Discussions with Chidambaram on separate Gorkhaland state positive: Roshan Giri
By ANIWednesday, January 26, 2011
NEW DELHI - Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) General Secretary Roshan Giri has termed the discussions with Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram over the formation of a separate Gorkhaland state as fruitful.
Giri who led a delegation of his outfit said: “We had a detailed discussion on our demand with the Home Minister. The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and was very positive.”
He further said the details of this meeting would be revealed after he returns to Darjeeling and holds deliberations with GJM President Bimal Gurung and other senior office bearers.
” We will divulge the details of this meeting after having deliberations with our President,” he added.
Ashok Bhattacharya, Minister of Urban Development in West Bengal represented the state government in the tripartite parleys.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Darjeeling MP Jaswant Singh was also part of the delegation
Giri had announced on January 6 that a 25-day long shutdown would be enforced in Darjeeling.
According to Giri, the members of the Central Committee of GJMM would also hold a ‘fast unto death’ strike, slated to begin from February 16.
“The Central Government must clear its stance on the Gorkhaland issue. It has been our demand and is intrinsically linked with the people’s aspirations. 99 percent of people in this region want a separate state.
The government must clarify its position on the matter. We do not have any option but to protest through democratic means. This is why, the region would be closed down and following this, our party leaders would fast unto death,” said Giri.
A renewed demand for a separate Gorkhaland region, which would include Darjeeling and some contiguous areas of Jalpaiguri District, has created fresh turmoil over the past few months.
The four issues obstructing the interim authority are territorial jurisdiction, its authority to manage the regional tea gardens, the selection of its members and a description of the councils legislative powers.
At the fifth round of tripartite talks in New Delhi, the GJM had agreed to the constitution of an interim council by 2011 prior to the creation of a separate state.
The Gorkha population in West Bengal estimated to be around a million has been demanding a separate state. (ANI)
