GJM delegation meets PM Narendra Modi, discusses Gorkhaland demand

NEW DELHI: A delegation of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and sought setting up of a committee that would look into the demand for creation of separate Gorkhaland.

The delegation was led by BJP's Lok Sabha MP from Darjeeling S S Ahluwalia.

"The delegation discussed various aspects relating to their demands with the Prime Minister and requested him to consider them sympathetically," a PMO statement said.

Sources in the delegation said members of the GJM, which has alliance with BJP, pointed out to the Prime Minister that the issue of separate Gorkhaland was mentioned in the BJP's manifesto for Lok Sabha polls last year.

They said a committee should be set up to look into the demand for separate Gorkhaland, the sources said.

The Prime Minister told the delegation that BJP is the only party that thinks about the welfare of the gorkhas, the GJM sources said, adding they were hopeful.

The delegation also sought ST status for 11 gorkha communities.