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Appeal by Union Home Minister prompts Gorkhaland agitators to withdraw fast unto death

However, it was not explained as to how the withdrawal of the hunger strike would aid in the formation of Gorkhaland.

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Darjeeling, August 14, 2017: The Hills of North Bengal are all set to commemorate the 70th Indian Independence Day amidst an ongoing indefinite bandh. The bandh had been clamped on June 15 by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in demand of Gorkhaland.

However, the Morcha lifted the fast unto death that hit the 26-day mark on Monday.

Hunger striker being administered oxygen and intravenous fluids

Incidentally, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during a meeting with Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC) leaders in Delhi on Sunday had appealed for the lifting of the fast unto death programme and the indefinite bandh thereby restoring normalcy.

"Keeping in mind the national interest, as well as in the interest of our Gorkha brothers and sisters, who are brave and large hearted people and have contributed immensely to nation building, I appeal to GJM and all other stakeholders to call off the hunger strike, and also to withdraw the bandh call, allowing normalcy to return to the area. It is a move that will help to create an atmosphere for finding a solution to the current crisis" Minister Singh had appealed.

The GMCC- a conglomeration of political and apolitical pro-Gorkhaland outfits sat in a meeting in Delhi on Monday. They, in turn, appealed to Bimal Gurung, President, GJM to lift the ongoing fast unto death.

In a letter to Gurung, the GMCC stated "Respecting Home Minister Rajnath Singh's appeal and as the Union Government has an important role to play in future for the creation of the Gorkhaland, we appeal to you to lift the ongoing fast unto death."

Gurung in response to this stated, "Given that tomorrow is also the 70th Independence day, I am also of the view that the Hon'ble Home Minister's appeal should be respected and the hunger strike by the Yuwa Morcha should be withdrawn as a first step towards achieving our goal of Gorkhaland. I, therefore, direct the YuwaMorcha to call off the hunger strike on the eve of Independence Day."

However, it was not explained as to how the withdrawal of the hunger strike would aid in the formation of Gorkhaland. The fast unto death was lifted at around 4.30 pm in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik with the three Hill MLAs offering water. The hunger strikers were then rushed to the hospitals.

Incidentally 3 youths each had sat in fast unto death in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong and Mirik since July 20. With their health deteriorating considerably and unwillingness to be shifted to hospitals, they had been put on oxygen and intravenous fluids since the past few days.

The GJM has however decided to continue with the ongoing bandh. 'Bandh will continue. However on the auspicious occasion of Independence Day and as a mark of respect to the nation, GJM picketers will not be there on the roads from 6am to 6pm on Tuesday' declared Binay Tamang, Assistant Secretary, GJM.

This comes as a major damper amongst the residents as speculations were rife that the GJM would lift the bandh at least for a day. The indefinite bandh has been clamped since June 15 and hit the 61 day mark on Monday. There has not been a relaxation in the bandh for a single day also.

A few days ago Gurung talking to media persons had declared that Independence Day commemorations would be held on a grand scale like past years. This had further raised hopes that the bandh would be relaxed for a day at least. The usual Gorkhaland rallies will hit the streets on Independence day also.

OneIndia News

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