Manipur CM Biren Singh meets Gorkha delegation

Chief Minister of Manipur N Biren Singh met the delegation of the Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union lead by its president Hari Prasad in presence of MLA Kh Joykisan Singh at Chief Ministers Office in Imphal and discussed various issues pertaining to welfare of Gorkha community. Confirming this meeting Information and Publicity Secretary MGWU Vigyan Koirala told EoI, 'Today, the Manipur Gorkha Welfare Union called on the Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N Biren Singh and donated Rs 1,08,111 towards Noney Tupul Landslide relief fund. The Union also presented a memento congratulating Shri N Biren Singh for forming the government for 2nd time and for his efforts in making Manipur a drug free state.' 

CM was presented with a Bhadgawley Gorkha Cap with Cross Khukri Pin, Thaka Shawl and a Khukri along with a memento. During the course of discussion Hari Prasad president of MGWU being the leader of the delegation requested  CM for constructing a Gorkha community museum in Keibul Lamjao and include Gorkhas in state OBC list.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh took to social media to acknowledge and appreciate Gorkhas of Manipur, 'I’m thankful for their donation of a sum of Rs 1,08,111 as assistance for the relief work in the landslide-affected areas of the state. The gesture of helping one another in times of difficulty has made us come closer with one another more than ever.'

'The Gorkhas are one of the most courageous communities/warriors in the world. In the words of Field Marahal Sam Manekshaw, “If anyone tells you he is never afraid, he is either a liar or he is a Gorkha.”', CM Singh added in appreciation valour of Gorkha soldiers and the community.

Reacting to this development Ramesh Bastola, National General Secretary of Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh (BGYP) told this correspondent from Guwahati, 'For overall development of Gorkhas of Manipur and safeguarding cultural identity of an indigenous Indian community and to ensure the community enjoy rights enshrined in Indian constitution Manipuri Gorkhas should demand Gorkha Development Board in Manipur'. 

' In my next visit to Manipur I shall carry documents of formation of Gorkha Development Council in Assam and educate Gorkha civil society organisations of Manipur and place a common demand of Gorkha Development Board in near future in a joint delegation. OBC demand is long pending and CM Singh should grant it soon.' added Bastola who is a permanent resident of Santolabari in Kangpokpi.