Gurung slams Tanvi's anti-Gorkha remarks

SNS, DARJEELING, 24 OCTOBER 2019: Fugitive leader of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Bimal Gurung has condemned the statements made by one Tanvi Das on national television that Gorkhas were infiltrators and that they should be thrown out of the country.

In a video clip he sent in the party's social media group, Mr Gurung alleged that it was not a personal statement made by Ms Das.

"We want Tanvi Das to come clear as to under whose direction she has given such a statement against the Gorkhas, as we feel that this is not her version. This has been done under the direction of some persons that are occupying high posts in Bengal, as the common Bengal community in the state has never protested against our community. Those who are infiltrators themselves speak against us," Mr Gurung said.

While the national TV channel that aired the panel discussion where Ms Das spoke claimed that she was a political analyst, there have been claims that she was a Trinamul Congress leader. Her statements have sparked outrage in the Hills, with several parties burning her effigy and condemning the statements. They have also sought an apology from her.

"We condemn the statement made by her in the channel and she should withdraw her statement. The Gorkhas have their own history, along with culture, and have their own identity in the country.The Gorkha Regiment is proof of that," Mr Gurung said, adding that she should apologise for her statements.

Gurung also said that such statements were reasons why they wanted to separate from Bengal and why they were demanding Gorkhaland. Gurung also condemned the way that Darjeeling MP Raju Bista was stopped on the way to Sinji in Kalimpong on 22 October and attacked allegedly by supporters of the Trinamul Congress and the Morcha camp led by Binoy Tamang

"The way the Darjeeling MP was stopped under the directions of Binoy Tamang and Anit Thapa, we condemn the incident. There was a conspiracy there to kill him with some of them also beaten up in the incident. We want such incidents to stop in the Hills," he said.

The Morcha leader also appealed to people to pay homage to Barun Bhujel, who died along with others during the 2017 agitation, by lighting lamps in their houses.