Rumblings about Gorkhaland in Darjeeling again

PTI | 12:07 PM,Jul 07,2011:  Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said on the day of the signing of the bipartite agreement that the Darjeeling problem had been settled as pledged by her before before the May assembly elections. About the 'magic formula' that clinched the agreement, Banerjee had then said, "It is our heart and good intention.The magic formula for reaching this agreement is development." Gurung said, "Gorkhaland will also include 196 moujas of the Terai and Dooars region. This is why we have proposed inclusion of these moujas in the proposed interim council to Mamatadi." He, however, has expressed confidence in the new state government headed and GJM's decision to co-operate for the well-being of Darjeeling. Asked about the development, Minister for North Bengal Development Gautam Deb, said that the entire subject was being directly looked after by the chief minister. Adibasi Vikash Parishad President John Barla, however, said, "not an inch of the Terai and Dooars will be allowed to be included in the interim council. We are fighting for inclusion of the region under the Sixth Schedule." Barla said that an AVP delegation would soon meet the chief minister and demand inclusion of Terai and Dooars under the Sixth Schedule. The demand for Sixth Schedule status for the hills was originally raised by GNLF supremo Subhas Ghising, who had once ruled the hills with an iron hand till be was ousted by the GJM in 2008. After his ouster, the GJM had shelved the demand. PTI COR PC PR.