Gorkha group in Delhi, suspends Darjeeling bandh

FOR ALL: GJM leaders says Gorkhaland would not be just for Gorkhas, but others as well.

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New Delhi: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has suspended its indefinite bandh in Darjeeling till July 5. The decision came even as top leaders of the GJM are in New Delhi to try and press their demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.

On Tuesday, the GJM leaders and supporters held a protest rally at Jantar Mantar.

Gorkha leaders are also trying to meet leaders of various political parties to drum up support for Gorkhaland. They say Gorkhaland would not be just for Gorkhas, but others as well.

"We are trying to build a consensus. Gorkhaland is not only for the Gorkha's because the area we are trying to explain to the government comprise of Darjeeling district, Siliguri and Dooars would have not only the Gorkhas but also people from all other communities. So what we are trying to tell them is that Gorkhaland is in favour of all the communities," a Gorkha leader says.

Reacting to the GJM's demand, Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal lobbed the ball in the state government’s court.

"Let a proposal on talks come from the state government first, then we will think about the issue. We have to wait till then," Jaiswal says.

A meeting with Home Ministry officials is also scheduled later on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a Central team led by the Home and Defence Secretaries is touring Sikkim to discuss emergency supply of essential items to the state.

Sikkim is facing severe supply shortages because of the blockade of the crucial NH-31 by Gorkha agitators in Darjeeling.