GTA treaty small step, ultimate aim Gorkhaland: Asha Gurung

Sukna (WB), Jul 18: The tripartite agreement for formation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is just a ''small step'' and the ultimate aim is a separate state of Gorkhaland, a top leader of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha said today (Jul 18).

The chief of the Gorkha Mahila Morcha, the women's wing of the GJM, Asha Gurung, said she was happy at the inclusion of the word ''Gorkhaland'' in the GTA agreement, but the ultimate aim is to achieve a state of Gorkhaland.

"We are happy at the stand taken by (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee. The previous Left Front government did not allow the inclusion of the name Gorkhaland,''" Gurung, wife of GJM chief Bimal Gurung, said.

She said those in Dooars and Terai agitating against inclusion of those areas under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration comprised only 15 per cent of the population in those areas.

"They are being enticed by the CPI-M (into the agitation)," she said.

PTI