Council caution by Morcha rivals

RAJEEV RAVIDAS Kalimpong, Feb. 3: The CPRM and the ABGL have expressed qualified support to the demand for the formation of the proposed Lepcha Development Council. The CPRM said it would support the formation of the council if the state government didn’t have the ulterior motive of dividing the hill population. The ABGL backed the move saying any arrangement that would ensure development of Lepcha culture and language would be welcome even if it was under the state’s control. Tara Mani Rai, the CPRM secretary, said: “We have started a discussion in our party on the issue. We can form a definite opinion only after that is done. However, if the council is set up to ensure the development of the Lepcha language and culture, we are okay with it,” said Tara Mani Rai, the CPRM secretary. Asked if they were okay if such a body was formed under the state government, Rai said that would depend on the intention of the government, especially given that chief minister Mamata Banerjee also spoke about forming a similar council for the Buddhists during her recent visit to the hills. “What is the intention of the government (in forming such councils)? Could it be a conspiracy to divide us? Apart from the council for the Lepchas, the chief minister also spoke about forming a council for Buddhists,” said Rai. Pratap Khati, the vice-president of the ABGL, however, said any arrangement to ensure the development of the Lepcha language and culture, was welcome even if it was under the state government. “A body to oversee the welfare of the Lepchas is good. There is a need to uplift the language and culture of the Lepchas. We support such a demand,” he said. (TT)