In a significant move for the local community and the ongoing Gorkhaland movement, Ajoy Edwards, Chief of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF), inaugurated the newly constructed “Gorkhaland Bridge” over the Tungsung Khola River. The bridge, which connects the Tungsung Tea Estate with the Dhotrey Valley, is a testament to the power of grassroots action and the unyielding spirit of the people of the region.
The construction of the bridge was a remarkable feat of community-driven development, carried out entirely by 16 local societies, without any governmental assistance. The initiative was driven by local residents who, despite facing numerous challenges, demonstrated exceptional solidarity and perseverance. Edwards, who was present for the inauguration ceremony, took a moment to express his admiration for the residents’ collective effort and their unshakable determination in seeing the project through to completion.
A Symbol of Determination and Unity
Addressing a gathering at the inauguration, Edwards emphasized the symbolic significance of the bridge. He described it as a “symbol of the people’s determination,” highlighting that the successful construction of this vital infrastructure was a clear demonstration of the community’s resilience. The bridge, he added, was built against considerable odds, including police threats, blocked supplies, and harassment of volunteers like Suraj Tamang, the coordinator of the project.
“Despite these challenges, the people of this region, through their voluntary labor, completed this bridge. The Edwards Foundation and IGJF provided the necessary construction materials, but the heart and soul of the project lay in the hands of the local residents,” Edwards remarked.
A Tribute to the Gorkhaland Struggle
Edwards also used the occasion to reflect on the history and sacrifices made in the past for the Gorkhaland movement. He called the cause “the heartbeat of Gorkha identity,” emphasizing that the Gorkhaland struggle was more than just a political cause—it was a fight for cultural recognition, dignity, and the rights of the Gorkha people.
The Gorkhaland movement has long been at the forefront of the region’s political landscape, with the demand for a separate state for the Gorkhas gaining momentum over several decades. For Edwards, the completion of the Gorkhaland Bridge was not only a victory for local development but also a manifestation of the ongoing Gorkhaland struggle, underscoring the determination of the Gorkha people to chart their own destiny.
A Call for Recognition from State Authorities
In his speech, Edwards also took the opportunity to send a strong message to the state authorities. He warned that the bridge stands as a “victory of resilience and people’s power,” and serves as a reminder to those in power of the region’s long-standing issues that remain unaddressed. Edwards urged the state and central governments to pay more attention to the needs of the Darjeeling Hills and its people.
“The people of this region have once again shown that when we are united, we can achieve anything. The Gorkhaland Bridge is proof of this,” Edwards said. “Let this bridge stand as a reminder that we will not be ignored. The demands of the Gorkhaland movement are just and will continue to echo until they are heard.”
The Spirit of Grassroots Development
The Gorkhaland Bridge project is a striking example of grassroots development, where communities take charge of their own future. Despite the lack of government support, the locals demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness, pooling their collective energy and working together to build something that will benefit future generations. The project’s success not only brings physical connectivity to Tungsung Tea Estate and Dhotrey Valley but also symbolizes the strength of community-driven efforts in the face of adversity.
The inauguration of the bridge was attended by local residents, volunteers, and members of the Edwards Foundation, who all celebrated the completion of this monumental project.
As the ribbon was cut, the cheers of the gathered crowd echoed through the hills, marking a historic moment in the region’s ongoing fight for autonomy, identity, and development.
