BMM reiterates demand for separate Bundelkhand state

New Delhi, Feb 20 (UNI) The Bundelkhand Mukti Morcha (BMM), which has been demanding a separate state for the five crore Bundelkhandi people, today said it will take out a white paper and launch a youth movement to fight for the demand.

''The White paper will tell the youth what injustice has been done to the Bundelkhandi people since independence.... Then it is upto them whether they want to wage the struggle with a pen or a gun,'' BMM President Raja Bundela told a news conference.

He said the Bundelkhand region comprising areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, is the most backward area of the country.

''Over the years political parties have taken grant from the state in the name of developing Bundelkhand region... but nothing has reached the people. It is the most backward and underdeveloped area of the country,'' he added.

Stating that abject poverty will push the youth towards terrorism, Mr Bundela said a separate state will ensure employment and development for region.

''The region is resource rich...Its people should be allowed to handle the responsibility of running the state,'' he added.

BMM has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh listing its demands. A BMM delegation is likely to call on UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi tomorrow after meeting Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.

BMM supporters yesterday concluded it a protest march here which began on February 12 in Madhya Pradesh's Orchha area.

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