GNLF writes letter to Mamata Banerjee, requests to end crisis in Darjeeling

The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief Mann Ghising on Tuesday wrote a letter to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, requesting high level intervention to end present crisis in Darjeeling.

In response to that, the Chief Minister called for a meeting on August 29 at the State Secretariat, Nabanna at 4:00 pm, to create an atmosphere for finding a solution to the ongoing crisis.

Speaking at a press conference here, Mamata said, "I received a letter from the Gorkha National Liberation Front urging me to hold talks to restore normality in the hills. All major political parties in the hills are welcome to participate in the meeting."

Yesterday, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) released a statement saying that the demand for Gorkhaland arose when people started questioning their patriotism.

They also mentioned that they have contributed during the freedom movement as well.

The ongoing demands for a separate administrative framework for the Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Dooars have been there since 1907. The demand is yet to be fulfilled.

They stated that it is because of this reason that Gorkhas living across India have been demanding Gorkhaland for the past two and half months.

In the letter they mentioned that they have always pressed for democratic forms of protest to realize their dreams of Gorkhaland.

They also said that the movement was non-violent even in the past and this movement is non-violent today, and it will continue to remain democratic, non-violent and peaceful in the days to come. They have condemned the acts of violence that have taken place in these past 65 days in Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Dooars, and condemn such acts that are perpetrated to destroy peace.

The GJM has demanded a High Level Committee comprising of NIA officials to investigate into the blasts in the Super Market in Darjeeling town and near Thana Dara in Kalimpong town. They have also demanded strict action against the ones who are responsible.

The GJM has also reiterated that they do not have any tie ups with any insurgent organizations either in the North East India, Nepal or any such organizations anywhere else in the world.

They added that the people living in Darjeeling hills, Tarai and Dooars are not the only ones responsible to ensure peace but the Central Government and the Government of West Bengal must look into it as well.