File picture of GJM observing shutdown in Darjeeling
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), spearheading the agitation for a separate state in the Darjeeling hills, today sought intervention of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
"The central government and the Prime Minister should intervene. It is not a law and order problem. It is a political problem. The people in the hills want Gorkhaland. If the people can get Telangana, why don't we get Gorkhaland?" GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said.
However, Mr Giri refused to comment on the observation of the Calcutta High Court which expressed displeasure over continuance of the shutdown, saying that they have not received the court order.
"We will see the order first and then give our reaction," he said.
Describing the agitation in the hills as a "people's movement", he said that "Janta Curfew", which entered its second day today, was a "democratic way of protest against the move of the West Bengal government to suppress the movement by heavy deployment of security forces".
The Calcutta High Court observed that the fundamental rights of people in the Darjeeling hills were being curbed and asked why the GJM would not be asked to compensate damage to public and private property in the hills.