GANGTOK, : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista was part of a delegation which met Union Tribal Affairs minister Jual Oram at New Delhi on Friday regarding the tribal status demand of the 11 left-out Gorkha communities of Darjeeling.
Bista was accompanied by GJM president Bimal Gurung, 11-Gorkha Jaati Mahasangh president MS Rai, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri and Govind Pradhan.
“During this meeting, we submitted detailed ethnographic data, and other relevant reports and figures in support of the re-inclusion of 11 left-out Gorkha subtribes of Darjeeling as Scheduled Tribes. We requested the minister to expedite the process,” said the Darjeeling MP.
Bista said the Union minister has long been a strong ally of the Gorkha community and expressed deep sympathy for the cause.
“He acknowledged that the official process for the inclusion of these tribes into the ST category is lengthy and complex but assured us that he is doing everything in his power to accelerate the matter. He reassured us that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs is committed to moving forward as swiftly as possible,” shared Bista.
Later on the day, the Darjeeling MP called on President Draupadi Murmu.
“I brought to her notice pertinent issues concerning our region and people, and sought her guidance towards addressing them.I also took the opportunity of inviting her to Darjeeling; she has said that she will consider my request,” said Bista.