Deb slams Morcha for hill unrest

TT, Siliguri, July 14: State tourism minister Gautam Deb today alleged that the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha was responsible for continuous hooliganism across the hills and said it was a part of "deep rooted conspiracy" of the party.

Deb, who was attending a programme at Surya Sen College here, said: "The Morcha is destroying heritage and government properties in the name of movement. It is part of a deep-rooted conspiracy. They are indulging in violent activities deliberately to malign the image of 'brand Darjeeling', which is one of the famous destinations in our country and attracts tourists from different parts of the world."

The Morcha has vandalised government offices, heritage buildings and yoy train stations since the statehood movement began, Deb added.

The minister also criticised the BJP and other political parties of the state for not condemning the alleged violent activities of the Morcha. "No political party other than Trinamul has spoken against the vandalism."

Such assertions from Deb come a day after he was stopped by bandh supporters near Panighata.

Rabindranath Ghosh, the north Bengal development minister, was also present at the programme.