Parties criticise Asok’s request to tourists
Posted by barunroy on May 1, 2008
DARJEELING, April 30: The state urban development minister Mr Asok Bhattacharya request to the tourists not to visit Darjeeling in view of the political situation in the Hills has fetched criticism from the political parties in the Hills.
“I have requested tourists not to visit Darjeeling now as the political situation in the hills is tense,” said Mr Bhattacharya. “Considering, the indefinite strike of state and Central government offices, the tourists will be inconvenienced if power and water supply is cut-off in the hills,” he added.
The statement comes as a follow-up to the GJMM chief Mr Bimal Gurung’s blackout threat against Siliguri by stalling work at the hydro-electric plants in the Hills. “It is highly irresponsible of him to make such comments. It is about time he is removed from his post for such provocative comments,” said Mr Roshan Giri, general secretary, GJMM.
Mr Giri claimed that tourist flow in Darjeeling was uninterrupted after Mr Gurung had assured that his party would not resort to any act that would hamper the tourist season in the Hills. “We assure the tourists not to listen to the minister and to come to Darjeeling,” appealed Mr Giri assuring the GJMM would take responsibility of their safety.
Commenting on the development, the All India Gorkha League president Mr Madan Tamang said: “If the government feels there is unrest in the Hills, it is its duty to control law and order rather than request the tourists against visiting. It is unbecoming of Mr Bhattacharya to make such comments.”
The AIGL leader was also critical of the GJMM’s indefinite strike at government offices. “Their strategy has not achieved anything except causing difficulty to the general public,” he said.
The CPRM termed the minister’s statement a “ploy” to create “fear psychosis” among the tourists. “The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is grave, yet no minister has prevented tourists from visiting the place. So, it is absurd of him to say such things,” said CPRM spokesperson Mr DS Bomzon. [The Statesman]
Jyoti Mukhia said
The comment of Ashok Bhattacharjee is a reflection of his desperation. The fear psychosis which he is trying to inseminate in the mind of tourist is the reflection of his own fear. The GJMM should now not only threaten them but also has to act irrespective of what may come. Secondly the collective thinking of the masses should be publisized. It is good to see that the other political parties are supporting the initiative of GJMM. They should keep in mind what has happened in the neigbouring country recently. It is said that other parties were busy in contributing the peace process and not prepared to fight and when the time came to reap the harvest some one hijacked it. They were benefitted on both grounds. Similarly, what I think is other parties in the hills should maintain their status (Public holding) at the same time support the movement.let there be no repetition of history.