www.telegraphindia.com
Darjeeling/Kalimpong, Nov. 2: The GNLF has decided to call a two-day general strike across the hills from November 6 to pressure the Centre on the Sixth Schedule issue ahead of the winter session of the Parliament, which begins on November 15.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting attended by the GNLF branch presidents from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong here today.

Deepak Gurung, the president of the party’s Darjeeling branch committee, said: “The strike is being called to demand that the Sixth Schedule bill should be passed by the Centre during the coming winter session.”

The GNLF has also threatened to call “a series of strikes” after Diwali if their demand is not met. Gurung said: “The strike is being supported by all the frontal organisations of the party — Himalayan Plantation Workers’ Union, Gorkha National Women Organisation, Primary Teacher’s Organisation and others.”

This essentially means that the tea gardens and educational institutions have not been kept out of the bandh purview.

The GNLF’s decision to call a sudden strike gains significance given the fact that the newly formed Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has decided to gherao the Lal Kothi — the headquarters of the DGHC — for 15 days starting from November 7.

Soon after the GNLF’s announcement, leaders of the GJM maintained they would go ahead with their programme. They added that they thought the strike would be a failure.

“We have started a democratic movement for Gorkhaland and the people will not support the strike. More than 1,200 people gave up their lives during the Gorkhaland agitation, not for Sixth Schedule. They do not want to see the community getting divided with this status,” said party general secretary Roshan Giri.

Binay Tamang, the press and publicity secretary of the new outfit, added that they would try all means including “posting pickets” to help people open their shops. “Why does the GNLF have to call strikes during the tourist season?” asked Tamang.

In Kalimpong, the GNLF has decided hold a public meeting at Damber Chowk tomorrow to educate people about the benefits of the Sixth Schedule status. The party’s top brass, including MLA Gaulan Lepcha, and supporters from all the eight samastis of the subdivision are expected to attend the meeting.

“The Kalimpong meeting will be followed by one in Mirik on Sunday and another in Sumbook (near Lodhama) on Monday,” said the GNLF Darjeeling branch president.