Govt against ‘expansion’ plan of GJM

The government on Monday indicated to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), spearheading the campaign for a separate Gorkhaland, its reluctance to extend the territorial boundary of the proposed Darjeeling Regional Authority.

The government on Monday indicated to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), spearheading the campaign for a separate Gorkhaland, its reluctance to extend the territorial boundary of the proposed Darjeeling Regional Authority.

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A six-member GJM delegation met home ministry officials for a meeting convened by the Centre to discuss the list of areas given by the Morcha to be included in the proposed autonomous body. West Bengal home secretary was also present at the meeting.

However, no decision was taken and another round of talks would be held next month to discuss the issue at the level of officials.

Areas around Darjeeling and Dooars in north West Bengal have been “identified” as Gorkhaland. Majority of the inhabitants are Nepali-speaking Gorkhas.

“We hope something positive will come out in the next round,” an official, who refused to be identified, said.

The GJM also sought adequate and uninterrupted funds for the proposed authority to ensure uninterrupted development activities.

“It was a preparatory meeting ahead of the political-level talks,” the official said, saying the discussions on the inclusion of only Gorkha-populated areas in Dooars were yet to be concluded.