Govt to prepare spl economic package for Jangalmahal: Mamata

Kolkata, May 21: New West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on May 20, said that the state government would prepare a special economic package for the people of Maoist-hit Jangalmahal and was serious about solving the problem within three months.

"We have decided to prepare a special economic package for the people of Jangalmahal envisaging hospitals, madrasas and other facilities," Banerjee told her first press conference after presiding over a cabinet meeting hours after taking oath at Raj Bhavan.

She said the state government would move the Centre for funds required for implementation of the package. Development in the Jangalmahal areas, Banerjee said, had been neglected which needed to be given urgent attention.

Without naming any outfit or the Maoists, she said "if any organisation wants to talk to us, we are ready for it, because we want peace to return to Jangalmahal through negotiations." Asked to comment on her demand for withdrawal of the joint forces in Jangalmahal, Banerjee said, "I will cross check and let you know. I never deviate from my commitment. I want development and negotiations should go side by side.

"We are indebted to the people of Jangalmahal for coming out in large numbers to vote," she said.

Similarly, she said, her government was keen to resolve the problem in the Darjeeling hills where the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha was agitating for Gorkhaland.

Banerjee asserted that her government would endeavour to resolve Darjeeling problem within three months like the problem in Jangalmahal. "Already tripartite talks are on. We will also hold a meeting." She also said that her government would set up a CM's secretariat in north Bengal where the Trinamool Congress recorded impressing showing.

PTI