Darjeeling, its violence, its hope


4 June 2010
Darjeeling, its violence, its hope

I feel sad today. A guy, a political leader to be a little bit more precise, has been assassinated in Darjeeling. In facts, violence has been raging in Darjeeling for 30 years. Tension is often tangible. And blood sometimes flows.

To explain the problem to you in a few words and in a way that is much too brief, Darjeeling, where mainly Indians of Nepalese origin live, is located at the extreme north of the Indian State of West Bengal. In this particularly backed-off spot, roads are in a disastrous state, water is scarce, infrastructures are generally in an apalling state. Thus, many inhabitants of these mountains wish to create a new state called “Gorkhaland” within the Indian Union. And this, in order to stop keeping waiting for money that never comes from Kolkata and to enjoy an easier life like the Sikkim neighbour who depends directly from the Central State, namely Delhi.

I hope that they will be able to solve these problems using reason rather than violence. Couldn’t the inhabitants of Darjeeling be given normal life conditions, suitable roads, running water and some autonomy so that they can decide what is best for themselves?

Between political leaders who don’t do anything, those who are corrupted, those who make promises the day before elections and forget them the following day, those who divide instead of assembling and those who arouse masses, people would be in a grief to decide who to confine their destiny to.

I choose this adorable toddler, coiled up in his mother’s arms with his life in front of him, to wish Darjeeling, its mountains I love so much and these Nepalese people who are dearest to me, a better future.

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0 thoughts on “Darjeeling, its violence, its hope
  1. Hi Francois,

    Just had a read of your blog post and I have to agree that living conditionIs in Darjeeling is rapidly deteriorating over the years. The recent killing of Madan Taman on 21st May which we covered here – http://blog.darjeelingteaxpress.com/?p=121 has brought a great period of uncertainty to the hills.

    However, creation of Gorkhaland does not seem a solution for mainly two reasons – Firstly, from recent experiences in Indian History – 3 states which were created in the last 10 years on the promise of bringing development has resulted in a downfall which is much worse. Secondly – it is a political issue rather than developmental issue. The Indian government could grant autonomous status to the hills which would give them complete powers to look after themselves. But the hills would accept nothing less than a separate state – that they promise will change the way things have been done but it only remains to be seen.

    The net result of all this is that the ordinary people are suffering and there seems to be no end in sight.

    – DarjeelingTeaXpress

  2. Hi! I’ve been reading your website for a while now and finally got the
    courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Dallas Tx!
    Just wanted to mention keep up the excellent work!

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