Common people divided over creation of smaller states

SNS, Kurseong, 11 August: The common people across the Darjeeling Hills have sounded divided in their opinions over the now raging issue of creating smaller states in the interests of administrative convenience, better development and national integrity. 
Talking to the cross-section of the people, it has become clear that the majority considers formation of smaller states as the only cure to the developmental ailments plaguing the people living on the periphery of a state because of ethnic and other reasons. 

Few persons, however said that going all out for splitting states in the name of socio-economic development would cast asunder the fabric of national integrity. 

One, Mr Pemba Bhutia, said the step taken by the NDA regime to carve out three new states was in the right direction. 

“Darjeeling Hills can be a case-study as to why smaller states are required to be carved out to accelerate socio-economic development,” he said. 

“We, the ethnic minorities, are, as if, living in a twilight region,” Mr Bhutia added. But another, Mr.Prashant Rai, said that he supports the demand for Gorkhaland in the belief that it would usher in development. 

“But the reality is that the anathema of under-development remains the same in the states that were formed by bifurcating some states,” he said. 

“Things at their core have not changed despite the cosmetic changes on the surface,” he further said. 

“We fear the same would dog us even if Gorkhaland becomes a reality,” Mr Rai said. 

“Besides, small states might encourage dictatorial impulses in its rulers. This would prove ominous for democracy,” he added.

Another said on condition of anonymity that the people here would not favour severance of the Hills from the state if the state looks after them well. 

“Who wants to leave home which is being well looked after?” he said. 

“The state must make us happy. This is the only way to bring permanent peace in the restive Hills,” he also added.