GJM office torched, party says no invitation for talks

Darjeeling: A Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) office was set ablaze by unidentified persons here on Thursday, while the party claimed it had not received any formal invitation from the West Bengal government for talks as the indefinite strike in the hills entered its 57th day.

Petrol bombs were hurled at the GJM office in the early hours, the police said, adding that the entire office was gutted. This was the first instance of a GJM office being attacked since the party called the indefinite shutdown in the Darjeeling hills. The GJM leadership accused the police and district administration of attacking its office. The police, however, denied the allegation.

Meanwhile, in a statement, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said, “During the last one week, (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee has announced only at public meetings and to the media that she is open to discussions to resolve the impasse.

He alleged that this was nothing but an “eyewash” as “no formal communication (in this regard) has reached the GJM”. “It seems that she (Banerjee) is misleading not only the GJM but the entire population of Bengal. It shows that she is not sincere and honest in her statements, acts and deeds and is reluctant to find out an amicable solution (to the crisis). She is rather trying to camouflage the scenario with a double standard strategy,” alleged Giri.

His comments came in the backdrop of Banerjee, earlier this week, urging the hill parties to shun violence and come to the discussion table. “The GJM still feels that the long-pending issues of the Gorkhas should be attended to without further delay by both the state and central governments,” said Mr Giri. Asked by PTI if the GJM was ready for talks with the state government, he said, “Only party supremo Bimal Gurung can answer your question.”