GJM supporters behaving like terrorists, says Didi

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leadership has connection with underground insurgency groups of the North East, and whatever Morcha supporters is doing in the Hills is nothing but terrorism, chief minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the GJM on Saturday. She also ruled out talks with the protesters under the present circumstances.

She described the situation in Darjeeling as a product of a deeprooted conspiracy. “So many bombs and weapons could not have been stockpiled there in one day. These must have come through the international borders close to the Hills,” she said.

Banerjee also claimed that IRB assistant Kiran Tamang was not killed. “Kiran is in a critical state. No one has died in the hills today,” she said after receiving a telephone call at the end of the press conference during which she had claimed that the agitators killed a civilian and Kiran.

She also said the government has proof of connections with the groups of the North East and other countries. “He (Bimal Gurung) will sell the hills (Woh pahar ko bech dega),” she added.

She also criticised the use of the national flag by GJM.

“There are foreign links. The Centre and state governments need to discuss it,” said the chief minister. Though her target was GJM president Bimal Gurung, she did not take his name or the Morcha even once.

She also ruled out any dialogue with the Morcha that is demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland. “One political party can talk to another. But how can we talk to those who are resorting to hooliganism?” she said. Soon people will raise slogans “Bimal hatao, pahar bachao,” she added.

“What is happening in the hills is a shame. I request the Centre not to offer any support to them,” said Banerjee. “I also request the Hill people not to listen to him (Bimal Gurung), he is a liar.” She also denied the allegation that police opened fire. “Police did not open fire. It is absolutely wrong,” claimed Banerjee.