While the whole of the Darjeeling hills
is boiling in rage in the wake of the rape of a three-year-old girl in
Teesta Bazaar, Kalimpong MLA Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri today commented
on the grave crime while adding anti-social activities in hills have
increased ever since opposition parties have made inroads in the region.
Chettri’s statement came as a shocker
with many people accusing him of exploiting the unfortunate incident to
hit out at his political rivals.
“With opposition parties in the hills
launching their various programmes, undemocratic and anti-social
elements have become more active here,” opined Chettri.
Speaking to media persons in Kalimpong,
Chettri tried to steer the GJM clear off the incident and accused rivals
of providing asylum to the criminals. He said, “Anti-socials are active
everywhere, but as the activities of opposition parties have increased
in the hills, more of undemocratic incidents have began cropping up in
the hills compared to a democratic atmosphere.”
He said anti-social elements are joining
rival parities as their ardent supporters and the opposition must be
held responsible for the recurrence of crimes. The GJM spokesperson
added rival parties are encouraging anti-social elements by awarding
them party membership just to increase their support base.
Chettri leveled similar charges against
rival parties on the case of contraband usage reported a few days ago.
He alleged drug addicts themselves registered a police complaint against
some people accusing them of using banned drugs with discreet support
of opposition parties. “They (anti-socials) should not be encouraged by
describing them as members of a political party. If this happens, our
society will get ruined,” said Chettri.
Speaking on the issue of government
formation after the elections, Chettri said the possibility of Mamata
Banerjee and Narendra Modi joining hands at the Centre is bleak.
According to him, only a few days ago Modi stressed the BJP has no
expectation of getting any support from the TMC. He added that even if
the BJP and the TMC tie up to form the government at the Centre, the GJM
will be least bothered with the development. The GJM will move ahead
holding fast to Modi’s assurance of remaining always in favour of the
Gorkha community.(EOIC)