DARJEELING, : Social organisation Gorkha Youth Activist Network (GYAN) on Saturday launched its agitation from Margaret’s Hope Tea Garden to address various land-related issues affecting the tea gardens in the hills.
GYAN spokesperson Birendra Rasaily stated, “We are starting this agitation today because it is the need of the hour. Agitation means expressing our disagreement with the government’s policies, and if today’s program makes them understand our concerns, then that is well and good.”
He added that if the government wishes to prevent this movement from escalating, it must reconsider its policies.
“The government must immediately amend its stance on limiting land allotment to only five decimals per tea garden worker and diverting 30% of tea garden land. If they stop these measures now, we will call off our agitation,” he asserted, highlighting the movement’s opposition to government interference in tea garden land.
Rasaily assured that the agitation would remain democratic, peaceful and intellectual. “This program is just the announcement of our movement. We will mobilize tea garden workers and conduct small meetings across different areas. Once the higher secondary examinations conclude, we will unveil the next phase of our agitation,” he said.
Additionally, he mentioned that GYAN is exploring diplomatic channels to address their concerns. “We are open to dialogue with the government. Our agitation does not mean we are solely protesting; we will also try to engage in discussions,” he added.
The GYAN spokesperson also urged the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) to work towards transferring the Land & Land Reforms department from the State government to the GTA, as per the GTA agreement.
“If this department is transferred to GTA, it would be more beneficial for us. Our own people in GTA understand the struggles of tea garden workers, unlike the State government, which is only trying to suppress our heritage,” Rasaily said, criticizing both the Central government and the Tea Board for their inaction.
Regarding GTA chief executive Anit Thapa’s letter to the State government on this issue, Rasaily remarked, “Thapa has already written to the State government, conveying the concerns of the people, yet there has been no response. The government is bypassing him in this matter. What are we to understand from this, when GTA is the main authority here? It is clear that the State government, with the help of the administration, is imposing its will. The only way forward is to intensify our agitation.”
Rasaily also emphasized the importance of a united struggle supported by thorough research. He mentioned that GYAN would soon launch a crowd-funding initiative to support its movement.
The program began at Shaheed Bedi in Margaret’s Hope, where they paid tribute to the six tea garden workers who lost their lives during the labour agitation on June 25, 1955. From there, the participants embarked on a padyatra to Dokan Dara, culminating in a roadside meeting. Leaders from various social and political organizations were also present at the event.