GJM supporters died due to mismanagement of BJP: Anit Thapa

Demanding tripartite talks to resolve Gorkhaland issues, expelled Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader and Darjeeling's Board of Administrators Vice Chairman Anit Thapa on Sunday said their supporters died in the agitations due to the BJP's "mismanagement".

"Our supporters died in the agitation due to mismanagement of the BJP. The unrest in the hills was due their mismanagement. They are now finding difficulties to pronounce the Gorkhaland word," he said at a meeting at Kurseong here.

On the demanded tripartite meeting between the GJM, and the central and the state governments, he said the centre had asked to follow the federal system.

"Accordingly, we have been talking with the state government and have pleaded the West Bengal Governor to take up the issue for tripartite talks with the centre. Unless, the Bengal government agrees to the tripartite talks, such meeting cannot be convened," Thapa said.

GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri on Saturday claimed that the Central government would convene the tripartite meeting soon, and announced that party Chief Bimal Gurung, who has been hiding since a lookout notice was issued against him by the West Bengal Police, would not make his pre-announced public appearance on October 30, so that their prospect is not jeopardised.

Thapa also said the Board of Administrators' Chairman Binay Tamang has been "in contact" with a research team who would possibly conduct a study about Gorkhaland.

"Gorkhaland is our priority. There must be a research how the Gorkhaland can be formed. People, who had raised the voice of Gorkhaland, made it a political agenda. But we want to proceed on reality," he said.

Meanwhile, a number of GJM banners with the picture of Gurung were, once again, removed from a party office in Kalimpong district, while police on Sunday arrested Nari Morcha President Bandona, who was close to Gurung, from Kalimpong as she was accused of involving in agitations.

--IANS

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