Darjeeling political scenario over Gorkhaland statehood demand is getting complicated

SILIGURI: Political scenario of Darjeeling hills, at present under indefinite bandh in old demand of separate statehood spearheaded by GorkhaJanamuktiMorcha( GJM) and refueled by Telengana development, is gradually taking complicated turn.

Following initiation of indefinite period bandh from Saturday morning, many government properties including a police outpost at Pokhriabong in Sukhiapokhri area, tourist lodge in Takdah or rest house of PWD at Mirik were torched.

Shops, banks, private establishments, markets, hotels, all are closed. Though officially cinchona and tea plantations are out bandh purview, "Without any vehicles running, we cannot get essentials in or our productions out," said a planter.

Vehicles to and from Sikkim through its life line NH31A that runs over Darjeeling hills are also not free from fear as one of them was set ablaze yesterday.

Despite strong message of Darjeeling District Magistrate Mr. S Mohan to all to attend offices, practically inside of all offices remained deserted even today but with heavy gathering of picketers outside.

A GJM activist Mangal Singh Rajput, who attempted self-immolation succumbed on Saturday giving fresh blood to the movement."This death took place because of insincere hearing of the Centre and the State to our Statehood demand," said Benoy Tamang, GJM assistant general secretary.

To give the movement a moral boost, large number of Gorkha ex-servicemen have decided to surrender their medals.

According to administrative officials, top home department officials are likely to visit Darjeeling soon to assess the situation.

While GJM President Mr. BimalGurung is leading the activities in Darjeeling, Mr. RoshanGiri, GJM General Secretary is leading a delegation in Delhi. "Now we do not have anything to discuss with West Bengal state Government. We are meeting top leaders of different sides at Delhi to make them aware of the situation here," said GJMthinktank Dr. H B Chetri.

As learnt, the team could so far meet top BJP leader Mr. Jaswant Singh or Mr. Rajnath Singh or Union Home Minister Mr. S K Shinde. But none could give any hope of formation of Gorkhaland state like Telengana. The team could not have appointment of Mrs. Sonia Gandhi or Mr. Rahul Gandhi.

TMC parliamentary party leader Sudip Bandyopadhyaysaid to media, "Telengana is an area of 17 MPs but Darjeeling has only three MLAs. Naturally the issues are different. West Bengal state Government will remain strong against any split of the state." As a reflection of that at ground level, while old police case files relating to GJM leaders are likely to be reopened, passport of many of them also may also be locked.

However, the situation is practically heading towards a political deadlock. "Out of fear psychosis, common people are not expressing their resentment against this bandh. But this will not continue for long and the bandh may get fizzled out. On the other side, Government is also apparently going harder against GJM. Naturally, pressurized from both sides now, GJM must have something from Delhi that can give it an avenue to withdraw the bandh and save own existence," said political observers.