Kolkata:
With the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) renewing the demand for Gorkhaland in Darjeeling following UPA unanimously endorsing creation of a separate Telangana state, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today ruled out division of West Bengal and blamed the Congress for the agitation in the hills.
"Darjeeling is part and parcel of West Bengal. There is no question of division of West Bengal. We are united, we will be united and we will be together," Ms Banerjee told a press conference in Kolkata today.
Apparently referring to the recent visit by a six member GJM team headed by its General Secretary Roshan Giri to Delhi with the Gorkhaland demand, Ms Banerjee alleged "I am sorry to say ... I will write to Prime Minister whether it was a right step or not that some central ministers invited three or four Morcha leaders to Delhi some days back."
"A meeting was also held with them. They have reported that some Central leaders have advised them to revive their movement in Darjeeling hills. There was also an assurance of according autonomy to them," Ms Banerjee said.
Stating that peace had been prevailing in Darjeeling and would continue, she said "I request the Centre that has responsibility to see that peace is not disturbed in Darjeeling."
Ms Banerjee also ruled out dissolution of the Gorkha Territorial Administration, the hill council set up under a tripartite agreement in Darjeeling to run the administration there, replacing an earlier one.
"Government will not dissolve the GTA which was formed after tripartite agreement and voting. We will continue to work with the GTA per commitment," she said.
She expressed her dissatisfaction over the resignation of GJM chief Bimal Gurung - the chief executive of the GTA - yesterday. She said that the resignation letter had been accepted and referred to the governor.
She also slammed the three-day Darjeeling bandh called by the GJM to demand Gorkhaland. Ms Banerjee said "Nobody has the right to ask tourists and students in the hostels to leave the hills. Government will take firm steps to maintain peace in the hills at any cost."