Civic society must for socio-political change: MP Lama

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

20 Nov 2013

Noted academician Dr. Mahendra P Lama, who will contest the 2014 Lok Sabha polls as an independent candidate, says the hill society must step forward for political and social change. He said so today at an interactive programme in Shyamadevi Hall in Kalimpong organised by the Kalimpong chapter of his recently launched association, Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation.

The dais was also shared by Bharatia Gorkha Parisangh president Dr. Enos Das Pradhan. Interacting with the audience, Lama said instead of reaching Parliament via a political shortcut, he has chosen to work for social transformation in order. “The people of the hills are weak in many senses. This makes it easy for the government, administration and political parties to oppress them. Once civic society wakes up, any political and social change becomes possible. Our organisation is a representative of this society,” observed Lama.

He said owing to the absence of Gorkha representatives at the governmental, bureaucratic and administrative levels, the issues and demands of the community have not been able to see solutions.

Lama further said the DDUDF aims to generate sufficient human resources in the region in the long term. He said the demand for a separate state is the primary agenda of the foundation. “Our main aim is to raise the demand for a separate state at the correct places. Whatever the result of the polls, the foundation will keep fighting for the rights of the community.”