUGLE is worth the salt, I want an immediate reply from you.
How shameful of you to "remove" my above post posted by me on 20 July 2008 at 05:59.
Why are you skirting the issue from the public eye when you are blowing your Bugle in a blog. Why did you remove my post from your blog and quietly sent the following email to me ? :-
= "from Arabinda Bhattacharjee, arabinda.bhattacharjee@gmail.com hide details 7:31 pm (3 hours ago)
to BharatManiPradhan@gmail.com
date Jul 21, 2008 7:31 PM
subject GORKHALAND
mailed-by gmail.com
Hello.
thanks for your kudos; but I fail to understand where do you disagree with the historical part of my article. Yes there is no porvision in Indian constitution for creating another country within it, right you are, then plase tell me what "GORKHALAND' is all about, more autonomy, or finally full freedom?" =
I once again instigate you to find for yourself what GORKHALAND is all about under Section 3A of the Indian Constitution.
I don't want to insult your intelligence.
If you still cannot, then there is no point engaging in a dialogue with you.
And for your Bugle's sake DO NOT REMOVE my post from your blog.
I have no hesitation in admitting what has our constitution in section 3A; I shall be thankful, if you please let us know about it.
regards,
PREAMBLE
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation;
IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
PART I
THE UNION AND ITS TERRITORY
1. Name and territory of the Union.—(1) India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.
(2) The States and the territories thereof shall be as specified in the First Schedule.
(3) The territory of India shall comprise—
(a) the territories of the States;
(b) the Union territories specified in the First Schedule; and
(c) such other territories as may be acquired.
2. Admission or establishment of new States.—Parliament may by law admit into the Union, or establish, new States on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.
2A. [Sikkim to be associated with the Union.] Rep. by the Constitution (Thirty- sixth Amendment) Act, 1975, s. 5 (w.e.f. 26-4-1975).
3. FORMATION OF NEW STATES AND ALTERATION OF AREAS, BOUNDARIES OR NAMES OF EXISTING STATES.—Parliament may by law—
(a) form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State;
(b) increase the area of any State;
(c) diminish the area of any State;
(d) alter the boundaries of any State;
(e) alter the name of any State:
Provided that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President and unless, where the proposal contained in the Bill affects the area, boundaries or name of any of the States, the Bill has been referred by the President to the Legislature of that State for expressing its views thereon within such period as may be specified in the reference or within such further period as the President may allow and the period so specified or allowed has expired.
Explanation I.—In this article, in clauses (a) to (e), “State’’ includes a Union territory, but in the proviso, “State’’ does not include a Union territory.
Explanation II.—The power conferred on Parliament by clause (a) includes the power to form a new State or Union territory by uniting a part of any State or Union territory to any other State or Union territory.
Please go through the following link by cutting and pasting it in your browser address bar which I had posted earlier also :-
http://mygorkhaland.wordpress.com/2008/07/25/a-case-for-gorkhaland-the-socio-economic-perspective/#comments
As far as "Son-of-the Soil" is concerned, that is exactly the factor that we are pointing out for all these years.
As for Kamtapuris or the Marwaris in Kolkata, or for that matter, any other voteries of smaller states for stronger federal structure of Indian nationhood, we will put forth our expert legal and constitutional arguements democratically to the authorities concerned, when the time comes for official "talks" with them and when the jury will be out there. After all, makers of Indian constitution have foreseen this right in the beginning and have provided for such exigencies.
You will know when the time comes. You are sadly mistaken about the status of Gorkhas on the issue of sons-of-the-soil. Both the State and the Central governments would not be inviting us for rounds and rounds of official level political talks had it been otherwise.
There is really no point in wasting time in explaining to people with "blinkered view" and superficial knowledge of the problem.
What the hell do you know about the history of Darjeeling......????
what the hell do u know about the history of Gorkha Community????
U have mentioned that Darjeeling produces the World's finest tea....then tell me what the fucking hell of inetative has your West Bengal Govt. taken to promote tea n tourism at Global platform...?????
Before publishing any artical better do some research work????
Darjeeling was never a part of Bengal....It belonged to Sikkim...n in turn Sikkim belonged to Nepal....So the gorkhas have come to India with the Land,mountains ,Rivers,Valleys,Forestsetc way before the Independence of India......if you say that we were brought from Nepal then you go to hell!!!!!
Similarly Kalimpong was never a part of India.....it belonged to the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan.....if bullshits like you dont want to believe then check it for yourself.....
if you think Gorkhas are foreiginers then go n man the frontiers of the Nation.....
tell me how many sons from your community are ever ready to receive bullets from from the guns of the unknown enemy while maning the most sensitive zone of the Nation??????
tell me how many sons from your community are ever ready to sacrifice there today in order to safeguard the tomorrow of the people of India???????
tell me how many boxes return to your community wrapped with a National Flag....whenever there is a War.......
Tell me how many Boxes of bodies returned to your community during the Kargil War........
u say we r foreiginers.....Find out who was the 1st matyre of AZAD HIND FOUJ..OR (I.N.A.)
if not for 60000 brave Gorkha sons ....the intigrity of India would come under serious scanner....got it!!!!!
if someone says he is not afraid of anything,then either he is a lier or he is a GORKHA!!!!!!
show us where we have come from....with evidences.....
we will gooo there......
but we will also show you all where you people have come from and you people will also have to go there.......
it is your govt that is promoting infletration from Bangladesh....just for some mare votes....
and these elements are posing serious threats to the Nation....
On the other hand,We Gorkhas hav been shedding our blood from the Mountains of Kashimir to the Oceans of Kanyakumari,From the Desert of Rajasthan to the Forests of Manipur....while safegurding the frontiers of India......
Our brothers are manning the Highest battlefield of the World so that people like you may see their tomorrow......
The Mountains of Kashmir bears the Testomony to what the gorkhs have given to the Nation.....
and mind you....The Gorkha Regiment is the foremost regiment In the Indian n British Military....
Do ur community have anything called the "Bengal Regiment"???????
you know what you need to have guts to sacfifice ur life......
n Gorkhas have it.......W are not cowards....unlike.......(i think you have understood).......