Darjeeling, July 27 -- Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) President Bimal Gurung is scheduled to meet Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari in Kolkata on Tuesday. Gurung departed for Kolkata on Monday for the meeting. Meanwhile, political and apolitical outfits of the Hills and surrounding areas commemorated Saheed Diwas on Monday.
"With the BJP government in both the Centre and the state, we are optimistic that the Gorkhas will definitely benefit. On Tuesday (July 28), I will be meeting Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. I will raise issues including the ongoing ration card controversy, problems faced by drivers, unemployment, and the concerns of tea garden and cinchona plantation workers," stated the GJM President. He also said it is time for the BJP to fulfil the expectations of the Gorkha community, which, he claimed, had supported the party since 2009.
Meanwhile, political outfits including the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) and GJM, as well as apolitical organisations, observed Saheed Diwas throughout the Hills and the plains.
Incidentally, the Hills commemorate Martyrs' Day on July 27 every year in memory of more than 1,200 people who laid down their lives in all the Gorkhaland agitations since the 1980s. The day, in particular, honours the 18 people who died in police firing on July 27, 1986, when GNLF supporters had gathered in Kalimpong to burn Article 7 of the 1950 Indo-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty during the GNLF-led 28-month-long agitation of the 1980s.
The GNLF organised a rally in Darjeeling town with the call for "Gorkhaland".
"Martyrs belong to the entire Gorkha community and their sacrifices should rise above political differences," stated Mann Ghising, President of the GNLF. He urged all political parties to unite for the common cause of Gorkhaland, justice and the protection of the Gorkha identity. "Fulfilling the martyrs' dream will be a true tribute to their supreme sacrifice," he added.
Speaking at a Martyrs' Day programme at the Community Hall in Kurseong New Bazaar, BGPM President Anit Thapa said political parties might have different ideologies, but the martyrs shared one dream and one goal.
He urged all organisations to unite, claiming the present political situation offered the best opportunity to achieve the long-pending demand.
"We have already removed the GTA as an obstacle to Gorkhaland and will now launch a constituency-wise outreach programme to mobilise BGPM workers for the movement. I have fought many battles. The struggle I undertake now for my community will be my final and decisive one," he said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.