“Gorkhas” who are settled in the hills and valleys, towns and villages of Nagaland region, they initially came as construction workers, tea and mining labourers, and military personnel to fit into the colonial designs of the British. Many Gorkhas of Nagaland did not know then that they would later become an eyesore of the local peoples whether tribal or non-tribal. But today many of the Gorkhas themselves; seem to be aware of the Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950 which legalizes our immigration to India. In Nagaland Gorkhas were settled in the state since the British era and in addition to a floating population today there are 30,000-35,000 Gorkhas settled in Nagaland. If we look back in the History of Nagaland during the 1930s and 60’s, there were hundreds of Gorkhas settled in Nagaland town and villages earning their livelihood. Our Forefathers settled in Nagaland even before India got independence and it’s even said that Gorkhas of Nagaland had a good relationship and has also play a positive role in blend with Naga history.
Gorkhas Versus Nepalese many people in Nagaland wonder and are confused what ‘Gorkhas versus Nepalese’ is all about when there is apparently a much greater controversy about Nepali versus Gorkhas. The term “Gorkha’’ is distinguish to the Indian Nepalis from-those of Nepal who have migrated to India. Whereas the word “Nepalese” in the sense that the former represents a culture-linguistic denomination while the latter restricts its meaning to the language and people of Nepal. But because of this every Indian Nepali should not be treated as a Nepalese or a citizen of Nepal because it may hurt the sentiments of genuine Indian Nepalis.
Even when it comes to the context study of Gorkhas of Nagaland Lt. Hari Prasad, is termed as a jewel of the Gorkhas of Nagaland he wrote about the genesis of Gorkhas in Nagaland. He also translated many of his Assamese works into Hindi and Nepali. He also compiled Hindi, Nepali dictionary in association with his colleagues in the year 1979 and edited dictionaries of many other languages. He was renowned literary figure, whose literary works was appreciated nationally and internationally. He started his literary journey in the year 1931. Lt. Hari Prasad Gorkha Rai was also an active social worker. He initiated to open LP. Schools in Chandmari & Aradhura, Kohima during Pre-Independence time, which are now known as Govt. ME. School Chandmari and Govt. LP. School, Aradhura.
Today we the Gorkhas of Nagaland is residing among Sixteen Naga Tribes, being Honest & Hardworking we are adapting the habitat of Nagaland. We are not foreigners; we are not Nomads or undocumented immigrant. Our Forefathers generations who have settled in Nagaland in the past Generations has tremendously become an eyesore of the Local peoples who had a good relationship with Naga people in the blend of Naga history. Hope that the Legacy left by our past Leaders & Elders shall always be remembered. (Source: Nagaland Post)