Morcha changes plan, gets ready for talks – for Gorkhaland and Chattrey Subba
Posted by barunroy on April 26, 2008
Darjeeling, April 25: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has said it will hold rallies in Siliguri anytime between April 28 and 30, despite the Bengal government making it clear that no permission would be granted for such a programme.
The Morcha has, however, scrapped its earlier plan of a public meeting at Baghajatin Park in Siliguri on Sunday.
Today’s announcement comes a day after party president Bimal Gurung had said in Birpara that the Morcha would stick to its April 27 programme in Baghajatin Park. Observers said the change in stand has been done to keep an avenue for talks open with home secretary Asok Mohan Chakrabarti. [Inset: CPRM members, who were on hunger strike demanding Gorkhaland and the speedy trial of Chattrey Subba, break their fast after two days in Kalimpong. Subba was arrested in 2001 for his alleged role in an assassination bid on GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh the same year. Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha]
“We will be meeting the home secretary in Siliguri tomorrow. We will ask him for permission to hold a rally, which if denied, we will go ahead and hold anytime between Monday and Wednesday,” said Roshan Giri, the Morcha secretary, over the phone from Kalchini where Gurung held his last rally in the Dooars today.
On Wednesday, chief secretary Amit Kiran Deb had said Siliguri was too tense for a rally. Sources in the Writers’ Buildings said the home secretary, too, has made it clear that permission would not be granted.
In another development, all government offices that have been closed for almost 15 days in the Darjeeling hills will be allowed to remain open from April 28 to May 5. The relaxation has been granted keeping in mind “pending work, important in nature” and to allow government employees get their salaries, said Giri.
Government offices usually need a week’s time to prepare the salary statement of employees and get them sanctioned from higher authorities. Tourists planning a joy ride on the toy train could be lucky if they visit Darjeeling during this time.
In Kalchini, Gurung said all vehicles from the Hills, Siliguri and the Dooars should sport new number plates with “GL” (for Gorkhaland) on them from July 7 onwards.
“Vehicles from Darjeeling should have GL-A, while B, C, D and E will be used by those vehicles from Kalimpong, Kurseong, Siliguri and the Dooars respectively,” said Giri.
The announcement is one among the many Morcha projects, which are difficult to implement. Gurung had earlier said 10,001 people would march on foot from Darjeeling to Calcutta from May 7. After a rethink, the party is now mulling taking its rallyists by vehicles.
Residents in Darjeeling are sceptical about the Morcha’s plan to change the registration plates of vehicles, largely because no insurance can be claimed if ever there is a change of number. This is apart from the fact that the vehicle owners might be arrested because the number plates will be considered fakes. [The Telegraph]
insomniacreturns said
Chattrey Subba Sud be Released soon…sooner better…
I believe this magnanimous person sud be freed soon from prison…He was the one who traced back gumpa-loot in kalimpong during Gorkhaland Agitation movement..and He is the same person who had sold his half land (50 acres aprox)to fight for Gorkhaland..
What say?
Frnd of Gorkhali said
Last para of the above posted news vindicated my concern as posted under “BRITISH MAP SHOWING….” yesterday.
Gorkhey Jeep said
Either Bimal Daju and his ‘Yes Men’ in the Central Committee have collectively lost their mind or that they are leading the same path Subash Ghisingh and his merry band of contractor turned councillors did. Changing car registration plates from WB to GL – Has Gorkha Janmukti Morcha taken over the Road Transport and Vehicular Department? Is it possibile for a political leader and his party to issue registration plates? This is not just idiotic but comical – reminscant of what our politicians really are – Idiots!!!
As for the 1000 lot marching on foot to Kolkata, I hope it will have Bimal Gurung, his wife and the leaders of the Central Committee leading from the front.
And what about the Rs. 50 raised from every house in the Hills for Today’s meeting at Baghajatin Park! More than Rs. 25 lakhs were raised from the poor and the rich – is GJM returning the money since the meeting has been postponned or will they be raising another Rs. 50 for the another meeting!!! Where is the money going? Is there anyone keeping account of the money?
qutub_shah said
JUST SHUT YOU !!!!!!!???????????? MR. Gorkhey Jeep,
I DONT KNOW WHERE DO YOU LIVE. BUT IF YOU LIVE IN DARJEELING HILLS. THEN I THINK YOU HAVE CALL YOUR DEATH BY ASKING SUCH QUESTION OPENLY.
ITS THE EMOTION OF THE COMMON MAN LIKE US WHICH THE LEADERS ARE ENCASHING.
qutub_shah said
JUST SHUT YOU !!!!!!!???????????? MR. Gorkhey Jeep,
I DONT KNOW WHERE DO YOU LIVE. BUT IF YOU LIVE IN DARJEELING HILLS. THEN I THINK YOU HAVE CALL YOUR DEATH BY ASKING SUCH QUESTION OPENLY.
ITS THE EMOTION OF THE COMMON MAN LIKE US WHICH THE LEADERS ARE ENCASHING.
Gorkhey Jeep said
But don’t you think that this is wrong. I have been told that even the daily wage earning coolies were asked to cough of 50 rupees and to top it off, teh meeting was postponed. Numerous sub wings of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha have been established which includes the Nari Morcha, Yuva Morcha, Minority Morcha, Rivers Morcha so on and so forth… all these Morchas are raising money…if Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is so transparent and honest ever single penny must be made accountable. and if today at this stage the people’s voice is silenced then i am sure everything that we came out the cheer for during the last four months will be worth nothing.
Gorkhey Jeep said
But don’t you think that this is wrong. I have been told that even the daily wage earning coolies were asked to cough of 50 rupees and to top it off, teh meeting was postponed. Numerous sub wings of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha have been established which includes the Nari Morcha, Yuva Morcha, Minority Morcha, Rivers Morcha so on and so forth… all these Morchas are raising money…if Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is so transparent and honest ever single penny must be made accountable. and if today at this stage the people’s voice is silenced then i am sure everything that we came out the cheer for during the last four months will be worth nothing.
dipa said
Mr. Gorkhey Jeep I wonder where were you and why you were mum during the reign of subash ghishing when he was busy eatting crores of rupee meant for the development of dghc.
I know some of the decision like to change number plate is funny and you may be right about the money thing… but don’t you think that in order to achieve our goal contributing money is a small thing. Considering GJMM is a newly formed party and definitely it must be going through some financial crisis, considering the fact even organized party of state and nation level also collect funds.
One more thing it was not GJMM who changed their plan to have a meeting in siliguri it was the administration who did not give then permission..
the administration did have not gave even to fast inside siliguri sub division last time when GJMM tried.
SO the role of administration in the few days is yet to be seen.
If you support Gorkhaland then it is not the time to dig hole in each other path but to unite together for a common cause irrespective of our party affiliation.
Frnd of Gorkhali said
Why Bimal Daju want to include Siliguri in Gorkhaland?
We can hold a gala meeting in Sukna instead.
Gorkhey Jeep said
Dearest Dipa, of course, I want Gorhaland but you must understand that we Gorkhas will have to learn allow each other to voice their dissent. I am 21 years old and I don’t even know about the agitation that Subash Ghisingh lead and about how and why he cheated everyone. It would have been your call to stop Ghisingh, today it is ours and unlike you we will not blindly follow Bimal Daju just becasue he is dedicted to Gorkhaland. We are also dedicated to Gorkhaland and that is it. We are not dedicated to the leader or the party. We are dedicated to teh people and Gorkhaland.
Bhodrolok said
Ghorkhaland Shorkhaland wat the hell yaar.You guys need a decent leader to begin with, on which there is always a cock up(read S. Ghising n now B. Gurung, ex partners in crime!)I find these guys coming into power through primitive ways.More than half of the well educated and well employed from the hills dont just give a damn.Like most of the sensible youngsters are more concerned with getting admission in good colleges in Kolkata now.It is mostly people who dont have any work or the average half knowledged and presently without a decent job types who r making this whole situation or the party a dignified begging bowl.Go on my younger brethren from the hills.Go to the plains and learn and earn and come back with the proper knowledge to run a state and live in a dignified manner and not live like the two faced leaders that you have.Jai Gorkha! Jai Gorkhaland!
Sonam said
bhodrolok, don’t try to teach us how to run a state and live in a dignified manner, we know how to do that! Why don’t you go and do something for your kith and kin in Nandigram!
dipa said
ok fine you are 21 years of age but have you not heard from your parents and other people wht Ghishing have done…
I dont guess you became 21 and suddenly thought that you wanted Gorkhaland….
And one more thing had it been the reign of Subhash Ghishing and if you have commented against him then you might have not been existed right now..
I am not saying GJMM is all white but all got to say is if you dont support it dont go against it as it is the only party that has led this far and if we keep fighting against each then GOkhaland will only be a dream. No more comment as i dont want to create confusion
Frnd of Gorkhali said
Hey Bhadrolok! Be happy that when Gorkhaland will be formed, no ST candidates will hinder in your job procurement in plains. We will also call back all the Nepali Govt. Servants back to Gorkhaland to serve there.
Frnd of Gorkhali said
Gorkhey Jeep dont utter anything against GJMM or simply you will be barred from entering Gorkhaland.
When Ghising was in power he selfishly enjoyed all the money and power, gave nottthing to Bimal Daju. Now it is Bimal Daju’s turn. He will give nothing to anybody.
pseude said
There you go again – “Dont try to teach us”, “You will be barred”, etc. etc. Hats off to your democratic ways. As for the plan of holding morchas in Siliguri, well it’ll be nothing short of suicide with the Bengali majority bristling to have a showdown.
I came,I saw,Im frustrated!!(Neutral Observer) said
I dont see what Bhodrolok was “trying to teach”.He was just giving a more clear picture of reality.When you people had an ex stone worshipping,jhakri promoting etc etc leader then things were okkaaayyy, but now that he is gone then every dormantly happy chap in the background is a “leader”.Dont try and be so very ‘Intellectually Innocent’.Its the likes of rascals like you all that such a dangerous maniac can pass off as a leader ccoz u people cant say a word when he is in power.Learn from history, DONT REPEAT it.I dont want these brainless goons and overzealous CRPF bashing the hills again just to kill,maim,rape and loot.Be reasonable, not extreme.
Bhodrolok said
Sonam: Definition-Just your regular Darjeeling bum who I think owns a cybercafe or is working in one or has plenty of time to surf and give his hedonistic and severely biased views on what he thinks is a noble cause to justify his one sided view of things.Just the kind o chap I referred to when I said “people who dont have any work or the average half knowledged and presently without a decent job types who r making this whole situation or the party a dignified begging bowl”.
I hate having to indulge in this lowly manner of mudslinging, but I feel hurt when the very people I tend to support on this blog end up saying blunt and stupid things without a thought.
We are aware of what happened in Nandigram and I even participated in a silent procession which took place in Jadavpur University(im not a student) and we wrote a letter of appeal to the Governor to take up the cause of the people afflicted by the violence.There was no party involved in it and we made no fallacious claims or announcements.Please be tolerant if u proclaim to follow ‘Gandhigiri’ like ur Great Leader who got lucky and came to power thanks to a stupid singing contest.
Ms Jyoti Thapa said
Oh Dear, Pseudoo is heading a bristling Bengali majority group ready for a showdown. Why cannot anyone have morchas in Siliguri? Mamatadidi is either lying on the ground, hunger striking or waving jhadoos at Jyoti basu all the time in Kolkata.
dinesh said
ya we are stupid our singer is stupid and you people are only learned and know every thing whatever you say is right and what we say are always wrong
I wonder if you can raise the voice for nandigram then why you could not do the same thing when old 65+ ex service men were demanding Gorkhaland. I dont think these old people were trying to enter siliguri with AK 47 etc to have a war, why people were not allowed to fast in siliguri to show their dissatisfaction.
OK give me one reasons why we cannot have our state
The Right Winger said
Because it would be a better and right idea for Darjeeling Hills to in fact struggle towards the unification with Sikkim instead of a separate state of Gorkhaland which is an injustice to the Lepchas, the Limbus and of course to all the minorities in the Hills and the Dooar Terai. By the way, the validity of the term ‘Gorkhaland’ should be debated over. Lepchas, Limbus, Rais, Bhutias are not Gorkhas. Gorkhas consist of high ranking Hindu castes comprising of the Sharmas, Newars, Chettris and the rest.
hemant said
AND WHAT IF LEPCHAS, LIMBUS, RAIS,BHUTIAS OF DARJEELING DISTRICT AND DOOARS ARE SUPPORTING GORKHALAND ??
The Right Winger said
There are, because they have no other options left. A little bit of true history could make them realize that it would be a right thing to do instead to work unitedly for the unification with Sikkim and if it is a state everyone wants then perhaps ’some other land but Gorkhaland’.
During the Gorkha – Limbu War, around 100,000 Limbus were masacared by the invading Gorkha Army tell that to the Limbus. Tell the Lepchas that they are now a minority in their own motherland. Tell the Rais that they are not actually Gorkhas. Why hide under a lie when you can come out with the truth and make the right choice.
hemant said
even after knowing if they support gorkhaland and if knowingly they feel that they are Gorkha and are willing happy to have a new state Gorkhaland and do not want to merge with sikkim then.
hemant said
Dear right winger / wrong winger if you are not an Indian Gorkha you will not be able to find the true meaning of Indian Gorkha in history books which you are referring now , so i would suggest you please don’t use the old trick to divide and rule.
Jyoti Thapa said
Mr Right Winger I am sorry but you have got yr defn of Gorkhas TOTALLY wrong.
The gorkhas are primarily the tribes of Magars (Thapas, Ales, etc), Gurungs, rais, Limbus, etc.The very first Gorkha regiment was only for Magars and Gurungs. Gorkha history as warriors have been earned by Magars and Gurungs to start with. They were considered the ‘beau ideal’. The Brahmins (with no personal offence meant) got attched to only provide the religious support system to the staunchly-Hindu Gorkha regiments. The chhetris are the Indian-Nepali mixtures who came into Nepal to flee from the invasions of their home.
It is not possible for you to check the all the rolls but if you look into the awardees from 1815 to now, you are likely to find very few Sharmas, etc., but mostly Thapas, Gurungs, Rais, Limbus and the kind.
You are also totally wrong about the Newars. I am putting people into their rightfull slots as per a ‘Gorkha. The Gorkha is more tribe-based and casteless and allottment totally based on who were considered the best warriors. You are getting mixed up with a Nepali caste society and a ‘Gorkha’ society. You should realise that Brahmins and Kshatriyas are creations of a Hindu society. How can any army work on that principle?
pseude said
Mamata Banerjee is mad and we only value her theatrical skills.
pseude said
Hi Jyoti, thought you said you were not returning to this blog..happy to have u back.
Jyoti Thapa said
Dear Pseudoo I am the moment sparring on the maovadi link with a guy who got shot by a Shah bullet as he calls it. Where was the bullet made, I wonder?
Ms Jyoti Thapa said
Bengal is a state where voices of protest or demands have always been encouraged and allowed as a right. Protestors are always given right of way irespective of road jams or train holdups. The Shahid Minar (built in 1825 to commemorate general David Ochterlony’s victory over Nepal, as per the signboard below) is a constant starting point of rallies and red flags. So why are the Gorkhalanders being disallowed from holding their rallies. And if they do so, why are they receiving threats? Or attacked? If anyone does not want to listen to them, then pl sit at home and watch TV but you have to be fair and square.
Frnd of Gorkhali said
What we hav done in Sept,2007 in Siliguri is the main reason that we r not gettin permsn. Still I do not understand why we are hell bent to hold a procession in Siliguri. Siliguri is in no way a Nepali stronghold, most of the people even dont undrstnd Nepali language and we are vying that Siliguri to be included in Gorkhaland. In future another uprising is imminent in the name of ‘Bengali Land’ to be seperated frm Gorkhaland.
Anita Hagelin said
It is with great interest I have read all these comments and everything else which is published on this excellent blog site. I had the great pleasure to visit Darjeeling Hills, Kalimpong and West Sikkim from March 20 to March 31. Exactly the right time when it was calm in the area between bandhas, hunger strikes and other disruptions. What I saw was a beautiful place on earth. I saw poor people with a lot of dignity and of course I also notised that very much has to be done in order to improve the life of the people and to secure the future of the region. However, for me this part of India was a much better place than Dehli, Jaipur, Agra and Kolkata (the other places of India I visited during this first visit to your country). Every day now when I check in on the Gorkhaland news my thoughts are these: What GJMM is doing now is like cutting of your right arm at the same time as you are applying for a job as a surgeon or a dentist. Whom will it benefit? Is there no better way to be found?
Frnd of Gorkhali said
Thank you Ms Anita Hagelin for your observation and timely good advice.
Jyoti Mukhia said
At the Hills the morcha supporters are busy building their base. The people are coerced or forced to join Morcha (Thank God there is no Hatta bahar). Donations are asked. Gurung and his core team is busy in mobilizing the masses at Duars and they have been successful. Kamtapur People’s Party(KPP) is supporting the movement. The critical mass of the movement is being established. The foot rallyiest are welcomed in all of the plcaces they visited which is a welcome gesture from the mass. The critical factor is Siliguri. The Morcha is not been able to establish its foot hold there as it is facing retaliation from the non-neplese community specially Bengalis. Till now the process of revolution is peaceful and as per the aspirations of the masses. The base which Morcha was trying to establish in the hills is almost complete with the Duars in the footline. The siliguri factor is the cliche.
A big question arises how will Morcha proceed further? Will Governemt lend its ear to the Morcha’s cry? Will Ashok Bhattacharjee be able to pacify the Morcha and entangle them in other business? Or will Morcha opt for the muscle war along with the politics?
Morcha has declared that it will stop paying the taxes and revenue state Government and will use GL as taxi number plate. Will they be successful in implementing the strategy? Morcha has declared to form Gorkhaland Police. (I heard that they have started recruitment process too but not confirmed)
It is worth quoting Prachanda here, “In history, wherever there has been a revolutionary movement, when people’s movement moves forward – in the process of revolution, a clique of feudal elements will be staying within the fortification of the army. They will stay in there until their end comes but in the end, revolution will, as seen by history, destroy the feudal elements and in the end, these elements will have to come to the people’s court and be tried. When the revolution begins, they will be staying within the army barracks and army protection and so they will not be the ones caught at the beginning. History has always shown this.”
Is Gurung following the Prachanda way?
Jyoti Thapa said
Sorry Jyoti, is this a genuine Prachanda quote or quoted quote. Because it does not sound like his English
Jyoti Mukhia said
Jyoti Thapa,
Yes it is. somewhere I have given the reference too.(Interview in BBC in February 13, 2006)
ichamani Chettri said
Dear Readers,
I appricite Mr.Gorkhey Jeep and Bhodrolok after reading your comments,I want to say thing even I want to Say Deepa and other people we have to accept the fact,I agree GJMM is a newly born party in Dist Darjeeling and there is no doubt that party is sufferring from financial crisis.Everybody wants Gorkhaland but dicipline is also one factor or our arms to achieve Gorkhaland.Irequest all the members of GJMM to abide the rules and regulation.Mr.Gorkhey jeep is absoultely right,Members of GJMM collected Rs 25 or 50 from each house (as per Mr.Gorkhey Geep Comments)aroung Rs 25 lack is collected,there should be crystal clear account for this donations collected.Even I request Mr.Bimal Gurung to put a add on Internet or Newspaper for financial support for GJMM,we the people who are are not residing in Dist Darjeeling are always with GJMM and our support will be highly appreciable.
Her I am talking about discipline.We ha to maintain our discipline to get our statehood.
Also Bhodrolok has given us very good lesson,to leanr from plains,Ok Mr/Ms Bhodrolok please advice us what we have to learn,beacuse we are ready to learn how to run a state.
My humble request to all the readers we have to unite with each other,we have to maintain discipline,we have to learn new things fron other people such as Bhodrolok,Its an honour to us because the experience person such as Bhodrolok is with us he/she will teach us how to run our state.Also I request Bhodrolok if we are doing mistake somewhere then please guide us and show us the right way.
Remember Discipline and Knowledge are important factor for our result “Gorkhaland”
Jai Gorkha,Jai Gorkhaland
Terminator said
Where has this Mongoloid Hitler come from with his Bengalirules theories?
Sonam said
Bengali rules why don’t you come up with your true name and email address, and we do a one on one through this forum.but then you are too scared aren’t you! don’t hide behind names and call out other’s names.
Jyoti Thapa said
Quote from Jyoti Basu “It seems she (Sonia) knows nothing about Bengal. There is no reason to attach any importance to what she said…” HT April 30.
How is that for the amount of talking and writing and showing off the bengalis do, nobody seems to know them? Going by his attitude, it seems that Bengalis have been genetically modified to become Jyoti Basu clones.
Frnd of Gorkhali said
If we point our index finger to somebody another three fingers point to ourselves.
Bhodrolok said
If mudslinging could be the keystone to greater achievements, then politics would have been the most important contributor to the welfare of the human race.People like BENGALISRULE are nothing but a product of the narrow minded brains and lanes that they have grown up in.Tolerance is not the language of these hypocritical kind.They continue to have a very cockeyed view of the world and other people, just the limited vision that their communally brainwashed minds can fathom.Simply speaking, these are the paraar pujoer chanda collection kind.
Please have pity for his kind and make a donation to the next NGO or welfare organization that comes knocking, so that every kid has a more decent educational and knowledgeable upbringing.This will ensure in a small way that such an amusing character is not roaming around in our streets, lost and blind like some irrational
beast high on the limited gyaan that he has received from his pujo committee herd.
As for BENGALISRULE, bhondu ekto khyaal kore blog eer jodi post korar somoi sudho onno loker copy paste korle hobena.Tomaar duto kaaner modhe je jinista pode ache, otake doya kore byavhaar kore kichu asool kotha ta lekho.Aaschi!
Jyoti Thapa said
And a thumb to nowhere
pseude said
Arre Bhoddolok – bhul bhal bangla likhe kaaj nei – we understand english too