Tension Eases in Darjeeling Hills as GJM Withdraws ‘Lalkothi Gherao’ Programme

Amitava Banerjee, MP, May 11, 2026, Darjeeling: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has decided to call off its “Lalkothi Gherao” programme scheduled for May 14, bringing relief amid fears of political unrest in the Darjeeling Hills.

GJM president Bimal Gurung had earlier announced the agitation alleging widespread corruption and nepotism in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

The proposed gherao was to be held at Lalkothi, the GTA Secretariat in Darjeeling.

The announcement had drawn a sharp response from the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), with party president Anit Thapa stating that peace and tranquillity in the Hills should not be disturbed under any condition.

“He can write to the government seeking a probe from 2011 when the GTA was formed. Why gheraos? If he does that, we will also take out a peace rally from Darjeeling railway station on the same day,” Thapa had said earlier, triggering apprehensions of supporters of the two parties locking horns.

Meanwhile, the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) had written to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of Darjeeling, urging them not to grant permission for the proposed gherao and rally.

On Saturday, Gurung announced that the programme was being withdrawn to maintain peace and considering the ongoing tourist rush.

Instead, a nine-member GJM delegation will meet the Principal Secretary of the GTA on May 14 and submit a memorandum.

Anit Thapa on Sunday thanked Gurung for withdrawing the proposed agitation and reiterated that the Hills should continue on the path of peace and stability.

Addressing party workers and later speaking at a press conference in Kalimpong, Thapa said this was not the time for agitation or unrest.

“The Hills are now moving towards peace. This is not the time for gherao or disturbances,” he stated.

Calling peace the biggest achievement of his administration, Thapa said the BGPM had contested the elections independently and secured around 1.76 lakh votes, which he claimed was the highest secured by any single regional party in the Hills.

He added that nearly 90 per cent of gram panchayats in the region remained under BGPM control.

On the future of the GTA, Thapa said if a larger administrative arrangement than the GTA was introduced, the BGPM would welcome it and contest elections under that framework as well.

Thapa, in the capacity of Chief Executive, GTA, also wrote a letter to Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Minister, Government of West Bengal, congratulating him on assuming the office of Chief Minister.

Courtesy & source- Millennium Post