Mizoram refuses to recognise its Gorkhas as OBC

Aizawl, May 11 (UNI) The Gorkhas in Mizoram today accused the state government of refusing to recognise them as other backward classes.

Gorkhas in Mizoram had been identified and recommended as other backward classes(OBC) of Mizoram in 1992 by the Mandal Commission.

Various Gorkhas' organizations, spearheaded by Mizoram Gorkhas Students' Union (MGSU), have submitted repeated pleas to declare the century-old Gorkha community of Mizoram as OBC in accordance with the Mandal Commission's recommendation. But the state government has failed to do so, said MGSU adviser IK Subha.

This came a few days after the Rajya Sabha has been informed that the states of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Lakshadweep have no OBCs.

Mr Subha added that as far as language, religion, economy, education, politics and social life are concerned, Gorkhas in Mizoram are backward classes. He emphasised that provisions of the historic peace accord, signed between the Mizo National Front and the Indian Government in 1986, stated that the social and economic advancement of minorities in Mizoram shall be preserved, protected and ensured.

Mr Subha further highlighted that during the period of Mizo district council under the Asom state, the ''Gorkhas'' enjoyed equal rights with their Mizo counterparts without any discrimination.

As a result, many Gorkhas could contest and got elected in the village council elections, he added.

The Gorkhas came to settle in Mizoram along with the British colonialists since the 1890s, Mr Subha said and added that as far as the general people are concerned, the Gorkhas were not treated as outsiders.

UNI