MUKESH SHARMA

Kalimpong, February 17:

The GJM Spokesperson also the Kalimpong MLA, Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri in his address during the Mela Ground meet today, alleged the West Bengal state government of scheming against the people of the hills and others those who are in favor of Gorkhaland. In this context he urged everybody to remain united and not bifurcate community wise.

Further, mentioning the oppositions Dr Chettri said that they should first come out on the streets with their agendas for Gorkhaland.

“They did not attend this mass meeting because they have nothing to say”, he said and added that Bengal is politically unstable at present.

Likewise, the GJM General Secretary, Roshan Giri said, “We have not dropped the Gorkhaland demand and we will do everything necessary to attain it”.

Hemant Lepcha, the President of All India Lepcha Association (AILA), in his turn alleged Yusuf Lepcha of not fulfilling his duties right being Damber Singh Gurung’s grandson. He asked apology for Yusuf racial statement which was published few days back in a vernacular daily and added that few selfish elements are spoiling the name of the Lepcha community.

Further he said that in the hills not only the Lepcha community is backward but all the communities which exist here are backward. He alleged the Bengal government of applying divide and rule policy in the hills, thus, he urged all to stay united and understand the plans of the government.

Lastly, he insisted that the Lepcha Development Council (LDC) should be formed under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

Likewise, P Arjun, member of the Study Forum said that Lepchas are one of the important parts of the hills and they are also in equal need of national identity like any other community of the hills. For this, he added that formation of Gorkhaland is important. He also blamed the state government of hindering the Gorkhaland demand by passing the LDC resolution.

Binod Sharma from the Study Forum and Yuva Morcha leader, Sanjay Thulung also addressed the gathering.

Today’s meet was attended by thousands of people from Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Gorubathan, Jaldhaka, Sukhia, etc. All the GTA Sabhasads of the 45 constituencies, MLAs of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong, Presidents and Secretaries of GJM Sub Divisional Committees, members of the Central Committee and Morcha workers and supporters were also present.