Gorkhaland protesters announce fast unto death from July 15
The Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee, an alliance of political parties and organisations protesting for a separate state for the Nepali-speaking population, on Tuesday said it will launch a fast-unto-death from July 15. While the BJP has denied supporting the demand for a separate state, it will take part in the hunger strike to protest against West Bengal's oppression of Gorkhas.
Even as West Bengal is reeling under the recent spate of riots in Baduria and 24 North Paraganas, groups spearheading the Gorkhaland movement has criticised the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Incidentally, both the chief minister and those working for the Gorkhaland cause have both targeted the NDA-led central government. While Mamata slammed the Centre for non-cooperation in the time of crisis, Gorkhaland Jan Mukti Morcha (GJM) criticised the centre's wait and watch policy. Both the state government and the independent groups rooting for the Gorkhaland cause are, however, apprehensive that the situation might slip out of Centre's reach and that it might worsen.Also Read:Darjeeling abandoned: Bimal Gurung hiding, CM Mamata Banerjee playing waiting game, MP Ahluwalia missing