GJMM calls off alternate days’ stir ...GJMM men gherao bank official

SNS, DARJEELING, 27 February 2013: The Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) has decided to suspend its alternate day public meetings to be organised by the party’s women affiliate from next month in view of the ongoing ICSE and Madhyamik Examinations. 

“This is in view of the High Court order we have received. We do not want the proposed stir to come in the way of the examinations,” said the GJMM general secretary, Mr Roshan Giri today in Darjeeling. 

He, however, refused to comment as to whether they would suspend the staggered phases of shutdowns and government office closure stir slated next month for the time being. 

“In deference to the High Court order, we are suspending our woman wing stir scheduled on alternate days for the time being. However, as regards other programmes, we do not want to comment anything right now,” he said. 

According to observers, the party might go for suspension regarding the shutdowns and the government office closure stir in view of the state government having taken a strong note of the developments. 

According to administrative sources, the state government might requisition some companies of the paramilitary forces in the Hills in a day or two after the counting process involving the three by-elections is over tomorrow. Common people are also against life remaining paralysed by the staggered phases of bandhs as the economy is now showing an upswing after a considerably long time.

Tour operators and hoteliers are also worried as the revival of the shutdown spells would send a wrong message to the prospective tourists at a time when things have begun looking up. Now, torch rallies are continuing in all the three sub-divisions of the Hills in support of Gorkhaland. 

However, the stir is being kept on a low key. The Hills are waiting for the Sukna meeting slated on 31 March from where the party chief, Mr Bimal Gurung is likely to unveil the next phase of the statehood movement. 

GJMM men gherao bank official 

SNS, KURSEONG 27 FEB: Supporters of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) gheroed the branch of a nationalised bank in Kurseong for hours today, demanding immediate transfer of one employee, Mr Mohan Tamang, for being actively connected with the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), the principal party’s main rival in the Hills. 

The GJMM women wing activists led the stir. A GTA Sabha member, Mr Yogendra Rai, was in the forefront of the agitation. The gherao was lifted on assurances from the branch manager that the matter would be looked into. 

Mr Rai said Mr Tamang is working openly for the GNLF, defying the service norms. 

“A government employee cannot do politics openly under the Service Act except through the registered unions. The only exemption is given to the teachers. We have an organisation involving the government employees, but they are not individually involved in active politics. 

Mr Tamang would have to resign if he wants to remain active politically. If he does not he would have to be transferred elsewhere. Otherwise we will close the bank,” he said.

It is also learnt that the GJMM supporters gheraoed residences of political activists belonging to Opposition parties in and around Simulbarie to mount pressure on them when the Opposition is trying to reactivate their units apparently emboldened by the state government contemplating action to curb GJMM strindency. 

Kurseong SDPO Nima Narbu Bhutia said they have not received any complaint or FIR from anywhere.