The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Monday threatened to intensify its movement for Gorkhaland if the Centre did not agree to talks.
Prakash Gurung, president of the GJM youth wing, told journalists that party supporters may resort to an indefinite hunger strike and even self-immolation if needed.
Meanwhile, the GJM’s three MLAs met Governor Keshari Nath Triptahi during the day. Darjeeling MLA Amar Singh Rai said the Governor expressed his concern at the suffering the people were subjected to. “He urged us try to resolve the issue by sitting across the table.”
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The Darjeeling MLA told the Governor that the GJM was ready to hold talks with the Centre.
The development comes in the wake of the Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya making it clear once again that the BJP did not support the GJM’s demand for a separate State. “I do not support the creation of Gorkhaland,” he had said on Sunday. “But I am all for the development of the Gorkha people and their culture and heritage.”
During the day, the Muslim community in the hills were allowed to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. The hills have been witness to an indefinite shutdown since June 15.
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Meanwhile, counter rallies were taken out in Siliguri, the foothills of Darjeeling, opposing the creation of Gorkhaland. The protesters attacked a few hill-bound cars.