GTA term extended: Bimal slams move- Binoy defends it

SNS, 20 September 2018, Darjeeling: As the state government extended the tenure of the appointed Board of Administrators (BOA) of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for another six months, Morcha leader and chairman of the BOA Binoy Tamang today said that they had not sought such an extension, but that the same was a unilateral decision of the state government. As Mr Tamang said that they were rather interested in holding elections, fugitive Morcha leader Bimal Gurung came down heavily on the development and termed the extension illegal.

"The second extension of the GTA will be over on 23 September, but a notification came out yesterday saying that the term has been extended for six more months till March 2019," said Mr Tamang.

In a press statement, Mr Gurung, meanwhile, said: 'The extension of the term of the GTA for six months is a ploy of the state government to strangle democracy in the Hills, while it steps on the Hill people's right to vote. By taking out such a notification, they are not abiding with the tripartite (GTA) agreement that had been signed between the Morcha, the Centre and the state government."

Mr. Gurung further wondered how the state government could unilaterally change things when a law had been made by the agreement of the three parties. "This this case, the GTA would then become unlawful," he said.

"I would also like to ask how a political figure (Mr Tamang) could be an administrative leader without elections Which law of the country allows that?" Mr Gurung questioned.

On the other hand, Mr. Tamang said that he has heard that many leaders are raising questions on the term of the GTA being extended saying it was not legal, "but the GTA Act. Sec 17, maintains that after the term of the GTA elected body ends and if they see that the area is not feasible to have an election, that area can be run by the Board of Administrators far six months."

He also further said that the GTA Act had a provision where by the term can be extended for one year.

"We had not asked for any extension and we are not interested in staying as nominated heads and are prepared to go for elections, which are also our demand, as there is peace and stability in the Hills now. If people like us., they will keep us, and if they do not, they will choose someone else. Some are saying that this is illegal, but I do not know in which act it is illegal,' he said,