Now, GJM seeks peace talks with West Bengal govt., Centre

This is the first time that the GJM, spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland, expressed its willingness to hold talks with the State government along with the Centre.

GJM supporters hold placards and raise slogans during a protest at Milan More, in Siliguri.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leadership on Monday urged both the Centre and the West Bengal government to initiate dialogue to restore peace in the Darjeeling hills as well as the Terai and Dooar regions.

GJM joint secretary Binay Tamang in statement said that the “responsibility of ensuring peace” in Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars was not only of the residents of these areas but also of the Centre and the state government.

“We therefore request the governments to initiate talks at the earliest so that peace can be restored in our region at the earliest,” said Mr. Tamang. He has not attached any condition for talks.

He also refuted reports in the vernacular press which claimed that the GJM was in touch with insurgent groups from northeast India and Maoists in Nepal, and accused the concerned media houses of “rumour mongering.” The development comes a day after several GJM leaderswere booked under the UAPA in two cases in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.