Ethnic group gains historic autonomy in Darjeeling
India signed a landmark deal granting the Gorkha people autonomy over their homeland in the Himalayan tea-growing region. Indian Gorkhas, who are ethnic Nepalese, have led a violent campaign since the 1980s demanding that the separate state of Gorkhaland be carved out of the mountainous district of Darjeeling. The deal means that the new Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has been vested with powers to manage public works, social welfare, education, health and the famous tea plantations of Darjeeling. Locals hope that this will give new life to the tea industry, with leases of around 30 gardens planned to be resolved. The regional tea industry comprises over 80 gardens and at least 50'000 permanent workers.