Mukesh Sharma

Kalimpong, December 21:

The founding Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, Prof Mahendra P Lama, who has been delivering critical comments on the formation of Gorkhaland has been earning denouncing remarks regarding the same from others. Prof Lama, regarded as one of the respected figures of the Gorkha community had time and again said that the political parties of the hills are dishonest towards the separate state demand. His statement has once again made the political scenario of the hills tumultuous.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has condemned Prof Lama’s comment. The GJM Spokesperson cum Kalimpong MLA, Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri, on Friday challenged Prof Lama to initiate Gorkhaland agitation under his leadership.

“If he thinks the political parties of the hills are insincere then, he can prove his sincerity by starting an agitation if he has the courage. He should first prove himself before pin pointing others”, said Dr Chettri.

“Sincerity is not proved by conducting seminars. Relevant works should be done in order to prove one’s honesty,” added the Spokesperson.

Saying that Prof Lama claims to have necessary documents related to Gorkhaland, Dr Chettri demanded that he should bring the documents in public and recommend what should be done.

“If he does so and gives proper suggestions, then we are ever ready to follow his footsteps. Still after that, if we do not follow him, then he is free to pass his comments”, told Dr Chettri and added that if Prof Lama finds fault in the struggle for Gorkhaland then he should be able to say what should be done to make it right.

Mentioning that there are other political parties in the hills apart from GJM, the Spokesperson recommended Prof Lama to pass his comments on others too.

“The party which called on agitation and whose members sacrificed their lives is now being questioned on its honesty. Is not the Morcha honest? Or are those individuals who only know how to conduct seminar and deliver speeches are honest?” questioned the fumed GJM Spokesperson.

Likewise, stating that Prof Lama’s inefficiency in politics can be figured out through the works he has done during his tenure in SU, Dr Chettri underlined that Prof Lama’s inappropriate interference in political issues was the main reason which spoiled his (Prof Lama’s) relationship with the Sikkim government.

Lastly, opposing Prof Lama’s support for the Sixth Schedule, the Morcha Spokesperson alleged that by doing so he is trying to hamper the democratic method of the hills.

It may be recalled that earlier, the Morcha Chief Bimal Gurung too, had challenged Prof Lama of initiating and agitation under his leadership.

The people are now curious whether these repeated challenges by the GJM, will compel the educationist Lama to venture into politics who has always stayed away by saying that he does not have enough time for it.