Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung reached out for the war bugle and announced they would launch a fresh stir, the nature of which would not be democratic. He also gave a clarion call to the public to remain prepared for the force that the state government would use to crush the movement.
“We have decided to launch the final battle for Gorkhaland. On March 10, we will make a formal announcement of the party programmes for the movement from Sukna in a public meeting,” said Gurung in a speech marked with high rhetoric.
“We are ready to lay down our lives for Gorkhaland. GTA is a temporary arrangement. We can resign from the GTA whenever we please and give it up. Our goal is Gorkhaland...The time is ripe,” retorted Gurung.
On Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee who is touring Darjeeling, met representatives of the Lepchas (a tribe living in the hills) and promised a development council for them. The move caused ire in the GJM ranks and Gurung accused her of trying to divide the people in the hills.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a bridge at Bijanbari, a day after Gurung uncomfortably shared a dais with Mamata, the GJM chief emphasised that the chief minister has hurt the sentiments of the hills by saying the region (the hills) was an integral part of Bengal. He added that GJM would give a fitting reply at the right moment.
{{/usCountry}}Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of a bridge at Bijanbari, a day after Gurung uncomfortably shared a dais with Mamata, the GJM chief emphasised that the chief minister has hurt the sentiments of the hills by saying the region (the hills) was an integral part of Bengal. He added that GJM would give a fitting reply at the right moment.
{{/usCountry}}