“If Telangana is formed, I will hand over GTA and come out in the streets”- Gurung Morcha chief cautions of revolt if Telangana is formed

BIMAL GURUNG 

KNE;Mukes Sharma Kalimpong, January 16: “Neither I belong to any caste, nor do I follow any religion, except Gorkhaland. If Telangana is formed, then I will hand over Gorkhaland Territorial Administration to somebody else and come out in the streets revolting”, stated the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief, Bimal Gurung. Gurung was addressing the closing day of the 5 days long Krishi Mela held at Relli- Pala Missiontar today. 

Elucidating his afore said statement, the Morcha chief urged one and all not to get divided into castes or religions instead, to stand united and work for Gorkhaland. Speaking about the Krishi Mela organized grandly for the past 5 days, Gurung said that it was held with an aim to bring some progress to the farmers of the hills. Highlighting the importance of farming and farmers, the Morcha chief said that if nothing is done for this sector, then one day our forefathers’ heritage will be depleted.

 “The farmers should be prioritized and the sector should be developed. Everybody should be made self reliant”, said Gurung. Further, Gurung pinpointing the oppositions who had declared of initiating agitation within two days challenged them to do so. Denouncing all the comments from adverse factions about the GTA, he said that all of the accusations about it are false and the GTA has been formed keeping in mind the issues of the public. 

“Nobody has done what the GTA has done. Only within 4 months, we have initiated different schemes in the hills which costs up to Rs 600 crores”, advocated Gurung who is also the GTA executive chief. “The oppositions should go to Delhi and hold meetings with the ministers of the Centre, instead of discussing Constitution over table talks in local hotels”, he recommended and added that the Morcha is ever ready to speak for Gorkhaland anytime, anywhere, unlike the oppositions who keep planning in Siliguri only during the winter months.

 Likewise, commenting on the possibility of Telangana formation, Gurung said that the Morcha have made it clear to the Home Ministry that if Telangana is formed, then Gorkhaland should be given top most priority. Gurung informed that mass meetings of the Morcha that will be held at Darjeeling and Kurseong on January 20 and 27, respectively, and similar meeting will also be held at Kalimpong. During these meetings the GJM will chalk out plans and programmes for the next agitation, he notified. 

 “The Home Minister has assured that there will be no need of agitation, however if Gorkhaland is not granted along with Telangana, then the agitation will be dangerous”, declared Gurung. Urging the public to stay united, he said that the West Bengal government wants the people of the hills to be divided. “In the next agitation more people need to dedicate themselves”, he told. 

Finally, the GJM head also announced different beneficial schemes to be laid out in the hills. Foremost, he announced that from this month onwards, Kaman Singh Ramu Damu Old Age Pension of Rs 500/- will be disbursed to the senior citizens above 70 years of age. An Old Age Home for the destitute elders will be constructed at Relli. Loan schemes for the farmers will also be started soon. All the respective constituencies will be developed, he declared. Gurung also notified that Model Primary Schools will be constructed all over the Darjeeling hills. 

Those needy children who are receiving Rs 400 from the WB government for their clothing will now be receiving Rs 900. The extra amount of Rs 500 is added by the GTA. Gurung also informed that from now onwards Board exams will be conducted in class IV. The Primary Schools will be up till class V. Likewise, the Kalimpong MLA, Dr Harka Bahadur Chettri said that the Krishi Mela aims to encourage the farmers. 

He advised the farmers to always use high quality seeds and saplings. Similarly, speaking about Telangana, he said that if it is formed then the Morcha shall not stay put. The day also had the presence of GTA deputy chief, Col Ramesh Allay, Kalimpong Municipality president, LB Pariyar, vice president, Ganga Maya Gurung, most of the GTA sabhasads, ward councilors and large number of public. Various cultural programmes were also put up during the closing of the Mela.