Statesman News Service KALIMPONG, May, 22. - Declaring “self-immolations”, as the first step of its agitation, the Dooars Gorkha Kalyan Samiti (Jaigoan), an association of the Nepali Gorkhas of Dooars, demanded that the Dooars region be included in the much-expected alternative to the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC). Speaking over the phone from Jaigoan, Samiti spokesperson Mr Khem Raj Updhaya said: “We have corresponded with the MLA and MPs of this region for years now but they never seem to be serious about any of our tribulations”, and branded themselves as socially, economically and culturally deprived. “After-effects of the agitation led by the GNLF in the late 80’s have rendered hundreds homeless and many without jobs “, he said. As per facts revealed by the DGKS there were 250 martyrs with more than 1200 activists, who were jailed during the agitations. “12 are still locked in the Alipore Daur jail. The Kalimpong municipality chairman and a former councilor were here to look into their pending cases but we haven’t heard from them since their last visit”, president Mr Prem Lama said. Calling upon the DGHC chief Mr Subash Ghisingh, the DGKS has also in a core committee meeting declared him to be the sole caretaker of the Dooars-Mal-Matelli, Nagarkatta, Madhrihaat, Kalchini and Kumargram. “ There are more than 7 1/2 lakhs Gorkha’s residing in these areas”, Mr Lama added. The DGKS, has confirmed that an agitation would follow if their grievances are neglected.