Context : The current Vidhan Sabha / Legislative Assembly elections has brought about debates regarding an “All India Gorkha Body” that would foresee the grievances of the Nepalese population in India, and address and raise these problems in relevant platforms.
In 1943, Kamal Kutirma arrived at the residence of Dambarsingh Gurung in Kalimpong, bringing with him serious concerns about the condition of the Nepali population in British Assam. The Nepalis of Assam, many of whom lived along the Brahmaputra and worked as agricultural settlers, were facing growing challenges. Following this appeal, Shivakumar Rai and Aribahadur Gurung were dispatched to assess the situation firsthand, and in 1944 they reached Tezpur to begin their inquiry.
Background of the Problems Faced by Nepalis in British Assam
The difficulties confronting the Nepali community were tied to the political climate of the time. In 1940, the Pakistan Resolution was passed, and Assam, then governed by the Muslim League, came under the leadership of Sir Muhammad Sadullah, who held the title of “Prime Minister” of Assam under British India. Sadullah pursued a policy aimed at increasing the Muslim population in the province.
With most Congress leaders imprisoned during this period, the administration facilitated the migration of people from the flood-prone region of Mymensingh (today in Bangladesh) into Assam. Many of these migrants were settled specifically in areas predominantly inhabited by Nepalis, leading to tensions, disputes over land, and growing insecurity among the Nepali settlers.
The 1943 Delegation and Tezpur Sabha
Upon reaching Tezpur, the delegation was welcomed by prominent local Nepali figures including Ramji Gyawali, Birkhabahadur Khadka Chettri, Dharmananda Upadhyay, Dadhiram Upadhyay, Prasadsingh Subba, among others. A public meeting (sabha) was held at the Bengali Bhawan, where:
- Nearly 300 people participated.
- The community’s grievances and challenges were openly discussed.
- The Gorkha League’s Tezpur branch was formally established.
Dambarsingh Gurung’s Visit to Assam in 1944
In 1944, Dambarsingh Gurung, accompanied by his colleagues, visited Assam for the first time. Their arrival in Guwahati was warmly received by the Nepali community there. This moment is vividly described by Premsingh Suvedi in his work “Damberbabu ra Guwahati ko Nepali Samaj.”
During his stay, Dambarsingh delivered a compelling speech advocating for equal status and rights for Gorkhas in Assam. Moved by his efforts, Makhardhwaj Rawal of Uzan Bazaar donated land and a house to be used as a school for Nepali children—an act that became foundational. The premises also hosted a crucial meeting where the Gorkha League’s Guwahati branch was formed.
Shillong Visit and Further Mobilization
On 23 July 1944, Dambarsingh Gurung, along with Shivakumar Rai and barrister Aribahadur Gurung, proceeded to Shillong, then the capital of Assam, to present the concerns of the Assamese Nepalis to the provincial administration. They met with the Revenue Minister and detailed both the grievances and injustices faced by the Nepali settlers. The minister, in response, offered assurances and expressed willingness to address the issues raised.
Their efforts in Shillong were supported by Dhruvanath Joshi, Charudatta Roy, Loknath Joshi, Setu Rana, Babarbahadur Rana, and Karnabahadur Chettri, all of whom helped organize another important sabha. This gathering led to the establishment of the Shillong branch of the Gorkha League.
( end of Part I )
By,
S. K. Ghising
References
- Narbahadur Dahal, Gorkha Mahanayak – Dambersingh Gurung (Jiwan Yatra), Kalimpong, Charitra Prakashan, 2015.
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