Chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Sunday made it clear that no further discussion on the Darjeeling issue will take place with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) unless it withdraws its movement in the Hills. He also reiterated that their demand for Gorkhaland would not be accepted.
Referring to the continuous movement and agitation by the GJM for Gorkhaland, the chief minister said: “I have repeatedly told the leaders of Darjeeling (read: GJM leaders): Don’t demand for Gorkhaland. We cannot accept this at any point of time. Even Delhi is unable to meet your demand. You will never get Gorkhaland. Withdraw your movement. No further discussion would be possible unless you withdraw the movement and the agitation.” Mr Bhattacharjee was speaking at the inauguration of a food park in Siliguri.
He also warned the GJM for creating anarchy and unrest in the Hills and in some parts of the plains in Dooars and Terai. “They are spreading the movement to some parts of the plains in Terai and Dooars with the demand that those should also be included in the proposed interim authority. Sometimes, they also demand for Siliguri. Are they mad?” the chief minister said.
He further added that due to the GJM’s movement, the tourism sector has been severely affected in Darjeeling. “Hotels one after another has been closing doors. Who is being benefited? If this continues for some more days, people in Darjeeling will be eventually starving,” Mr Bhattacharjee said.