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This is an archive article published on August 4, 2012

Gorkha body takes oath,Centre,state rain funds & sops

We have mandate to work for development of hills and I will play role accordingly: GJM.

“FOR 22 years and 44 months,we have spoken like rebels. But today,we have the mandate to work for the development of the hills and I will play the role accordingly,” said Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung today,referring to the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland,first under the leadership of GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh and more recently with his own party in the forefront.

Speaking at the swearing-in function of the newly-formed Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA),which was attended by Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde,Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Governor M K Narayanan,Gurung did not mention the Gorkhaland demand even once.

“Darjeeling is the jewel in Bengal’s crown. It will have the best of everything — schools,colleges,healthcare,jobs,better roads and water,” said Banerjee. “My only request is do not fight with us.” Terming it as a historic day,Banerjee said: “I have given an important responsibility to my brother Bimal Gurung.”

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Shinde promised an annual grant of Rs 200 crore,adding that this may be increased if “developmental projects are implemented”.

But some of the 40-odd GTA members struck a discordant note,shouting “Jai Gorkhaland” after being sworn in. They got the loudest cheers from the crowd.

“This is a government programme,so Gurung could not speak on Gorkhaland. He has told us that we will raise the Gorkhaland demand after three years,when the GTA’s term is over,” said a close aide of Gurung.

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