Jan Aawaz, an apolitical organisation,
has come up with a manifesto comprising 19 points, which will be its
measuring tool to extend support in the upcoming general elections. In a
press conference held here today, Jan Aawaz secretary Munish Tamang
said whoever addresses our issues in its manifesto during the campaign
will bag our support. He said the move was mooted none of the LS
candidates from Darjeeling, could provide a satisfying answer to the two
queries: one on scrapping the GTA; and other on the formation of
Gorkhaland, that Jan Awaz had placed before them.
Tamang said, “Our aim is an annulment of
the GTA, but no candidate cleared his stand on this, nor has anything
been said in the manifestos. Unless the GTA is scrapped, struggle for
Gorkhaland is impossible.”
Gorkhaland is the first agenda in Jan
Aawaz’s manifesto while the others include repealing of GTA, land pattas
for plantation workers in hills and plains, special financial packages
for DHR and tea garden workers, establishment of film city, IT parks,
horticultural university and research centre, primary and sub health
centres and reconstruction of the Hill Cart Road, among others.
Tamang stated the organisation wants the
agendas pointed out by it to be taken up by the LS candidates during
their campaigning. “Whoever addresses our agendas, we will support him
in the elections.” (EOIC)