As part of the global ‘Gorkhaland Unity March’, a peaceful rally was held in the city on Sunday to support the cause of a separate state for Gorkhas.
The march was held in several cities across the country and even abroad to show solidarity with Gorkhas in West Bengal.
In Bengaluru the event was organised by Gorkha Youths of Bangalore and NEP India Foundation. Hundreds of Gorkhas from the city marched from Mysuru Bank Circle to Freedom Park, holding placards.
Once at the Freedom Park, the group discussed the ongoing agitation in West Bengal. They observed a few minutes of silence in the memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle.
“The rally today was not affiliated to any political party and no political banners were used. The intention was just to unite all Gorkhas in the city for our cause. Even Gorkhas from different tribes came together as one to support the Gorkhaland movement,” said Siddarth Bhitrikoty, who founded Gorkha Youths of Bangalore.
The purpose of the rally was also to raise awareness among non-Gorkhas about their movement and their identity.
“We are humble people who want to live peacefully in the hills but we want our identity to be recognised.
“Many of us have moved to different cities in search of work and educational opportunities but we want to contribute to the movement in some way. This rally is a way of doing that,” one of the participants at the rally said.
They condemned the West Bengal government for conducting lathi charges against peaceful protesters, including senior citizens.
The organisers hope to conduct more events in the city to keep the movement alive, involving Gorkhas and non-Gorkhas in it.
Published 30 July 2017, 20:32 IST