KAAC apologises over Nepali name tag at PM's rally

Several Gorkha organisations had voiced dissent seeking clarifications. KAAC Dy Director, Arts & Culture issued an apology.

:Nanda K Dewan

Karbianglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has officially tendered an apology for inadvertently puting 'Nepali' nameplate at Community Reception Centre during the Prime Minister's 'Peace Unity and Development' rally  at Dpihu in Karbinanglong Assam last week 

The corrigendum duly signed and seal by the competent authority Deputy Director, Art & Culture Department, KAAC, Diphu  reads, 'In connection with the recent Prime Minister visit to Lorengthepi Diphu on 28th May 2022, we the undersigned would like to express our tender apology with regards to the pasting of nameplate as 'Nepali' instead of 'Gorkha'  during the Cultural Lineup by various cultural communities. However it was totally unintentional and didn't indicate to harm or deface any cimmunity's sentiments or feelings or identity. We apologise for the inconveniences caused towards the Gorkha Community'.

Bharatiya Gorkha Yuva Parisangh (BGYP), AAGSU, Gorkha organisations and intellectuals had sharply reacted to naming the 'Gorkha' community as 'Nepali' at the Prime Minister's rally in Diphu. Lots of reactions were seen in social media, seeking clarifications from the organiser in charge of the cultural line up. Few commented if KAAC had invited Nepali citizens from Nepal to felicitate PM. 

BGYP National General Secretary Ramesh Bastola opined, 'Gorkha is the Indian identity of Nepali speaking community in India and we cannot equate it with Nepali nationals. Glad that corrigendum is issued. Thanks to the power of people and press that the administration tendered an apology. We humbly accept the apology and will ensure it cannot occur again anywhere in the country'.All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU) Karbinanglong District unit president said that the union and Gorkhas of Karbinanglong is glad that responsible authority apologised before the community. He also thanked the the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of KAAC Tuliram Ronghang for the same and sought continued support.

 Recently the Government of Assam too had taken a cabinet decision and issued notification to rechristen Nepali Graziers and Cultivators into 'Gorkha' community and allow land rights as per the Assam Land and Revenue Regulations 1886 in select tribal belt and blocks. Government of Assam through  a government notification after a cabinet decision recalled all pending 'D' Voters cases of Gorkha community from the Foreigners Tribunals of the state.