Roshan Giri leads GJM delegation to Mintokgang to thank CM

ANAND OBEROI
GANGTOK: A senior-level Gorkha Janmukti Morcha delegation, led by its general secretary, Roshan Giri, called on Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at his official residence, Mintokgang, Thursday afternoon. They were here to personally thank the CM for his contribution to the cause of Gorkhaland by passing a Government Resolution in support of the demand for statehood and also to invite him to Darjeeling for a felicitation being planned for him by the people and leaders there.
“We have come here to thank the CM on behalf of the people of Darjeeling for the exemplary and honourable gesture of passing the historic resolution in favour of Gorkhaland in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. The government of Sikkim has done what the West Bengal Government can never do and serves as an example for them to follow suit since our demand is legitimate and constitutional. The government of India has to understand this,” stated Mr. Giri while speaking to the media as he emerged from the 40-minute meeting with Mr. Chamling.

Accompanying the GJM general secretary were Dawa Lama, the GJM central committee treasurer and LB Pariyar and Amar Singh Rai, both members of the party’s Study Forum.  
Mr. Giri informed that the people of Darjeeling will be felicitating the CM in a grand function to be organized after the elections in West Bengal.
“The date has not been fixed yet, but we will announce it soon. We have come to personally invite him and he has assured us that he will grace the occasion,” said Mr. Giri.
It was also informed that the GJM delegation, on behalf of its leadership, had also handed over an official document thanking the Chief Minister regarding the passing of the resolution.
“The response from the CM has been exceptional. He has said clearly that the demand for Gorkhaland is a legitimate demand and should be fulfilled. This gesture has brought so much happiness to the people of Darjeeling who have throughout waited for such a show of solidarity from Sikkim,” expressed Mr. Giri today.
It was stressed that the positive response of the CM and his government had further strengthened relations between the two neighbours.
Answering queries on the elections in West Bengal, Mr. Giri informed that the GJM was contesting elections from four seats and supporting three candidates of other parties in other areas. “We are working to make a strong representation in the West Bengal Assembly so that our demand is heard loud and clear. We are targeting seven to eight seats”, he said.
Further, on the Sikkim bandh called for 04 and 05 April by the ruling party here, the GJM general secretary said, “It is for valid demands”.
Speaking on statements made by anti-Gorkhaland organisations in West Bengal and some leaders there, including Ashok Bhattacharya, on the Sikkim Resolution , he stated, “These are all communal agencies and don’t know what they are saying or standing for. And Ashok Bhattacharya, before raising the question of the identity of the CM of Sikkim, should first question the members of these organisations and ask from which country they belong and confirm their nationality  first?” he countered.
While further thanking the people of Sikkim on their decision to ‘stand by their brothers’, he also thanked the various organisations and forums which had raised the issue in the state.
Lastly, he concluded by stating that the other states with Nepali-speaking citizens and Gorkhas should also take the example of Sikkim and ‘contribute’ to the demand for Gorkhaland in a bigger and united manner.