GJM forms Muslim wing

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has formed a Muslim wing of the outfit, apparently to cosy up to the minority community.
"On the direction of the GJM President Bimal Gurung, today we formed the Gorkha Janmukti Muslim Morcha (GJMM) at Patleybas in Darjeeling. We will work for the people of our community and also strengthen the activities of GJM," GJMM nominated president M A Khan said yesterday.
The GJMM nominated 24 executive members to look after the daily affairs of the outfit.
The move follows Gurung's overtures to Muslim community from the three hill sub-divisions and also from the Terai and Dooars in foothills as the Morcha held successive meetings last June pledging to work for the benefit of the entire hill populace of which minorities formed a chunk.

"As the GJMM was formally set up yesterday, a central committee representing the sub-divisions of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong and Mirik in the foothills came into being," Khan said.
The community also plans to persuade the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for representation in the council body.
Though the GTA has 45 elected and five nominated members, there is no reservation for the minority community.