PTI (New Delhi) 30 JUNE: The Centre today said it was awaiting a response from the West Bengal government on future course of action on Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's demand for creation of a Gorkhaland Autonomous Authority.
New Home Secretary R K Singh said there was a broad agreement between the West Bengal Government and GJM on the demands of the later.
"After that a few additional issues have been raised. GJM wanted the involvement of the Central government in respect to the package. We will get involved only if and after the state government so requests us," he told reporters when asked about the status of the proposed pact.
Singh said the West Bengal government was carrying out internal consultations on the new issues raised by the GJM.
"When they (state government) come to us, we will decide," he said.
Official sources said the GJM has requested the Home Ministry to convene a tripartite meeting to discuss the issues concerning the proposed agreement as it wants a review of certain provisions of it.
The GJM has been insisting inclusion of more areas in the proposed Gorkhaland Autonomous Authority (GAA) than what the existing Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council have i.E. Only three subdivisions in Darjeeling.
The GJM wants that other areas such as Mal, Matiali, Nagrakata, Phansidewa and Birpara in Dooars should also come under the proposed GAA.
The divesting of certain legislative powers to the GAA is another contentious issue. None of the bodies such as the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council have such wide-ranging powers which are being proposed by the GJM.
The proposed agreement includes holding direct elections to the proposed GAA and vesting it with certain legislative, executive, administrative and financial powers.
Sources said the Centre was not going to accede any "unconstitutional" demands even though West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was in a hurry to resolve the Gorkhaland issue quickly.
Since its inception in 2007, the GJM has been fighting for a separate state that includes Siliguri sub-division of Darjeeling district in the plains and contiguous areas in neighbouring Jalpaiguri district.
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