From tomorrow, ‘Govt of Gorkhaland’ takes over

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

After enforcing that car number plates in the Darjeeling hills carry the ‘GL’ marking, the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha has directed that all

signboards in the region should carry Gorkhaland in place of West Bengal from Friday.

GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said government offices such as the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council will have to bear the inscription ‘Government of Gorkhaland’ instead of ‘Government of West Bengal’ from Friday.

“In case of signboards at private establishments such as offices, shops and hotels, it should read Darjeeling and Kurseong, followed by ‘Gorkhaland,” Giri said.

“This is part of our non-coperation movement that is aimed at showing that we are not willing to stay under West Bengal’s rule,” he said.

This will also be applicable in areas such as Siliguri, Terai and the Dooars, he said.

District Magistrate of Darjeeling Surendra Gupta said the move was illegal and would be dealt with “appropriately”.

“It is illegal and we will react when it is enforced. Home Secretary (Ashok Mohan Chakraborty) has stated the government’s position clearly on October 13 and I have nothing to add to that,” he said.