As ‘discontent’ simmers, ‘Pahari Ma’ lands with a promise: ‘Hills must keep smiling’

The chief minister met representatives of different tribes in the hills individually, as well as the Tamang Development and Cultural Board (TDCB). The board had been constituted to protect, promote and safeguard the language, tradition and culture of the Tamang community in the state. It had started functioning on September 9, 2014, with its headquarters in Kalimpong.

A senior TMC leader said, “Members of the Lepcha, Tamang, Newa, Bhujal, Khas, Kami, Damai, Saki and Vishwakarma communities came. Even members of the Gurung community, who have traditionally been with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), came and met Mamata.” She was accorded the status of ‘Kingchuk Dermit’ — the highest award within the Lepcha community, said TMC leaders.

Mamata’s trip comes at a time when the GJM is trying to revive the agitation for separate statehood. However, its position in the hills is precarious, with a number of senior leaders, including Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chairman Pradeep Pradhan, joining the TMC. Moreover, in the recently concluded elections in the state, the party’s performance was much below expectation.

Previously, the Supreme Court had agreed to examine a plea of the GTA, challenging the state government’s refusal to transfer administrative powers and various subjects to it, in spite of a tripartite agreement that was reached within the state and union governments in 2011.

“She is very upset with the entire matter, particularly the fact that the Gorkhaland issue has been revived again. Many in the party feel that this is a concerted attempted by GJM and some Opposition parties to disturb peace in the area,” said a TMC leader.

Meanwhile, sources in the party said that a separate district court and administrative building will be constructed soon in Kalimpong in preparation for its separate statehood. A source close to Mamata explained, “The announcement of Kalimpong district will follow legal procedures. Along with Jhargram, Asansol and Sundarban, the district will be carved out separately to ensure better administration.”

After arriving at Bagdogra on Wednesday, the chief minister stuck to her schedule and distributed around 10,000 cycles to students in Siliguri.
Close to 10,000 students from Phansidewa and Naxalbari areas will be receiving their bicycles before Durga Puja, said the district administration, while adding that the state government will be distributing 18,546 bicycles to school students in Siliguri sub-division.