Sec 144 imposed on Darjeeling

Bengal govt not keen on tripartite talks with GJM

In another related development that has wider ramifications, the Buddhadev Bhattacherjee government announced that it was not quite keen to continue tripartite talks with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Gorkhaland issue as the outfit has lost the people’s mandate after the public outcry against it following the gruesome killing of Tamang.

“After the massive turnout of the hill people in the candle-light vigil and subsequent funeral procession of Tamang, it is quite evident that the GJM has lost the people’s mandate. Hence, it would not be wise to pursue talks with them,” said a senior official of the government at the state secretariat here.

Official sources quoting Darjeeling additional district magistrate Tashi Sherpa said that the prohibitory orders have been imposed on the area for an indefinite period to prevent the prevailing tense situation from reaching a flashpoint.

Simmering discontent
A wave of simmering discontent against the GJM nearly burst on Tuesday after supporters of Tamang and rivals GJM were about to launch a fierce fight at a place in the hills.
Sources said Gurung had set off from Kalimpong towards Darjeeling on Tuesday morning, along with a huge number of his supporters, including GJM general secretary Roshan Giri and assistant general secretary Benoy Tamang.

But ABGL supporters blocked his vehicle midway, protesting against the murder of their leader. With tempers set to rise, police  managed to disperse the protesters and warded off an explosive situation and finally ensured passage for the convoy of the GJM chief.
DH News Service