The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) have been demonstrating protest in the hills from past few days. The protest originally began as, Mamata Banerjee led government had made an announcement, making Bengali a compulsory subject for all. The protest further gained momentum when GJM took out rallies and leading a shut down in the region.
Looking at the prevailing political condition in the hills and protest against he Banerjee government, GJM is now demanding for a separate state of Gorkhaland.
The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), formed by the late leader Subhash Ghisingh, had led a violent movement for Gorkhaland in the eighties, following which the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) was formed. Following some difference amongst the party members, Bimal Gurung broke away from the GNLF and formed the GJM in 2007 and subsequently emerged as the dominant force in the hills.
In spite of GJM and GNLF being enemies, keeping aside the differences and for the welfare of the people, GNLF broke its alliance with the ruling TMC and has joined hands with GJM, demanding for separate Gorkhaland.
Neraaj Zimba, spokesperson of the GNLF, in his statement to PTI said that, GNLF has been fighting for Gorkhaland, since eighties and the parties ultimate goal is to achieve a separate state of Gorkhaland.
Commenting on the drama being created for GNLF joining hands with GJM, Senior GNLF leader N B Chetri said, The TMC on several occasions had joined hands with the BJP and the Congress. Why so many questions are being raised over GJM and GNLF uniting.
The demand for Gorkhaland also gained momentum after six other hill parties extended their support to it unanimously.
GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said, “It’s not about the GJM or the GNLF. If you talk to any resident of the hills, that person will say they want Gorkhaland. So you need to respect the wish of the masses.”
Criticising the decision of GNLF joining hands with GJM Senior TMC minister Gautam Deb said that, “They are opportunists. When they could not fight the GJM on their own, they wanted to get into an alliance with us. Now they are joining hands with the GJM, the people of the hills will give them a befitting reply in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) elections.”