August 14, 2017: Home Minister Rajnath Singh has appealed to the leaders of the Gorkhaland statehood movement in Darjeeling to call off their agitation and urged the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to initiate dialogue with them.
In a meeting with the leaders of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in New Delhi, Singh appealed them to allow returning normalcy to the area which will help to create an atmosphere for finding a solution to the current crisis.
He expressed concern about the developments in Darjeeling, the loss of lives and sufferings of people over the past 60 days. Singh said that violence can never be a solution to any problem and the solutions are always found through restraint, mutual dialogue and within the legal ambit in a democracy.
The Minister also said that the state government should restore all civil supplies, internet services, Cable TV and local channels in the region.
He also appealed to the people of Darjeeling to display sensitivity and keep in mind their civic responsibilities as no grievances and problems can be resolved without any dialogue.
Talking to the reporters, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Swaraj Thapa informed that during the meeting they pushed their demand for a separate state and urged Mr Singh to initiate the process. (AIR News)
