Darjeeling unrest: After Rajnath Singh’s appeal, GJM asks its youth wing to call off indefinite fast

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) today asked its youth wing to call off the 25-day-old indefinite hunger strike over separate Gorkhaland demand following an appeal by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The indefinite shutdown, which entered its 61st day today, will, however, continue in the hills. GJM supremo Bimal Gurung in a statement said, “Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday held a meeting with GJM leaders as well as some of the representatives of GMCC (in Delhi). The members of the delegation, especially the GJM gave their viewpoint that nothing short of creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland can help the people of the Darjeeling hills, Dooars and Terai achieve their dreams.

“Given that tomorrow is Independence day, I am also of view that the home minister’s appeal should be respected and the hunger strike by Yuva Morcha should be withdrawn as the first step to achieving our goal of Gorkhaland. I therefore direct the Yuva Morcha to call off the hunger strike on the eve of Independence day,” he said. Twelve GJM youth wing activists started the fast-unto- death at Kurseong, Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Sonada on July 21, over the Gorkhaland demand.

A senior Darjeeling district official said that doctors have …read more