Yet another episode of the Sunday Rally for the clichéd reason, ‘Dooars- Terai Inclusion’.

The rally of Gorkhaland Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Kalimpong Division led by the Naari and Yuva Morcha, took off from Damber Chowk which after encircling the town dissolved at the starting point where a public meeting was held.

The GJM Central Committee Joint Secretary, Binay Tamang addressing the gathering appealed them not to focus or believe on the reports given by some of the newspapers. Saying that Saturday’s meeting at Kolkata was a success, he cleared that few of the newspapers has mentioned that during the meeting they had discussed about the areas under Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC), whereas the fact is there was no talks regarding DGHC areas. Tamang also condemned the recent postering at Dooars.

The Kalimpong MLA, Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri said that GJM has never tried to blind fold or betray the public. Chettri further speaking about Ashok Bhattacharya said that the disturbed situation in the hills did not happen within the past 10 months, but since 34 years the CPIM has been deteriorating the condition of the hills. During CPIM’s rule Bhattacharya was least concerned about the betterment of the place. Now what had to happen has happened and even Bhattacharya has accepted his mistakes, he added.

Chettri pin pointing to opposition parties, blamed that the GJM’s struggle has been hampered by the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) for they did not include Siliguri under DGHC and also the Dooars region has been separated because of Gorkha League. Lastly he appealed the public to stay patient and believe in GJM.

later in a press meet Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri said that the recent highs and lows in the politics of the hills have caused much disturbance and misunderstanding within the people of the hills. He notified that the Morcha has clearly mentioned to the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that GTA elections should be cancelled and until the High Power Committee’s report comes out, an Interim Council should be formed if needed. The elections shall never happen unless the Terai- Dooars merger, he underlined.

Chettri further acquainted that the CM Mamata Banerjee had earlier mentioned that after the President’s signature, GTA now has become a legal body and no changes can be made. But after yesterday’s meet in Kolkata, the issue seems being solved. The Government has agreed to cancel the April elections and it has been postponed for either June or July, informed the Spokesperson. The High Power Committee has been ordered to submit the reports in the first week of June, he added.

When asked about if the committee’s report comes out false and is not in favour of their demand, Chettri answered that the recent census report of the GTA demanded moujas which shows the population of Gorkhas in the said areas, has been submitted to the Government. Though there is no hitch in the report, still the decision of inclusion is being delayed, Chettri stressed. “There shall be no compromise regarding the Terai- Dooars”, he stated. Saying that the Gorkhaland movement is not at rest, Chettri said that out of 736 representatives from Terai- Dooars, 700 are in support of GTA. Lastly he appealed the public not to get misguided for the GJM has never cheated or betrayed its people and the Morcha is sincere towards Terai- Dooars.

 

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