GJM concerned over Gorkhaland protests in Ktm

ekantipur.com, KAKADBHITTA, AUG 21 - Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, which has been spearheading protests in Darjeeling Hills of India demanding a separate state, has expressed reservations over the protests that took place in Kathmandu three days ago, supporting the Gorkhaland movement. 

GJM alleged that the recent protests calling for a separate Gorkhaland state in Darjeeling hills outside the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has incited the 'elements' which are against the idea of separate Gorkhaland state. 

"We are totally unaware about the protests that occurred in Kathmandu ," said GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri," We don't even know why the protests took place in Kathmandu ." He speculated that the protests were orchestrated at the behest of those who do not want Gorkhaland. 

GJM leader Giri made it clear that Darjeeling does not need financial or moral support of any of the foreign countries. 

"We have been facing criticisms even without taking any support," he said," I wonder what will be the situation if we move ahead taking foreign support." Sources claimed that the Indian Defense Ministry too has been concerned regarding the protests in Kathmandu . GJM has been launching protests in Darjeeling since August 3 demanding separate state of Gorkhaland in Darjeeling . 

The strike has paralysed normal life in the region. Mamata Banerjee visiting Darjeeling Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit Darjeeling in the first week of September, to participate in a programme. The Lepcha leaders have started preparing for felicitating the chief minister on September 2 at Siliguri’s Bagha Jatin Park. 

“However, if she wants to go to the hills we will make changes accordingly,” a Lepcha leader said. Banerjee's visit is being viewed with keen interests as it comes in the wake of intensified campaigns by Gorkhaland supporters.