Thousands gather at Kalimpong to offer tributes

Only Gorkhaland can fulfill Mangal’s sacrifice: Family

DARJEELING, August 6, 2013

“The sacrifice of our family head will be fulfilled only after Gorkhaland is achieved,” said family members of Mangal Singh Rajput as thousands gathered at Kalimpong town on Aug 5 to attend his final rite.

Forty three years old Rajput succumbed on August 3 to his burn injuries sustained in a selfimmolation bid for Gorkhaland demand at Damber Chowk on July 30.

His body was brought to Damber Chowk where thousands including representatives of opposition parties gathered to offer their last respects. His body was buried at Homes Cemetery later.

Mangal Singh leaves behind his wife Manju and two sons, Aman (16) and Arpan (18).

“We do not want any money or any other help from anyone. We want people to pay respect to the sacrifice he made and that his dream of Gorkhaland is fulfilled,” said Aman.

Manju said: “I am proud of my husband and the sacrifice he gave for Gorkhaland. My only wish is that his dream of Gorkhaland is fulfilled.”

GJM president Bimal Gurung also paid his tributes to the deceased and handed over the party flag to Manju.

“We will see to it that the sacrifice of Mangal does not go in vain. We will not stop until we get Gorkhaland. We will not settle for anything less,” he said. He accused the West Bengal Chief Minister of trying to suppress the Gorkhaland agitation by deploying forces in the Hills.

“Mamata Banerjee is trying to suppress the agitation here and she cannot stop us. We request people to come forward and not to be afraid. Everyone should be prepared to make sacrifices for Gorkhaland demand,” said the GJM president.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Express)