GJM dharna in Delhi for separate statehood

The agitation at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi were organised by Delhi unit of GJM, which is spearheading the movement for separate statehood to Gorkhaland.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists agitating for a separate state on Tuesday took their protest to the national capital by organising a dharna in New Delhi and accused the Left Front government in West Bengal of aiding "fanatic" organisations to create a rift among people.

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The agitation at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi was organised by Delhi unit of GJM, which is spearheading the movement for separate statehood to Gorkhaland.

Protesters raised slogans like 'hum Chini nahin, Nepali nahin, Bengali nahin, hum Gorkha hain' (We are not from China, Nepal, Bangladesh but we are Gorkhas) were raised.

Addressing the agitators, GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri alleged that the Bengal government was aiding "communal and fanatic" organisations like 'Amar Bengali' and 'Jana Chetna Manch' to create a divide among people living in plains and the hills.

"They are using these organisations to suppress our movement which we will not allow," he said.

He said GJM will intensify its agitation further if their demands for a separate state was not met.

Raju Chhetri, Secretary of Delhi unit of GJM, said they condemn the "insensitive and irresponsible" comments made by West Bengal minister Subhash Chakravorty and the way Bengal government was "repressing our peaceful and democratic movement".

The Delhi unit leaders of CPI-ML also joined the dharna and confirmed their support for the demand.