Bengali Language imposition: Gorkhas seek written assurance

A large number of supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) protested in Darjeeling on Tuesday, demanding a written assurance from the West Bengal government on not making Bengali compulsory in the hill schools.

Led by GJM president Bimal Gurung, the protesters shouted slogans against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and allegedly defaced posters with her images. The Trinamool Congress has lodged a complaint in this regard at Darjeeling’s Sadar police station.

Mr. Gurung threatened to quit the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), a regional autonomous council administered by the GJM, if the government tried to “impose Bengali on the Nepali-speaking population in the hills”.

Addressing a public rally at Darjeeling’s Mirik on Monday, Ms. Banerjee had said Bengali would be optional in the hill schools.

Three-language formula: As part of a three-language formula, the State government is planning to make Bengali a compulsory subject in all schools across the State .(The hindu)