Lama on long march

Photo: Rajesh Pradhan

KalimNews, Kalimpong: The Gorkhaland agitation started in the three hill subdivision is gaining momentum tremendously as all political parties, intellectuals and individuals in their own capacity have joined the movement. Once again it is also being started in the Terai and Dooars. 

This time the movement seems to be involving more public and not party centric though the main role is played by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha the leading and ruling party of the hills.

Irrespective of differences in political and other ideologies and thoughts the Janta Curfew was observed by one and all which indicates that it is a common programme for all hill people of all races and religions.

To support the agitation, demonstrations in various ways are being observed by Gorkhaland supporters which of course included GJM supporters as well as non GJM members. One of the demonstration was long march, the "Padyatra". 

Prof. Mahendra P Lama too participated in the Padyatra from Siliguri to Darjeeling on 12 August 2013. Debasis Bhowmik of Echo of India reports" Residents of the three sub-divisions of the Hills today started a rally in demand of a separate state of Gorkhaland. The rally aims to cover the entire distance from Siliguri to Darjeeling. 

Led by former vice-chancellor of Sikkim University Mahendra P Lama, the march started from Darjeeling More around 5 am today and was joined by several intellectuals including ordinary citizens. 

According to Lama, the rally was organised with the aim of reaffirming harmony between the Hills and Terai-Dooars region and also to gain the support of the plains people for the separate statehood movement"

Prof. Lama has declared that he will again go for long march, similar Padyatra for the separate state of Gorkhaland on August 16 from Kurseong to Darjeeling. He will be covering a distance of 33 km on foot. He will begin his 'Padyatra' from Kurseong at 5 am in the morning and expected to reach Darjeeling by 3pm. Huge supporters are expected on his way to Darjeeling on foot. (Inputs by Udhyan Chamling Rai)