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 Bengals 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.

Story continues below this ad

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 GTAs term is over, said a close aide of Gurung.

Tags:
nation news

Bahraich faces new ‘wolf attacks’: 4 children mauled, 16 injured this month

Cities3 hr ago

As many as four children have been killed and 16 injured in wild animal attacks, suspected to be wolves, in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district this month — a chilling reminder of similar incidents that haunted the region last year. The body of one of the children is still missing. All those injured are adults, except for one child.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS