Gorkha Parishad members meet CM, seek establishment of welfare board

A delegation of the Himachal Gorkha Parishad, led by its president Honorary Capt Om Bahadur Gurung, yesterday met Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, at the Vidhan Sabha, Tapovan, Dharamshala. Keeping with the rich cultural traditions of the Gorkha community, the Chief Minister was welcomed with customary Nepali rituals and presented a Khukri, symbolising honour, valour and respect.

The CM heard the delegation’s submissions and accepted the memorandum presented by the Parishad. He appreciated the contributions of the Gorkha community to the state and assured the delegation of a considerate review of the issues highlighted.

Himachal Gorkha Vikas Parishad, later submitted several key demands for consideration. The foremost being the establishment of a Gorkha Welfare Board, aimed at ensuring better coordination of developmental schemes and improving socio-economic upliftment.

It urged the installation of statues of Major Durga Mal and Captain Dal Bahadur Thapa at the Dharamsala Assembly complex to honour their sacrifice. Emphasising historical recognition, the council highlighted the martyrdom of Captain Dal Bahadur Thapa, an INA hero from Kangra, and requested that May 3 be observed as Shaurya Diwas statewide.

Additionally, the council appealed for naming local roads after Captain Thapa and freedom fighter Captain Ram Singh Thakur to honour their legacy for future generations. The delegation included key Gorkha community leaders dedicated to preserving heritage and promoting sports. Col (Retd) MS Karki, president of the Maj Durga Mal Dal Bahadur Smriti Manch; DIG (Retd) Vinod Thapa, advisor to the community’s football association, and Palam Jung Pradhan, president of the All India Durga Mall Dal Bahadur Football Association.

Gorkhas have been residing in Himachal Pradesh since 1815, contributing significantly to the state’s security, culture and sports. Today, the community stands as an inseparable part of Himachal’s multicultural identity.