Darjeeling, Aug. 5: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha sounded apprehensive after a copy of the Centre’s letter expressing its willingness to hold an official-level tripartite meeting reached party chief Bimal Gurung. The Morcha, however, has not shot down the idea of attending the talks.

Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri, who could not disclose the contents of the letter as he is currently out of town, said the meeting was likely to be held on an “official level”.

Asked if the party was prepared to attend the talks on an “official level” which would essentially mean that top bureaucrats (either the chief secretary or the home secretary) would represent the state, Giri sounded dissatisfied.

“At the moment we would like to say it is better if the meeting is held on a political level. After all this is a political demand and can only be solved politically,” said Giri.

The letter is written by Union home secretary Madhukar Gupta and addressed to Amit Kiran Deb, the state chief secretary.

“We received the letter in which the Centre has expressed its willingness to convene a tripartite meeting. The dates have not yet been finalised,” said Giri.

The Morcha believes that creation of a state essentially involves the consensus of political parties in power and talks can only be fruitful if the leaders of these outfits are involved.

“What is needed more than anything else is political will,” said Giri.

Tourism plea

The Bengal government has requested the Morcha to help facilitate tourism during the festive months of October and November, reports our Calcutta correspondent.

State tourism minister Manab Mukherjee sent a letter to Gurung today with a “request for co-operation” to “ensure that a proper environment is maintained in the entire district” so that “tourism continues to take place in a smooth and unhindered manner”.

Mukherjee’s letter also pointed out how tourism contributes substantially to the creation of both direct and indirect employment in the region and plays a major role in economic development.

“However, tourism can only be sustained if tranquillity is maintained and all necessary services are provided to meeting the needs of tourists. We have requested the Morcha to ensure at least that,” Mukherjee said.