Public must stop supporting Morcha if GTA is revived: UGRF

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

26 Sep 2013

The United Revolutionary Gorkha Front wants the common man to withdraw his support to the GJM as the party appears to be reverting to the GTA setup.

Talking to reporters today, UGRF leaders Ajay Dahal and Rudra Paudyal said even if the GJM leadership decides to continue running the GTA, the section within the party that is fully committed to the cause of a separate state must move on with the agitation.

UGRF president Dahal said the GTA is a good platform, but those in charge of it are completely selfish. “It would be incorrect to say the GTA is useless, but the mindset of those who are running it is important,” he said. “If the Morcha deceives the people again in the name development to fill its pockets, we will oppose it vehemently, but if the party uses the setup to strengthen the statehood cause, it would be most welcome.”

At the same time, Dahal pointed out that the GJM’s decision to continue with the GTA would go against the statehood demand. “The GJM’s decision to continue with the GTA would be against the aspiration for statehood. It would be almost impossible for the party to run the administrative setup and simultaneously continue with the demand for Gorkhaland.”

Continuing with the UGRF chief’s observations, Rudra Paudyal said, “The Gorkhaland agitation is in a problematic situation at present. The GTA is a state government-induced setup with the word ‘Gorkhaland’ included as a ploy to divert attention from the real issue of a Gorkhaland state. The state government will continue to play a major role in the GTA’s administration. Hence, if the GJM sticks with the GTA, the people must discard the party or break ranks and rise in revolt to take the statehood movement forward to its rightful conclusion.”

On being asked for comments about GJM chief Bimal Gurung hinting at starting a violent agitation after October 20, Paudyal said, “There is no such thing like a peaceful or violent struggle when it comes to the question of statehood. It is not as simple as buying vegetables with a list prepared in advance and things have to be decided in accordance to the prevailing situation.”