Deb plea to Sikkim - Maintain good relation with neighbour, says minister

A government bus ready to leave with passengers at Panighata.
Picture by Passang Yolmo

TT, Siliguri, Sept. 4: State tourism minister Gautam Deb today said the neighbouring state of Sikkim should work to maintain a cordial relation with Bengal and should not allow any criminals to take shelter in the state.

"The location of Sikkim is very sensitive and its area is almost like the Darjeeling hills. When Siliguri and Bengal is considered a lifeline of this tiny state, it is expected that the state will maintain a good relation with its neighbouring state as is necessary in a federal structure.

"We expect that the state government of Sikkim will extend its cooperation to apprehend some anti-nationals, who are trying to take refuge in the state," said Deb.

Such assertion from the minister follows the recent standoff between the Sikkim and Bengal police, following the raids conducted by the Bengal police in search of Bimal Gurung and some other Morcha leaders on September 1.

During the raid, the Sikkim police had taken four persons, including a woman Morcha leader, into custody from Bengal police after the latter allegedly could not furnish necessary documents to them.

They had also filed a case against the superintendent of police of Kalimpong and his team at Namchi police station, following the death of a person in alleged police firing.

On September 1, Bimal Gurung had called a meeting at a resort in Namchi. Gurung had to leave in the middle of the meeting as police started conducting raids. The meeting was called to expel Binay Tamang and Anit Thapa after they announced withdrawal of the strike.

Gurung had also said that the strike and the agitation would continue in the hills.

Deb disregarded Gurung's remarks today.

"I don't want to speak about an anti-national who is hiding in forests. Our police officials are sharing information with their counterparts in Sikkim and we hope necessary steps would be taken to nab all those who are trying to take shelter in the neighbouring state," he said.

The minister also dodged a direct reply as whether the state will invite both the lobbies of Morcha-led by Bimal Gurung and Binay Tamang - for the second round of talks that would be held here in Uttarkanya on September 12.

On September 1, Gurung has announced expulsion of Tamang from the party - the latter is not ready to accept it - and also, leaders of Gurung's lobby have said that they are ready to attend the talks.

"It will be decided from Nabanna, who will be considered as official representatives of Morcha. I have nothing to comment in this regard," Deb said.

Political observers however said that the minister, by ignoring Gurung, has passed a message that it is unlikely that the state will invite leaders of the Morcha chief's lobby for talks.

"The minister has ignored Bimal Gurung's remarks and has hinted that he would face police action. This is an indication that the state is unlikely to sit for talks with leaders who represent Gurung's lobby. Also, as Binay Tamang has raised questions over the legality of his expulsion and is still introducing himself as a party leader and its chief coordinator, it seems that he would be invited to attend the talks. Not to mention that Binay had announced withdrawal of the strike that the state wants while Gurung is still sticking to the strike," an observer said.

Meanwhile, the South District Police of Sikkim issued a press release today, narrating the course of events related to the raids conducted by Bengal police.