Urging rival political groups to maintain peace in the bandh-hit Terai-Dooars region, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said the decision on inclusion of Terai and Dooars in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration would be taken as per the GTA agreement.
“We always look for peace in the hills, Terai and Dooars. People of Terai and Dooars have their say. But everything will be done as per the GTA agreement and the recommendation of the high power committee formed as per provision in the agreement”, Ms. Banerjee said here in a statement.
The Chief Minister’s appeal urging the leadership of the pro and anti bandh factions to maintain peace and harmony in the Terai-Dooars region of North Bengal came in the wake of an indefinite strike called by pro-GJM faction of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad in the Terai-Dooars region from Monday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Citing conflicting opinion among two different groups in the Terai and Dooars region as the reason behind this problem, Ms. Banerjee said, “The GTA agreement has already been done. A committee has also been formed as per the agreement to settle various issues including inclusion of some areas. Everything will be done as per agreement.”
“We have deferred the GTA election to June responding to the request of the GJM. The committee set up as per rules of the GTA agreement is an independent one. It must give its report to help resolve the issue”, Ms. Banerjee said.
“I appeal to the leadership of both sides to maintain peace and harmony, refrain from clashes and maintain law and order in the Terai-Dooars region”, Ms. Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Trouble erupted this morning when supporters of John Barla-led pro-GJM faction clashed with the locals owing allegiance to rival Akhil Bharatiya Vikas Parishad at Banarhat in Jalpaiguri district following which the police had to fire in the air to disperse the warring mobs.
Incidents of clashes and stone-throwing were also reported from Odlabari where two persons were injured.
Ms. Banerjee also said that no political parties or groups would be allowed to take out processions or hold meetings until peace was restored.
“No party should be allowed to exploit the situation for political gains. We won’t allow anyone to vitiate the atmosphere and spread canard”, Ms. Banerjee said.
The Chief Minister sought cooperation from the media and urged them not to distort or deviate her statement as “any distortion or deviation in any sensitive issue could even cause a riot”.
“Media has a major role to play. Don’t exaggerate or make politics on any issue”, she urged.