Sir — This refers to the editorial, “An open and bandh case” (September 28). The intervention of Union Minister for Home Affairs, Rajnath Singh, to call off of the protracted bandh in Darjeeling, is a welcome step for the people of the hills, who were the most affected as normal life was affected due to the prolonged crisis.
However, the demand for a separate Gorkhaland merits attention and a patient hearing from all parties concerned. Even though statehood may not be an option, keeping in mind the development of the North-East, especially in light of the ‘look East’ policy, the demand for a ‘Gorkhaland’ should be in the minds of our policy-makers.
Nevertheless, one hopes that instead of resorting to bandhs and hartals, agitators take recourse to discourse as a means of getting their genuine concerns heard.
