Centre should take initiative to end Hills unrest, says Deepa

SNS, Siliguri, 28 August 2013, The Union minister of state for urban development, Mrs Deepa Das Munshi, said the Centre should intervene to end the deadlock in the Darjeeling Hills. 

“The situation there has reached such a stage that a review of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) agreement at a tripartite meeting is an imperative,” she said, adding the state government’s meddling in the GTA’s functioning is the cause of the unrest. 

“A tripartite meeting should be convened immediately to review the GTA agreement. I have already voiced my opinion to the concerned authority and also to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A Trinamul Congress MP, Mr Saugata Roy, has opined the same,” Mrs Das Munshi said at a Press meet in Siliguri today. 

Denying the ruling party’s charge that the Congress has been instigating the unrest for electoral gains, she said her party’s stand regarding the indivisibility of Bengal has remained clear from the very beginning. 

“It is an emotive issue for the people of the Hills. However, we are for facilitating an all-round development. This is the only way out,” she said. 

“I took the GJMM chief, Mr Bimal Gurung, to various departments during his visit to New Delhi to expedite the development projects. They sought our help and we helped them for the sake of development of the Hills. The Trinamul Congress has been accusing us of indulging in divisive politics with eyes riveted on the solitary Lok Sabha seat. But nothing can be more false than such insinuation,” the Congress leader said. 

The minister also took a dig at the state government for its alleged infringement of the powers of the GTA.

“According to the GTA agreement, the state government cannot interfere into its functioning, as it is an autonomous body. Departments were not transferred as per the provision of the agreement. The chief minister distributed land rights in the Hills in violation of the norms. She inaugurated a bridge arbitrarily through remote control. Those fuelled discontent that later reached a flashpoint. However, I appeal to the GJMM leadership to call off shutdowns and help restore normalcy," she added. 

She also demanded the state government immediately release the GJMM leaders and activists now lodged in several correctional homes. 

“The arrests are politically motivated. They are being arrested in connection with old cases,” she said. 

The North Bengal Development Minister, Mr Gautam Deb, refused to comment on Mrs Das Munshi’s proposal for a tripartite meeting. 

“I am hopeful the GJMM will participate in the GTA meeting slated for 4 September to elect the new GTA chief executive,” he said.