Ethnic Identity and Further Potential Political Mobilisation: A Case Study of Lepcha Tribes of Darjeeling

Dr. Sudipta Sarkar *

Abstract Lepchas of Darjeeling/ North of West Bengal and Sikim are again on road to protect their ethnic tribal identity and to restore dignity. From 11th August 2011 to 7th September 2011, under the banner of Lepcha Rights Movement (LRM), some 200 Lepchas clad in their traditional attire made their silent sit-in demonstration under the open sky in Raja Subodh Mullick Square in Kolkata. Their agitation mainly focused on three issues (I) to set up a separate Lepcha Development Council/Board for protection of language, culture, tradition and economic development, (II) introduction of Lepcha language in formal education system, and (III) representation in the West Bengal assembly and the Rajya Sabha. Lepchas are considered to be the aboriginal inhabitants of the hill regions of West Bengal. This ethnic tribal group is the only indigenous person of Darjeeling district of West Bengal and Sikkim. According to 2001 census Lepcha population in Darjeeling district only is 31,210 persons. They mostly live in three hill subdivisions of Kalimpong, Kurseong and Darjeeling, intermingled with the majority community of Nepali people. Despite being the older tribal population of this region, they are/ may be presently the most vulnerable communities in the hills by means of dwindling population, and are continuously forced from different corners including political parties, central and state administration to destroy their ethnic identity and culture. In many cases they are categorised by the Government as just Sikkimese. This identity crisis makes them agitated and creates a political mobilisation among this simple tribal people to maintain their ethnic originality. This ethno-political movement of Lepchas has got support and respect from different persons and institutions.??? Though this movement has not at present directly backed by and leading political/ politically oriented party but it is sure that if the movement is allowed to continue this could snow-ball into a large political movement in the hill region./ can become an unique and small but significant ethno-socio mobilization. The present paper deals with the ethnic tribal identity of the Lepchas, their lifestyle, their problems and potentiality of their ethno-political movement in the present situation of the Darjeeling hill region of West Bengal and its surroundings. Key Words:

* Asst. Prof. in Commerce, Kalyani Mahavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia. E-mail: Sudiptasarkar235@rediffmail.com

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