Surjya Kanta puts conditions for Gorkhaland Territorial Administration(GTA)

Insisting that the Opposition Left Front wants a peaceful solution to the on-going turmoil in the Darjeeling Hills over inclusion of areas under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Leader of Opposition Surjya Kanta Mishra today put forward three conditions. “We want the GTA to function within the three Hill sub-divisions ~ Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong. Secondly, we will oppose tooth and nail if there is any move to compromise the territorial integrity of the state and will never support something called Gorkhaland. And finally, we think that the controversies over inclusion of new areas should be avoided, respect the feelings of indigenous tribes and people living especially in the foothills. We have always favoured maximum possible autonomy to the GTA, provided our conditions are fulfilled,” said Dr Mishra. “If the chief minister's touring of the Hills ensures peace, then there is no problem. But, this present lull in violence is an indication for lasting peace or that of an even bigger outburst of violence, is yet to be proved. The onus of maintaining the peace in the Darjeeling Hills lies with the Centre, state government and the GJMM," added Dr Mishra. 

statesman news service