Buddhadeb invites GJM chief for talks

West Bengal CM invites Gorkha Janamukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung for talks on Darjeeling issue on June 18, a day after all party talks are to be held on the issue.

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee on Friday invited Gorkha Janamukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung for talks on Darjeeling issue on June 18, a day after all party talks are to be held on the issue.

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"Chief Minister has invited Bimal Gurung and his followers to meet him separately on June 18 at Writers Buildings to discuss the Darjeeling issue," Chief Minister's Secretariat sources said.

Bhattacharjee would shortly send a letter to Gurung, the sources said.

Gurung's last meeting with the chief minister was held two months ago following renewed demand for a separate Gorkhaland state by the GJM.

Last month, a GJM delegation had a meeting with state government officials.

The talks with Gurung will come a day after an all-party meeting convened by the chief minister to discuss the Darjeeling crisis.

It was, however, yet to be officially known which parties would be invited to the all-party meet.

Meanwhile, the situation in trouble-torn Siliguri was officially stated to be fast returning to normal with the police, administration and business organisations taking steps to maintain law and order.

Sashastra Suraksha Bal (SSB) personnel were flag marching in the areas since morning, officials said.