Tripartite talks advanced

After protests from the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha over the date of the third round of tripartite talks,the Centre has preponed the talks from August 24 to 11.

After protests from the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha over the date of the third round of tripartite talks,the Centre has preponed the talks from August 24 to 11. Sources in the state Home department said the move was a goodwill gesture to the GJM.

The Morcha said it was yet to receive any formal guidelines from the government. We were informed verbally by the DM. Its unclear what the nature of talks will be. We have made it clear that the talks should be at the political level,not secretarial,and should be held to discuss the one-point agenda of Gorkhaland, GJM leader Amar Lama said on Saturday.

The Morcha has relaxed its ongoing bandh in the Hills to accommodate movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities to Sikkim along the NH-31A. Party leaders said the relaxation would be only for vehicles bearing Sikkim number plates and shops along the highway will remain closed.

They also announced a relaxation of the bandh in Darjeeling. From Monday,schools,tea and cinchona plantations will reopen. Morcha sources said it was difficult to keep tea gardens closed for a long time as the workers work on a no-work,no-pay basis. We cant expect people to lose money and support us, sources said.

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