CPRM opposed to ‘undemocratic agitation’ call by Gurung

KURSEONG

17 Sep 2013

CPRM spokesperson Govind Chettri has said the residents of the hills do not prefer an undemocratic agitation for statehood. His statement came soon after GJM chief Bimal Gurung announced in the afternoon from Chowrasta, Darjeeling the agitation for Gorkhaland post October 20 would be intensified.

Addressing GJM supporters at Chowrasta, Gurung hinted the next agitation for a Gorkhaland state would not be restricted to dharnas, and asked the people to remain prepared. He said government employees in the hills would neither work nor draw their salary and such a situation could continue for months. There would also be no relaxation period in between bandhs.

According to Chettri, the GJM chief should have made known his decision before the Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee (GJAC) although he has the right to speak his mind anywhere. He believes that as the GJM and GJAC have agreed to jointly chalk out future strategies of the agitation, Gurung should have discussed his plans with the committee. Chettri added if the GJM chief makes such statements in public and without any discussions with the GJAC, disputes are bound to arise between the committee constituents.

The CPRM spokesperson further said he believes any aggressive form of agitation would not be accepted by the public.

The Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist is one of the main constituents of the GJAC and its president and former MP RB Rai is the committee’s general secretary.