Ajoy Edwards, President of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF), has called on the West Bengal Legislative Assembly to introduce an Anti-Racism Bill in response to growing incidents of racial discrimination against Indian Gorkhas. His appeal comes in the wake of repeated cases where Gorkhas have been wrongly labelled as “foreigners,” despite being Indian citizens by birth and legacy.
Speaking to the media, Edwards underscored the emotional toll such remarks take on the community. Drawing a powerful comparison, he said, “It’s as hurtful as when Bengalis are wrongly called Bangladeshis.” He reiterated that Gorkhas have lived in India for generations and have contributed significantly to the armed forces, public services, and various other sectors.
He urged Members of the Legislative Assembly, particularly those representing the hill and Terai regions, to take proactive legislative steps to combat racism based on physical features, language, or ethnicity. Edwards emphasized that this is not a political issue but a matter of basic human dignity.
The appeal sheds light on the urgent need for legal safeguards to ensure that all communities—including Indian Gorkhas—feel protected, respected, and recognized as rightful citizens of the state. “We all belong here. Let the law say so too,” Edwards concluded.
