Come clear on region's issues, Bimal camp tells BJP

SNS, DARJEELING, 15 JUNE 21 : Following demands raised by some BJP leaders for a "different kind of arrangement" for North Bengal, a leader of the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha's (Bimal Gurung camp) youth front today questioned what would happen to the demand for Gorkhaland.

GIYM president Prakash Gurung was talking to reporters after he met the Pul Bijanbari Block development Officer to raise different Covid-related issues.

Asked about BJP MP John Barla raising the issue of a "separate state" for North Bengal, Mr Gurung said, "The issue of separation of North Bengal from Bengal is a good thing, but our demand for Gorkhaland is an older demand. What will happen to this demand for a proposed Gorkhaland area including the Terai, Dooars and the Hills"?

Talks are under way for by-elections for two seats, so we feel that this issue is being raised only to gamer votes. The BJP has to take a clear stand on what their strategy is for this region. The people have voted for them and made them victorious and it is their responsibility to bring about a solution. We ask them to do that for the proposed area of Gorkhakand and giving statements only is not enough," he added.

Mr Gurung also asked why the union home minister, along with other BJP senior leaders, who had come here before the elections, had not visited this place after the polls or spoken on the issue of a 'Permanent Political Solution.'

Speaking about the meeting with the BDO today he said, "We raised issues like speeding up the Covid vaccination process, along with opening of more vaccination centres."