Asok says CM open to talks

SILIGURI, May 8: The state urban development minister Mr Asok Bhattacharya today said that chief minister Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharya would soon invite the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha leadership for a dialogue. “The state government is resolved to sort out the Darjeeling Hill political crisis through negotiation,” the minister said.  However, the minister at the same time said that the CPI-M would demand immediate arrest of the GJMM general secretary, Mr Roshan Giri in connection with the recent seizure of suspected RDX from Mallaguri in Siliguri. “There is evidence that Mr Giri is involved in subversive activities in Siliguri,” Mr Asok Bhattacharya said.

Reacting to the minister’s allegation Mr Giri said from Darjeeling that the allegations were baseless. He demanded the minister’s role in the seizure of the explosives instead. The minister said that though there is incontrovertible evidence of an intimate connection between the GJMM with several terrorist anti-national outfits like the KLO, Ulfa, and Bodoland Tiger Force, the chief minister is eager to open dialogue with the Hill-based party.  “We are for peace in the Darjeeling Hills to facilitate speedy development of the region. Yet, to make the proposed dialogue meaningful the GJMM leadership must eschew its hostile approach towards the state government,” Mr Bhattacharya added.

Making specific charge against Mr Giri, Mr Bhattacharya said that the state had evidence in its possession confirming that Mr Giri was involved in transporting suspected RDX in Siliguri.  “Mr Giri frequented the house in Mallaguri from where the suspected RDX was seized recently. A woman leader of the GJMM is also involved in subversive activities in the town.  An FIR has been lodged against them at the Pradhan Nagar Police Station by some local people. Action is expected soon,” Mr Bhattacharya said. [The Statesman]