WB govt to take steps in case of violence in Darjeeling

With the GJM reverting back to its decision within hours for an indefinite bandh from Saturday in Darjeeling to demand Gorkhaland, a West Bengal minister said that steps would be taken to deal with violence, while stating that the Centre would be equally accountable.
"If the indefinite bandh materialises the state government will take firm steps. Whatever necessary for the state government it will do," North Bengal Hill Development Minister Gautam Deb told reporters here.
"The state government has constitutional obligation. Like the Centre it cannot sacrifice the interests of the state as well as the country with an eye on votes," he said in an apparent dig at the UPA's decision to create Telangana which sparked the statehood demand in Darjeeling.

"The Centre will also remain responsible if anything happens," he said, adding that it was responsible for running the country and taking care of the interests of the state.
On GJM's allegation that the state government had put hurdles in the path of the hill council in Darjeeling, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, the minister said that it was never raised by them though discussions were held as recently as two days ago with them.
He said that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was also keen on peace in Darjeeling since she took office in 2011 and that she and had made 14 visits to the hills.

"We are eager to implement the GTA in letter and spirit and we have taken steps in that regard," Deb said.

He said that GTA bill was passed in the assembly in record time after accommodating the amendments put forward by the GJM.
He said that the state government was also opposed to the bandh called in Siliguri by the Shiv Sena and local organisation Bangla O Bangla Bhasa Bachao Committee to prevent food from being sent to the hills.
The chief minister had yesterday ruled out division of the state and reiterated that Darjeeling would remain a part of Bengal.