Teesta Tourism Fest receives faces opposition from different quarters

SNS, DARJEELING, 26 DECEMBER 2017: The Teesta Rangeet Tourism Festival, organised by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration which starts from tomorrow is facing strong criticism from the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist, along with the Delhi-based body; The Gorkha Sanyukta Sangharsh Samity - with both of them maintaining that this is not the right time to organise such programmes.

While the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist today was seen shoving disapproval of the festival in a Press conference, posters were put up at Chowk Bazaar protesting against the festival, signed by the GSSS.

The Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist general secretary Gobind Chettri said, "The present situation is not right to hold a tourism festival. There are many issues that should be addressed immediately, like the tea garden workers who are yet to get their wages."

"Apart from that, those arrested during the 104-day agitation period and are still in correctional homes. Measures should be taken to get them released out."

It may be mentioned here that an indefinite strike was called in the hills from 15 June with it finally being lifted on 27 September during which the hills saw a total shutdown with many getting arrested.

"The main motive of the festival is to remain in power and engage people in the festival.  We, however, feel that the people are still more eager towards the demand of Gorkhaland," said Mr Chettri.

Meanwhile, in one of the posters signed by GSSS maintained, "What is the need of a festival during a time when the mother is in jail with the father being in the jungle and the children deprived."

Another poster reads, "Our land is filled with blood of the martyrs with their family not even properly comforted yet. The parents of the martyrs' tears are yet to dry up while the suffering of those in correctional homes has not ended._The people are still suffering for food while the youths have not been able to sleep in their homes"

"Arrests are still being made and human rights are still being violated. There is no independence so why should such a festival be organised. People should rise and continue their agitation for Gorkhaland.'

When the GTA Board of Administration chairman Binay Tamang was contacted he did not want to comment on the matter.

The Darjeeling chapter of the festival starts from the 27 of this month to the 29 while at Kuresong it will be held on the 28 and 29 of December.

In Mirik it will be held on the 30 and 31 December.