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Hill Opp urges introspection ahead of meet

www.thestatesman.net

DARJEELING, Aug. 28: While there is a possibility of the GJMM convening an all party meeting before the upcoming tripartite talks on the Gorkhaland issue on 8 September in New Delhi, the Hill Opposition have stressed a strong need for “introspection” and “review” on the issue before proceeding for the meeting.

“We learnt about the likely all-party meeting through the media. We have not received any intimation from the GJMM,” said the CPRM general secretary, Mr RB Rai, today. “Generally speaking, this concerns the identity of all Nepalese residing in India. So, a comprehensive team comprising of representatives from all regions in India should be formed to give the Gorkhaland demand a national outlook. A thorough review of the situation is required and a specific agenda outlined for the dialogue,” said Mr Rai.
Reiterating its earlier stand, the AIGL leadership insisted on “introspection” of political developments in the past few months. “We will consider if the GJMM invites us for an all party meeting. Introspection on why the Sixth Schedule Bill has not been withdrawn from the Parliament by the Home Minister is a must. The delegation that will go to New Delhi must first demand its withdrawal from Parliament,” AIGL president Mr Madan Tamang said. On the agenda of the tripartite talks, the AIGL leader accused the Centre with juggling with words. “There is a vast difference between the Gorkhaland demand and the Gorkhaland issue that the Centre is willing to talk on.

While the Gorkhaland demand concerns just separate statehood, Gorkhaland issue may mean sixth schedule or more power and money to the DGHC. The Centre’s stand is still vague,” asserted Mr Tamang. However, the AIGL is averse to attending the tripartite meeting on “GJMM sponsorship.” “The Hill parties have their own identity and if an all-party representation is required, the Centre should invite each party individually,” Mr Tamang stated.

© 2008 The Gorkhaland Chronicle.