Gorkhaland statehood: Yet another separate statehood demand brewing up in West Bengal

SILIGURI: Besides three separate statehood demands prevailing in northern part of West Bengal, one more is surfacing up to erupt with a bang. Announced re-launch of movement for Gorkhaland statehood, ignited by the recent Telengana development, seems to have fueled up this latest version of demand asking for a separate statehood comprising six north Bengal districts.

This time, it is not spearheaded by any single body, but a conglomeration of eighteen different organizations including few naxalite factions those are joining hands with the same demand. "The platform was first conceptualized in 2009 by few organizations including Kamtapur people's party that had been demanding separate Kamtapur statehood since long. We remained in low key for long. But finally we have decided to surface and give it a firm shape," said Mr. Sridhar Mukherjee, convener of the forum that has been named as Separate Sate Demand Forum (SSDF).

"Over 18 organizations under the forum have decided to finalize its course of action on the next 10 thFebruary 2013. This will be followed by a convention to decide name of the state we are demanding," said Mr. Mukherjee.

"Gorkha Janamukti Morcha has decided to re-launch its movement for separate Gorkhaland statehood following recent development over Telengana issue. We respect Gorkhaland demand. But the movement could bring no benefit for the common mass so far.

We are calling all other separate statehood demanding bodies including GJM to join hands with us. As a matter of fact, all these statehood demands are against colonial attitude of so called political powers on north Bengal and its people. So, let us fight together on common cause," he added.

North Bengal is already shattered with many separate statehood movements like demand of Gorkhaland in Darjeeling hills, Kamtapur in Darjeeling district plains, Jalpaiguri or Coochbehar and Greater Coochbehar in Coochbehar district. In addition, there is a demand of separate Tribal Territorial Administration with the strength of district development Board for tribal community dominated tea belt in foothills. Now upraise of SSDF is additional worry for the administration and state home department- accepted senior administrative officials.

But, being supported by many organizations backed by ethnic communities or minority communities, SSDF hosts enough potential to gain bold presence in north Bengal soil in short time- feel the political analysts.