GJM told to hold talks with Bengal govt on Gorkhaland

NEW DELHI,3June: Union home ministry on Thursday advised the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) to hold talks with the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, and find a common ground on their demand for a separate state Gorkhaland, ahead of a tripartite meeting with the Centre.

GJM leaders are slated to discuss their demands with the Bengal government on June 6.

After the meeting with home minister P Chidambaram, GJM chief Bimal Gurung said the Bengal government has given them hope to find an amicable solution. He said, "We will talk to the chief minister. We don't want to put the new government under pressure."
GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said they were very hopeful that Gorkhaland demand would be taken seriously. He said, "We want the new government to settle down. There is no rush."

Sources said the next meeting will deliberate on the possibility of setting up of the proposed Darjeeling Regional Authority, comprising the district of Darjeeling and adjoining areas.

GJM has been demanding a separate state, which includes Siliguri sub-division of Darjeeling district in the plains and contiguous areas in neighbouring Jalpaiguri district.....TOI