Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Chairman Binay Tamang today decided to "bury the past" to cooperate with each other for development of the Himalayan state and its neighbour, the Darjeeliing hills of West Bengal.
Tamang, the head of the body that administrates Darjeeling hills, called on Chamling at the latter's official residence here ten days after the chief minister held a meeting with his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee in Siliguri.
"We have decided to bury the past and give a new beginning to our relationship by giving full support to each other and cooperate for the progress and prosperity of Sikkim and the Darjeeling Hills," Chamling said.
Differences between the governments of West Bengal and Sikkim arose during the Gorkhaland statehood agitation in Darjeeling by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha(GJM) last year.
"I have reiterated our stand that the Sikkim government will never meddle in the affairs of West Bengal and Darjeeling Hills," he said.
Chamling said he appreciated Tamang for committing that there would be no more political disturbance in future along the NH-10 that connects Siliguri with Gangtok and is considered the lifeline of Sikkim.
During the pro-Gorkhaland movement last year, there were reports that Sikkim registered buses, trucks, taxis and private vehicles were attacked on NH-10 near Siliguri after Chamling supported the demand of Gorkhaland.
The chief minister said he has suggested to the GTA chairman to give a chance to development instead of resorting to violence and bandhs, which will only result in destruction.
He said he suggested establishing a helpline for NH-10 and sought assurance of safety of Sikkimese students studying in various educational institutions in the Hills to which Tamang agreed.
The two leaders also agreed that the issues of Sikkim and the Darjeeling Hills be jointly taken up with the Centre. The issues includes tribal status for 11 communities and overhead stations for upcoming railway line.
Later, interacting with reporters, Tamang said he had a fruitful meeting with the Sikkim chief minister.
In an oblique reference to the violent agitation launched by the ousted GJM leader Bimal Gurung last year, Tamang said the statehood issue would be pursued through intellectual activities and not violence.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
