CPI (M-L) backs demand for Gorkhaland

Darjeeling

26 Sep 2013

The CPI (M-L) New Democracy has assured full support to the statehood agitation being led by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, which it says is justified.

Addressing the media today after meeting GJM chief Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling, CPI (M-L) New Democracy state secretary Sujan Chakraborty said the demand for a Gorkhaland state is justified and constitutional. “We wholeheartedly support the GJM’s demand and will contribute towards it according to our capacity,” he added.

At the same time, Chakraborty clarified his party would not be able to support the cause in the hills due to absence of a base and financial constraints, but it would definitely do so in regions where the CPI (M-L)’s organisational strength is to be reckoned with.

CPI (M-L) state committee member Chandan Pramanik said the party condemns the arrests of GJM activists and leaders including Gorkhaland Territorial Administration sabhasads and demands their immediate and unconditional release. He said, “The state government, using its machinery, has violated human rights and is committing accesses in the hills. We condemn such atrocities on innocent people. We demand the release of all those arrested and recall of central forces immediately.”

Pramanik also cited some instances of the TMC-led state government’s highhandedness. “The state government has not withdrawn cases against people involved in the Singur, Jangal Mahal and Nandigram agitations. The cases are being used to silence agitators labeling them as criminals,” he said.

More than 1,500 activists have been arrested in the hills since July 29 on pending cases even though the GTA agreement states all cases against GJM activists and leaders are to be withdrawn barring those involving murder. All arrests that have been made so far are related to the first phase of the GJM’s agitation about three years ago.

Accusing the state government of adopting a divide and rule policy, Pramanik said the establishment under chief minister Mamata Banerjee is trying to give the peaceful movement here a separatist colour.

“Banerjee has a history of fanning a spark into an inferno to suit her political motives. She is using the same ploy to give the Gorkhaland agitation a separatist shape,” he asserted.