Home Minister P Chidambaram appealed to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha on Friday to call off its fast-unto-death agitation and create a conducive atmosphere for the December 21 tripartite talks.
In a statement, Chidambaram said as the tripartite talks between the Centre, West Bengal government and the GJM were scheduled to be held on December 21, there was no need to adopt an agitational approach on the eve of such dialogue.
"It is necessary that a cordial and conducive atmosphere is created on the eve of the talks," he said.
The home minister said the GJM's fast-unto-death was still continuing and he was saddened to learn that several people observing the strike were suffering from dehydration and some were hospitalised.
"The deteriorating health of some who are fasting is a matter of concern to all of us. Hence, I would appeal to the GJM to call off the fast-unto-death stir immediately and utilise its time and energy to prepare for the tripartite talks," he said.
The GJM has been demanding creation of a separate Gorkhaland state comprising Darjeeling district and its adjoining areas in West Bengal.
