Wary of GJM bandhs, Sikkim warns Centre against creation of states

ENS, Kolkata, Thu Jun 06 2013: The Sikkim government has flagged any decision by the Centre to form smaller states saying that any such step would trigger unrest in the hills of Darjeeling as demand for carving out Gorkhaland from West Bengal would become shriller. The Sikkim government's warning to the Centre was made on Wednesday at the Chief Minister's conference in New Delhi on internal security.

Referring to the growing demand of the formation of separate Telangana state from Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim's Urban Development Minister DB Thapa said Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is keeping a close watch on formation of separate states and its formation may lead to agitation for such demands in the hills.

"This will have an adverse effect in Sikkim too," Thapa added.

Interestingly, two years ago the Sikkim Assembly had passed a resolution supporting the demand of the formation of Gorkhaland from West Bengal — a move that was strongly condemned by then ruling Left Front government of West Bengal and the Trinamool Congress.

In its latest stand, the Sikkim government has apprehended that the GJM would intensify its movement in Darjeeling if Telangana is granted statehood that would lead to frequent strikes and road blockades in the hills.

During the previous agitations launched by the GJM in the hills, the national highway joining Sikkim to Bengal and rest of the country has been blocked on several occasions, thereby affecting Sikkim.