In an apparent indication that Tuesday’s talks held between the State Government and major political parties of Darjeeling could help the ice melt in the mountains, Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, “The dialogue was held in congenial atmosphere,” opening doors for future talks that would help resolve the vexed issue of Gorkhaland.
“We were not in talking terms. It is good that at least talks have resumed which is a very important step towards solving the problem,” the Chief Minister said adding the next round of talks would be held at Uttar Kanya the State’s administrative headquarters situated at Siliguri in North Bengal.
Darjeeling had for the past three months seen indefinite strike, violence, arson and blasts that threw normal life out of gear.
Earlier, four parties from Darjeeling, including Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Gorkha National liberation Front, Jan Andolan Party joined the talks held at Nabanna the State seat of power in Kolkata.
The Chief Minister who chaired the meeting reportedly made it clear that her Government was ready to discuss everything from power sharing, development, save a separate State of Gorkhaland.
“Certain proposals have been made by the Government that includes lifting of the indefinite bandh in Darjeeling” before talks could be held in a better atmosphere, GJM leader Benay Tamang who led his party’s five-member team to Kolkata said adding “We will discuss the Government’s proposal after returning to Darjeeling and take a decision accordingly.
Incidentally the talks being held in a congenial atmosphere notwithstanding, a large pro-Gorkhaland rally of GJM Mahila Morcha tended to queer the dialogue pitch. This, amidst suggestions thatfissures had started to appear in the largest Hill outfit with seniorGJM Chief Bimal Gurung and his senior colleague Benay Tamang singingdifferent tunes.
Inside sources said that Tamang was in support of lifting the bandhcontinuing for the past about 80 days causing great hardship to thelocal people and hurting the tourism and tea industry whereas Gurungwas in favour of joining the talks with the bandh on.