GJM remains defiant on Gorkhaland, says hunger strike will be lifted after discussion

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) principal advisor Swaraj Thapa on Sunday said the only way to resolve the ongoing protests in the north-eastern hilly area is the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland, adding that the decision to end the hunger strike will be taken after discussing with other stakeholders.

Thapa's comments came after meeting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in which the latter asked the various stakeholders to find a way out to resolve the issue and, in the mean time, to lift the hunger strike.

"We said there cannot be any solution other than a separate state for the region and that the people of the entire region cannot feel that they have been given the due unless a separate state of Gorkhaland is created," said Thapa, adding that they have urged the Home Minister to initiate the process for the same.

"Our stand on the hunger strike is that we will take a decision on this in the next few days by consulting with our leadership and by discussing with various political parties and stakeholders," he added.

Thapa said the Home Minister is mindful of the suffering faced by the Gorkha and the non-Gorkha people of the Darjeeling hills and the entire region.

As per Thapa, Rajnath said he was well aware that the demand for a separate state has been there for a long time, adding that, at the same time, he was mindful of the Constitutional provision that guides the demand.

The Home Minister today invited the leader of GJM, Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists and others for talks on the ongoing Darjeeling protest.

This is the second time when Rajnath has called for talks in the recent past.

The north-eastern state has been on boil for the past two months, demanding a separate state of Gorkaland.

The internet and the television services have been suspended in this region.

The GJM had called for an indefinite strike in Darjeeling hills with effect from June 12 demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Meanwhile, the condition of 12 men sitting on hunger strike in support of Gorkhaland is deteriorating.