Centre''s interlocutor to hold talks with GJM leaders

Darjeeling (WB), Feb 12 (PTI) As tension prevailed in thehills, the Centre''s interlocutor for Darjeeling peace processBijay Madan reached nearby Siliguri and will come here thisevening for talks with the leadership of GJM which isspearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland.

Before coming to Darjeeling town, Madan will hold ameeting on the law and order situation in the hills withDistrict Magistrate Mohan Gandhi and Superintendent of PoliceDebendra Pratap Singh, official sources said.

He would have discussions with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha(GJM) leaders before returning to New Delhi, sources said.

The Centre decided to send the government-appointedinterlocutor to Darjeeling to help normalise the situation inthe hills, which is witnessing violence and shutdown sincepolice firing on a rally by GJM supporters in Sipchu inJalpaiguri killed two persons.

An indefinite strike was being observed in the DarjeelingHills on a call from GJM which had yesterday said that nothingshort of Gorkhaland is now acceptable and there will be nodiscussion on an interim set-up anymore.