Jharkhand Gorkhas Showcase Gorkha Unity on 139th Raising Day of JAP 1st Battalion

At a time when the alleged community leaders here in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts are busy dividing our Gorkha society into Jat-Thar-Gotra just to earn some money in the name of development boards, the Jharkhand Gorkhas are exemplifying what is truly means to be Gorkha.

Celebrating their 139th Raising Day, the 1st Bn (Gorkha Batallion) of Jharkhand Armed Police (JAP-1) is currently organizing Anand Mela. This mela is organized every year, and this year it has been running from the 5th to 9th January at the Battalion Ground in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

This year, showcasing our united culture and Gorkha identity, the Battalion have put up stalls about Gorkha culture and traditions, especially focusing on Gorkha ethnic life style.

Director General (Home Guards and Fire Services) BB Pradhan, who was the chief guest for the inauguration ceremony, praised the past and present achievements of the battalion saying JAP-I jawans are famed for their shooting skills, weapons training and war tactics.

He opined that in view of the skills a centre for excellence in shooting may be established in JAP-I premises. He added that JAP-I may also raise a group of trainers who could be utilized in police units across the state.

He stated the battalion is the oldest unit of Bihar and Jharkhand so its foundation is historically importance. He suggested JAP-I has unique past adding the battalion should create its own website to inform people about its rich past.

He mentioned that the battalion was raised in 1880 and has served the nation during two world wars and were deployed in north-eastern states to maintain law and order during partition in 1947. It has served the state several times and also took part in Indo-China war in 1962.

He said JAP-I music band is of all India fame winning top position in national competitions. It has raised police bands across the state. He stated that JAP-I personnel have also shined in various sports.

Pradhan paid homage to the martyrs before the function.

The Gorkha stalls have become a huge hit among the masses, and people from across Ranchi are visiting Anand Mela and learning about our culture, and our people.

We hope everyone in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Terai and Dooars will learn from the jawans of Jharkhand Gorkhas and instill a sense of brotherhood among our people, instead of finding ways to divide our community further.