GJM activists now demand ‘Gorkha Adivasi Pradesh
By ANIMonday, May 31, 2010
DARJEELING - Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) activists, who are demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland, have decided to change the name of the desired state to ‘Gorkha Adivasi Pradesh’ to include tribals.
“The name of desired state of Gorkhaland would be changed to ‘Gorkha Adivasi Pradesh’,” said Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) Chairman Bimal Gurung.
A number of supporters from parts of the state took part in a rally organized by Gurung as a show of strength in West Bengal’s Darjeeling town.
Gurung said that the tribals, who dominated the Dooars and Terai region, should not feel isolated, adding that the time had come to start a joint movement.
“The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha would hold meetings with the tribals to gain their confidence,” he claimed.
“We do not want an interim arrangement, we want the state. We have called members of the tribal communities and have decided to change the name of the desired state to Gorkha Adivasi Pradesh and now on we will organize meeting in Dooars,” said Gurung.
“The tribal members had asked for the change in the name of the state and we have decided to do that. We will chalk out our strategy sitting with the tribal leaders,” he added.
Darjeeling MP and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jaswant Singh also participated in the programme.
“We will achieve our aim though peaceful means,” said Singh.
The initiative came as the GJM was losing ground with the common people protesting against Gurung following the murder of All India Gorkha League President Madan Tamang.
Earlier, on April 9, GJM chief Bimal Gurung met Union Home Minister P Chidambaram in New Delhi, who assured him that he would talk to the Government of West Bengal and Trinamool Congress about the new territory.
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)
