GANGTOK, Aug 22 - Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista today called on Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh in Delhi and pressed the need for the development and preservation of the unique Gorkha culture, language, and history of Manipur.
The Nepali-speaking Gorkhas, with over 200 years of history in Manipur, have significantly contributed to the nation-building process of modern Manipur as soldiers, graziers and agricultural workers.
�People of Manipur and the greater Gorkha community have supported and stood with each other during the movement for constitutional recognition of our languages. Interestingly, both Manipuri and Gorkha/Nepali language were recognised under the 8th Schedule of our Constitution on the same day � August 20, 1992,� the MP said.
�In view of our deeply interconnected culture and history, I have requested the Government of Manipur to constitute an autonomous body for the conservation and promotion of Gorkha culture, language and community in Manipur,� Bista said. He hoped that the Manipur Government would consider his demands and initiate steps to recognise the history and culture of the Gorkhas of Manipur.