Binay barb at BJP sincerity

TT, 17 Jul 2019, Siliguri: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Binay Tamang on Tuesday questioned the "sincerity" of the BJP in meeting the longstanding demand of the separate state and said the saffron party should make its stand clear on a "permanent solution".

"BJP leaders only speak about a permanent solution for the hills but have never come out with any specific comment on Gorkhaland. We feel the BJP is not sincere with the aspiration of the hill people. They (BJP) should clearly say what they have in mind," Tamang told journalists at Pintail Village in Dagapur, near Siliguri.

Referring to Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista's comments in Parliament and his meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Monday, Tamang said: "As far as we know, he did not mention the demand for Gorkhaland at the meeting with ShahThe Morcha leader also said he didn't see the possibility of 11 Gorkha communities being accorded the tribal status in the near future.

Tamang also demanded that the Centre monitor the Teesta river through Brahmaputra Board and provide funds for protection measures on its banks.

The MP, on the other hand, tried to counter Tamang's remarks.

"I am confident that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Gorkhas will get justice and all our issues will be resolved in due course of time," said Bista.

Tamang at Pintail Village on Tuesday. (Passang Yolmo) He said the documentation process regarding the 11 Gorkha communities had to be done as per the provisions of the Constitution and that was why there was a delay in deciding on the demand for the tribal tag.

"I have also informed the Prime Minister and the Union home minister about the need for a central varsity in Darjeeling," said Bista..