'Come out openly on the streets for Gorkhaland'

MP | 24 Jun 2017 | Darjeeling: With the GTA chapter closed, GJM Chief Bimal Gurung has given a call to the front rung Morcha leaders to join in the agitation on the streets.

With the ongoing unrest in the Hills and the police crackdown, most of the front rung GJM leaders including Gurung have remained inconspicuous. Gurung in a video release, addressing the GJM leadership, stated: "GTA chapter is now closed. Come out openly on the streets for Gorkhaland."

With all pro-Gorkha forces including the GJM launching a joint movement, Gurung expressed doubts on the credibility of certain parties. "We might even be betrayed. We could be betrayed by some political outfits," stated Gurung.

Interestingly, Gurung on Thursday had stated that the all party movement is a closed chapter. However, with public pressure mounting, Gurung retracted and called for an all party meeting on July 29.

Gurung even stated that he is willing to sit with the state government or the Union government but it would have to be on the one point agenda of Gorkhaland.

Our sons died for Gorkhaland. We will also die some day. I have come out. Either my body will return or I will return with Gorkhaland," stated Gurung.

Gurung stated that his team is in Delhi. "However, I am here. I will join the masses for Gorkhaland," added Gurung. The day saw rallies from all over the town and adjacent areas converging at the Chowk Bazaar in support of Gorkhaland. In the evening, the civil society took out a candle light rally in support of Gorkhaland.

Meanwhile, Joyoshi Das Gupta, DM, Darjeeling, issued an order stating that all government officials cannot leave station till July 5 without permission from the DM office. The directive is applicable for holidays too.

In yet another twist, the TMC Municipal Councillors of Kalimpong and Kurseong have joined the GJM. Ashiq Ansari of ward number 12 and Bhim Agrawal of ward number 9 of Kalimpong along with Pemba Tamang of ward 12 and Santosh Pariyar of ward 15 of Kurseong have joined the Morcha.

(Source & Courtesy: http://www.millenniumpost.in/kolkata/kolkata-249034 )