Tamang slams Meghalaya MLA's anti-Gorkha talk

SNS, Darjeeling, 17 FEBRUARY: Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha leader Binoy Tamang today condemned a statement made by an MLA from Meghalaya, Kimfa Marbaniang, against the Gorkhas.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Mr Marbaniang has asked Gorkhas in the Langphi area in his state to "go to Nepal."

Mr Tamang today said that the MLA should tender an apology tor his statements,

"The Meghalaya MLA has used threatening language against the Gorkhas in the Langphia area there and has asked them to go to Nepal as seen in video that has become viral on social media. The Gorkha youths there have protested against this, maintaining that they are Indian Gorkhas and were not from Nepal. We also condemn the statement made by him as it does not suit him to threaten Gorkhas who belong to India and have been fighting tor the country. We want the MLA to take back his words and issue an apology." Mr Tamang said in a press statement.

"The Gorkhas in Meghalaya have contributed a lot there and have always thought it to be their motherland, which is their constitutional right. By claiming that they are from Nepal, the MLA is going above the constitution .The Gorkhas have been staying in thee country before India became Independent, with many having sacrificed their lives for the country and with many still there in the borders, protecting the country," he added.

Accordingto him, the Morcha has been continuously submitting memorandums to the BJP regarding the issue of national security and identity. 'We recently put forward this demand with the Third Front before we joined the group. If such behaviour is shown in any part of the country, the Morcha will not tolerate it," the statement added.

Mr Tamang also maintained that if the Meghalaya MLA fails to take back his words and apologize, the Gorkhas all over the country would come out in the streets in protest, while they would also mull taking legal action.

The press release further urged the Meghalaya government to take steps against the MLA for making such statements.