GJM appeals to WB Govt, Centre for talks

Darjeeling, August 21

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today requested the Centre and the West Bengal Government to initiate talks at the earliest to restore peace in Darjeeling where an indefinite strike entered its 68th day today.

This is the first time that the GJM, spearheading an agitation for separate Gorkhaland state, has expressed its willingness to hold talks with the state and the Centre. “The responsibility of ensuring peace in the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars is not only that of the people who live here, but also that of the Centre and the West Bengal Government. We, therefore, request both governments to initiate talks at the earliest so that peace and normalcy can be restored,” GJM joint secretary Binay Tamang said.

The complete change in the party’s stand came in the wake of GJM chief Bimal Gurung being booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in connection with twin blasts in Darjeeling on Saturday.

The GJM, during the two-month-long agitation, has repeatedly declined to sit for talks with the state government and had accused it of letting loose a “reign of terror” in the hills. Tamang reiterated that the GJM believed in democratic forms of protest and condemned blasts.

“We condemn blasts that took place in Darjeeling and Kalimpong and have already demanded a probe by the NIA into the blasts on Saturday last,” Tamang said.

A hand grenade was hurled at the Kalimpong police station on Saturday night, killing a civic volunteer and injuring two others. — PTI