GJM calls for 12-hr Darjeeling bandh on Feb 9
February 06, 2013  21:07

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha today called for a 12-hour Darjeeling hills bandh on February 9 in protest against the West Bengal government's plan to carve out a Lepcha council in the hills.        

 

"We will protest if the state government goes ahead with its divide and rule policy between the Nepali and Lepcha communities in the hills," GJM leader Binay Tamang told reporters in Darjeeling in a sign of further straining of ties between the government and GJM.        

 

"In the wake of the promise made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on January 30 to Lepcha leaders in Kalimpong about formation of a Lepcha council, the sentiments of hill people have been bruised. We will remain united," he said.        

 

"Our leader Bimal Gurung had already affirmed that there should not be two councils in one GTA area and anything should come under Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. If any other council happens we have to protest," Tamang said.

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