In its meeting with the West Bengal (WB) government representatives, held here on Thursday, the GJM delegation gave a draft of its proposal about the interim set-up.
The first political level interaction to resolve the vexed issue of creating a separate state of Gorkhaland began on a positive note with the agitating Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) showing an inclination to discuss an interim arrangement to govern the area till a permanent solution is arrived at.
In its meeting with the West Bengal (WB) government representatives, held here on Thursday, the GJM delegation gave a draft of its proposal about the interim set-up. This was a counter to a similar draft already prepared by the Centre. The representatives of the government agreed to look into the draft after returning to Kolkata.
Sources said the draft proposals of the GJM and the Centre have many common points, but there are certain contentious points too such as the issue of territory and the handling of law and order machinery.
“We have decided to move ahead. The ground had already been prepared during earlier initiatives led by home secretary GK Pillai. The Centre is ready to take all measures for the development of the area and funds will be no constraint once the interim mechanism is in place,” minister of state for home Ajay Maken, who is heading the talks, said.
Contrary to past experience, the state representatives reportedly admitted that the funds meant for the area’s development have remained unused in the absence of a political structure of governance.
The Centre’s assurance on the development front came with an appeal to GJM to desist from resorting to agitation.
GJM has been demanding repealing of the Gorkhaland Hill Council to make it either a Union Territory or a separate state. GJM agreeing to an interim arrangement without any prejudice is being viewed as a step forward. The two sides have decided to meet in mid May, immediately after the second leg
of Parliament’s Budget Session ends.
During its meeting with the home secretary in December 2009, GJM had refused to accept the Centre’s draft.
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