GJM & JAP both demands Inclusion of Dooars in Kalimpong district

11:12 AM

•

Trinamool Congress

Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, June 7: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the Jana Andolan Party, two principal parties in the hills, have suggested the incorporation of additional areas from the Dooars in the proposed Kalimpong district.

The proposals were made at an all-party meeting convened by Darjeeling district magistrate Anurag Srivastava here today to seek feedback on the creation of Kalimpong district and Mirik subdivision. Sipchu, Toribari, Bagracote Pathorjhora, Ellenbari,Chilauna and Samsing - the Dooars areas the Morcha wanted to be in the Kalimpong district - are part of some of the 398 mouzas the party had demanded to be brought under the GTA's jurisdiction.

Roshan Giri, the general secretary of the Morcha, said: "We support the creation of Kalimpong district, a demand we had first raised. We want areas like Sipchu, Toribari, Bagracote Pathorjhora, Ellenbari,Chilauna and Samsing (which are presently in Jalpaiguri district) to be incorporated in the new district. These areas are contiguous to the present Kalimpong subdivision."

The all-party meeting in Darjeeling on Tuesday. Picture by Suman Tamang

Giri said the Morcha wanted three subdivisions and seven blocks in the new district, and three blocks in Mirik subdivision.

Anmole Prasad, a member of the JAP's bureau, said the party had made a written submission on various aspects of the formation of the Kalimpong district. The JAP also wants parts of the Jalpaiguri district to be included in the new district.

"We want the boundaries of the new district to be redrawn so that its two sides have highways and a compact zone is created," said Prasad.

The JAP basically wants areas lying north of NH31 in Jalpaiguri district to be the southern boundary of the Kalimpong district and areas like Kalijhora, Lohapul, Suntalay and Rambi, which are along NH10 and in the Kurseong subdivision, to be the western border.

The JAP wants Kalimpong district to have three subdivisions and 10 blocks. The party demanded at the meeting that four blocks be created to make up the new Mirik subdivision.

"We also seek the formation of a committee comprising stakeholders, NGOs, experts and citizens to monitor and assist the formation of the district and the subdivision. Future meetings should be held at respective locations (Kalimpong and Mirik) to enable detailed discussions and new administrative townships should be created there to de-congest the area," said Prasad.

Representatives of parties like the GNLF, ABGL, CPRM and the Trinamul Congress also attended the meeting.

Srivastava said the parties had been asked to submit the suggestions in writing by tomorrow evening.

"An all-party meeting is usually called before the start of the process to create a new district. We have asked political parties to submit their suggestions in writing by tomorrow evening so that we can go through them and then prepare a report based on administrative feasibility. The report will be submitted to the government as early as possible," said Srivastava.

Telegraph

READ MORE

First party (ABGL) formed for a separate state no longer features on Darjeeling’s political map

9:13 AM

•

TMC

In house of man who started Gorkhaland stir, a family united by 3 political parties.

"The first ever party formed to fight for a separate state of Gorkhaland (ABGL was formed in 1943 by Damber Singh Gurung) no longer features on Darjeeling’s political map."

The Tamang family in Darjeeling is unique, at least politically. While Bharti Tamang, wife of late Madan Tamang heads the Akhil Bhartiya Gorkha League (ABGL), son Sanyog Tamang is with the ruling Trinamool Congress. Madan’s brother, Amar Lama, on the other hand, is backing Kalimpong MLA Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri’s Jan Andolan Party (JAP).

Bharti (69), who stays at Rhododendron — a bungalow surrounded by bushes of bright fuschia azaleas — in the town, is fielding only two candidates, both in Dooars. Her husband, former ABGL chief Madan Tamang was murdered in broad daylight in May 2010 allegedly by workers of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) headed by Bimal Gurung.

Slain ABGL leader Madan Tamang’s son Sanyog and wife Bharti at their residence in Darjeeling on Sunday. While Sanyog is a TMC member, Bharti heads ABGL. Madan’s brother is backing Jan Andolan Party.Express photo by Partha Paul.

“We are supporting Jan Andolan Party in Kalimpong and therefore, have not fielded candidates from there. We have also decided not to field candidates in Darjeeling and Kurseong,” Bharti said, not giving a reason why.

Her 35-year-old son, Sanyog Tamang, was hopeful of bagging the ruling party ticket for Darjeeling, but was passed over. “In this family, different members belong to different parties. My mother heads ABGL, I am with Trinamool and my uncle is with JAP,” he said.

The first ever party formed to fight for a separate state of Gorkhaland (ABGL was formed in 1943 by Damber Singh Gurung) no longer features on Darjeeling’s political map.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Bharti said: “But they all came and sought my blessings… We support everyone except the GJM.”

The family alleged that despite warrants issued on court orders for the 13 named in Madan’s murder, no arrests have yet been made in the case.

In the 2011 Assembly polls, riding on sympathy wave at Madan Tamang’s murder, ABGL had fielded candidates in three main hill constituencies but lost all. “The ABGL could have won then. It needed to strike the iron while it was still hot. But it did not manage to capitalize on the situation. Now, it is no longer politically important,” said a political analyst.

But Sanyog claimed a number of anomalies determined the 2011 results. “We came to know later that there were many polling booths where votes weren’t even counted. We knew we had the support of the people, but in the face of rigging, of course my mother would lose,” he said.

On a rocking chair in Rhododendron’s conservatory, where Madan Tamang would usually sit, a sketched portrait of his is kept. A shelf holds a framed certificate that says he was a member of the National Geographic Society. “Most people knew my husband as a politician. But more than a politician, who would not compromise on Gorkhaland, he was a naturalist,” said Bharti.

The couple would supply and export seeds of rohododendrons and work for hours — with no employed gardener — on the estate plantation. Now, the Tamangs have shut down the seed business. Also, shut is the tea estate they ran in Meghma — while half of the estate fell Indian side, the other fell in Nepal.

Via indianexpress

READ MORE

Many a muddle in Hill election season

9:06 AM

•

Trinamool Congress

Writes Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, April 15: The hills, in every way alive to a multi-pronged election season, is also in the middle of a comedy of confusions.

A contestant from Darjeeling's oldest party decided at the eleventh hour that fighting an election was not what his family wanted him to do.

His indecisive party chief first pledged support to Trinamul, then retracted.

Trinamul also hit Harka Bahadur Chhetri with a bolt from the blue by making him the ruling party's official candidate from Kalimpong when the hill leader had planned to contest on his own party's symbol.

But first about Laxman Pradhan of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL), which is the oldest party in the Darjeeling hills.

The ABGL announced Pradhan as its Darjeeling candidate, but on the last day of filing nominations, March 29, Pradhan had a rethink.

When this newspaper called up Pradhan on March 29 to find out about his nomination, he said: "We are trying to find another candidate."

Pradhan explained: "I am actually not contesting as my family members are against it as I am a diabetic and have high blood pressure."

The call was made at 10.30am and Pradhan was confident that by 2pm, an alternative candidate would be found.

Well, no one was found. The ABGL does not have a contestant in Darjeeling.

After this, for some inexplicable reason, the ABGL also decided not to contest from the Kurseong seat.

The drama did not end here.

Trinamul candidate Sharda Rai Subba and the entire party district leadership went to Rhododendron Dell, residence of ABGL president Bharati Tamang soon.

The media was called to the Dell and Bharati announced that her party would support Trinamul.

But the next day, the party did a U-turn.

The next day at a media conference at the ABGL office, Bharati said her announcement the day before was her personal thought and the party would only decide on the matter on April 10. Trinamul leaders were speechless on hearing this.

Sources in the ABGL said after announcing to support Trinamul, party leaders realised they had not taken into account that its candidate, Ganesh Lama, was contesting from Nagrakata in the Dooars against Trinamul. A tie-up with Trinamul in the hills would confuse voters.

On April 10, ABGL general secretary Pratap Khati said: "In Darjeeling and Kurseong we urge the people to use their conscience."

But immediately after, he put out a spoiler alert. "They, however, should vote against the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha."

But what would the ABGL do in Kalimpong?

"We are not adverse to supporting the Jan Andolan Party (JAP)," said Khati. This did not clear the confusion completely because the JAP is an ally of Trinamul.

The JAP was hit by a bolt from the blue when its president Harka Bahadur Chhetri, was named the ruling party's official candidate.

Morcha president Bimal Gurung tried to deride Mamata Banerjee's move to make Kalimpong a separate district by claiming that the territory of Kalimpong had not been completely incorporated in the Indian union and it continued to be a land leased from Bhutan.

Via Telegraph

READ MORE

Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League (ABGL) withdrew support to TMC

7:42 PM

•

Trinamool Congress

Darjeeling 5 Apr 2016 The Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League today withdrew its support to the two Trinamool candidates from Kurseong and Darjeeling asserting the party would first hold an internal meeting and decide on the matter in the near future. However, the party has not changed its decision of supporting Jan Andolan Party candidate Harka Bahadur Chhetri in Kalimpong.

Today’s statement is in sharp contrast to what transpired on Monday when a hill TMC delegation led by Darjeeling candidate Sarada Subba and general secretary NB Khawas met ABGL president Bharati Tamang. Tamang had announced before the media that the ABGL would support the TMC as the party wanted a change in the political establishment in the hills.

Speaking today at a press conference at the ABGL party office, Tamang said, “What I said yesterday regarding support to the TMC was entirely my personal decision and I believe this was misunderstood by the media. The final take on who the ABGL will support in Kurseong and Darjeeling will be decided only after we hold a party meeting either on April 8 or 9.”

Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League Bharati Tamang

ABGL sources said Tamang may have been forced to retract her statement following pressure from senior party leaders as some of them are in favour of extending support to the candidates fielded by the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist (CPRM).

Asked for his comment, hill TMC general secretary NB Khawas said, “We met the ABGL president in her house yesterday seeking her party’s support for our candidates from Kurseong and Darjeeling and she was positive in her response. As for the sudden change in her stand, we would not like to say anything as it is for the ABGL to decide on the matter.”

EOIC

READ MORE

Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League to support TMC for assembly election

8:21 AM

•

TMC

Darjeeling 4 Apr 2016 The Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League has become the third party to extend support to the two Trinamool Congress candidates in the hills for the Assembly election. The announcement was made today by ABGL president Bharati Tamang from her residence after a hill TMC delegation met her led by Darjeeling TMC candidate Saradha Subba.

The ABGL president said, “The TMC delegation that came visiting today requested us to support the two candidates in the hills, namely in Kurseong and Darjeeling, and we have agreed to do so. The main reason why we are supporting the Trinamool is because, along with the general public of the hills, we want change.”

The TMC has fielded Subba in Darjeeling and Shanta Chhetri in Kurseong. In Kalimpong, they are supporting Jan Andolan Party candidate Harka Bahadur Chhetri. The other two political parties extending support to the TMC are the JAP and the Gorkha National Liberation Front. The TMC has also formed committees comprising representatives of the JAP and the GNLF for campaigning purposes.

Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League - a file Photo

Earlier, the ABGL had decided to field its own candidates in Darjeeling and Kurseong, but changed plans eventually, saying do so would mean division of votes. Ganesh Lama is the only candidate fielded by the ABGL for the election, and he is contesting from Nagarkatta.

Responding to the support received from the ABGL, hill TMC general secretary NB Khawas said, “We met the ABGL president today at her residence and requested her party’s support for our candidates in Kurseong and Darjeeling, and she has agreed to do so. We are now more confident of winning in the election with three parties supporting us. We will try to hold joint campaigns wherever we feel they are necessary, but these things have to be discussed first.”

(EOIC)

READ MORE

Jan Andolan Party hopes for land rights talk with State

6:33 PM

•

Parza Patta Demand Committee (PPDC)

JAP hopes for land rights talk

Vivek Chhetri
Darjeeling, Feb. 24: The Jan Andolan Party today said it was hopeful that the state will start a dialogue with the leaders on granting land rights to tea garden and cinchona plantation residents before the model code of conduct is in place.

Yesterday, JAP leaders had met Arup Biswas, the state sports and youth affairs minister, in Siliguri.

Amar Lama, bureau member, JAP, today told The Telegraph: "We are very hopeful that the state government will initiate a dialogue... very soon. We are hopeful that it will happen before the model code of conduct is enforced."

More than 70 per cent of the nearly 8.75 lakh people in the region reside in tea gardens and cinchona plantations.

The Parcha Patta Demand Committee, a frontal organisation of JAP, had launched an indefinite protest here on February 17 demanding a dialogue with the state on the issue.

Today, JAP president Harka Bahadur Chhetri who visited the dharna venue said: "We will definitely contest the Assembly polls. On December 15, 2015, I had raised the land rights issue in the Assembly. We have discussed it with Arup Biswas and he will apprise the chief minister in detail. I am leaving for Calcutta today... In the Assembly, if I get an opportunity, I will discuss the matter with the chief minister."

He said: "We need to draw the state's attention from the grassroot and show the demand has support of people."

The ABGL, GNLF and CPM leaders have supported JAP by leaving comments on a register at the dharna venue.


Telegraph

READ MORE

Bimal Gurung distributed Cash During Padyatra - CPRM

8:03 AM

•

Politics

Writes: Vivek Chhetri

The CPRM today alleged that Bimal Gurung was distributing money to people during his ongoing padayatra and urged the government to investigate his source of funds.

The Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists launched a broadside against the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha president at a public meeting organised to mark its 19th foundation day.

"Wherever Bimal Gurung is going, he is distributing cash. Where is this money coming from? The Bengal government and agencies like the income tax department and vigilance must be proactive and look into this issue," Govind Chhetri, the spokesman for the CPRM, told the gathering at Chowk Bazar here.

The CPRM alleged that Gurung was distributing cash to tea garden workers and the common people during his padayatra. The march, which was started by Gurung on October 2, on Gandhi Jayanti, was suspended yesterday as he left for Delhi to take part in a three-day dharna on Gorkhaland starting from December 17. The procession will resume when Gurung returns to the hills. Sources in the Morcha couldn't say when the GTA chief executive would be back in the hills.

"He (Gurung) started his statehood movement on Gandhian principles (non-violence and democracy) but now we realise that his objective is the Gandhis on the note (currency)," Chhetri said, implying that the Morcha leader was after the Indian currency, which bears the image of Mahatma Gandhi.

"There has been no development in the hills. There has been no development in the region. The only guys who have developed are the leaders (of the Morcha)," said Chhetri.

"The padayatra was started on the lines of Mahatma Gandhi's agitation path but while the Father of the Nation used to stay wherever possible, this padayatra is turning out to be a big picnic with the leader staying at rest houses and guest houses."

The Morcha denied the charges raised by the CPRM.

Jyoti Kumar Rai, the assistant general secretary of the Morcha, said: "Gurung is not distributing money anywhere. He is helping some people on medical grounds through the GTA. He is distributing cheques to poor people to construct houses through Hamro Ghar Yojana of the GTA. That is all."

The CPRM also attacked the administration for registering cases against hill opposition leaders for taking out a rally from Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan Hall to Chowrasta where ABGL leader Bharati Tamang was to sit for a hunger strike demanding justice in the case related to the murder of her husband.

"Look at the way the administration behaved against us. We were seeking justice but cases were slapped on us. The convoys of leaders throw public life out of gear when they move along the highway but no cases are slapped on them. Even the police officers present at the venue behaved very rudely with Bharati Tamang asking her to hold her hunger strike at her home," said Chhetri.

"It is just a matter of time before the killers of Madan Tamang are brought to book," said Chhetri.

Bharati had sat on the hunger strike on June 14 under the banner of the Democratic Front, a conglomeration of ABGL, GNLF, CPRM and Sikkim-Darjeeling Ekikaran Manch. The Front leaders were charged with blocking road on the day they took out the march from Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan Hall.

Source Telegraph

READ MORE

"Kalimpong District only possible under Mamata" - Harka Bahadur Chhetri

11:31 AM

•

Politics

Have support to raise district plea: Harka
Writes: Rajeev Ravidas

Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri today said he would campaign for the creation of Kalimpong district as he had "phenomenal support" from the people of the hills and political parties.

Before leaving for Calcutta today, Chhetri told The Telegraph that political parties had asked him to co-ordinate the campaign and once he returned to the hills, he would "formalise things".

"I have been asked informally by political parties and other organisations to co-ordinate the campaign for Kalimpong district. I have been receiving phenomenal support from the people. People are very excited. I will be going to Calcutta today to discuss the development with the state government and I hope to meet some ministers (there). After returning, probably on Thursday, I will formalise things (the campaign)," he said.

Over the past few days, Chhetri has received support from anti-Gorkha Janmukti Morcha hill organisations like the ABGL, CPRM and Gorkhaland Rajya Nirman Morcha (GRNM).

Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Mamata Banerjee

He said if Kalimpong district were to be formed ever, it would happen only under chief minister Mamata Banerjee. "One has to work for it. I strongly feel that if it happens, if it becomes a reality, it is only possible under Mamata. The kind of leadership that she has, she can do it and nobody else."

Today, Chhetri also said he was willing to join hands with anyone who wanted to work for Kalimpong's benefit. "I don't see any loss in taking help from anyone if it benefits the people of Kalimpong. That is what every right thinking politician should aspire for."

The leader who had resigned from the Morcha recently said: "There is too much sentimental politics in the hills, right from the beginning. It is only about sentiments and emotions, no rational and reasonable issue has come up as a popular demand. Sentiments have been exploited (by parties) over centuries."

Without naming anyone, he added: "I want people to become more reasonable and demand from leaders things that are tangible. We are not even being able to manage the municipality properly. It is because of the quality of leadership that we have."

ABGL vice-president Pratap Khati said today: "Yes, we are for the creation of Kalimpong district. I suggest that a steering committee comprising all political parties, civil society leaders and NGOs under Dr Chhteri be formed and the matter be taken forward."

Khati added that ABGL leaders met in Darjeeling today and discussed the demand to create Kurseong, and Siliguri-Mirik districts along with Kalimpong. "We will write to the chief minister about it."

An observer said the Morcha was now trying to play catch-up with Chhetri on the issue.

"Chhetri brought the issue to the limelight by cleverly linking it to the perceived dominating attitude of the largely Darjeeling-based Morcha leadership towards Kalimpong. The Morcha will now find it difficult to take the wind out of Chhetri's sails," said the observer.

Source Telegraph

READ MORE

Oppositions reacton on Gorkha National Symposium by GJM

12:04 AM

•

Mamata Banerjee

Gorkha National Symposium, a window-dressing by GJMM: Opposition

Following the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s program in Kalimpong in associated with Lepcha and other tribal groups of the hills, GJMM has initiated two days Gorkha National Symposium, specifically making its clear stand on the Tribal status for 10 hills communities.

Meanwhile, oppositions of the hills have reacted on the 2 days seminar being held at Gorkha Rangamancha Bhavan (Bhanu Bhawan) in Darjeeling. Pratap Khati, general secretary of ABGL, severely commented as such programs are window- dressing by GJMM in the eyes of people. GJMM was never honest on the issues of the hills. If they are really honest, such program would have held in Delhi not in Darjeeling. The issue is related to Central government, therefore, the program should have included Tribal minister, central ministers and expertise on the issues.

The issue we have already raised in 2005, now GJMM is following our path, alleged Mr. MJ Subba, GNLF Darjeeling branch convener.

GJMM has initiated two days Gorkha National Symposium

CPRM spokesperson Mr. Govind Chettri said, in relation to Tribal status for 10 communities of the hills, there is confusion whether tribal status for Gorkha community or in the region where Gorkhas residing in majority. It is also important to specify clearly that the tribal status is only for Darjeeling hills or all India as a whole. There is a constitutional provision for Tribal status set by the Central government. Meanwhile, to include all these 10 Gorkhas communities in Schedule Tribe status, amendment of constitution is required, which is depends on the Will of Government. Constitutionally it is difficult and complex issue. If it is successful, it is positive for all but it will not solve the main issue of Gorkhas.

Chettri also alleged that the GJMM is not sincere on the Gorkhaland issue, GJMM is diverting from its main issue, while Gorkha community is being divided by the so called tribal development boards.

Via news4folk

READ MORE

Mamata Banerjee not ready to give up the Darjeeling hills

6:58 PM

•

Tamang Development Board

Claps for Mamata in Kalimpong - Won't give up hills, says CM

Writes Rajeev Ravidas

Kalimpong, Sept. 15: Mamata Banerjee, while announcing funds for three hill communities, today told a crowd of several thousands that she "is not ready to give up the Darjeeling hills", but it did not elicit protests.

Some in the crowd of nearly 10,000 at Kalimpong's Ronaldshay Park clapped. Back in January 2013, when Mamata had said Darjeeling "is a part of us" at a rally on Chowrasta, hill people had jeered and held up Gorkhaland placards. Soon after, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had restarted a statehood movement.

Yesterday, several hill tribal leaders who had got development bodies for their communities said they were grateful to Mamata. "The chief minister has come forward to help us preserve our culture, language and tradition by forming the Tamang development board. We are grateful to her. I don't see anything sinister in this," said Sanjay Moktan, the chairman of the Tamang development board.

Sanjay Moktan, the chairman of the Tamang Development and Cultural Board,
receives a cheque from Mamata Banerjee in Kalimpong on Tuesday.
Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha

Last week, Gurung had warned hill residents of the state government's effort to divide and rule in the hills. He had appealed for unity.

Although it is tough to tell if Mamata had won the hearts of a section of hill residents by setting up the cultural development boards for them, it is clear that not all tribal community leaders in the hills are convinced by Gurung's arguments.

Mamata, speaking in Hindi, told the crowd: "I am ready to ruin my life for the hills, but I will not give up the hills. I will not let the hills break away."

Tamangs, Bhutias and Sherpas were at the event organised by the Tamang Development and Culture Board. The crowd, which included many from among the non-tribal Mangars, greeted her remark with applause.

In Darjeeling, Binay Tamang, assistant secretary of the Morcha, reminded all that the GTA agreement, signed by Mamata's government and the Centre, "clearly mentions that the Gorkhaland demand has not been dropped and we can raise it whenever we want to".

Tamang repeated what Gurung has earlier said: "We will raise the issue with the Centre as Bengal cannot give us statehood."

The Morcha perceives the NDA government at the Centre to be more receptive to the Gorkhaland demand, although nowhere in the general election manifesto had the NDA mentioned that it would support the creation of a separate Gorkhaland state.

Morcha chief Bimal Gurung yesterday announced a renewed agitation for Gorkhaland, irked by the alleged interference of the state government in the functioning of the GTA.

The Tamangs today organised the programme to mark the first anniversary of their development board.

The board gave Mamata the title of Narsang Dolma or the goddess of light.

The Lepchas, the first to be given a development board by Mamata in 2013, had given Mamata the title of bestower of good fortune.

The chief minister said she was committed to working for the development of the hills. In return, she said, she sought nothing other than the love and affection of the people. "Till the time I live, I will continue visiting the hills," she said.

Tamang, the Morcha assistant secretary, said in Darjeeling that the chief minister need bother about development in the hills. "All she needs to do is to transfer all the 57 subjects to the GTA and ensure that there is no dual administration in the hills. If this is done, development will take place in the hills," he said.

The chief minister also announced funds for the Tamang, Bhutia and Lepcha boards. The funds, ranging from Rs 3.75 crore to Rs 10 crore, will be used to construct houses and toilets for poor residents among the three tribes. She indicated that she would also announce something for the Mangars at a programme of the Lepchas she is scheduled to attend at the Mela Ground in Kalimpong tomorrow.

The Mangars, too, have been demanding a development board for themselves, but Mamata during her last visit to Darjeeling in August had said no more such bodies would be formed.

ABGL vice-president Pratap Khati, who attended the programme at the invitation of the Tamang board, said what he witnessed at the programme was a superficial division of the Gorkhas brought about by the vision-less leadership of Gurung.

Source Telegraph

READ MORE

Surrender notice to Democratic Front leaders

10:31 AM

•

Sikkim Darjeeling Ekikaran Manch

Vivek Chhetri

Ten Democratic Front leaders hill leaders opposed to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, including Bharati Tamang, have been served police notices to surrender in a case of blocking a national highway, which they will appeal in high court.

Democratic Front leaders / Bharati Tamang  fast on to death

The notice, which was issued on June 28, refers to a June 14 incident when Bharati and other leaders of the Democratic Front, a conglomeration of four hill outfits, started a march from the Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan Hall down NH55 to Chowrasta where the widow of Madan Tamang sat on a hunger strike.

Bharati was demanding the arrest of 23 Morcha supporters and top leaders, including Bimal Gurung, in the case of her husband's murder.

The CBI has chargesheeted the 23 after investigating the 2010 murder. The police notice sought their surrender within seven days of receiving the order. According to sources, different leaders got the order on different days.

At a meeting today, the Front said it had decided to file a writ petition in Calcutta High Court, challenging Darjeeling police's notice.

Darjeeling police on their own registered a case against 10 Front leaders for unlawful assembly, wrongfully restraining a person, obstructing a public servant from discharging his duty, which are bailable. They have also been charged under Section 8 (B) of the National Highway Act, which is non-bailable.

Apart from ABGL chief Bharati, the notice was sent to party leaders Pratap Khati and Laxman Pradhan, Democratic Front convenor Shankar Hang Subba, CPRM president and former Darjeeling MP R.B. Rai, spokesman for the CPRM Govind Chhetri, and GNLF president Mann Ghisingh. Three other GNLF leaders, Manikamal Chhetri, Biren Lama and Pravin Zimba, were also served the notices.

The Democratic Front is conglomeration of the ABGL, CPRM, GNLF and the Sikkim-Darjeeling Ekikaran Manch.

The decision to challenge the notice was taken at a meeting of Front leaders held in the ABGL office here today.

After the meeting, Subba said: "The voice of the people is being snatched but we will take this as a challenge. We will go to Calcutta High Court this week against the police's decision to slap cases on us."

Khati alleged that a police officer misbehaved with Bharati.

He said the Front would mention this in the plea.

Source: Telegraph

READ MORE

Even God cannot save Bimal Gurung - Pratap Khati

11:33 AM

•

Pratap Khati

Vivek Chhetri
Darjeeling, June 18: The Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League today told Mamata Banerjee that a judicial investigation should be conducted to find out lapses of the previous government and the district administration that could have led to the murder of the party's chief Madan Tamang in 2010.

Pratap Khati Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League  general secretary

Party general secretary Pratap Khati said: "We have told the chief minister that Bimal Gurung cannot be trusted. Following the chargesheet even God cannot save Bimal Gurung."

He said: "We requested the chief minister for a judicial inquiry. The role of the then government and the district administration has to be looked into as there were many lapses. We have learnt that the instruction given by then IG of north Bengal, K.L. Tamta, on issues regarding security arrangements at the public meeting which was to be addressed by Madan Tamang was not followed by the district police superintendent."

He said the escape of Nickole Tamang, one of the accused, from CID custody should also be probed.

"As per norms he should have been kept at a police lock-up for an overnight stay and should not have been with the CID. Also, we do not know why the CID's investigating officer, K.S. Paharia, was not brought to book. We have requested for a judicial inquiry so that the real facts and the involvement of the government can come to light," Khati said.

Khati was part of an ABGL delegation which met Mamata Banerjee at Richmond Hill here around 1.30pm today and submitted a memorandum.

The ABGL also raised the issue of the recent arms case in Darjeeling.

"We have told the chief minister that one of the elected GTA Sabha members, whose name had figured in a case related to seizure of arms in Assam is untraceable. There were reports of the involvement of NSCN (Khaplang) in the case. These groups were involved in the recent ambush in Manipur. We have told the chief minister that Bimal Gurung and Roshan Giri used to frequently visit the north-eastern states and they cannot be trusted," said Khati.

"Nothing happens in the Morcha without Bimal Gurung's knowledge," he said.

Told about the bonhomie shown by Mamata and Gurung yesterday, Khati said: "There can always be political compulsions."

Khati today also claimed that the chief minister had instructed her officials to send a bouquet and good wishes message to Bharati Tamang, the widow of Madan Tamang.

"The chief minister gave us a patient hearing today and also promised to meet us when she returns to the hills in September this year," said Khati.

Source; Telegraph

READ MORE

GJM case to be heard on Monday, judge threats the lawyer

8:10 AM

•

madan tamang

A Calcutta High Court judge today persuaded some of the lawyers who have gone on a three-day ceasework because of the "heat wave" to attend his court, threatening to strike the cases off the cause list if they did not appear.

 Calcutta High Court 

Justice Ashim Kumar Roy's decision to remove the cases from the list if they were not heard today forced three lawyers pleading for anticipatory bail of their clients to take part in the proceedings. The lawyers, who were on the court compound, included the one appearing for Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung and other party leaders. The Morcha leaders have sought anticipatory bail in the Madan Tamang murder case.

Morcha president Bimal Gurung and 22 other party leaders have been chargesheeted by the CBI in connection with the murder of the ABGL chief in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010. The hearing of the anticipatory bail plea will continue on Monday.

If a case is struck off the cause list, it takes at least 14 days to make its way back to the queue, a crucial time period in cases of anticipatory bail pleas.

Yesterday, Justice Roy had slammed lawyers, particularly the state-empanelled ones, for going on leave. He had asked a lawyer who had kept the case diary with himself to appear before him today.
Justice Roy told the three state-empanelled lawyers who attended his court today: "The government you are representing in court is not supporting your ceasework. Then why are you abstaining from work? Why are you keeping case diaries with you? It should be kept either in the court's custody or with police."

At 2pm, Justice Roy summoned public prosecutor Manjit Singh and told him: "You should not allow the state-empanelled lawyers to take away case diaries with them." Singh assured the judge that such a thing would not be repeated.

Justice Roy then took up the list of cases and decided to hear some of them. When the case relating to the anticipatory bail pleas of the Morcha leaders came up, the judge asked an advocate to locate Sayan Dey, the lawyer of the bail applicants.

When Dey arrived, Justice Roy told him: "Either you start the hearing of your case today or I will strike the matter off the list."

The lawyer requested the judge to hear the case on Monday. But Justice Roy said: "For the 23 accused in the case, you have filed at least six anticipatory bail applications. The last one was filed on June 10, the first day of your ceasework. When you can file a case in the midst of a ceasework, why can't you start your arguments now?"

Dey then started the submission, narrating to the judge his version of how and when Tamang was murdered.

According to court sources, around a dozen cases were disposed of today.


Source: Telegraph

READ MORE

"Democratic Front" Leaders Meet Governor to Demand Bimal Gurung Arrest

9:47 AM

•

Politics

 Vivek Chhetri

The Democratic Front, an alliance of five anti-Gorkha Janmukti Morcha parties, yesterday demanded the arrest of Bimal Gurung in the Madan Tamang murder case and requested the governor to ask the state to "use its wisdom" regarding providing security and a red beacon to the GTA chief executive.

Democratic Front Leaders Meet Governor to Demand Bimal Gurung Arrest

A seven-member delegation of the front led by convenor Pratap Khati met governor Keshari Nath Tripathi at the Raj Bhavan here this morning.

According to Khati, they told the governor that the CBI should not wait for the court's order. "Why should Bimal Gurung be treated differently? Because he is the chief of the GTA? He should be treated as any other murder accused as his name figures in the chargesheet. He should be arrested immediately and the CBI should not wait for the court's direction. There is a possibility of him influencing witnesses," Khati said . "We want the state to use its wisdom on the issue of providing security cover and a vehicle fitted with a red beacon to Bimal Gurung."

Tamang's wife Bharati was also part of the delegation.

Gurung, who has been named in the CBI chargesheet as an accused in the Madan Tamang murder case, enjoys a rank equivalent to a cabinet minister. He is entitled to a police convoy and allowed to have a red beacon on his official car.

The CID and the CBI have named 54 people in their chargesheets. Of them, 23 were named in the CBI chargesheet in Calcutta on Friday. The list included almost all the top rung leaders of the Morcha.

Khati, the general secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League of which Madan Tamang was the chief said: "We fear that few of the witnesses might have been bought over."

On Monday, the city sessions court of Calcutta had directed the CBI not to proceed against any of the accused. The investigating officer has been asked to appear on June 6.

The Raj Bhavan has not issued any statement regarding today's meeting.

Tamang was hacked to death in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010.

Today, the Democratic Front, which was formed yesterday by the ABGL, GNLF, CPRM, CPM and Sikkim-Darjeeling Ekikaran Manch, submitted a memorandum to the governor regarding the matter.

"The murderers, starting with the top echelon of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, have now been identified and arraigned by the investigation that culminated with the submission of the supplementary chargesheet by the CBI to the concerned court. However, we regret to note that the state has permitted them to roam around with impunity after their indictment and even today, we are yet to see a single warrant issued for their arrest," the memorandum reads.

Khati said after the meeting: "The governor gave us a patient hearing and said the memorandum would be forwarded to the home ministry."

The front also demanded that the Morcha should not be allowed to hold public meetings and rallies, "until the disposal of the trial for the murder" as it feared that the leadership would issue threats in public.

Source: : Telegraph

READ MORE

Opposition React to MP Ahluwalia's speech raising the Gorkhaland issue in the Parliament

8:01 PM

•

Politics

Suspicion, Hope, Solidarity - Opposition React to MP Speech

Call it political prudence, or a matter of habit, the opposition are finding reasons to question the speech made by Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia in the Parliament, demanding a committee to study the Gorkhaland statehood issue.

Opposition React to MP Ahluwalia's speech raising the Gorkhaland issue in the Parliament

Leading the opposition is Dr. Mahendra P Lama, who many see as the panacea of all our problems. Dr. Lama said, "the BJP is in majority in the Centre... what sense does it make for a BJP MP to raise Gorkhaland issue... if they are sincere, they should bring the bill for Gorkhaland in the Parliament and approve it."

Doubting the sincerity behind BJP MP raising the Gorkhaland issue, Dr. Lama said, "The Morcha dharna was ending and they would have been embarrassed to have returned empty handed, hence they pressured the MP into making that empty statement..."

He even decried the fact that Morcha dharna had not been covered in the press, while Cooach Behar dharna had found priority amongst national media. He said, "Morcha had lied about the Home Minister giving assurance on forming a committee to study the Gorkhaland demand... they were also unable to get the BJP to endorse their demand for a Central University..."

Similarly, CPRM Spokesperson Mr. Govind Chettri also saw the MP's speech as a mere rhetoric, and he said, "what is the point in making speeches, if they are not sincere about the issue? if BJP state committee and Central committee supported the demand, then Gorkhaland can be formed in a matter of two-three days... this is a mere ploy to muddy the water... "

However he added, "if this was a genuine attempt to raise the voice in favour of Gorkhaland, we welcome it, and we are hopeful that the MP will now coordinate with other like minded MPs to pressure the Government into constituting Gorkhaland."

Mr. Pratap Khati of the ABGL welcomed the move, and he said, "since the MP spoke for uplifting the Gorkha community, we thank him and offer our gratitude to him." He further added, "if BJP forms Gorkhaland, then they will be the saviour for Gorkhalis all over India"

However, he had his doubts too, he said, "the MP was not clear in his speech... why did not raise the issue of Gorkhaland statehood... if the state is formed the medical college, central university etc can all be formed.... did he really ask for a committee to examine the Gorkhaland demand, or was he asking for a committee to be formed to examine our demand for various developmental projects?"
Congress leader and former Darjeeling MP Dawa Norbula was measured in his assessment, he said, "it is a welcome move, but to turn it into a reality a lot of ground work needs to be done... and if we can all work together towards this goal, it will be more fruitful."

We hope that Bimal Gurung and rest of the GJM will pay heed to what the former MP has to say and call for a collective effort to ensure the formation of Gorkhaland statehood.

Source: TheDC

READ MORE

CPM, ABGL and GNLF have virtually vanished from the hills - Bimal Gurung

10:14 AM

•

Politics

Hitting out hard at the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung on Thursday said its era is long over and the handful of supporters still clinging on in hope must realise this fact at the earliest.

Bimal Gurung

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the GTA’s three-day Krishi Mela at Damphe Thar in Dudhay, Gurung said hill parties such as the CPM, ABGL and GNLF have now virtually vanished from the public stage. “All political parties enjoy their prime time and they should learn to deal with this fact,” he said.

The GTA chief added, “A day will also come when the people of the Darjeeling hills will turn towards a new political party by sidelining the GJM, but at present the mandate is with us.”

According to Gurung, there will only be chaos and mayhem if a political party tries to flex its muscles despite being well aware that its heydays are over. “Our rivals tried to coax GJM supporters into joining their fold and a number of them did leave us temporarily, but now they are all returning back,” claimed the GJM chief.

Putting in a word of praise for ally BJP, he said, “During the Kargil War, many Gorkha soldiers were martyred, but no leader from Kolkata or Delhi visited their families as a mark of respect. Only the BJP respects the contribution of the Gorkhas to the nation.”


Gurung cautioned the people not to view the Krishi Mela as an entertainment event, but as one being held to promote new farming techniques. “Once this mela is over, Dudhay will soon find a place in the tourism map of Darjeeling,” he concluded.

Source: EOI

READ MORE

Oppositions filed RTI to find the truth behind claim by GJM on gorkhaland committee assured by the center.

7:28 PM

•

Politics

Opposition Says Morcha Has ZERO Credibility - Filed RTI to find the Truth Behind "Committee to Study Gorkhaland Issue" Claim by GJM .

From left Pratap Khati, Govind Chettri, Dr. Enos Das Pradhan

Coming down heavily on the 'assurances' given to GJM by the Home Minister opposition leaders stated that there people should never trust GJM on Gorkhaland issue.

Speaking to the press Opposition leader Rev Dr. Enos Das Pradhan said, "you cannot take Morcha on their words, when they say that based on the assurance given by the Home Minister regarding the formation of a study committee, the GJM took its proposed Delhi based program back..."

He further added, "if it is indeed true then when is such a committee going to be formed, when is it going to start the study and when is it going to submit its findings?" Since we cannot trust Morcha, we have filed an RTI with the Home Ministry to find out the truth.

CPRM central committee member Govind Chettri added, "the Home Minister alone cannot speak on the formation of any such committee... this issue needs to be discussed and approved by the Cabinet, only then we can trust the Morcha claim"

Furthermore, "many such committees have been formed since Independence and none of the committees have taken any positive decision in favour of the Gorkhas... Whatever happened to the High Powered Fact Verification committee, which was supposed to decide on the additional Gorkha majority mouzas from Terai and Dooars to be added to GTA region? no one knows" he said.

Moreover, "the fact that GJM did not publicly release the petition they submitted to the Home Minister indicates that something is fishy... Morcha is always trying to deceive the public... so there is no reason to believe them"

ABGL leader Pratap Khati said, "the so called committee to study Gorkhaland issue, is a figment of imagination of the GJM leaders... there is no indication that the Home Minister actually said it... only GJM is claiming he said so, but where is the proof?" he asked

He further added, "If we were to believe GJM, they should have formed Gorkhaland by March 10, 2010... this is 2014 and still there is no Gorkhaland... we elected BJP MPs twice for Gorkhaland and there has not even been a squeak on behalf of Gorkhaland... so how can anyone expect us to trust the Morcha?"

Taking a jab at the gullible public he said, "those who believe Morcha lies are either selfish and hope to gain something from the Morcha or are crazy.... ABGL has never believed GJM and never will he added"

Source: DC

READ MORE

All accused in the Madan Tamang assassination case granted bail

8:47 AM

•

madan tamang

All the accused in the Madan Tamang (ABGL) Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League leader assassination case have been granted bail by the Kolkata High Court.

File pics of some of the accused taken during their appearance in Darjeeling court, last year

The Kolkata high court cited lapse on the part of the police, who had failed to file a charge-sheet within three months of the arrest, as the reason for granting bail to the accused.

Almost all those arrested have strong ties to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and including its then Yuva Morcha chief Alok Kantamani Thulung and youth leaders like Puran Thami, Kismat Chettri and Dinesh Gurung alias Karate Kaila.

The Kolkata high-court has however instructed that the accused cannot enter Darjeeling district, Jalpaiguri district and the state of Sikkim.

The court has further instructed that all the accused need to register themselves with the police station of where ever they will be based, and has also required for the accused to present themselves to CBI office in Calcutta once a month.

It may be noted that the main accused Nickole Tamang escaped from the CID custody and the CBI is yet to find him.

Source: DC

READ MORE

Midday meal scandal in the hill

8:28 AM

•

social

Kalimpong: The midday meal scandal that had surfaced during the heydays of the Gorkha National Liberation Front came under the scanner once again after the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League took up the issue involving Champamaya Primary School. The ABGL and local units of various political outfits raised their voice against the issue.

Midday meal scandal in Champamaya Primary School 

ABGL general secretary Pratap Kahti today accused the concerned department of inaction despite some Rs5.14 crore being misappropriated during the days of the GNLF. He said the ABGL had then exposed education department secretary Lakpa Ringden for embezzling funds meant for 102 primary schools in the hills. While Ringden is still absconding, the CBI has failed miserably to make any progress over the issue, noted Khati.

Slamming the development model in the hills, the ABGL leader alleged almost every development project including the Sarvashiksha Mission is being mismanaged by the administration. He also expressed deep concern over the declining standard of education in the hills. Khati cited a leader saying he has quit teaching but still draws his salary.

The Communist Party (Revolutionary) of India also demanded strong measures against those involved in the midday meal scandal at Champamaya Primary School. CPRM leader Mohan Poudyal said, “Corruption is increasing by the day in the hills. The school shows 40 students in its roster but it hardly has more than four.”

He accused the administration of complacency and urged the public to wake up and take notice.       

When contacted, hill Trinamool Congress leader Nanita Gautam claimed she was not aware of the Champamaya case. Sources have said midday meals at Champamaya School have not been served since the past one year.

Source: EOI

READ MORE

DDUDF mass meeting in Mirik

12:24 AM

•

Politics

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) today held a mass meeting in Mirik Bazaar where the speakers championed Dr. Mahendra P Lama’s candidature claiming that Lama’s victory is certain. Speaking in the meeting that saw a huge gathering, speakers urged people to vote for the 'table lamp' (Lama’s election symbol), for political security and identity of the Gorkha community.

DDUDF mass meeting in Mirik 

DDUDF chief Dr MP Lama assured he will not leave any stone unturned in his efforts to resolve the problems of the hill people, which has been existent since long.  He stressed the primary agenda of DDUDF and his candidature in LS election is the achievement of a separate state. He said since Darjeeling is an area of strategic importance with international boundaries around it, the government must consider the statehood demand. He added the demand moreover is constitutional and pledged to give his best to have the demand fulfilled.

Holding that the upcoming 16th LS polls are crucial for Darjeeling residents, Lama sought people’s support to win the elections. The independent candidate also assured people that he will implement the government schemes that are presently not being implemented here. He pledged to work with utmost sincerity to bring back the lost repute of tea and education in the hills.

AIGL secretary Pratap Khati asserted, Dr. Lama has come ahead with commitment and selflessness and urged the people to create history by voting him to Parliament. He asserted the BJP is not interested in Gorkhaland issue and it is evident by Jashwant Singh’s silence on Gorkhaland during passage of Telangana bill.

He also went on to criticize GJM president Bimal Gurung and secretary Roshan Giri for supporting the BJP candidate again after the failure of Jashwant Singh. He said the duo have no right to seek votes for BJP leader SS Ahluwalia and appealed the people not to vote for BJP again.

The mass rally was also addressed by BGP secretary Sukhman Moktan, CPRM spokesperson Govind Chettri, DDUDF spokesperson P Arjun, GTF leader R Moktan and DDUDF Mirik president Tilak Rai.

Source:EOI

READ MORE