Aizawl: The NGO Coordination Committee comprising five apex NGOs of Mizoram have announced their strong objection to the granting of Other Backward Classes (OBC) status to the Gorkha community in the state.
The NGO Coordination Committee, which comprises the Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), Mizo Students Union (MSU), Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP), and Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP), collectively expressed their opposition, citing concerns about the potential impact on the status of the land and the people of Mizoram.
The Gorkha community, which constitutes a population of about 8,000 according to local reports, has been residing in Mizoram since the 1950s, even before the state gained its status. Despite their longstanding presence, the community has faced repeated rejections in their bid to be included in the OBC category, which would provide them with access to reserved job opportunities and other benefits.
In a statement released on August 6, 2024, following an executive meeting held on August 5, the CYMA reiterated its strong stance against the inclusion of the Gorkha community in the central list of OBCs. The association expressed concerns that granting OBC status to the Gorkhas could undermine the protection and sanctity of the Mizo people. “We believe that if the Gorkhas are granted OBC status, it will not be safe for the Mizos in various ways,” the statement read.
The NGO Coordination Committee warned that they would take further action as necessary and closely monitor the government’s decisions regarding this matter. This comes just days after the CYMA initially voiced its objection, reaffirming its commitment to opposing the inclusion of the Gorkha community in the OBC category.
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The Gorkhas, who have been advocating for OBC status to address disparities in job opportunities, argue that despite similar levels of education, they are at a disadvantage compared to the Mizo community, which benefits from reserved quotas.
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