Next all-party meeting on Darjeeling November 21

Kolkata: Throwing a challenge to elusive GJM chief Bimal Gurung, chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the next all-party meeting to restore peace in Darjeeling will be held in November in Pintail village where the GTA agreement was signed in presence of them and the then Union home minister P. Chidambaram six years ago. Giving details on the outcome of Monday’s meeting she said, “Today’s meeting was very good and positive. The next meeting will be held at 4 pm on November 21. We will do unitedly whatever we need to do to restore peace in Darjeeling. Everybody is united. They want normalcy and peace. We will provide compensation of some deceased which they demanded to us.” Ms Banerjee added,

“The workers who could not join their job in last three months would not face break-up of service once they rejoin because it was their another request to us and which we considered. We will examine the demands of the GTA. None of the hill parties wants violence. They want peace and development in Darjeeling. Any good suggestion for a permanent solution is welcome. Our government will look into it.” At the meeting, two expelled GJM leaders Binay Tamang and Anit Thapa were present along with three GJM MLAs: Amar Rai of Darjeeling, Rohit Sharma of Kurseong and Sarita Rai of Kalimpong who were once known for their close association with Mr Gurung. The presence of three GJM MLAs in the meeting is seen as a further crack within the hill party.