Mamata accuses Sikkim of fuelling unrest in Darjeeling

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today accused Sikkim of fuelling unrest in Darjeeling and alleged that vested interests in the north- eastern state did not want development in the hills of Bengal.
"Whenever we work for the development of the Darjeeling hills, the vested interests in Sikkim trigger violence by using money, so that tourists flock to that state and the business increases there. This pushes back the development process in Darjeeling.
"But no one can buy out Darjeeling with money power. You have to win hearts," she said at a programme organised by the youth affairs and sports department of her government.

Banerjee called upon the people of Darjeeling to put an end to the "politics of bandh" and live together in an atmosphere of unity and development.
"The politics of bandh will only affect the pace of development in the Darjeeling hills, which is one of the best tourist destinations in the country.
"We have to maintain peace in the region. If tourists do not come to the Hills, how will the economy of the region prosper? Put an end to the politics of bandh. You can always place your demands," she said.

Stating that her government was not for divide-and-rule politics, the chief minister thanked the people of Darjeeling for restoring peace in the hills.

"The tourists are coming back. It is a good sign. Let the Kanchenjunga keep smiling," she said.
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief assured the people of the hills that her government would not interfere in the activities of the Gorkhas but cooperate with the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) in every respect to expedite various development programmes.
"Our government does not interfere in the working of the GTA. We respect the people of all castes, creed, communities and religion," she said.
The local leaders were running the GTA and the government was providing all cooperation, Banerjee said and strongly criticised the Centre for its "non-cooperation".

Her government would carry out all development activities in the hills on its own, if the Centre refused to cooperate, she added.
"We shall not stand before them (Centre) with a begging bowl...The Centre gives more attention to Sikkim than Darjeeling," the chief minister said.
She also promised to bring the IT companies to the hills to boost development and create more jobs in the region, besides setting up a university.
"We have already sanctioned an ITI, a polytechnic and drinking water projects for the hills.
"I believe Darjeeling has the potential to become an industry hub, an IT hub. It has potential in horticulture also. We want development of the hills. We want welfare of the people. We do not want votes. We want peace. We want jobs for the youth," Banerjee said.

Referring to the erstwhile Left Front rule in the state, she said the chief ministers then hardly used to visit the hills and added, "But I visit Darjeeling every two-three months. I do not come only to seek votes. I work for the people," she said.
A 10-member GTA delegation, led by its chief Benoy Tamang, later met Banerjee to discuss the GTA's activities.