Buddhadeb rules out division of West Bengal

Kolkata, Feb 13 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister BuddhadebBhattacharjee today ruled out division of the state andcondemned violence in the hills by proponents of Gorkhaland.

Without naming Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, which is agitatingfor establishing a separate state of Gorkhaland in the threesub-divisions of Darjeeling and adjoining Dooars and Terai,the Chief Minister told a Left Front rally here, "Darjeelingis on fire, but we will not allow division of West Bengal.

"We will not bow to the acts of vandals who are damagingroads and setting vehicles on fire."

Accusing Trinamool Congress of remaining silent on theviolent activities of the GJM, he said, "Trinamool Congresshas found a new friend in GJM. It is keeping mum and is notsaying anything with an eye on getting votes in areas wherethe GJM has support. It wants to have GJM as a poll ally."

The latest trouble in Darjeeling followed the death oftwo GJM supporters in police firing during a clash betweenthe women''s wing of the GJM and the police in the Dooars onFebruary eight.