Writes Dinesh Sharma
Bimal Gurung, the Chief Executive of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration and national President, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has called off the massive agitation and peaceful rally planned for tomorrow (December 19th 2015). A delegation of Bimal Gurung, Darjeeling MP Shri SS Ahluwalia, and other GTA functionaries took place yesterday with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
As reported, PM Narendra Modi has given his assurance on safeguarding the interest of the Gorkhas and a resolution of the Gorkhaland demand at an appropriate time. Bimal Gurung while addressing the 6000 plus crowd said that “The prime minister has given his assurance on protecting the interest of the Gorkhas and the demand for Gorkhaland.” During the discussion the Prime Minister assured that a committee will soon be formed to study the problems and issues of the GTA region and the ST status for the Gorkhas spread across India.
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| SS Ahluwalia ( DARJEELING MP ) With GTA & Gorkha Janmukti Morcha Chief Bimal Gurung |
Calling on Bimal Gurung Official to end the agitation and the padyatra, the Prime Minister had advised him to trust the government and let the government work out a strategy on the issues concerning the Gorkhas of India.
SS Ahluwalia, Darjeeling MP also joined the protestors at Jantar Mantar and conveyed the message of the Prime Minister’s Office. “The centre will expedite the process of establishing a Central University in GTA region, Sainik School and other educational institutes for research on Tea, Medicine, and Hospitality Management under Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry” added the MP. While personally calling upon Shri Bimal Gurung to call of the agitation, he assured his complete support in pursuing the demand for the Gorkhaland state.
Representing the Gorkha community of Assam and the North East, Prem Tamang, President All Assam Gorkha Students Union (AAGSU) assure the support of Gorkhas from all over India for the cause of Gorkhaland. Citing example of the Language agitation, Prem Tamang called upon Gorkhas from all over the country to come together for the bigger cause of the community. “Like we did during the bhasa aandolan, the Indian Gorkha community unite in supporting the cause for Gorkhaland. The Gorkhaland cause is above the politics of the GTA region and will shape the future and identity of every Gorkha citizen of the country.” AAGSU is the apex Gorkha body from Assam representing the interest of over 30 lakhs Gorkha people.
Rajen Chhetry from Gorkha Youth and Students’ Association (GYASA) called for “a national awakening among the community to realize the Gorkhaland dream.” While highlighting the contribution of Gorkhas in the nation he added “we protect the borders of the country, we contribute to sports, service industry, manpower and human resources for the booming Indian economy, promote India tea export, and most importantly the Gorkhaland region is also the chicken neck of the country that connect to the rest of North East region. There certainly cannot be a discontent community living in region of such national importance.” Rajen Chhetry also spoke spreading awareness about history, culture, and story of the Gorkhas through social media and other new age platforms and reach out to every individual seeking support for Gorkhaland.
Bimal Gurung also welcomed the creation of new Kalimpong District and Mirik sub-division by the West Bengal Government. While congratulation the people, he informed that the demand for a separate district was one of the first agendas pushed forward by GJM. Shri SS Ahluwalia while responding to the same question stated that “it does not matter even if 10 more districts are created. In fact, it will bring in more development to the areas. However, the aspirations of Gorkha and their cry for Gorkhaland cannot be compromised, and the Gorkha society cannot be divided on the lines of Development boards and districts.”
The agitation was called off around 3:30 after MP Shri Ahluwalia and Shri Bimal Gurung addressed the massive gathering.
