Darjeeling Hills goes uncontest -virtually making free run for Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)

The Hills may be bracing for civic polls but it seems it would go uncontested virtually making it a free run for Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). After Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief Subhas Ghising said on Sunday that his party will not contest the civic polls as he considered it to be “illegal”, almost all the othere parties — CPM, AIGL and CRPM — have announced boycotting the polls claiming there is no democracy in Darjeeling hills.

“The AIGL has decided not to take part in the civic elections. We are living under constant threat. Moreover, we do not see any kind of democracy in Darjeeling. We have been threatened of dire consequences, if we fielded our candidates in the election,” said a senior AIGL leader.

According to the party leaders, son of Madan Tamang, the slain AIGL leader, has received threat through SMSes, warning him against travelling to Darjeeling. Sanjog Tamanag, son of late Madan Tamang has been threatened against travelling to Darjeeling or lest he will be killed. We have lodged a complaint with the Darjeeling police station. He is currently in Siliguri and we have demanded security for him,” the AIGL leader added. 

Former minister and senior CPM leader Ashok Bhattacharya has also said that his party will boycott the elections as they consider it to be “undemocratic”. The same footsteps have been followed by the CPRM and All India Gorkha League.

Another outfit, CPRM, too has decided to keep themselves away from the polls. “There is no point in contesting the election. The GJM has already started their election campaign with arms. The threat perception in the area is very high and the people are under fear psychosis,” said CPRM secretary Gobon Chhetri.  

“After Mamata Banerjee came to power, situation has worsened as Mamata and GJM have jointly conspired to suppress the Gorkhaland movement,” Chhetri added.

Elections in Darjeeling district will be held on December 11. The counting of votes will take place on December 13.  

Source- Express news service