CPM flays GNLF stand

Annoyed at the GNLF's decision to support the Congress, the CPM has alleged that an effort was being made to create an 'atmosphere of unrest' in the hills ''for which Congress is responsible''.

Annoyed at the GNLF's decision to support the Congress in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat in North Bengal, the CPI(M) on Monday alleged that an effort was being made to create an 'atmosphere of unrest' in the hills ''for which Congress is responsible''.

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CPI(M) politburo member and state Secretary Anil Biswas in a statement, referring to the decision by GNLF chief Subash Ghising to support Congress in the Darjeeling parliamentary seat, said that it was also to be noted that Ghising had also raked up the issue of fresh agitation for a separate Gorkhaland.

''In the past too, GNLF set fire to the hills with the help of the Congress, which led to colossal waste of property and loss of lives,'' Biswas said.

Recounting the sequence of events leading to the formation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hills Council which brought about stability in the hills, CPI(M) leader said, ''A move is now on to deviate from peace and create unrest''.

''For this, Congress is responsible,'' Biswas alleged, adding "democratic-minded people should resist attempts of the Congress to divide West Bengal".

Shanta Chhetri, GNLF MLA, attributed several factors to the decision to support the Congress, which included the present political situation in the country and GNLF's demand for a separate state.

In the last three elections, the GNLF had boycotted the polls, which had made the Darjeeling seat a cakewalk for the CPI(M).