Apparently in a desperate need for a face-saving escape route, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung on Wednesday welcomed West Bengal governor M.K. Narayanan’s “announcement” to play the role of a mediator to resolve the crisis in the hills. He expressed hopes that Mr Narayanan would take necessary steps as early as possible. Mr Gurung posted this message on the popular social networking site Facebook.
Contrary to his claim, the governor has not offered to mediate between the state government and the GJM over the contentious Gorkhaland issue. All that Mr Narayanan has said is that if the GJM chief wanted to talk to him he was willing to listen. Mr Gurung’s eagerness to talk to the governor is a clear shift from his earlier stand that the GJM would not hold talks with any one else but the Centre. Sources said that there were a number of reasons for the GJM climbdown.