Bhattacharya: Blame it on outsiders

Siliguri, March 23: Bengal urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya today said “foreign powers” were taking advantage of the unrest in the Darjeeling hills to create tension in the region, but did not identify them.

“Some foreign powers are creating problems here, taking advantage of the recent developments in the hills,” the minister said.

Asked if these foreign hands had been identified, Bhattacharya refused to give a straight answer. “We have received reports that some outside elements are trying to tie up with groups within the region to create rifts and disturb the peace here.”

The hills have been on the boil ever since a stand-off began between the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the GNLF, leading to Subash Ghisingh’s resignation as caretaker administrator of the DGHC and the shelving of the bill drafted to grant Sixth Schedule status to Darjeeling. However, this is the first time a senior CPM leader has mentioned “foreign powers” in this connection.

Rally for new state

Different communities living in Darjeeling, including the Tibetans, Marwaris and Bengalis, today came together to celebrate Sadbhawna Diwas (Goodwill Day) and lend support to the Morcha’s demand for a separate state in the hills.

Dressed in traditional attire, the people brought out a colourful procession in town and organised a cultural programme at Chowrastha.

The Morcha town committee also felicitated 16 individuals from different communities for their contribution in various fields. “The people of the hills have shown that they are united in their demand for Gorkhaland,” said Dinesh Gurung, the president of the committee.