Economic development should be priority for Darjeeling: Mahendra P Lama

Debasish Bhowmik, EOI, Siliguri, 17 Feb 2014: Professor Dr Mahendra P Lama, a renowned educationist and an independent candidate from the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency for the forthcoming Lokshabha elections, wants to prioritize not only the demand of separate Gorkhaland state but also the socio-economic empowerment of the local people. In a press conference held at the Siliguri Journalists’ Club, Lama said if he gets elected in the LS polls, he will make an effort to restart Indo-Chinese trade at the Jelep La pass near Kalimpong in order to boost the local economy.
According to the professor it is essential for a country to increase its participation in the international trade to boost its economy. Hence if elected, he will table the issue at the Indian Parliament to give more emphasis on the country’s trade relations with the neighbouring nations such as China, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Lama said the economy of Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars is chiefly dependent upon tea industry. The Darjeeling Terai and Dooars United development Foundation under his leadership has taken six programmes to modernise the industry there.
Addressing the issue of the human resource development in the region, the professor said it is important to establish ITI and other technological institutes in the Hills to improve the local people’s productivity.
Gorkha Janamukti Morcha central committee member P Arjun shared the seat with Lama at the press conference which riffled the speculation that he may join Lama. But later Arjun clarified that he has no plan to leave GJM. According to the GJM leader, the hill people have expressed their preference to vote for the candidates who are from the hills. He said his party respect people’s sentiments.
When asked, Arjun refused comment whether GJM will support Lama in the forthcoming LS polls.