Gorkha OBC status a threat to Mizo people, said Central YMA

Aizawl: The Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA) has once again reaffirmed its strong opposition to the inclusion of the Gorkha community in the central list of Other Backward Classes (OBC).

In a statement issued on August 6, 2024, following an executive meeting held on August 5, the CYMA expressed its concerns that granting OBC status to the Gorkhas could jeopardize 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 association has vowed to oppose this move vigorously and intends to continue its fight against the inclusion of the Gorkha community in the OBC category.

In September 2023, Media published an in-depth report highlighting the plight of the Gorkha community in Mizoram. The Gorkhas, who have been residing in the state since the 1950s, even before Mizoram gained statehood, have long sought inclusion in the OBC category to access job opportunities. However, this demand has been consistently rejected by the Mizoram government.

According to the 2021 census conducted by the Mizoram government, there are 7,686 Gorkhas who have been residing in Mizoram prior to January 26, 1950, along with their direct descendants. Despite their longstanding presence in the state, the Gorkha community does not enjoy the same rights and benefits as other state residents.

A key issue raised by the Gorkha community is the disparity in job opportunities. While both Mizo and Gorkha communities have received similar levels of education, only the Mizo community benefits from reserved quotas, leaving Gorkhas to compete on an equal footing with candidates from across the country.

The Gorkhas have taken their demand for OBC status to court, resulting in a February 2023 statement from the High Court requiring the Mizoram government to disclose its reasons if it does not agree with the recommendation to grant OBC status. The Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association has expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for a government response.

An official from the Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association, speaking on condition of anonymity, had earlier stated, “We get along very well with the Mizo community, but we feel a sense of discrimination regarding our request. We only seek OBC quota because the local population cannot access it; it is only people from other parts of the country who can qualify for OBC posts in Mizoram. It raises questions about fairness.”

Research conducted by Mizoram University professors and scholars has highlighted the challenges faced by the Gorkha community, including everyday racism and social exclusion. The study found that the Gorkhas experience limited visibility in mainstream media and often feel isolated in Aizawl city. The research revealed that while Gorkhalis coexist with Mizos, their space within social and public spheres remains restricted.