GJM to oppose all-India bandh on November 28

HT, 25 Nov 2016, DARJEELING: While a united Opposition has decided to call a nationwide bandh on November 28 against demonetisation and the CPI(M) will observe the day as “Akrosh Diwas,” directing all its units to stage protests against the currency ban, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has decided to bring out rallies in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s move to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations.

GJM is an ally of the BJP and a constituent of National Democratic Alliance. BJP with the support of GJM managed to win the Darjeeling constituency seat in both the 2011 and 2016 parliamentary elections.

“We support demonetisation. Our youth wing will take out rallies in support of the ongoing currency ban,” said Roshan Giri, GJM general secretary.

“We support demonetisation. It is a historic move by the NDA government and specially Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb black money. It is a pro-people move. In the long run, people will benefit from this,” said Amrit Yonzon, general secretary, Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha (GJYM, youth wing of GJM).

GJYM will take out rallies on November 26 in support of demonetisation in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik.

“We appeal to the people to support this move by Narendra Modi as it will help curb black money thereby strengthen the economy. The poorest of poor will benefit,” said Yonzon.

Meanwhile, Trinamool took out rallies in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik on Thursday protesting against demonetisation.

“Similar rallies will be taken out in all eight blocks of Darjeeling Hills starting Friday. Because of such an irresponsible move by the BJP government the people are suffering. From farmers to tea garden workers everyone is facing the music. The economy is in doldrums. Money has been drained out of the markets. The government has to immediately roll back this anti-people move,” said Rajen Mukhia, president, TMC Darjeeling district committee (Hills).