Deb ready to hold talks with GJMM

SNS, Darjeeling, 8 October 2013: The north Bengal development minister, Mr Gautam Deb, today said he is ready to hold talks with the GJMM leadership if they approach. The comment from the leader comes a day after the GJMM chief Mr Bimal Gurung yesterday told reporters after the party's foundation day programme at Kurseong that, "the three MLA’s of the Hills might meet the state." 

The MLA of Darjeeling, Mr Trilok Dewan, today acknowledged the statesman and said: “If the party president desires the Hills MLA’s to hold talks with the state, we will abide to his decision. But so far the chief has not officially asked to meet the state." 

Mr Deb today said: “We are ready if the GJMM leaders approaches us for a meet,” after the occasion of cheque distribution to the small investors of the Saradha chit fund who had fallen prey to its scam in Darjeeling. 

Crucial to the tripartite meeting scheduled on 23 October with the state still not giving its nod, Mr Gurung yesterday changed his streamline of agitation from bloodshed to dialogue. He said:

“The issue of Gorkhaland can only be solved through dialogue.” 

Meanwhile Mr Deb has further alleged the Centre for bypassing the state. 

The general secretary to the GJMM, Mr Roshan Giri, said: “We will comment on Mr Deb's stance to meet the GJMM leadership only after taking the consent of the chief Bimal Gurung.”