Lack of supplies puts GJM in fix

With the indefinite shutdown in the hills entering the 48th day on Tuesday, the GJM, which is spearheading the stir, is feeling the heat from its core support base, the locals.

Shortage of foodgrains and other essential commodities in the hills prompted the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) to convene a meeting of senior office-bearers on Tuesday and constitute a 20-member relief committee to monitor the distribution process by various NGOs.

Admitting that a sizeable section of the population was suffering, GJM adviser and central committee member Swaraj Thapa said, “The poor are suffering, but they have not wavered. They have stood by the movement and the committee will ensure adequate distribution of essential items after coordinating with the NGOs.”

Rubbishing reports that the GJM had been receiving help from Maoists, Thapa termed it an “anti-Gorkhaland propaganda” and said, “The GJM does not need outside support for a people’s movement. Also, the party has not diverted any funds meant to provide relief to the poor.”

The GJM has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Centre to intervene in the logjam arising out of its demand for a separate state, failing which it said the movement will be will intensified. “We have given a 10-day deadline to the Centre. An indefinite shutdown is on and the Centre can’t just sit idle when the hills are burning,” GJM assistant general secretary Binay Tamang had said on Sunday.

Darjeeling MLA Amar Rai on Tuesday said the relief committee will work centrally for now, but gradually, separate committees will be formed for the sub-divisions in the hills to distribute essential items.

A senior GJM functionary said the issue of donations and utilisation of funds also figured prominently in Tuesday’s meeting, and the party brass, including Bimal Gurung, are toying with the idea of opening bank accounts in the name of the relief committee, which will remain open for scrutiny at a later stage.

The police and security forces patrolled the streets of the hills and kept a tight vigil at all entry and exit points.