MUKESH SHARMA
KALIMPONG, May 29:

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Branch, Highway Block Committee of the National Highway (NH) 31A has cautioned about an agitation this coming Sunday after the demarcation of 45 Constituencies came into their notice. They also forwarded a letter through the Kalimpong Sub Division Office, to the Darjeeling District Magistrate (DM) voicing against the demarcation. The letter was handed over to the DMDC, TN Sherpa in the presence of the Sub Divisional Officer, by the Highway
Block Committee, Highway Yuva Morcha and Highway Naari Morcha along with other
Committees under the Morcha. They have also attached a copy of the demand letter
which was forwarded to the Morcha President, MLAs, DM, SDO and BDO.
The Highway Block Committee President, Sagar Lama mentioned that when the GJM was
formed in October 07, 2007, they had demanded the Morcha for a separate
Constituency to which the Morcha Chief had given them assurance. The Committee has
also several times submitted applications to all the Administrations demanding to
bring the stretch from Sevoke 10th Mile Forest Busty till Rangpo, West Bengal
under one Constituency, he notified.
Further, he acquainted that 80% of the highway area comes under Kalimpong Sub
Division but after the demarcation the most of the highway areas is under
Darjeeling and Kurseong as compared to Kalimpong. This in a way is of
inconvenience for the locals when looked in an Administrative way, he underlined.
Saying that they have given the Administration an ultimatum of 3 days, the
President warned that if their demand goes unattended then all the Government
establishments along the highway will be put to halt. “Justice is all we want”, he
stated.
The Highway Yuva Morcha President, Bishal Rai highlighting the importance of the
highway said that it is the only way to connect the neighbouring Sikkim with West
Bengal. Hence to maintain peace and order along the NH 31A, it is a must that the
area between Sevoke to Rangpo should be bound under one political source. “We were
better off under the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) for under Gorkha
Territorial Administration (GTA) we have been divided under 7 Constituencies and
various Panchayats instead of our demand”, he whined.
Rai also appealed the Morcha’s Central clique to pressurize in formation of a
separate Constituency. Lastly, he also informed that they including all the
highway residents will conduct a signature campaign and postering highlighting
their demand.