GJM wants Modi to take statehood issue seriously

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, MIRIK, 8 Apr 2016: The Gorkha Janmukti Mocha has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take the demand for a state of Gorkhaland seriously, saying only a separate state would fulfill the aspirations of the people of the Darjeeling hills and the Terai-Dooars. 

Speaking today at a huge election rally in Mirik, GJM Terai chief Tshering Dahal said hill tribes were identified way back in 1931 during the British Raj, and finally after 85 years, the central government has agreed to push forward the demand of the 11 communities for tribal status. 

Even as she thanked Modi, who called out the names of all the 11 communities during his public speech at Gosainpur on Thursday, she said the actual credit goes to GJM chief Bimal Gurung as he has built good rapport with the prime minister and other central leaders. Dahal urged the people not to rally behind elements who run after money using the cover of the community development boards set up by the state government, and selling the more-than-a century old statehood demand before the Trinamool government. 

She also appealed to the people to remain united for achieving Gorkhaland and to support the BJP which, according to Dahal, was the only party that could fulfill the statehood demand.