Mamata kneels Morcha down

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s 72-hour ultimatum seems working as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today announced relaxation of their ongoing indefinite bandh from 15th Aught to 18th August on the occasion of the Independence Day celebration.

The GJM said that Darjeeling will however observe ‘Janata Curfew’ on August 13th and 14th.

According to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri, Morcha will decide the future course of action after the all party meet on 16th August.

Mamata Banerjee warned Morcha on Saturday and gave them an ultimatum to withdraw the bandh.

“Enough is enough. I have tolerated for eight days. I am very rough and tough. I am giving 72 hours to withdraw the bandh. Do not force me to take strong action,” said Ms Banerjee.

As the West Bengal government was maintaining a tough stand against Gorkhaland demand and both Congress and BJP leadership have not extended any support to GJM, apparently Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is in clear back foot. On the 10th day of the indefinite strike life in Darjeeling has been completely paralysed. people are ran out of the stock of foods and voice of dissent against the bandh openly emerging within the GJM party.

Those are the Days!

GJM Chairman Bimal Gurung feels the heat as many of GJM leaders have been arrested. Only last night CRPF has arrested Gurung’s four close associates Sumit Deep, Suman Lama, Abhishek Gurung, Lawang Gurung from Guridhura. More than 172 Gorkha members have been arrested so far.

Meanwhile ,West Bengal Governor MK Narayanan ruled out any division of West Bengal. Speaking to the reporters on Sunday Mr. Narayanan said, “Darjeeling is a very important part of Bengal. It is very unfortunate that there is a move to divide it [Bengal]. From ocean to snow it is Bengal. You cannot cut out portions of it and say it is Bengal.”

MK Narayanan blamed centre’s decision to bifurcate Andhra Pradesh to create separate Telangana has and enhanced turbulence in Darjeeling Hills following the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) intensifying its Gorkhaland movement.

“What we want is peace…we want to keep Bengal united…whether you negotiate or what you do is the matter for the government to decide. We had a good thing on, but the Telangana came and I think that has made a big issue…,” Mr Narayanan told reporters.

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