British spy smuggled famous Darjeeling Tea from China in 1848 - Malcolm Ferris-Lay

2:21 PM

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Live News

Darjeeling Tea  history - British tea expert Malcolm Ferris-Lay narrated a history of intrigue and industrial espionage in 1848 when the East India Co. sent a spy to China to smuggle out tea plants. These were later planted in Darjeeling and came to be globally famous as the unique “Darjeeling Tea”.

Tea Planter with Tea Pickers, Steinthal Tea Estate 1930s

Since 1664, East India Co did a flourishing trade in exporting opium to China and bringing in shipments of tea to India. In the 1680’s, a pound (454 gm) of tea cost $6 which at current exchange rate would mean £ 1068 for a pound of tea. Robert Fortune, a daring young man born in Scotland, was roped in by the British in May 1848 to collect information from China on tea industry.

Robert Fortune disguised himself as a Chinese, with a shaven head and pigtails, from a distant province, learned Mandarin and secretly entered Fujian and Jiangsu, which were forbidden to foreigners. He managed to collect 20,000 plants and seedlings and ship out to Kolkata by sea. The knowledge gained by Fortune and the seedlings planted in Tukvar in Darjeeling were instrumental in setting up the remarkable Darjeeling tea brand.

According to an expert in ITA, the product is identical to the tea grown in China with the difference that Chinese green tea is steamed and dried. The liquor is greenish and yellowish and light. On the other hand, Darjeeling tea is fermented and roasted. It has a brown-ochre colour and smoky flavor.

Ref. : THE ASSAM REVIEW & TEA NEWS, 26TH Feb. 2014
Vo. : 102 No. 12
[Courtesy: Sangam Rai]

Source : DT

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Sunil Chhetri is on the verge of surpassing Bhaichung Bhutia’s record

5:35 PM

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Sunil Chhetri

India and Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri is on the verge of surpassing Bhaichung Bhutia’s record of scoring most goals by an Indian in a single edition of the National Football League (NFL) or I-League. The Indian football icon scored 14 goals for JCT in the inaugural NFL season in 1996-97 and that tally is yet to be bettered.

Bhaichung and Sunil Chettri - Photo Credit: AIFF Media

Sunil’s current tally this season is 13 and he has four matches to score two more and break the 17-year long record. The Arjuna Awardee has already equalled the record of most goals scored by an Indian in a single I-League season (since 2007-08).

Previously Mohammed Rafi (Mahindra United – 2009-10) and Jeje Lalpekhlua (Indian Arrows – 2010-11) have scored 13 each in one campaign.

Sunil is also aiming to become only the third Indian to finish as the highest scorer in a single NFL or I-League season and the first to do so in the I-League era. The first two editions of the NFL – Bhaichung Bhutia (1996-97) and Raman Vijayan (1997-98) – saw Indians finishing as top scorers but for the last 15 seasons that accolade has gone to a foreigner.

Here is a complete list showing the Indian highest scorer in each campaign. Bhaichung has been the top scorer from India on five occasions while Sunil and Raman Vijayan have achieved it twice each with the former set to do it for a third time this season.

Season	Player	Goals
1996-97	Bhaichung Bhutia (JCT)*	14
1997-98	Raman Vijayan (FC Kochin)*	10
1998-99	Raman Vijayan (East Bengal)	10
1999-00	Francis Silveira (Churchill Brothers)	10
2000-01	RC Prakash (Mohun Bagan)	10
2001-02	Praveen Kumar (Punjab Police) & Alex Ambrose (Salgaocar)	7
2002-03	Ashim Biswas (Tollygunge Agragami)	11
2003-04	Bhaichung Bhutia (East Bengal)	12
2004-05	Bhaichung Bhutia (East Bengal)	9
2005-06	Bhaichung Bhutia (East Bengal)	12
2006-07	Sunil Chhetri (JCT)	11
2007-08	Bhaichung Bhutia (Mohun Bagan)	9
2008-09	Sunil Chhetri (East Bengal)	9
2009-10	Mohammed Rafi (Mahindra United)	13
2010-11	Jeje Lalpekhlua (Indian Arrows)	13
2011-12	CS Sabeeth (Pailan Arrows)	9
2012-13	CK Vineeth (United SC)	7
2013-14	Sunil Chhetri (Bengaluru FC)**	13

* Finished as overall highest scorer

** Season still active

13 more

The reigning AIFF player of the year still needs 13 more goals to become the highest Indian scorer in the combined history of the NFL and I-League. Unsurprisingly that record also belongs to Bhaichung, who has scored 88 times, playing in 12 editions for four different clubs – JCT, East Bengal (three spells), Mohun Bagan (two spells), and United Sikkim (as player, coach and co-owner).

Sunil is also in his 12th top-flight campaign and has featured for seven different clubs – Mohun Bagan (twice), JCT, East Bengal, Dempo, United SC, Churchill Brothers and Bengaluru FC and has 76 goals to his name. In two of those seasons he has played on loan from foreign clubs in only the latter parts of the campaign – (Kansas City Wizards to United SC in 2010-11) & (Sporting Lisbon ‘B’ to Churchill Brothers in 2012-13).

Source:Sportskeeda

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Darjeeling in the middle of political crossroads, squat of unity - Himalayan Talk

10:15 PM

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Politics

HIMALAYAN TALK

A great street sweeper who performed shoddily

Darjeeling in the middle of crossroads, squat of unity

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say “Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Darjeeling in the middle of crossroads, squat of unity - Himalayan Talk

Darjeeling and its people are in the middle of crossroads, caught between mainstream politics and the demand for Gorkhaland. Here we have some sketching developmental note and there we get voices saying ‘I would speak for the demand’. Difficult task for the people has come to knock its door, to choose from the one between a leader who wants development and others who are ready to raise the demand at the highest level.

Bimal Gurung’s so called fearless and last battle for Gorkhaland is nowhere nearing to achievement. The people had entrusted you to be that great street sweeper but your lack of knowledge on Michelangelo Painting or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare poetry has been clearly exposed. You have lost the battle even before you started it. A battle is won when you leave little option for the opponent to makes its move, infact no option at all. 

Dr. Mahendra P.Lama, a noted academician and one of the candidates in the poll fray, turning down a request from Gurung to support BJP for the Darjeeling parliamentary seat holds right in every respect. CPRM backing out to support BJP holds right in every respect. GNLF trying out its own options for making its political survival also hold right in every respect. Let us leave Bhaichung Bhutia. He is not entitled to utter even the letter ‘G’ of ‘Gorkhaland’ because he is a burrowed player from the opponent team. 


That Gurung and his aides failed even to go a step further for their last battle for Gorkhaland can be attributed from the above facts. The GJM failed to bring all these forces in a single platform. That, if supporting BJP in the ensuing election will make the battle easier is the sincere logic of the GJM, then it would have been wiser for it to discuss the matter first at the local level with all political and apolitical forces. When you were in trouble you did form the Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee (GJAC). Once you were out of the trouble you forgot about it. 

You played football where you seem to be the ball itself. You join hands sometime at Brigade with Didi, now with a Punjabi brother but no relation with your brothers. The lack of political maturity has been exposed. 

‘Gorkhaland’ does not belong to Bhaichung Bhutia or S.S. Ahluwalia. It is not their demand. It is the demand of the people of the Darjeeling hills, hitherto the demand of the Gorkhas scattered in the country who has been facing an identity crises. It is not about development only. More than that it is the people’s aspiration who wants to be recognized as Indian rather than a perception that they are a citizen from Nepal who migrated to India.


With every move that you make let not the GenNext Gorkhas curse you rather than calling you a great street sweeper. With votes beginning to divide in the hills even before nominations are being filed, one cannot deny the fact that the TMC would grow stronger by the end of the polls. Time has allowed once again to the hills to reunite and choose a consensus MP in a bid to have atleast one in the parliament who would speak for us.

Submitted by Vivek Ghatani to Indian Gorkhas

Vivek Ghatani is a freelance journalist working since the past 10 years covering Darjeeling, North Bengal and Sikkim. He has already worked with publications like The Statesman, The Telegraph, The Himalayan Mirror and Civil Society Magazine apart from contributing in many local magazines from time to time.

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Tenzing Sherpa may get Bharat Ratna If BJP forms Govt

11:28 AM

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National

Darjeeling: BJP vice-president and Lok Sabha poll candidate for the Darjeeling constituency SS Ahluwalia today said mountaineer Tenzing Norgay Sherpa meets all the criteria to get Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian award.

Tenzing Sherpa and Edmund hillary

He said there is all likelihood that Mr Sherpa could be honoured with the award if the BJP form a government at the Centre after the polls.
Mr Ahluwalia today visited the house of the late Mr Sherpa at DB Giri road here and met his son Jamling Sherpa.

"Today is Balidan Divas, and we remember the sacrifice of the three revolutionaries, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, whose names cannot be forgotten when it comes to the Indian freedom struggle. On this day, I am at Tenzing Sherpa's house to respect his contribution to the country," Mr Ahluwalia said.

“It is sad to know that the present Indian government and the Prime Minister never thought about conferring the highest civilian honour on honorable Tenzing Sherpa. Even leaders in Bengal never appealed to the Indian government on this matter," he added.

"When the BJP comes to power, we will likely confer the award on him," Mr Ahluwalia said.
According to him, even the Reserve Bank of India should have issued coins of Tenzing Sherpa.
Mr Ahluwali further said that the award should also be given to other Indian sportsmen like Sunil Gavaskar, Chuni Goswami, Jora Singh Dhyanchand and Milkha Singh. 
According to Mr Jamling, his father being honoured with the award would mean an honour for the whole of Darjeeling.

The United Sherpa Association in Darjeeling has been demanding that the late mountaineer, who, along with Edmund Hillary, was the first to scale Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak on May 29, 1953, be given the civilian honour. Members of the association had met chief minister Mamata Banerjee during her visits to Darjeeling and had appealed to her to press for the Bharat Ratna on Mr Sherpa. Mr Sherpa has already received the Padma Bhusan (1959) and the President's Gold medal.

Source: sns

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Mahendra Lama's interview with Hindustan Times

11:20 PM

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Mahendra P. Lama

The following is the exclusive interview of Dr Mahendra Lama with Hindustan Times in Darjeeling. In the interview Dr Lama talks about Gorkhaland for identity and development and Gorkhaland for  strengthening national security.

Mahendra Lama taught at Jawaharlal Nehru University and then headed Sikkim University. Now contesting as an independent, he spoke to HT at his Darjeeling residence. Excerpts:

Photo - Mahendra P Lama Sampreshan Ep 30 Promo

Why do you support Gorkhaland?

All Himalayan regions in India have a separate state except this patch of land. This is a common geographical demand. Nepali-speakers want a state to protect identity. Bengalis will get a larger playing field. Marwaris can sense a business opportunity. Adivasis want it for their rights, identity and development.

We can name it something else too. But this is a national security issue because the region is connected to four international borders – Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and China. Chicken's Neck, which connects Northeastern states to the rest of India, is also in Darjeeling district.

There is threat because of unregulated borders and free movement of people, encouraged by the Bengal government. If you have a good government and powerful prosperous state here, it will strengthen security.

Even if you win, how can a lone independent MP get a state?

The problem has been that Darjeeling has either elected candidates who don't know Delhi, or MP's who know Delhi but don't know the hills. Baichung Bhutia knows neither Delhi nor Darjeeling, and Ahluwalia has nothing to do with this place.

I will focus on the 500 MPs – all those except from Bengal – and mobilise Northeast, hill and tribal MPs to support the cause. There were only three Nepali-speaking MPs in 1992, but we managed to get Nepali language officially recognised.

Do you see yourself as Darjeeling's Kejriwal?

The genesis is the same, of civil society members coming out for the first time. I have written to AAP to support me here.

Source:hindustantimes

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Jairam Ramesh against Gorkhaland and Bodoland but supports Vidharba

11:06 PM

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Live News

Union Minister Jairam Ramesh has said that he supports formation of a separate Vidarbha state, but is opposed to the idea of carving out Gorkhaland and Bodoland.

Union Minister Jairam Ramesh

Ramesh, who had just days ago made a strong pitch for division of Uttar Pradesh, said that the state was ungovernable in its present forms and could be split into as many as four states.

He said he would not support formation of Gorkhaland because of strategic issues, but would support formation of Vidarbha if all parties involved agree to the demand.

"I would not support Gorkhaland...there are strategic issues involved in Gorkhaland. I would not be in support of Bodoland, but Vidarbha has been a demand in the past.

"In case of Vidarbha the NCP seems to be in favour, the BJP too seems to be in favour. Only the Shiv Sena needs to be brought on board," the Union Minister said in an interview to a news channel.

He added that he also supported division of Uttar Pradesh as it was ungovernable with its current architecture.

"This is my personal view and not the view of the Congress party or the Government of India. I believe that UP with its current architecture is ungovernable. It is a state of over 200 million people, 74 or 75 districts, 800 blocks.

"No political party can govern UP effectively the way the state is configured," Ramesh said.

The Union Minister added that the reorganisation of UP could be into 2, 3 or 4 states, which has to be looked into.

"It could be 2 or 3 or 4 (states)...that needs to be looked at. I think we need to look at UP. This is where the heartland of India lies and in the States Reorganisation Committee, there was a specific recommendation for carving out a separate state of Agra," Ramesh said.

Source:economictimes

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BJP candidate S S Ahluwalia reached Darjeeling - supports Gorkhaland

3:46 AM

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Live News

BJP candidate S S Ahluwalia reached Darjeeling on Wednesday . “The demand for Gorkhaland is justified. We will look into it,” he said. He held a meeting with leaders of the GJM, which is supporting him.

BJP candidate S S Ahluwalia in Darjeeling

"The BJP has always supported creation of smaller states as Jharkhand and Chattisgarh and was in favour of Telangana and so Gorkhaland should also be formed", Ahluwalia told reporters here.

GJM chief Bimal Gurung posted following status in The Facebook  

"I welcome BJP vice-president and nominee for the Darjeeling LS seat, S S Ahluwalia to Darjeeling.
Today in a press conference he voiced his support to the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland.
He said that the BJP has always supported creation of smaller states as Jharkhand and Chattisgarh and was in favour of Telangana and so Gorkhaland should also be formed.
In a press conference in Siliguri he said that the BJP is in favour of creating smaller states for better administration.
The BJP has always maintained that the problems and concerns of both the Gorkhas and the tribals here will be considered sympathetically.
He has also said the People, who are against the division of the state have the constitutional right to oppose, but at the same time the Gorkhas by demanding a separate state are also not asking for anything unconstitutional.
Thank you for your support for our century old demand."

"Till I am alive, I will not give an inch of land this way. In the interest of politics, the land cannnot be ceded this way. If you think that you will play the same game as you did in Andhra Pradesh, you will not succeed" - Mamata Banerjee on BJP vice-president and nominee for the Darjeeling LS seat S S Ahluwalia's support for the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland in Darjeeling today.

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Subash Ghishing returns to Darjeeling

5:26 PM

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Subash Ghising

Darjeeling 19-March-2014 - After all the speculations and rumors in the past, finally,  Subash Ghishing, GNLF Suprimo, returns to his home Darjeeling taking everyone by surprise even his own followers.Soon after he left Siliguri for Darjeeling his supporters gathered for his welcome all along the Hill Cart Road.

Subash Ghishing returns to Darjeeling

Despite keeping it all secret that Ghishing will come to Darjeeling today a huge number of GNLF supporters from different parts of Darjeeling, Mirik, Kalimpong,Kurseong has gather to welcome him.

After a long long time GNLF Chief Subash Ghisingh come back to his abandoned house in Darjeeling.

Ghishing addressed huge crowd of his followers ghatherd around his residence in Darjeeling and declared to hold a (Jan Sabha) public meeting very soon.He told his supportes to wait and watch the color of Darjeeling change as Ghishing has returned to Darjeeling now.

The return of the GNLF Supremo Subash Ghisingh in the hills certainly indicates the political importance of the hills. Loksasha elections 2014 is right at the door, he has now become the man of importance in the hills, he has been already approached by the leading regional and hills political parties. Subash Ghisingh is likely to disclose his next step very soon in the political arena of the hills, now considered the decisive factor for the upcoming Loksassbha elections of Darjeeling constituency.

Indian Gorkhas Exclusive

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Subash Ghisingh on his way to Darjeeling - Securities tightened

2:30 PM

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Subash Ghising

Subash Ghishing who had ruled Darjeeling for 21 long years has returned to his home again.
Heavy securities on the way to Darjeeling from Siliguri as the GNLF Supremo Subash Ghisingh is already on his way to Darjeeling. Securities are on high alert in and around Darjeeling Hill.

Subash Ghisingh on his way to Darjeeling - Securities tightened

It is witnessed, gradually GNLF supporters are gathering with traditional vessels and flowers which are kept at every bend of the hill cart road. Excited GNLF supporters are chanting and waving green flags all over Hill Cart Road.Party source in the morning said that Ghising will be in Darjeeling by 3 pm in the afternoon.

Answering to the reporters on his way to Darjeeling after quite a long time Ghishing. GNLF supremo, said that all the parties and candidates like  Dr Mahendra p Lama, Trinamool, CPI-m in the hills are seeking GNLF's support for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election and his party would taken a decision on Lok Sabha election after a meeting very soon.

Vehicle escorting Ghishing in Kakjhora Darjeeling

TMC leadership have already approached Ghishing for his support to Bhaichung Bhutia a Trinamul Congress (TMC) candidate for Lok Sabha Election 2014  from Darjeeling constituency. However, GNLF supremo Subash Ghishing had earlier said that he will clear the air on his party’s stance on the Lok Sabha elections only after he returns to Darjeeling. Therefore all eyes on Ghishing now as it is expected that he will soon declare whom his party will support in the upcoming Lok Sabha election

Indian Gorkhas Exclusive

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Bimal Gurung appeals Dr Mahendra P. Lama to support BJP

1:48 PM

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Mahendra P. Lama

GJM chief Bimal Gurung appeals  Dr Mahendra P. Lama an independent candidate to come forward and support BJP in this Lok Sabha (2014) election in Darjeeling constituency.Feeling the heat this time around in Darjeeling for Lok Sabha seat, GJM chief , Gurung calls for unity in the hill for the sake of Gorkhaland and support BJP as he says "BJP is expected to come to power and they have already decided to support our cause. ".

Bimal Gurung appeals Dr Mahendra P. Lama to support BJP

However, this is the same GJM party who in the recent past had suspended Mr P Arjun, then prominent member of the party's intellectual wing, when he came out and supported  Dr Mahendra P. Lama.This is for the first time in the history of Darjeeling that Lok Sabha votes will be divided hugely.The move of GJM to appeal Dr M P. Lama to support BJP could be the result of this division of votes in the Darjeeling hill.

Bimal Gurung came up withe the following Facebook update :-

"This year's Lok Sabha election is now clearly divided between those who are supporting Gorkhaland and those who are against the demand.

This election is not about local issues but about our long standing demand of Gorkhaland. The BJP is expected to come to power and they have already decided to support our cause. This is a golden opportunity as a government which is set to come in power is supporting our long cherished demand.

I, want to appeal to all the Gorkhaland loving people to unite to the sake of Gorkhaland.
I would like to specially appeal to Dr Mahendra P. Lama to come out in support of BJP for the sake of the greater cause. Let us set aside all difference and not let go this golden opportunity. I am ready to talk to Dr Lama for the sake of Gorkhaland."

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TMC seek GNLF support in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha election

9:38 AM

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Trinamool Congress

The Trinamul Congress (TMC) leadership has approached the GNLF (Gorkha National Liberation Front) to seek support for its candidate in the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat after the largest party in the hills, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, decided to support the BJP nominee.

Sources said, in the past one week, Trinamul had approached GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh and other party leaders several times with a request to support Darjeeling candidate Bhaichung Bhutia and refrain from fielding anyone for the seat.

TMC Support plea for Bhutia after Morcha backs BJP

“Trinamul leaders are apprehensive of losing a considerable portion of hill votes because of the party’s sour relationship with the Morcha, the latter’s support to the BJP and appeal to voters via Facebook and other social media sites to support S.S. Ahluwalia,” a GNLF leader said. “They are approaching our party, as even today, we have the highest number of anti-Morcha voters with us. Our chairman Subash Ghisingh and other leaders have been approached by Trinamul repeatedly. We are yet to take a decision.”

“Of the six lakh-odd voters in the hills, two lakhs are with us and they will vote for the candidate we support. We are weighing the pros and cons as this is a good opportunity for the GNLF to revive its base in the hills and get closer to Trinamul. Ever since the party came to power in the state, there has been no chance for us to ally with Trinamul as it was closer to the Morcha,” the leader said.

The Congress is also known to have approached GNLF.

Nima Lama, the convenor of the GNLF’s Kurseong branch committee, said: “We are waiting for the final decision of our chairman and want to reiterate that there are equal prospects of fielding our own candidate or supporting the candidate of any other political party. Some parties sought support from us but it is Subash Ghisingh who will take the final decision.”

Sources said Ghisingh might visit the hills soon. He stays at a rented flat in Matigara near Siliguri.

“The GNLF definitely has a support base but because of lack of political activities, except few public meetings in the foothills, the party has lost its relevance in hill politics,” said an observer. “But the sudden change in Trinamul-Morcha relation and the sidelining of the Congress in the hills, which prompted these two parties to approach the GNLF.”

Trinamul insiders said the party had sought GNLF’s support. “The GNLF has been approached by us to ensure that Bhaichung Bhutia secures a good number of votes in the hills. The party has a steady support base in the three hill subdivisions. We are putting in all efforts to ensure a lead for Bhaichung. To prevent the BJP from getting a huge margin, we need block votes from the hills. The GNLF can be an ideal ally to help us get such votes.”

Minister Gautam Deb said: “Subash Ghisingh is a senior political leader. We hope he will take a rational and positive decision.”

Source : Telegraph

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Bimal Gurung - Mamata can kill me like Kishenji

9:54 AM

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Mamata Banerjee

Bimal Gurung today said the Mamata Banerjee’s government could kill him like Maoist leader Kishen was gunned down by joint anti-rebel forces in West Midnapore.

Gurung was speaking about alleged “state terror” during the hill agitation last year.

Bimal Gurung - Mamata can kill me like Kishen 

“They can kill me like Kishen. This is not an impossible thing. There is no faith in Mamata Banerjee, DM or SP.”

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief, however, said he was not afraid of the possibility.

“They (administration) have already removed my security despite me holding a cabinet minister rank. I do not need security as the people of Darjeeling are my security. They will walk beside me for my security,” Gurung said.

Gurung admitted that they could not take the last phase of the Gorkhaland agitation to the logical end.

“In politics there are ups and downs and unlike the Left Front government, the present government unleashed terror during that agitation. We did go for a prolonged agitation and the public also wanted me to continue with the strike but I had to think of the schoolchildren, the business community and other people after sometime,” he said.

“There was also a possibility of the agitation getting bloody and I did not want such a situation and hence we had to turn the agitation around.”

The Morcha has joined hands with the BJP for the Lok Sabha elections because the national party supports the creation of smaller states.

Gurung reiterated that the BJP, which had written in its manifesto in 2009 that the party would “sympathetically” consider the demand of the Gorkhas, had pledged to continue supporting the demands of the Gorkhas.

S.S. Ahluwalia, the BJP candidate from Darjeeling, will arrive here on March 19.

“S.S. Ahluwalia will hold a meeting with BJP leaders as soon as he reaches Bagdogra on March 19. He will proceed for Darjeeling around 2pm. A cavalcade of 200 vehicles will go from the hills to receive him,” said Binay Tamang, assistant secretary of the Morcha.

Source:Telegraph

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Notice of Property Attachment against 10 GJM leaders including Gurung

8:28 PM

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political news

GJM News - After the Anticipatory Bail plea of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung and Asha Gurung rejected by Darjeeling session court on March 14, Police has issued Notice of property attachment of absconders in Madan Tamang’s Body Guard case of May 21, 2010. The Notice was circulated to the residences of absconders on March 15. 

There are 10 GJMM leaders including Bimal Gurung, Asha Gurung, Pradeep Pradhan, Roshan Giri, Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri etc. are in the list of absconders. The warrant was pending against them.

Source:DT

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Bimal Gurung's pilot car and bodyguard withdrawn by Election Commissioner

11:44 PM

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Live News

Darjeeling News - With reports of withdrawal of pilot car and bodyguard of GTA chief executive officer Bimal Gurung, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Sunday termed the Mamata Banerjee government as being vindictive having hatched a conspiracy against them.

GTA chief executive officer Bimal Gurung
with bodyguards

The North Bengal Development minister and Trinamool Congress leader Goutam Dev, however, maintained with election dates announced, the state government had no jurisdiction over the matter and it was the discretion of Election Commissioner.

The developments took place after Gurung denied the involvement of Morcha activists on supporters of Trinamool bound for a poll campaign meeting of Trinamool Congress candidate in Darjeeling Hills Baichung Bhutia at Singla near the hill town yesterday in which seven people were injured.

Slamming the state of being vindictive for supporting the BJP in the polls, Gurung said, "It is a witchhunt of the state government for Morcha extending support to the BJP candidate in the Hills."

Denying the involvement of his organisation memebers in the attack, Gurung said, "It was the handiwork of hoodlums sheltered by the ruling party.

Meanwhile, Election Commission observer Alokseh Misra arrived in the Hills and was keeping a tab on the situation, DM office sources said.

"GJM definitely has a hand on the attack of our supporters given that Gurung lives nearby and there is a party office at Patleybas," Deb, however, claimed.

Source:firstpost

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Anushaka Chhetri in DID L'il Masters Season 3

11:02 PM

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TV News

Anushaka Chettri from Darjeeling has been selected in top sixteen in DID L'il Masters Season 3 on Zee TV. She had given her audition for the show from Kolkata and was selected for the top 36, Anushka Chhettri had performed on Mere dholna song from the movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa in the March 08. Anushaka was then called in Mumbai for top sixteen contest with her super wings where she danced on Chikni Chameli song from Agneepath and made her way through the top sixteen. Her Skipper is Sanam Johar and will represent Sanam Ki Super Heros group in DID L'il Masters Season 3.

Anushaka Chhettri from Darjeeling in DID L'il Masters Season 3

On her appearance in the audition "Anushka aap kitni cute ho aapko pata hai", says Master Mudassar.

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Subash Ghisingh to return to Darjeeling

11:28 PM

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Subash Ghising

Subash Ghisingh, GNLF supremo, is expected to return to Darjeeling on this coming Sunday or Monday accompanied by his huge supporters. It is expected that about 1000 vehicles from all over Darjeeling hills will escort him to his place in Darjeeling. GNLF supporters in Darjeeling have already started preparing his grand welcome in Darjeeling. 

 Ghishing expected on Sunday or Monday

Few days ago Ghishing's supporters were seen in and around his place in Darjeeling cleaning the place for his return.It is said that some forces are deployed for his safety which could be seen around his place.  Political situation in the hills is likely to change after the arrival of Subash Ghisingh in Darjeeling as it has come to be known that GNLF will support TMC candidate Bhaichung Bhutia in the coming Lok Sabha election.

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Bimal and Asha Gurung's Anticipatory Bail rejected on Madan Tamang case

7:20 PM

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TMC

Darjeeling Session Court today rejected the Anticipatory Bail plea of Bimal Gurung and Asha Gurung. 

This came just after GJM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) chief Bimal Gurung's officially supported of the BJP candidate Shri S. S. Ahluwalia for Darjeeling in Lok Sabha election.

Bimal Gurung and Asha Gurung

On March 5, 2014, GJMM had applied for the anticipatory bail on the Madan Tamang’s Body Guard case of May 21, 2010. There were 36 persons charge sheeted against this case, where 7 are on Bail, 10 are absconding and rest are under the judicial custody. Bimal Gurung, Asha Gurung, Pradeep Pradhan, Roshan Giri, Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri etc. are in the list of absconders. The warrant was pending against them. Public Prosecutor Pranai Rai who offended the case, expressed satisfaction over the verdict said, “justice should be impartial and peace and harmony should be prevail in the hills.’

This is an incident that shows Mamata Banerjee and her government  using the Madan Tamang case for their motives. It is also said the same policy was applied to suppress the recent Gorkhaland agitation.It has been said that this was the result of GJM not supporting TMC in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. 


Source: True Grokhe Facebook

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Government apathy and neglect across Darjeeling hills continues

1:36 PM

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Live News

Rapid Action Force Occupy School - Children Forced to Study in the Open 

A glaring example of government apathy and neglect can be seen across Darjeeling hills, but none more prominently than in how our future i.e. our children are being treated by the government. 

[Photo: Himalaya Darpan]

Since December 2013, Sunsari Primary School in Bijanbari Samesty has been occupied by the Rapid Action Force and even though the children are back in school, the force still occupies the school building. Because of which the children have been forced to study out in the open. 

Despite numerous requests and petitions to the government agencies, including the Police department, Block Development Office, Education Office and so on, there has been no change in the status. 

These children are our future and this is how our future is currently being treated. Please raise a voice against this apathy to:

Minister HRD Dr. M. Mangapati Pallam Raju Government of India Email : dsel-mhrd@nic.in
Phone: Phone : 91-11-23383936-/44

Minister Education Shri Bratya Basu, Government of West Bengal Email: secschool@wb.gov.in 
Phone: (033) 23342256 

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Shri S. S. Ahluwalia as BJP Darjeeling Lok Sabha candidate

10:08 PM

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Live News

Shri S. S. Ahluwalia has been announced formally by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) as the BJP candidate from Darjeeling constituency. Bimal Gurung the chief of GJM officially made an announcement that he would like to thank Shri Narendra Modi for nominating Shri S. S. Ahluwalia who is vice president of BJP as the candidate who will contest this lok sabha election from Darjeeling for BJP backed by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

Shri S. S. Ahluwalia as BJP candidate from
 Darjeeling and Bimal Gurung

Bimal Gurung's Facebook Status:

"I, on behalf of the GJM would like to express my sincere gratitude to the BJP Prime-Ministerial candidate Shri Narendra Modi and the BJP President Shri. Rajnath Singh for nominating Shri S. S. Ahluwalia, BJP Vice President as the BJP nominee for the Darjeeling Parliamentary Constituency.

For the GJM it is not the question of an "outsider" but more important is the "cause" that is closest to our hearts. What we need to consider is our long-standing demand for a separate state.

We feel and are confident that the BJP only can help us to achieve our desired goal. A person of Shri S. S. Ahluwalia stature can raise the issue and lead it to its positive end as he has always been championing the cause of the Gorkhas. 

Shri S. S. Ahluwalia has been a member of the Parliament of India representing Bihar and Jharkhand in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, over several terms from 1986-1992, 1992-1998, 2000–2006, and 2006-2012.

He was elected into the Parliament as an MP from Bihar, in the year 1986. Over the years of his career, he has held the posts of Minister for Urban Development, and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs in the Union Government.

He was also the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, till recently when he lost his Rajya Sabha seat in the Jharkhand Rajya Sabha elections."

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Trinamool-GNLF alliance could be brewing in Darjeeling

8:31 PM

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Trinamool Congress

With Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) having parted ways with the ruling party, a Trinamool-Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) alliance for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections could be brewing.

Interestingly, the GJM, considered an ally of Trinamool, had voted for the Trinamool in the last Rajya Sabha election too. However, this time GJM decided to forge a pre-poll alliance with the BJP.

Trinamool-GNLF alliance could be brewing in Darjeeling

Trinamool flagged off its election campaign in the Hills by offering prayers at Mahakal Temple in Darjeeling town. Trinamool leader Gautam Deb accompanied the party’s candidate, Bhaichung Bhutia. Confronted with the question if the party was considering an alliance with GNLF in the Hills, Deb said, “Nothing can be ruled out in politics. Time will tell.”

A reliable Trinamool party source said the Trinamool had received fillers from the GNLF camp. A meeting between front rung leaders of the two parties could take place in the next few days.

The GNLF has preferred to play its cards close to the chest. When confronted with this question, GNLF convener Nima Lama said, “We will be formally announcing the GNLF stand regarding the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in the next few days.”

Political observers opine that both parties should not have too many problems entering an alliance as GNLF has been rallying for 6th Schedule status for Darjeeling Hills rather than Gorkhaland.

With Trinamool being a strong antagonist of Gorkhaland, entering into an alliance with the GNLF well suits Trinamool’s political budget.

The Darjeeling parliamentary constituency comprises 7 assembly constituencies, namely Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong in the Hills along with Siliguri, MatigarahNaxalbari, Phansidawa and Chopra in the plains. The total number of voters is just over 14 lakh. The Hill voter strength is around 6 lakh.

Though GJM has declared the GNLF a spent force with Ghisingh and the front-rung leaders ousted from the Hills in 2008, GNLF have been making a steady comeback.

In the last assembly elections GNLF secured the second highest votes.

On the campaign trail Trinamool leader Gautam Deb said a special manifesto is being prepared for the Hills. Tax holiday for the Darjeeling district; Darjeeling district being declared a backward district along with Cooch Behar; opening of a Central University, medical college along with inclusion of 10 Gorkha sub-communities in the Schedule Tribe list would feature in the manifesto.

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