GJM-LD TALKS 2 LAST

Noting that the GJM had indicated that it would like
the next round of talks to be held at political level within
45 days, Pillai said it would be placed before the respective
governments, "and we will revert to GJM by 45 days".
Asked if the government had accepted the formation of
Gorkhaland, he reiterated, "We have indicated, all of you are
aware, that there is no political consensus as of today."
Asked if Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC), set up
in 1988, would continue to function, he said "In the last
tripartite meeting on August 11, it was agreed to abolish DGHC
and work for an alternative framework in Darjeeling."
Neither the GJM nor the West Bengal government, he
said, had finalised their views on an interim arrangement in
the case of abolition of the DGHC, but the Centre had a
proposal which was not placed at the tripartite talks.
He said since the discussion was only on formation of
a state and the legal and political requirements before it
could be formed, "We did not place it. We will place it at the
appropriate time."
Asked if Union territory status for Darjeeling was
discussed, Pillai said "No, such thing was not discussed.
GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, who led a 16-member
delegation, said "We are happy that at today's meeting only
Gorkhaland was discussed and we have made out position clear
that only creation of Gorkhaland will solve the problem."
He announced that the agitation in the hills was being
relaxed till December 25 in view of Christmas.
"The agitation will be relaxed till December 25, but
will resume from next day and hunger-strike will restart on
December 27 in which students will take part."
Asserting that he was ready to sacrifice his life for
Gorkhaland, GJM chief Bimal Gurung told a huge rally after the
talks that the Gorkhas no longer wished to live under the
'colonial rule' of West Bengal. "We are happy that talks were
held only on Gorkhaland." PTI PKC
ANU


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