GJM leaders meet Chidambaram over separate Gorkhaland demand

NEW DELHI - Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung met Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in New Delhi on Friday over the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

The talks took place ahead of the sixth round of tripartite talks on May 14, involving the Central Government and the representatives of the GJM.

“Home Minister has assured us that he will talk to the Government of West Bengal and Trinamool Congress about the new territory. Along with this, we will also talk to Trinamool and Government of West Bengal,” said Gurung.

The GJM had agreed during the fifth round of tripartite talks in New Delhi to the constitution of Interim Council by next year prior to the creation of a separate state.

Gorkhas, who are ethnic Nepalese, have been demanding a separate state in Darjeeling hills, to help them protect their culture and heritage. (ANI)