Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday that once the BJP assumes power in West Bengal, it will prioritise resolving the Gorkha issue in Darjeeling and withdraw all cases registered against community leaders and workers for violent agitations in the past. Shah, who was unable to reach the upper reaches of Lebong in the Darjeeling hills on account of unfavourable weather conditions, addressed the gathering through a recorded video message. "I am deeply regretful of not being able to reach you today. But I promise you that I will meet you in person at the scheduled public meeting at Sukna in Kurseong on April 21, where I will discuss in detail the development plans we have for the people of Darjeeling," he said. "For now, I will say that once we form the government in Bengal, our priority would be to resolve the Gorkha issue as quickly as possible. We will withdraw all pending police cases against Gorkha leaders and workers after we come to power in the state," he added. The
Gorkhaland protests continue; hunt on in Darjeeling hills for Bimal Gurung
Barring pharmacies, all shops, schools, were closed and Internet services remained suspended
Provocative steps by the West Bengal govt has led to an indefinite shutdown in the region
The meeting saw 14 political parties and other social organisations coming together
The GJM supporters are also protesting against alleged imposition of Bengali in their schools