CPRM team back after Gorkhaland debate in Jadavpur University

A CPRM team that had been to Kolkata to participate in an interactive debate on the topic ‘Gorkhaland and National Identity Question’ organised by the All India Students’ Association of Jadavpur University, returned to Kalimpong today. Seen in high spirits, they said people from other communities discussed actively about the identity problem of the Gorkhas. The CPRM team believes that a positive atmosphere towards the Gorkhaland issue can be built among people of other communities.

CPRM youth leader Arun Ghatani, who was among the participants, said, “Even non-Gorkha students shouted ‘Jai Gorkha, Jai Gorkhaland’ after the programme concluded.”

The CPRM’s Arun Ghatani and Kishor Pradhan from CPRM, Gorkhaland Task Force’s R Moktan, CPI (ML) labour wing leader Basudev Basu and Jadavpur University Professor Kunal Chatterjee were among the speakers at the interactive programme. Many JU students from Darjeeling and the Dooars were present along with many others from various communities.

Youth Front president Ghatani said when the state government is trying to crush the statehood movement with all its force, discussions about Gorkhaland at Jadavpur University is a matter of pride and encouragement for the hills.

 “The interactive programme has helped those from other communities to understand the demand for Gorkhaland is not a chauvinistic one,” asserted Ghatani.

He also said intellectuals of Leftist bent have extended their support to the Gorkhaland demand on the basis of Lenin’s ‘Theory of Right to Self Determination’.

The youth leader added Gorkha students studying in JU have expressed their dissatisfaction with the compromising attitude of the leadership in the hills.

“The students opined that it is due to a lack of determination and sacrifice among the leadership that Gorkhaland hasn’t been formed yet. They complained of a compromising attitude, lack of unity among parties and the GJM’s programmes held outside the purview of the GJAC,” informed Ghatani.(EOI)