GJM takes demands to Centre, burns Ghisingh's effigy

Darjeeling, Feb 24 (UNI) A three-member delegation, including GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri, today left for New Delhi to hold talks with the Centre, while GJM activists burnt effigies of GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh and party MLA Shanta Chetri in different parts of the district.

Another team, comprising members of at least five parties, who have lent their support to Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), will also leave for New Delhi tomorrow. This delegation will include Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League President Madan Tamang and BJP leader of Kalimpong Dr G S Yonzon.

An All Party meeting held by these delegates is intended to be held to press their demands before the Union Home Minister and other concerned officials for the cancellation of the proposed Sixth Schedule and urge for the creation of a separate Gorkhaland.

Furthermore, the GJM members have asserted that they will allow neither Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief Subash Ghisingh nor GNLF MLA Shanta Chetri to enter the hills.

The GJM Womens' Wing activists had gheraoed the residences of both the GNLF leaders and agitated in front of their houses against their steps to bring Darjeeling Hills under the Sixth Schedule status. They also burnt the effigies of the leaders in different parts of the district.

The number of agitators sitting on a hunger strike in front of Mr Ghisingh's guest house in Pintail village have increased to 20 today.

Meanwhile, Darjeeling SP Rahul informed that two protestors in Sukna under Darjeeling sub-division fell ill after they resisted being admitted to a hospital. However, one in Kurseong sub-division was, admitted to hospital in a very serious condition, he added.

The police, DM and health officlials are holding meetings to ascertain the extent of the situation, Mr Srivastav said.

Meanwhile, State Urban Development Minister Ashok Bhattacharjee said, ''I understand and respects the spirit and emotion of the hill people, but the creation of a separate Gorkhaland is out of question.'' Apart from the rally taken out by the GJM members, another rally was taken out by CPI (M) activists in Siliguri this evening, urging the people to maintain peace and unity among themselves.

UNI XC LL MSJ GC1935