No breakthrough in govt-GJM talks

A breakthrough on withdrawal of the hunger strike at Gorubathan could not be achieved despite talks lasting for over two hours between chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and representatives of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) here on Thursday.

The government, however, was upbeat that the contentious issue of allowing GJM to hold rallies in the Dooars have now been pushed to the background. On the other hand, issues of reopening of closed tea gardens in the Dooars, compensation to people whose houses in the region had been looted, withdrawal of cases slapped on GJM supporters and protection to GJM supporters living in the Dooars dominated the talks.

"Workers of closed tea gardens are suffering. They are not getting even the basic amenities," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said. "The talks were held in a cordial atmosphere. But we will be satisfied only when the government takes some practical steps to fulfil our demands," he added. MORE...