WB govt rules out discussion on statehood demand with GJM

Kolkata, Jun 26 (PTI) On the eve of the crucial meeting
with the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (G.J.M.) here, the West
Bengal government Thursday ruled out any discussion with it on
its separate statehood demand.
"There will be no discussion with the Morcha on the
statehood demand, but talks can be held on administrative
arrangements and greater autonomy (for Darjeeling Gorkha Hill
Council)," Chief Secretary A.K. Deb told reporters at Writers'
Buildings.
Deb said in the absence of Morcha President Bimal Gurung,
Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee would talk to any
G.J.M. representative.
The chief secretary said, "Stateheood demand cannot be
accepted. Instead, we can discuss, if G.J.M. wants,
administrative rearrangements and even extending greater
autonomy (to the D.G.H.C.). Everything depends on what they
want."
The chief secretary's assertion of not accepting the
demand for a separate Gorkhaland in the talks, is being
construed as a pre-condition for talks with the G.J.M.
Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee a few days ago had
said that the state government was ready for talks with the
G.J.M. without precondition.