'Gorkha Janmukti Morcha compromised on statehood demand'

Deep Gazmer, TNN | May 6, 2013, DARJEELING: The Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist (CPRM) reiterated its demand for creation of a separate Gorkhaland state on the occasion of the 194th birth anniversary of the Communist philosopher Karl Marx in Darjeeling on Sunday.

CPRM leaders alleged that the ruling Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) party had sold out the Gorkhaland demand for the present council. "GJM was never sincere on the Gorkhaland demand. They (GJM) have compromised on the separate state demand with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) which is only a temporary arrangement that does not have any value," alleged R B Rai, the CPRM president.

Rai also pointed out that at present, 13 regions were demanding a separate state in the country but unlike here none has settled for a stopgap arrangement.

"We have to remember that there are 14 such demands for separation including ours. But, the GJM party has settled for the GTA. This shows their true nature," added Rai.

In a show of strength, the party brought out a massive rally from the Darjeeling railway station which culminated in a public meeting at Chowk Bazaar. The party had originally planned to observe Labour Day on May 1 but had to shift its program owing to GJM holding a similar event in Darjeeling.

"We have a clear road map for our justified demand which is constitutional, unlike the GJM party. We will not rest till we achieve our ultimate aspiration - separation from Bengal," said Rai.

The Communist leader also questioned chief minister Mamata Banerjee's refusal and assertion to divide Bengal.

"History tells us that Bengal has seen division previously. It is wrong for the state government to say that Bengal cannot be dividedIf our demand is wrong and unjustified then the state government must prove it," maintained Rai.