NARI MORCHA PROTESTS AGAINST NATIONAL COMMISSION OF WOMEN IN DARJEELING

9:09 PM

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strike news

Rekha Sharma, the chairperson of National Commission for Women, is in Darjeeling hills for three days to examine allegations of violation of women's rights and police atrocities during the statehood agitation last year.

National Commission for Women has scheduled to visit Kurseong, Mirik and meet common people, including some of the complainants. Commission has also scheduled to visit jails and conduct an inquiry into police atrocities and examine cases where women have been named as accused and are behind bars. Recently, a Darjeeling resident had accused a police officer of threatening to torture women members of his family, following which a complaint was sent to the commission.

Meanwhile, Nari Morcha (GJMM women wing) supporters have protested the visit of National Commission of Women in Darjeeling today as their visit to Darjeeling at present may disturb the current situation.

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बारूद थापा बने गोजयुमोका केन्द्रिय उपाध्यक्ष विमलको अदूर्दशिताको कारण जनताले दुःख पाए- बारूद

7:20 PM

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Politics

प्रतिविम्ब न्यूज
दार्जीलिङ 28 मार्च।

गत 104 दिनको आन्दोलनकालभरि भूमिगत रहेका बागी नेता बारूद थापा पनि आधिकारीकरूपमा अब विनय तामाङ खेमामा सामेल भए। विमल खेमामा रहेर आन्दोलनकालभरि भूमिगत अवस्थामा रहेका बारूद थापाले केही महीनाअघिमात्रै सार्वजनिक हुँदै विनय तामाङलाई समर्थन जनाएका थिए। विमल गुरूङको समयमा कालेबुङका प्रभावशाली नेताको रूपमा ख्याति कमाएका थापालाई हालमा त्यति सक्रिय नदेखिएतापनि आज उनलाई पुनः गोर्खा जनमुक्ति युवा मोर्चा केन्द्रिय समितिको उपाध्यक्षको रूपमा नियुक्त गरिएको छ। गोजयुमो केन्द्रिय समितिका पदाधिकारीहरूले आज गोजमुमो अध्यक्ष विनय तामाङसित एक औपचारिक सभा बसेका थिए भने सोही सभापछि बारूद थापालाई युवा मोर्चा केन्द्रिय समितिको उपाध्यक्षको रूपमा नियुक्त गरिएको हो।

गोजयुमो केन्द्रिय उपाध्यक्ष नियुक्त हुनसाथ उनले आज पत्रकारहरूसमक्ष विमल गुरूङको रणनीतिविहीन आन्दोलन अनि अदूर्दशिताको कारण पहाड़को जनताले हुनसम्मको दुःख पाएको बताए। विमल गुरूङको रणनीतिबिनाको आन्दोलन अनि अदूर्दर्शिताको कारण पहाड़को जनताले हुनसम्मको दुःख पाए। त्यस्तो परिस्थितिबाट विनय तामाङ अनि अनित थापाले पहाड़लाई बाहिर निकाल्ने काम गरेको छ। उनीहरू दुईको कारणले गर्दा नै पहाड़ अहिले शान्त भएका छन्। पहाड़वासीले राहतको सास फेरिरहेका छन्। यसको निम्ति म सम्पूर्ण पहाड़वासीको पक्षमा विनय तामाङ अनि अनित थापालाई धन्यबाद पनि दिन्छु, पत्रकारहरूलाई सम्बोधन गर्दै बारूद थापाले आज यसो भने।

विनय तामाङ अनि अनित थापाले पहाड़लाई बचाउने जुन सराहनीय काम गरेको छ त्यसलाई हेरेर पनि पहाड़को जनताले उनीहरूलाई समर्थन गर्नुपर्छ, थापाले यसो पनि भने।

उल्लेख्य, हिजोमात्र आन्दोलनकालमा निक्कै सक्रिय देखिएका तथा लामो समयसम्म भूमिगत रहेका गोजमुमो नेत्री विनिता रोकाले पनि विमल गुरूङमाथि यस्तै आरोप लगाउँदै विमल गुरूङलाई मोहम्मद बिन तुघलगको संज्ञा समेत दिएका थिए भने आज लगत्तै बारूद थापाले पनि यस्तै आरोप लगाएका छन्।

बारूद थापालाई केन्द्रिय उपाध्यक्षको रूपमा पाउँदा आफूहरूलाई धेरै खुशी लागेको उल्लेख गर्दै युवा मोर्चा शीर्ष नेतृत्त्वहरू क्रमैले केन्द्रिय अध्यक्ष अमृत योञ्जन, महासचिव तिलक छेत्री अनि केन्द्रिय प्रवक्ता अरूण छेत्रीले पनि उनलाई पार्टीमा स्वागत गरेका छन्। बारूद थापासित आज यी तीनैजना नेतृत्त्वहरू पनि पत्रकारहरूसमक्ष उपस्थित रहेका थिए।

फोटोः पत्रकारहरूलाई सम्बोधन गर्दै बारूद थापालगायत अन्य शीर्ष युमो नेताहरू।

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Darjeeling Gorkhaland stir: Bows seized from GJM office not illegal, say experts

3:09 PM

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Gorkhaland Demand

The bows and arrows seized from a Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) office in Darjeeling on Thursday are legal items used for sporting activities, experts have told HT.
The confiscated articles, which included a compound crossbow (a bow but with short arms and long string, horizontally fitted to a rifle-like stock to ensure perfect aim) and two compound longbows (technically similar to a traditional bow but with shorter arms and longer strings attached to pulleys that generate more energy), were termed by the Mamata Banerjee government as weapons stockpiled to target police personnel.
Far from being illegal, these bows and arrows made of fibre-glass can be bought from stores as well as online shopping websites such as Amazon and eBay, experts said. The crossbow, often seen in Hollywood movies, is regularly used in competitions across the globe, they added.

“Both compound crossbows and the less-powerful recurve crossbows are used in competitions where one has to hit targets set at distances ranging from 20 to 70 metres. As crossbows don’t come under the purview of the Indian Arms Act, they are completely legal,” said Anil Kaushik, president of the Crossbow Shooting Association of India.
The Bengal administration didn’t say if any of these bows had been used against the police in Darjeeling since the unrest began last week.
The televised seizure of the bows and arrows triggered a controversy on Thursday, with GJM leaders claiming that bows and arrows recovered from the office were meant for cultural events. “A crossbow or a modern compound bow can be used to injure or kill, just like a traditional bow. But then, even a common kitchen knife can be used for that purpose. It’s a matter of intent,” Kaushik said.

Today, crossbow shooting is gaining popularity in India. “As we are affiliated to the World Crossbow Shooting Association, we regularly organise and participate in international events,” said Rajat Vij, president of the Indian Crossbow Shooting Association. “Crossbow shooting would probably have been more popular here if it was recognised as a regular event in the Olympics or Commonwealth Games. But that’s not to be, probably because it can’t be legally owned by civilians in a few countries, such as Malaysia.”

Bollywood has had its brush with the humble crossbow too. Toofan, a 1989 superhero flick directed by Ketan Desai, had Amitabh Bachchan using a bow fitted with a rifle-like butt to take on the dreaded bandit Shaitan Singh.
Bows and arrows have always been an integral part of tribal life in India, especially Jharkhand and West Bengal. In 2009, hundreds of tribals armed with traditional weapons – including bows and arrows – staged an armed protest against the Left Front government in Kolkata. Back then, the Trinamool Congress had supported them.

Police raided the main GJM office near Darjeeling on Thursday, sparking a strike call that stands to spur further violence in the hill town.

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GJMM BANDH CALL:-Section 144 imposed

3:31 PM

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strike news

-GJMM has asked tourists to leave Darjeeling and warned those who stay on during its attempted lockdown of administrative offices

-Section 144 has been imposed in some areas, particularly around District Magistrate's office, treasury building and court

Section 144 has been imposed in some areas, particularly around District Magistrate's office, treasury building and court. Second 144 was in place in some parts of the Hills ever since trouble started but the enforcement has actually begun since Monday.

The areas, where important government offices are located have been put under heavy security cover.

Toy train services - a major attraction for the tourists - have been suspended but schools and colleges are open. Traffic was reported to be thin in Darjeeling city as many people chose to stay home fearing violence.

GJM supporters reportedly set ablaze a PWD office near Government college. The flames were doused by fire services personnel, but the building suffered extensive damage. The culprits soon fled the spot. No arrests have been made yet.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters have torched a Block Development Office in Bajanbari , ADG Darjeeling, Siddhinath Gupta, said the situation has been brought under control, and three people have been arrested in this connection.

[Pics: PWD office near Government College. The flames were doused by fire services personnel, but the building suffered extensive damage. The culprits soon fled the spot. No arrests have been made yet.] [Via: various sources]

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Trinamul invokes Hindi to score a point against GJM

10:58 AM

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Trinamool Congress

Trinamul invokes Hindi to score a point - Ruling party counters Morcha decision to allow billboards only in Nepali and English

Writes: Vivek Chettri

Darjeeling, June 11: The Trinamul Congress has decided to counter the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's decision to allow billboards only in English and Nepali in the hills and ignore Hindi.

"We have decided to take on the Morcha's decision not to allow billboards in Hindi too. Hindi is our national language and as the nation comes first, we will take this issue with the Prime Minister," said Binny Sharma, Trinamul's spokesperson in the hills.

Sources in Trinamul said the decision to rake up the Hindi issue was an attempt to not only counter the Morcha but also its ally, the BJP.

"The Morcha is an ally of the BJP but by raising an issue close to its electoral constituency, the Trinamul Congress is trying to corner the Morcha and put the BJP on the backfoot in the rest of Bengal," said a political observer

The Morcha's announcement, the sources said, was to counter Mamata Banerjee's alleged decision to make Bengali compulsory in schools despite the chief minister's assurance that the language would be made optional in the hills.

The government decision had given the Morcha an opportunity to revive the Gorkhaland demand, observers said.

Sharma said: "We know that the Morcha is a junior partner of the NDA but we also want to know from the BJP leadership on the stand over the Morcha's decision not to allow Hindi billboards in the region. We believe this is a threat to the Hindi-speaking people of the region. We will take up this issue at the highest level."

Asked about the alleged decision to make Bengali compulsory at schools, Sharma said: "The Morcha just speaks lies. The chief minister has clarified and moreover, there is no government order on Bengali being made compulsory in the hills."

Trinamul insiders in Siliguri today said the state leadership had instructed the hill unit to act in a "sublime and effective manner", unlike the state administration that was all set to act firmly against the Morcha from tomorrow.

"We have been specifically instructed to abstain from any move that can create an opportunity for the Morcha to perpetrate violence," said a Trinamul leader.

Via: Telegraph
Pic: Screen Shot of tweet from Republic

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GJM CALLS INDEFINITE BANDH IN GOVT AND GTA OFFICES, MAMATA WARNS OF STRICT ACTION

6:32 AM

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strike news

Situation continues to remain tensed as both sides ramp up political rhetoric.

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) today called an indefinite shutdown of government and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) offices in Darjeeling hills from Monday.

The GJM, however, exempted schools, colleges, transport, hotels from the purview of the shutdown and said banks will remain open only twice a week.

"There will be indefinite shutdown in GTA offices, banks and government offices from Monday. The banks will open twice a week for public transactions. We have exempted schools, colleges, transport, hotels from the purview of the strike," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told reporters here after the organisation's central committee meeting. He also announced that all the signboards written in Bengali will be removed from Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Siliguri, Terai and Dooars region and signboards only in English and Nepali would be allowed.

"We will not attend GTA offices. Thrice a week we will organise torch rallies in the hills," he said. GTA and government offices will, however, remain open for four days from June 27. Earlier in the day, GJM supremo Bimal Gurung said that he was not for strikes. Gurung also called for "non-cooperation" movement with the state government and accused it of looting resources from the hills and depriving it of basic amenities. He said that agitation in Darjeeling hills will not stop until and unless a separate Gorkhaland is formed.

"If TMC wants to play with fire they will regret it," he said. "We will appeal to the people not to cooperate with the state government. It is taking away so much resources from the hills and what are the people of the hills getting? We are getting nothing. "This has to stop. We will fight for our freedom and will not allow the divisive politics in the hills," Gurung said. The GJM leadership today wrote to the Centre urging it to look into the Gorkhaland demand.

Mamata warns GJM of action, says will not go for compromise

In a stern warning to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) for resorting to violence in Darjeeling, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the state government would not go for any compromise and deal with those who violated law.

"They (GJM) have become politically bankrupt and resorted to violence. I hope good sense will prevail on them. We cannot live in peace by resorting to terror and violence," she told reporters at 'Uttarkanya', the mini-secretariat, here. "We have compromised a lot and it seems that now we have our back against the wall. You can compromise for the good and for peace but it cannot be done for bombs and arms," she said.

Indicating that the state government would act tough, the chief minister said the superintendent of police for Darjeeling has been changed and three senior IPS officers were sent to deal with the situation in the hill town. Asked whether GJM chief Bimal Gurung would be arrested for the violence in the town on Thursday last, she said law will take its own course. "If anybody has violated the law, he will be dealt accordingly".

The hill station had turned into a virtual battlefield after GJM supporters clashed with the police on Thursday when they were stopped from marching to the Raj Bhawan where the state cabinet meeting was underway. Reiterating her opposition to the bandh, Banerjee said, "Bandh is illegal. Even the High Court has declared it illegal." She said the election to Morcha-controlled Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) would be held and the new board will assume office by August 2.

"We will go to the people. They will also go. We will wait for the people's verdict", she said. Yesterday, Banerjee had stated that Morcha-led GTA had "failed" to carry out any development work in the hills and when their term was scheduled to be over next month, they have started "torturing the public". She also called for strengthening tourism industry in the hill town.

The situation in Darjeeling is "very stable and peaceful", the chief minister said, adding she was hopeful that everybody would contribute in maintaining peace. About the situation in the tea industry, Mamata accused CPI-M, Congress and BJP of "playing dirty politics" in the hills and said they would be held "responsible" if tea gardens are closed. "The Modi government had promised to acquire seven tea gardens but they have not done anything. We are helping the tea garden workers in every possible way," she said. The chief minister said the state government was open to negotiation and urged tea gardens workers not to pay heed to the CPI-M, Congress or the BJP and go for strike.

Via: PTI

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GJM Meeting Update: Indefinite Strike from Monday

10:58 PM

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strike news

In a meeting held today which ended later in the evening, GJM has decided to observe indefinite strike across Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars from Monday onwards. However, the strike will be limited only to the government establishments, including GTA. Schools and colleges have been kept completely outside of bandh purview, while banks have been allowed to operate on Mondays. Vehicles will also operate normally.

The highlights of the decisions taken in the meeting are:

*GJM to observe indefinite strike from Monday. All the govt offices (Central, State & GTA) to remain closed for indefinite period. School, Colleges to remain open and vehicles to run normally.

*All the posters and hoardings in Bengali to be removed from Darjeeling hills, Terain and Dooars.

*All party meeting called on June 13.

*Banks to open only on Mondays and Thursdays.

*27-30th June - All Govt. Offices & Banks to remain open.

*Every Monday evening GJM will hold torch rallies across Darjeeling hills, Terai & Dooars.

*Thursdays and Fridays - GJM to hold rallies demanding Gorkhaland.

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Mamata reaches plains, Darjeeling SP removed

1:20 PM

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Mamata Banerjee

According to Press Trust of India (PTI) report Darjeeling Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Javalgi has been removed from his post. Though not yet formally appointed by the State Government, Deputy Commissioner (Central), Kolkata Police, Akhilesh Chaturvedi is tipped to be the new SP of Darjeeling, according to a senior Kolkata Police official as quoted by PTI.

The chief minister had earlier said that a three-member team comprising senior IPS officers had been formed to look after the law-and-order situation in Darjeeling.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee meanwhile left Darjeeling in the night of 9th of June after taking stock of the situation in the hills. She started from Darjeeling town at around 10 pm and reached Siliguri after over two hours.

On Friday the Army carried out flag marches in Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Kurseong. Initially, two Army columns were deployed in Darjeeling. Late Thursday, the Army was requisitioned by the state government for Kurseong and Kalimpong as a precautionary measure.

As of now, six columns have been deployed — three in Darjeeling, two in Kalimpong and one in Kurseong. Each column comprises 43 personnel.

Three companies of CRPF have also been deployed.

Meanwhile,  GJMM central committee is holding a meeting in Darjeeling and likely to announce its future course of action today.

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Pradip Pradhan joined Trinamul blaming GJM not delivering on its promise

10:19 AM

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Trinamool Congress

Writes Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Aug. 24: Bhupendra Pradhan, a founder member of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the GTA chairperson, today joined Trinamul, blaming the hill party for failing to deliver on its promise of development.

Pradhan, who is better known as Pradip, joined the state's ruling party in the public meeting at the Kurseong Motor Stand in the presence of Trinamul minister Aroop Biswas.

Pradhan said his decision to join the Trinamul was to ensure development in the hills, particularly Kurseong. He accused the Morcha of failing to carry out any development work in the past four years.

The GTA elections are expected to be held around July 2017. The Morcha today decided to expel Pradhan.

The hill leader arrived at the venue in the car of Biswas, who is Trinamul's observer for north Bengal.

He said the Morcha leadership was not sincere about the Gorkhaland demand and added that if a sincere leader comes ahead for statehood, he would definitely support the demand.

"In the past four years, we have been able to do nothing for the hills. I have had a talk with Mamata Banerjee and she has promised to look into issues related to the development of Kurseong. I have also raised the issue of granting district status to Kurseong. I am confident that with the TMC, there will be development here," Pradhan said.

He, however, said that if development was not ushered in even by Trinamul, he could think of leaving his new party too.

Pradhan accused the Morcha of corruption, saying some party leaders "did not have the means to even buy a good brand of cigarettes" but now "when they go to Bagdogra airport they enquire about the cost of a helicopter run by the Sikkim government. Where has this confidence come from?"

At the sidelines of the meeting, Pradhan said Bimal Gurung would not resign from the GTA as he had recently threatened. "He will not resign, note it down, as there is money in GTA," Pradhan said.

Pradhan urged the people to ponder over why Harka Bahadur Chhetri, Anmole Prasad, Trilok Dewan and Amar Lama had left the hill's biggest party.

Pradhan said in the next three months, the Morcha will have "only 20 per cent support" in the hills.

Morcha to oust Pradhan
The central committee of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today decided to expel Bhupendra Pradhan, popularly known as Pradip Pradhan, who switched to Trinamul today, from the party.

Soon after the central committee session, the GTA Sabha members met at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan and submitted a written request to the GTA Sabha vice-chairman, Lopsang Yolmo, to convene a special meeting where, sources said, they would seek the removal of Pradhan as the GTA chairman.

The meeting is likely to be held on August 26.

Morcha general secretary and the GTA Sabha member in-charge of education, Roshan Giri, said: "At the central committee meeting, we discussed the Gorkhaland issue. The party has also decided to expel Pradip Pradhan from the primary membership."

A source in the GTA said: "According to Section 37 of the GTA Act, a special meeting can be requisitioned by one-third of the Sabha members and once the vice-chairman convenes a meeting, the chairman can be removed by a resolution adopted by a simple majority of the total number of elected members of the GTA Sabha."

There are 45 elected members in the GTA Sabha.

The Morcha has also decided to hold a public meeting in Kurseong on Sunday.

According to sources, the move is an attempt to boost the morale of party cadres in the area and counter the Trinamul gathering where Pradhan switched allegiance.

Today, around 300 voluntary teachers, who were members of the Janmukti Insecure Secondary Teachers' Organisation (JISTO) Movement Committee, burnt the effigy of Giri here before resigning from the Morcha.

The hill party had disbanded the Movement Committee last month after some of the members had criticised Giri alleging that he had not been working towards regularising the jobs of the 500-odd voluntary teachers in more than 120 schools across the hills.

Amit Gurung, the co-ordinator of the erstwhile Movement Committee, said: "We burnt the effigy of Roshan Giri today. Around 300 members have resigned from the party. We will soon meet chief minister Mamata Banerjee and decide our future course of action."

The teachers have decided to remain apolitical at the moment, sources said.

Told about the development, Giri said: "If by burning my effigy, their jobs are regularised, they are most welcome to burn my effigy everyday."

At Darjeeling Motor Stand, the Gorkha Janmukti Vidyarthi Morcha started a relay hunger strike "for Gorkhaland" today with seven student leaders participating in it.

Satyam Lama, the president of the Vidyarthi Morcha, said: "Our hunger strike is a message that our agitation is democratic in nature. We demand that the Centre open a dialogue on Gorkhaland and efforts be taken to constitute a committee to look into our demand."


Via Telegraph

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Gorkhaland : Support, Opposition & Lip Sympathy

10:10 AM

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West Bengal

Writes: NN Ojha

Gorkhaland 18th July 2016: It is precisely five years since the tripartite agreement setting up GTA was signed between the Government of India, Government of West Bengal and the GJMM. Incidentally 18 July 2011 too was a Monday like it is five years later today.

As the hills prepared for celebrations to mark the signing of the accord parts of Siliguri were bracing up for a protest shut down called by ‘Bangla O Banbla Bhasha Bachao Committee’ (BOBBBC), an outfit claiming to be apolitical committed to safeguarding the language and culture of the Bengalis.

Opposition to the accord from organisations like BOBBBC could be simply ignored. What needed to be noted seriously was the manner in which West Bengal’s (then) newly elected CM Mamta Banerjee sought to disown the agreement in letter and spirit even before she left the venue where it had just been signed. The memorandum signed by her home secretary in her presence and in the presence of the country’s home minister P. Chidambaram was, “keeping on record the demand of the GJMM for a separate state of Gorkhaland……..”. But here was Mamta Banerjee stating, “Statehood cannot be granted to the region……….. Bengal is not going to be divided…..”.

Tripartite agreement setting up GTA was signed between the Government of India,
Government of West Bengal and the GJMM. 

With GJMM supremo Bimal Gurung stating at the same venue, “GTA was not a compromise on its demand for a separate state and was, in fact, a step in that direction”, it was clear how the just signed agreement and its creation GTA were being pulled in opposite direction with overwhelming force. The result that could be expected was status quo in the best case scenario if neither side out -forced the other or snapping of the rope that held it together and total collapse if any one of the two pulled little harder.

Reactions from most mainstream national parties sounded disappointing for us and at the same time encouraging for Ms Banerjee. Indian National Congress the party to which Home Minister P Chidambaram in whose ‘august presence’ the agreement was signed belonged made no bones about its dislike to the idea of ‘dismembering’ West Bengal.

Leftist leader Surya Kant Misra found the term ‘Gorkhaland’ in the nomenclature of the proposed GTA fraught with prospects of ‘disunity’. Mr Misra apparently forgot that the nomenclature was decided upon during the rounds of tripartite talks held when the Left Front was in power.

Most shocking reaction was to come from the BJP. The party’s West Bengal unit opposed the use of the word Gorkhaland in the name of the proposed body GTA as the word ‘could stoke separatist sentiments in the region’. Coming from the party to whom the people of Gorkhaland had already given one precious Loksabha seat in 2009 the reaction was nothing but ironical.

Has anything changed since 2011 as the Congress’s alliance with TMC is passé, the hill people had helped the Left in Siliguri Municipal Corporation elections and the BJP has once again been gifted the Darjeeling Loksabha seat by us in the 2014 elections? Absolutely nothing, if we look at their manifestos for the latest 2016 state assembly elections. The word Gorkhaland is completely missing across the board from left to congress to BJP. We don’t exist because we don’t matter to any of them.

When we look at the hill based political parties the picture is rather hazy as most of them are vague and ambivalent? The GNLF already carrying the historical baggage of having dropped the demand for Gorkhaland in 1988 and subsequently having bargained for Sixth schedule status ‘as full and final settlement’ still continues to be unsure of their stand. Mrs Bharti Tamang having inherited the glorious legacy of the Late Madan Tamang’s unwavering support for Gorkhaland is unfortunately weighed down by her personal grief that apparently stops her from making common cause with any platform having Bimal Gurung on it. About JAP less said the better. They are in favor of Gorkhaland with consensus of the central and the State government knowing well that no government in west Bengal will ever consent to what they call ‘Banglar bivag’. Could it be that the party has included Gorkhaland in their manifesto only out of political expediency and not commitment?

Thus at the national level TMC, the Left parties and Congress are against Gorkhaland. For BJP it is a matter of political expediency. Those of their leaders who owe their political survival to the hills profess support while the entire state unit of west Bengal is opposed and the national leadership remains totally noncommittal. At the local level there is near unanimity on the issue but a united front to pursue the common cause is not being forged because of ego hassles which must be overcome in larger interest of the region.

Where do we go from here and what do we do? A multitude of opinions is expressed almost on daily basis in the press and also in the social media. There are some who argue that GTA should be wound up as a prelude to an all out ‘do or die’ type struggle. Others call for a change of leadership to let the rationale of the demand be felt at a broader national level, especially in the corridors of power in New Delhi.

I will give you my take for whatever it is worth.

First, GTA should not be dumped by us. In fact that is what the TMC led west Bengal government would wish so as to facilitate its its propaganda that having been unable to run a small institution like the GTA how can we be trusted with the running of a full fledged state. We should play hard-ball to ensure that the west Bengal government complies with the legal, political, administrative and financial obligations of the GTA agreement in toto. My own guess is faced with such prospects it is the west Bengal government itself who will either transfer control on all the agreed upon subjects to us, or, will itself announce breaking up of the GTA. If we get control as per the agreement it will be a precursor to statehood and if it results in break up of the GTA the blame for not being able to run the institution won’t lay at our door.

Second, steps must be taken to strengthen the GTA so as to make it an instrument of clean governance and effective delivery of services to the public. For this the leadership of GTA will have to broaden its HR base by inducting experts and experienced generalist administrators. At present there is perceptible lack of strong bureaucratic support structure and an effective PR mechanism.

Third, all the political parties of the region must forge a common platform to carry forward the demand for statehood. We have shown our ability to forge such unity in July-August 2013 in the form of GJAC. Let that spirit of GJAC be revived. GJMM being the leading political force of the region must take proactive initiative in this direction.

Last but not least, message has to go to the BJP that they have to treat us as equal partners in the political venture that has to be as much for the welfare of the region as for the BJP’s own political benefit. At present the later seems to be the case. Our MP who apart from being a seasoned politician is now a powerful member of he central cabinet has to use his good offices to further the cause of Gorkhaland in the Parliament.

In the wide range of opinions that we keep coming across I haven’t come across a single voice against the idea of Gorkhaland or in favor of the region continuing as an adjunct of West Bengal. Notwithstanding west Bengal establishment’s crude attempts to divide and rule the entire region emerges as a solid monolith. Therein lies our strength that no one can ever defeat. It is upto us and the political leaders of the region to put this underlying unity of the masses to constructive use.

NN Ojha writes exclusively for DT and TheDC

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This Election: Why GJM?

9:02 AM

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TMC

Writes Binu Sundas 

An interesting old video was posted today in my whatsapp, which shows Dr. H B Chettri addressing a meeting somewhere in the plains. He concludes his speech saying that we will work together, walk together and reach our destination together. Yes they have worked together as well as walked and is trying to walk together to reach the destination. But  the most salient question is what is their destination? To my mind only one answer seems apt that is to dislocate the demand of Gorkhaland and those who have aspiration for the creation of Gorkhaland.

This is a critical phase in the political sphere of the hills. This period will determine the future of the demand for Gorkhaland. GJM therefore becomes an important element for all the people who have dared to dream the realisation of Gorkhaland. There is a adage in Nepali taro ko deuta bhanda chau ko bhut kaam lagcha. GJM is the chau ko bhut and therefore we can count on them to keep alive our aspiration. Many have accused them that they have sold of the issue of Gorkhaland but what needs to be remembered is that they have not given up the issue and the right to demand for the separation of hills from Bengal. In the tripartite Memorandum of Agreement Between Government of India, Government of West Bengal and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha for creating an autonomous Body to be called Gorkhaland Territorial Administration they have vehemently reiterated that they would not give up the demand of Gorkhaland.  In the first page of the memorandum itself it says, 'Whereas after several rounds of tripartite meetings at the ministerial and at the official levels, the GJM, while not dropping their demand for a separate State of Gorkhaland has agreed to the setting up of an autnomous Body......'

What is important for all to understand is the fact that GJM has not given up the demand of Gorkhaland even when under pressure to sign this agreement, unlike the GNLF which surrendered the demand while signing the DGHC agreement. GNLF have forgotten their antecedence and is now again trying to attract the people of the hills into false consciousness. However, the stand of the GJM is acknowledged by both the Government of India and West Bengal, which makes the GJM very important for all the people of the hills. They did not succumb to the pressure created by the Government of West Bengal, which has now been accepted by the latter and have revised their strategy and is making use of ambitious 'party of intellectuals' as well as unsuccessful individuals and parties to weaken the tenacity of GJM and the people of the hills to demand Gorkhaland. Further, unlike GNLF, who completely failed the people and moreover let the Gorkha down by not keeping alive the demand of Gorkhaland in their zest to sign for DGHC, GJM have made the centre and the state governments realise that the demand for Gorkhaland and the struggle to achieve it will continue. The memorandum says 'Now, therefore, the Government of India, the Government of West Bengal and the GJM, keeping on record the demand of the GJM for a separate State of Gorkhaland agree as follows...' the creation of GTA.

The advantage we have with the GJM is the fact that they have not kept aside the demand of Gorkhaland and therefore we have to support them and make them victorious in this coming elections. If any other results follow then the authority of the GJM will be questioned by  both the governments and with that the legitimacy of the demand will also lose grounds, as they will have a point to prove that all the people of the hills do not support GJM and thereby the demand of Gorkhaland. Importantly this is what the West Bengal Government in general and TMC in particular wants to happen. What is there their strategy to make sure that such a calamity unfolds upon the people of the hills is to support JAP.

By now people of the hills have understood that JAP is in the 'front stage' only engaged in impression management. Their back stage needs to be understood. In the back stage, in reality, they are puppets in the hands of Mamata didi and their only objective is to see that they become 'Brutus' and stab the yearning of the people for Gorkhaland. Bimal Gurung has already been Julius Caesar and has already said 'et tu Brute' to the leadership of JAP when his direction to the party MLA to resign from the post of MLA was denied by none other than the face of JAP, Dr H B Chettri. Mamata Banerjee through JAP is only trying to create cleavages among the people of the hills and JAP have volunteered to be the instrument through which Mamata Banerjee can play her cards. Therefore, it becomes pertinent for the people of the hills to vote out JAP from the politics of hills. JAP has been further bolstered by the support of GNLF, another outfit who does not support the creation of Gorkhaland.

GNLF, has in the past, destroyed the hills. They were responsible for the death of many during the famed Gorkhaland agitation of the 1980s, the destruction of property and careers of many, only to achieve, constitutionally unrecognised DGHC. GNLF only was a fiefdom then, it is no better now. It is now in its lowest ebb, lacking in organisation, ideology, strategy, leadership and membership. They were dethroned by GJM and in its endeavour to take revenge on GJM it has compromised the wants and objective of the community. It has sided with TMC and JAP, two opponents of Gorkhaland. It has now become crystal clear that we have to fight together against the TMC, JAP and GNLF to uphold the glory of Gorkha community. This is a pivotal phase in our history, this election is not just another election for all the Gorkhas, it is the time to decide who we are, and what we cherish. It is the time to show all the opponents of Gorkhaland, that their false promises of development, district or for that matter anything is not going to distract us from our goal, Gorkhaland. Winning is not about proving the world wrong, but working together. So let us work together and ensure the victory of GJM in all the three constituencies and show the world that when it comes to the issue of Gorkhaland we stand united and no matter what the politics of the 'intellectuals' says we are behind GJM and those for Gorkhaland.


Via binusundas.blogspot.in

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Scheduled Tribe to Gorkhas will lend more power to BJP in Darjeeling Hill

8:19 AM

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tribal news

Apr 9 2016 In the midst of the assembly elections, the Centre has taken a bow in the direction of an ethnic segment with its decision to accord the status of Scheduled Tribe to as many as eleven Gorkha groups in West Bengal and Sikkim. In effect, the Government has conceded a major demand of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. The BJP government’s move is arguably intended to undercut the influence of the ruling party in West Bengal where the Hills go to the polls on 17 April. Small wonder that the “Centre’s order” has been greeted by the GJM as a “tight slap on state policy”. The swipe was obviously against the setting up of separate development boards for different hill tribes, indeed the state government’s public policy plank that the GJM has debunked as “divide and rule”. Beyond that subjective reflection, the morcha must concede that Mamata Banerjee’s decision to put in place the Gorkha Territorial Authority was an attempt to address a volatile issue that has been festering for exactly three decades. It envisages a measure of self-rule, short of statehood. Sad to reflect, the likes of Bimal Gurung are yet to initiate an earnest effort to give the GTA experiment a try. The decision on ST status for Gorkhas will almost certainly lend more power to the elbow of the BJP in Darjeeling, which in 2014 had elected the party to the Lok Sabha.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung
during BJP election campaign

The GJMM is known to play the political card to suit its convenience. “Our alliance with the BJP is slowly bearing fruit,” was Mr Gurung’s immediate response, couched in “thank you” letters to Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and the tribal affairs minister, Jual Oram. As critical as the societal underpinning has been the calculated timing of the decision that was announced in Delhi 48 hours before the first phase of the elections in the predominantly tribal belt of Junglemahal and a fortnight ahead of the vote in a restive and ethnically sensitive region of West Bengal.

Predictably, Sikkim has welcomed the move as a “step towards correction of a historical injustice”. The initiative to fix the ST tag on eleven Gorkha groups would have raised no cavil had the Centre not been so impervious to similar demands raised by at least 100 hill tribes in Odisha, Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand. The tribes do expect a measure of uniformity in according the ST status, and the Centre’s promptitude in Darjeeling needs to be mirrored in the treatment in other states as well. Not least because certain class groups had been “scheduled” as hill tribes in the 1930 census, but were somehow not included in the list of STs after Independence. Others had lost the status as they had migrated to other states. Regretfully, the Centre’s calibrated approach has been selective.



Via The Statesman

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Election 2016 : Fighting With Battle lines Blurred

9:03 AM

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TMC

Writes: NN OJha

After nearly seven decades of democratic functioning elections in India offer more anticipation than excitement. They come at fixed intervals with a rather boring frequency and go almost unnoticed. The events that precede and follow the possible announcement of poll schedule bringing into force the ‘model code of conduct’ by the mandarins in New Delhi’s ‘Nirvachan sadan’ are all predictable.

The parties lure electors with promises of a trip to moon and back, declare their candidates and attempt to garner support by convincing the voters how the candidate fielded by each is more deserving of their blessings than all the others. The voter knows who is fighting for what and against whom. The battle lines are drawn clearly so that the choice the voters exercise is clear and informed.

Interestingly it is on this account that battle 2016 is different from the previous elections in the Gorkhaland region. For the last over two decades since the Gorkhaland issue occupied the center stage of electoral politics it has been clear to the voters as to which candidate represents which party and what in a nutshell is the stand of the concerned party on this core issue.

Darjeeling assembly election 2016

Irrespective of the broad based academic debate triggered in the recent past by some intellectuals on whether the ‘sensible politics’ of development should take precedence over the ‘emotional politics’ of identity and Gorkhaland for the common voter Gorkhaland is still ‘the issue’. The Assembly election of 2011 and Parliamentary election of 2014 have demonstrated this fact with unmistakable clarity.

While the voter still seems to be unwavering and unchanged it is the political parties who are blurring the battle lines on the eve of the forthcoming election for the state legislative assembly. The GJMM whose main plank for the polls still continues to be statehood for Gorkhaland claims to have received assurances of support from the Indian National Congress and the Left Front (LF) both of who have been against the demand when they were in power in the state. GNLF who is yet to declare its electoral strategy or even its candidates is engaged in loud thinking about alliance with the TMC by either supporting TMC candidates or seeking TMC support for its yet to be announced candidates.

JAP, the new party formed by old politicians with brand intellectual as their USP has turned out to be most intriguing, almost foxy in its approach. Claiming to be in support of the statehood demand the party in the same breath runs down the idea as ‘emotional politics’ exhorting the masses to opt instead for sensible politics.

Within hours of the declaration of poll schedule TMC declared JAP supremo Dr Harka Bahadur Chhetri as its candidate from Kalimpong. Though JAP and Dr Chhetri wish away the whole thing as a result of ‘miscommunication’ insisting that Chhetri is to contest from Kalimpong not as TMC but as JAP candidate, TMC claims to have announced his name in response to a written request he made to TMC to contest as their candidate. Significantly JAP or Dr Chhetri himself hasn’t yet denied TMC’s claims about a written request from Dr Chhetri. Nor has TMC expressed any regrets or apology for the ‘miscommunication’. Quite clearly, between themselves, JAP and TMC want to hold each other’s hand without appearing to be doing so to the voters.

In a democracy based on electoral party politics there is nothing wrong if a party, say JAP, joins hands with another party TMC as part of its electoral strategy. What is wrong is intending one thing and pretending another, denying what you are visibly doing. That amounts to misleading the voters with whose support the party wishes to climb up the power ladder. If electoral practices were to be covered under the consumer protection act such conduct would be termed as ‘mislabeling’ and attract severe penalties.

Some of my younger friends object to JAP being singled out for criticism for its convergence or alliance with TMC when GJMM is also receiving support from the Left Front and Congress who were as opposed to Gorkhaland during their ruling days as TMC is today. They also argue that GNLF too is toying with the idea of receiving or lending support to TMC and still not a word is heard condemning them. JAP they argue is a new political party that needs to be given a chance.

Here is my take on each of these arguments.

No, JAP isn’t a new party. Only the name is new not the politicians in it all of whom are old hands we all know.

There is a difference between GNLF, GJMM and JAP. Let us begin with GNLF. The party is open, honest and candid that it doesn’t support statehood for Gorkhaland and is instead for the Sixth Schedule status. TMC too is opposed to the idea of statehood for Gorkhaland and may be open to sixth schedule. There is thus convergence of views between the two parties. At least there is no divergence or contradiction in terms. In case of alliance between the two the voters know what they are supporting or opposing irrespective of whether they are voting for GNLF or for the alliance partner TMC.

In so far as GJMM is concerned it stands clearly for Gorkhaland. If any party, be it the Left or the Indian National Congress offers support for its candidates it is an implicit support by that party to the idea of Gorkhaland within the limited context. Situation would have been just the opposite had GJMM begged for support from these parties or had decided to support these parties in their bid for power in the state as a quid pro quo for the support these parties extend to GJMM’s candidates.

Now look at JAP. They claim to be in support of Gorkhaland and yet they enter into a general alliance with Gorkhaland’s sworn opponent the TMC. Where is the ideological convergence between the two? The alliance can’t even be justified in the name of development as the first priority overriding Gorkhaland. Just look at the manifesto of the TMC for these elections. Where does development of the region figure in it? The manifesto clubs us with jangalmahal equating us with the violence ridden red bastion of the Maoists with none of the development projects meant for the rest of the civilized Bengal meant for our region. When you look at the portion dealing with development achieved during the TMC’s past five years rule there is precious little to show for our region. (More on the analysis of the manifesto in my next write up).

In the backdrop of such confusing scenario can the voter be clear who and what he is voting for? For Gorkhaland which JAP claims it stands for or against Gorkhaland which their alliance partner TMC stands for? For development which JAP says is their over arching priority above Gorkhaland or for the deep descend from once promised Switzerland to now projected Jangalmahal that we find ourselves in as per the TMC’s manifesto?

Political parties owe it to their voters to get into the arena with their aims and objectives placed clearly for the voters enabling them to take an informed decision on who and what they are voting for. For the voters the election is a battle in which they wish to score victory for their aspirations. They turn out losers in spite of their best capabilities if the battle lines are so blurred. If the voters are losers political parties too become losers in the long run. It is time the parties realized this distant but hard truth.

Via TheDC 

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Sarita Rai, GJM's Kalimpong MLA candidate Surprise - Will it work?

10:07 AM

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Sarita Rai

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha yesterday announced candidates’ names from the hills and the plains for the state Assembly election, and sprang a surprise by pitching a female candidate from Kalimpong constituency to take on MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri.

It was no surprise about Rohit Sharma, the incumbent legislator from Kurseong, being retained, while Darjeeling municipality chairman Amar Singh Rai, a member of the GJM’s Study Forum, was nominated from Darjeeling constituency. The surprise announcement however, was of school teacher Sarita Rai, being fielded from Kalimpong constituency. Rai is a teacher at St. George’s School, Pedong and she will be locking horns with her colleague, the president of the Jan Andolan Party. Rai (58) teaches Nepali at St. George’s, while Chhetri is a Science teacher at the school.

According to GJM sources, the party leadership was apprehensive of Chhetri’s support base in Kalimpong and wanted to field someone with a clean image. Hence they zeroed in on Rai to gain a surprise edge. Apart from being the only female candidate to be fielded, Rai was also the president of the GJM women’s wing of Kalimpong sub-division till 2013. She is not known to be outspoken or to have an aggressive stance, but the sources said Rai is well-known in

Sarita Rai GJM candidate fielded from Kalimpong constituency

Kalimpong and wielded quite an influence on the various units of the GJM in the region. Her past record could be utilised for good stead by the party when it would matter most, they added.

Announcing the candidates’ names, GJM president Bimal Gurung said, “We must look beyond personal interests and strive to work for the people. We must not feel unhappy when things do not happen according to our wishes, and remain positive to make the future better.” He praised Sharma, the candidate from Kurseong, for his wholehearted support to the statehood cause.

Urging the three candidates to work for the people with sincerity and diligence, the GJM chief said, “We have given three able candidates from the hills. They are all qualified in their respective fields and we hope they get popular people support to ensure their victory.” He also asked the GTA Sabhasads, municipal councilors and the party’s frontal organisations to ensure the victory of the three candidates.

Responding to her nomination, Rai said she was taken utterly by surprise. “When I left home this morning for Darjeeling to attend this programme, not once did it occur to me that I would be nominated by the party from Kalimpong. When our party president announced my name, it took me some time to come to terms with the development,” said Rai, who was sitting in the audience section unlike the other two nominees, who were on the dais.

When asked how she planned to take on her colleague, the JAP president, in the political arena, Rai was diplomatic. “We were inspired by him both at school and in the party,” she said. “And he has left the party at a time when the hills, and Kalimpong particularly, is dealing with the issues of a separate district and community development boards. But, ‘mudda’ (political issues) and friendship are two different things and I would like to keep them that way and continue working for what my party stands for.”

Meanwhile, Gurung said the GJM has decided to field advocate Altamus Chowdhury from Islampur, Haji Nasir Ahmed Khan from Chopra and Bishal Lama from Kalchini on party tickets, and extend support to BJP candidates John Barla in Nagarkatta, Manoj Tigga in Madirahat and Lewis Kujur in Kumargram. He however, was non committal on naming candidates from Siliguri and said he would wait for the BJP to make a move first. “The BJP is yet to announce candidates from Siliguri. And we will take a decision only after the announcement,” he said.

The GJM today also made public the party’s election manifesto on expected lines: by giving top priority to the statehood demand, and promising to pursue the issues of securing ‘parcha-patta’ for tea garden workers, tribal status for hill communities, a central university, and reintroducing the three-tier panchayat system along with the social and educational development of the region.

[Via: ECOI, Pics: Biren Lama Tamang]

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GJM Candidates Declared for Darjeeling and Doors for Assemble election 2016

3:04 PM

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Politics

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has declared their list of candidates for Darjeeling and Dooars seats for the upcoming Bengal Assembly Election 2016 in April. Interestingly Ms. Sarita Rai is contesting from Kalimpong who will be contesting against Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri.

Here is the full list.

Darjeeling : Mr. Amar Singh Rai
Kalimpong: Ms. Sarita Rai
Kurseong: Dr Rohit Sharma
Nagarkata: Mr. John Barla
Islampur Chopra: Mr. M Altamas Choudhary
Chopra: Mr Hazi Naseer Ahmed Khan
Kalchini: Mr. Bishal Lama
Madirahat: Mr. Manoj Tigga
Kumar Gram: Mr. Lewis Kujur

GJM Candidates  for Assemble election 2016

Via TheDC

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गोजमुमोले पैसा र डर देखाएर जनतामा प्रभाव बनाउने कोसिस गरिरहेको छ - अनमोल प्रसाद

2:21 PM

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Politics

गोजमुमोले पैसा र डर देखाएर जनतामा प्रभाव बनाउने कोसिस गरिरहेको जन आन्दोलन पार्टीका प्रवक्ता अनमोल प्रसादको आरोप छ। जापको कार्यालयमा सम्पन्न पत्रकार सम्मेलनमा उनले मोर्चाको स्पष्ट नाम नलिएर पनि इशारा इशारैमा यस्तो आरोप लगाएका हुन्। जाप कार्यकर्ता र समर्थकहरूले मोर्चामा प्रवेश लिने घटना बढेको विषयलाई केन्द्र गरी पत्रकारहरूले सोधेको प्रश्नको उत्तर दिँदै जाप प्रवक्ताले मोर्चाले बाडिरहेको पैसा थाप्न जनता हिचकिचाउन नहुने तर भोट भने योग्य मान्छेलाई दिने बयान दिएका छन।

"हाम्रो विरोधी दलको दुइटा पुँजी छ। एउटा पुँजी चाहिँ पैसा हो अनि अर्को हो भय। योबाहेक उनीहरूको न घोषणापत्र छ न भविष्यको दिशा छ। उनीहरूले पैसा मजाले खर्च गरिरहेका छन्। तर डरको राजनीति गरेर लाभ लिने कुरामा भने मोर्चा पछि पर्दैछ। राजनीतिमा तानातान हुन्छ। तर हाम्रो अपिल के छ जनतालाई भने तपाईँहरूलाई लोभ देखाउँछ। काम र पैसा दिएर जनतालाई प्रभावित पार्ने काम भएको सुनिदैँछ। त्यो पैसा थाप्नोस, त्यो जनताकै पैसा हो। अहिले जन आन्दोलन पार्टी बिकल्प भएर अघि आएपछि नै यो पैसा निस्केको हो। पैसा थाप्नोस तर यो भोट पनि ठिक ठाउँमा हाल्नोस्" जाप प्रवक्ताले भने।

उनले तृणमूल कङ्ग्रेसको उम्मेद्वार सूचीमा जाप अध्यक्ष डा हर्कबहादुर छेत्रीको नाम आएको घटना अनौठो भए पनि यस्तो गल्ती अस्वभाविक भने नभएको बताएका छन। उनले यस घटनाको आन्तरिक छानबीन चलिरहेको जानकारी दिँदै अहिलेसम्मको जाँचमा कुनै दोषपूर्ण कारण देखा नपरेको बताए।

Anmol Prasad JAP

उनले भने, "जापले आन्तरिक जाँच जारी राखेको छ। यो अनौठो कुरा आघि आयो तर जाँचमा अहिलेसम्म दोष लाग्ने र कार्वाहीको हदमै जानु पर्ने अवस्था आएको छैन। हामीले यो दलको संरचना यसरी निर्माण गरेका छौं कि नेतृत्वबाट गल्ती भयो भने पनि हामी एक अर्कालाई सुधार्छौं। मेरो गोरूको बाह्रा टाका भनेर सुप्रिमो भएर बस्दैनौँ हामी। मलाई डा छेत्रीमाथि पूर्ण विश्वास छ"

दलका प्रवक्ता अनमोल प्रसादले जन आन्दोलन पार्टीले आफ्नो दलको प्रार्थीको नाम र चुनावी घोषणापत्र एकसाथ जारी गर्ने बताएका छन्। उनले घोषणापत्र बनाउने काम भएको बताउँदै चाढै नै दलले आफ्ना उम्मेद्वारहरूको नामको घोषणा गर्ने बताएका छन्। 'चार पाँच दिनभित्र हामी घोषणा गर्नेछौं" जाप प्रवक्ताले भने।

उनले तृणमूल कङ्ग्रेसले वेबसाइटबाट जाप अध्यक्ष डा हर्कबहादुर छेत्रीको नाम हटाइ सकेपछि सारा अन्योल स्पष्ट भएको दावी गर्दै भने, "डा हर्कबहादुर छेत्री नै हाम्रो दलका उम्मेद्वार हुन्। मुख्यमञ्त्री चुनाउ प्रचारमा आउँदैछिन, उनले सायद बयान दिएर यो कुरा स्पष्ट पार्नेछिन। यसको लागि हामीले प्रतीक्षा गर्नै पर्ने हुन्छ। किनभने टीएमसी हाम्रो पार्टी होइन, उनीहरूले के गर्छ गर्दैन यो उनीहरूलाई नै घोषणा गर्नु दिनु उचित हुनेछ। हाम्रो तर्फबाट चैँ हाम्रो जुन अडान थियो कि डा हर्कबहादुर छेत्री हाम्रो दलका अध्यक्ष हुन् र उनी नै हाम्रा उम्मेद्वार हुन भनेर जुन अडान लिएका थियौँ त्यो स्पष्ट हुँदै जादैँछ। खरसाङ र दार्जीलिङमा प्रार्थी दिने कुरा अहिले विचाराधीन छ। हामी यो चैँ हर्कबहादुर छेत्रीको नामसँगै घोषणा गर्न सक्दैनौं। यो चैँ हामी विस्तारै उजागर गर्दै जानेछौं। उम्मेद्वार दिने न दिने अहिले तय भएको छैन" प्रसादले चुनाउ आयोगमा पार्टीको पञ्जिकरणको प्रक्रिया पुगेको बताउँदै पञ्जिकृत दलको रूपमा चुनाउ लड्ने आशा राखेको बताए।

"हामीले चुनाउ आयोगलाई भनेका छौं कि हामी नयाँ दल हौं अनि मुखैमा चुनाउ छ। यसकारण हाम्रो दलको पञ्जिकरणको प्रक्रिया चाढै गरियोस् भनेर अर्जी गरेका छौं। दिल्लीका साथीहरूले यसको फलोअप गर्दैछन्। पञ्जीकरण भयो भने एउटा पञ्जिकृत पार्टीकै हैसियतमा चुनाउ लड्छौँ हामी। चुनाउ अघि पञ्जिकरण हुन सकेन भने निर्दलको रूपमा चुनाउ लड्छौं। मलाई लाग्छ, जनतामा हाम्रो अस्तित्व स्थापित भइसकेको छ। हामी किन र केका लागि निस्केका हौं भनेर जनताले बुझिसकेका छन"

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Electoral tie-up with Gorkha Janamukti Morcha(GJM) may cause heavy loss to CPI(M) in West Bengal

9:58 AM

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West Bengal

SILIGURI: Joining hands with enemy on short term electoral game is not a new drama in Indian political theatre. But the presently brewing up soft tone of CPI(M) towards its hard core enemy Gorkha Janamukti Morcha(GJM) in Darjeeling hills in northern West Bengal, may cause large scale damage to the left party instead of offering any gain in coming assembly election that is to take place during April or May this year.

Since its coming into existence in 2007, GJM had always been considered as hard core enemy of CPI(M). The hills based party GJM, supported by mainly Nepali speaking communities, always remained standing on its main demand for separate statehood in the name of Gorkhaland splitting Darjeeling hills and adjoining plains from rest part of the state. On the other hand, CPI(M) always remained against the demand keeping mass Bengali sentiment against any split in the state in mind.

CPI(M) Bengal

But, Dr. S. K. Misra, CPI(M) state Secretary said today at Siliguri, "Any democratic and secular force or power is welcome with us to uproot this autocratic Trinamool Congress ruled Government." CPI(M) top leader Mr. Ashok Bhattacharya said earlier, "If situation demands, we may welcome GJM also." Clear enough, CPI(M) is now desperate to march with any anti TMC-anti BJP force.
When asked on the issue, GJM President Mr. Bimal Gurung also commented in favour of joining hands with CPI(M) or Congress to defeat TMC.

"This GJM friendship may not benefit CPI(M) at all," commented political observers. As they explained- out of total 294 elected seats in the state assembly, GJM earlier showed its absolute strength in 3 seats and significant presence in around 10 seats in foothills. But the party is near absent in rest of the state. Moreover, following erection of many community based 'Development Boards' by TMC Government, the whole Nepali speaking community support base is no more with GJM but fragmented among many ethnic bodies.
Thus any handshaking with GJM may ensure win of CPI(M) in few seats in foothills. But, "The the whole state hosting anti- Gorkhaland sentiment will go against lefts," they said. On the other side, TMC has already started distancing from GJM after remaining close alley for long. Thus the state sentiment will go in favour of TMC causing further loss of LF.

Via ET

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Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJMM) splits again

7:22 PM

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Trinamool Congress

SNS | Kolkata | 06 February, 2016: Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJMM), the political outfit in the Hills demanding separate state of Gorkhaland, suffered another split on Friday when eight of its central committee members broke away and floated a new forum - Dooars -Siliguri - Terai Bharatiya Nepalese Developmental Forum.

Significantly, the eight met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Nabanna during the day and sought her help in addressing the problems of the people from the Terai-Dooars areas. Its chief convener, Praveen Singh, said that the forum has placed the demand for a separate board for the Terai-Dooars people on the similar lines of Lepcha, Bhutia, Tamang and Mangar Boards. This is the second time the GJMM is facing a crisis after its MLA from Kalim pong , Harka Bahadur Chhetri, broke away from the party a month ago and formed a political platform, Jana Andolan Party (JAP) in protest against the authoritarian attitude of the GJMM president, Bimal Gurung and the arbitrary way he was running the Gorkha Territorial Administration, an autonomous body formed for executing the administration and development in the Hills.

Chhetri has come in full support of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her vision of development for the Hill people. He said that while peace prevailed in the Hills and people were benefiting from the development work of the Trinamul Congress government, Gurung was unnecessarily trying to create tension in the area by stoking the demand for Gorkhaland.

"People want to live peacefully and they want development, education for their children and jobs," said Chhetri. However, neither JAP nor the forum for Terai and Dooars is willing to show their card as yet. They are considering to contest the election on their own strength as of now. "There are at least 12 assembly segments in Terai and Dooars and whether we will contest or not is yet to be decided," Singh added. On tying up with Trinamul Congress in the coming assembly election, the forum is yet to take a call. Meanwhile, GJMM had already pledged to join any alliance, which will take on the ruling party.

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गोर्खाल्यान्डको लागि जनमत भएको गोजमुमोले गोर्खाल्याण्ड ल्याउनुपर्ने हो- अमर लामा

5:00 PM

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Politics

एक साता अघि अस्तित्वमा आएको नयाँ राजनैतिक दल जन आन्दोलन पार्टी (जाप)-का शीर्ष नेताहरूले अलग राज्यको मुद्दामा मोर्चा नेताहरूको टिप्पणीको प्रतिक्रिया दिएका छन। दलको आन्तरिक साङ्गठिक बैठकमा भाग लिन कालेबुङ आएका जापका ब्युरो प्रमुख डा महेन्द्र पी लामा, सदस्यहरू अनमोल प्रसाद, अमर लामाले मोर्चा नेताहरूले जापको मुद्दा र कार्यक्रमहरूबारे टिप्पणी गर्नको साटो आफ्नो दलको मुद्दा र जनतासँग गरेका वचनहरू पूरा गर्न आफ्नो उर्जा लगाउनु पर्ने सुझाउ दिएका छन्। आन्तरिक बैठकपछि आयोजित पत्रकार सम्मेलनमा दलका अध्यक्ष डा हर्कबहादुर छेत्री, ब्युरो प्रमुख डा महेन्द्र पी लामा, अनमोल प्रसाद, अमर लामाले पत्रकारहरूले सोधेको प्रश्नहरूको उत्तर दिएका थिए। गत 27 जनवरीक दिन कालेबुङमा भएको जनसभामा मोर्चा नेतृत्वले जापको घोषणापत्रमा गोर्खाल्यान्डको मुद्दा उल्लेख नभएको दावी गर्दै आलोचना गरेका थिए। दलको ब्युरो चेयरमेन डा लामाले यो सम्बन्धमा प्रतिक्रिया जनाउँदै भने, “केन्द्रमा त्यही दल छ जसले तीनवटा नयाँ राज्यहरूको गठन गरिसकेको छ। गत विधानसभा चुनामा बिजेपीले आन्ध्रप्रदेशमा एक भोट, दुइ स्टेटको नारामा चुनाउ लडेकै हो। त्यही बिजेपीको उम्मेद्वारलाई यहाँबाट लोकसभा चुनाउ जिताएर पठाइयो। अहिले संसदमा गोर्खाल्यान्डको बील ल्याउन यो दललाई के समस्या छ? मोर्चा नेताहरूले कालेबुङका जनतालाई दिग्भ्रमित पार्ने कुराहरू किन गर्छन्? उनीहरू यति ठूलो ठूलो कुरा गर्छन तर खास गर्नुपर्ने कुरै गर्दैनन। मोर्चाले बिजेपीलाई संसदमा गोर्खाल्याण्डको बील ल्याउन लगावोस्। केन्द्रीय विश्वविद्यालय, मेडिकल संस्थानहरूको बील ल्याउन लगावोस्। कुरै सकिहाल्छ नि” यता, ब्युरो सदस्य अमर लामाले पनि आफ्नो प्रतिक्रिया जाहेर गर्दै चुनाउमा जनमत पाएर गएको दलले भर्खरै अस्तित्वमा आएको दललाई गोर्खाल्यान्डको निम्ति दबाउ दिनु युक्तिसङ्गत नहुने बताएका छन। गोजमुमोले गोर्खाल्याण्डको निम्ति जनमत प्राप्त गरेको कारण यसको गठनलाई लिएर पनि यही दल अधिक जिम्मेवार र जवाफदेहि हुनु पर्ने लामाको भनाइ छ।

“जुन दलको आफ्नो मेनिफेष्टो छैन, त्यही दलका नेताहरूले हाम्रो मेनिफेष्टोलाई माइक्रोसकोप लगाएर हेर्ने के काम छ? बिजेपीको घटक दल बनेर मोर्चाले अहलुवालियालाई सांसद बनाएर पठाएको हो। मोर्चालाई 2019सम्म गोर्खाल्यान्डको लागि जनमत छ। घटक दल भएको नाताले प्रधानमञ्त्री, गृहमञ्त्री, सांसद सबै उनीहरूकै छ। उनीहरूले चैँ वास्तवमा गोर्खाल्यान्ड ल्याउनु पर्ने हो। यद्यपि, हामी नयाँ पार्टी भएर पनि आफ्नो घोषणापत्रमा अलग राज्यको मुद्दालाई शीर्ष स्थानमा राखेका छौं” वरिष्ठ अधिवक्ता लामाले भने।

Via Kalimpongpost

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Note for Darjeeling Hill Politics

2:36 PM

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Politics

Writes: Privat Giri 

Human beings are by nature political animals because of their power of speech and moral reasoning. Therefore there is no reason why the people of Darjeeling would not celebrate or condemn particularly when talking about a new political formation at helm. After all Darjeeling is the land of political intrigue. And people here are gradually becoming smart enough not to take everything at face value. While we wait to see how things will unfold in near future, what we may do now is speculate, comment or presume foreknowledge of what might come next. This is what I will attempt to do further, try and sketch and comment on two pertinent challenges concerning the political fraternity and the people of Darjeeling at the moment. 

Through news reports and statements from the leaders of the newly formed JAP, it has been coming to our knowledge that the new party desires to maintain a healthy relationship with the State. We do not yet know how this so called ‘healthy relationship’ will look like but yet attains significance now mainly because of two reasons. 

First, it has come as the heavy criticism from the ruling front who is questioning the sincerity and authenticity of JAP. Secondly and surprisingly, criticism is coming from a party who themselves frequently changes colours when it comes to their relationship with the State. It seems this dichotomy is baffling our leaders and people alike. More importantly the people should be concerned because it is their aspiration for Gorkhaland and their quest to come out the present state of socio-cultural and economic backwardness which is always at stake. It also signifies that hitherto we do not yet have a proper and lasting framework on how to deal with both the State as well as the Centre. 

There is a popular thought in Marxist Philosophy namely the triad thesis-antithesis- synthesis. THESIS is a simple statement or an argument. For example, on the question regarding the nature of our relationship with the Government of West Bengal, saying NO we should be antagonistic to State is its thesis. Counter-arguing in favour of maintaining a healthy relationship with the State may be called its ANTITHESIS. When there are two or many different set of ideas on a single matter, conflict is bound to happen. It is indeed the sign of a true and vibrant democracy and it is where the importance of SYNTHESIS comes. Synthesis strives to solve the conflict between thesis and antithesis by making them arrive at an agreement or consensus through reconciliation and negotiation. 

However, if we take the historical account of the case of Darjeeling, either thesis or antithesis is missing or both are the same. Such arrangement makes democratic deliberation on any issue one sided and is prone to easy manipulation. It may be remembered that there is nothing like absolute truth. Truth arrives out of consensus and remains a living dogma if it goes unchallenged.

I am hopeful that GJMM, JAP and all other political parties respectively and sincerely acts as a potent thesis or antithesis on every matters concerning Darjeeling and Dooars so that the common people gets the best fruit of them. Small place like Darjeeling has very little space in parliamentary form of democracy like India. We cannot afford to adopt the policy of give and take alike Telangana or many other places having ample representation at the Parliament and State Legislatures. So only way forward is to talk. Instances from the history of bilateral relations between India and Pakistan suggest that tables have only been a way forward in spite of numerous provocations from other side of the border. Similarly, it is through eighteen years of negotiations and talks the Naga issue is soon expected to come to a happy conclusion. 

However, it is very important for us to have a concrete strategy or model or framework or any bargaining point. This is something our political leadership and all of us should ponder upon. 

On 27th Jan, the first time released manifesto of JAP calls for attainment of SEPERATE STATE bearing in mind twin concerns of national integrity and security. The very first point of the manifesto attracted skepticism because no party has ever been formed (excluding Pranta Parishad and Swantra Manch) in post colonial Darjeeling without the Gorkha tag. However, in colonial Darjeeling, starting from 1907, the demand for separation surfaced several times but with no specific name. It was always demanded as “separate administrative set-up” by various organisations without having any Gorkha tag. 

The fundamental rationale behind demanding separation during pre-independence was mainly the increasing realisation among the hill people regarding their state of subservience and socio-economic backwardness. Post independence, the demand for statehood was largely guided by increasing crisis of identity suffered by the Gorkhas after they were mass expelled from Burma and North-eastern States.

What we can draw from above is the demand for statehood in Darjeeling has both facets of identity and development and people needs both of them equally. But still this dichotomy is being made problematic and used for timely gains. 

I sincerely hope that our political leadership stop this and instead work towards synthesising them in a manner that both our quest for identity and developmental needs are fulfilled.

On 27th Jan, the first time released manifesto of JAP calls for attainment of SEPARATE STATE bearing in mind twin concerns of national integrity and security. The very first point of the manifesto attracted skepticism because no party has ever been formed (excluding Pranta Parishad and Swantra Manch) in post colonial Darjeeling without the Gorkha tag. However, in colonial Darjeeling, starting from 1907, the demand for separation surfaced several times but with no specific name. It was always demanded as “separate administrative set-up” by various organisations without having any Gorkha tag.

Via TheDC

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