Buddhadeb still hopeful
West Bengal CM Buddhadev Bhattacharjee appears hopeful of a meeting with Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, spearheading an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state.
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee on Friday appeared hopeful of a meeting with Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), spearheading an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state, in Kolkata on June 18 even though his talks offer has rejected.
"See what happens," was the cryptic reply of the Chief Minister reacting to GJM's rejection of his offer for talks.
Earlier, the Chief Minister, in a letter to GJM chief Bimal Gurung, invited him and his colleagues to discuss measures needed to restore normalcy and speed up development work in the hills.
Toucing on violence in Darjeeling and Dooars, Bhattacharjee spoke about the measures taken to tackle the situation.
"Considering the situation, I would appeal to you and your colleagues in GJM not to resort to agitational programmes in Darjeeling hills and other areas", Bhattacharjee said.
The Chief Minister said "I would urge GJM to fully cooperate with the district administration of Darjeeling in maintaining law and order and providing security to life and property of people."
Bhattacharjee said grievances, if any, of the Morcha could always be discussed threadbare across the table and a solution, acceptable to all, found out.
"I look forward to a positive response from you," he said.