GORKHALAND SOON

GJM hints at interim resolution of Gorkhaland issue soon

source: Business Standard & Shri Barun Roy

The Union government is all set to sign an interim resolution for creating a separate Gorkhaland before the West Bengal Assembly elections next year.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today said the tripartite talks with the Centre and the West Bengal government were in the “right direction” and the issue could be resolved before the formation of the new government in the state. Hopeful of resolution to the dispute, the GJM has also deferred its call for protests and bandh that was scheduled to begin on December 20.

“It is a question of identity. We have met finance minister Pranab Mukherjee and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi. The talks were very successful. Our entire struggle is peaceful and non-violent. The tripartite talks are moving in the right direction and we are hopeful that an interim resolution would be signed after the tripartite talks,” said Bimal Gurung, president of GJM.

Commenting on the proposed interim resolution sent by the ministry of home affairs (MHA), members of GJM said they have made certain amendments on the draft proposal. “We have proposed creation of a separate state within West Bengal. The state government would handle home affairs, judiciary and there can be a common governor. But the remaining financial and administrative decisions would be taken by the representatives of Gorkhaland,” said Gurung.

They said the Assam Reorganisation (Meghalaya) Act of 1969 had allowed creation of Assam within Meghalaya. “We are demanding a similar status,” he said.