GJM calls for protest against 3-language policy in Hills

A cloud of uncertainty looms large with a Gorkha Janmukti Morcha agitation lined up from June 1. This time, the issue is the three language policy including Bengali as one of the subjects mulled by the Bengal government.

The GJM has dubbed this as a forceful imposition of the Bengali language and has lined up an agitation which includes two-day closure of all educational institutes in the Hills; protest marches and display of black flags.

GJM Chief Bimal Gurung held a meeting with heads of Hill schools and colleges; organisations like the Nepali Sahitya Sammelan and representatives of the civil society at the Gorkha Ranga Mancha in Darjeeling on Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering, Gurung gave a clarion call to the Hills to unite against the three language policy. "All political parties including the Hill TMC should join hands with us to stop this infringement. It is a violation of our fundamental rights. How can a language be forced upon us? It is nothing to do with politics but concerns ourcommunity and our language. It is a conspiracy to strangle our community, language and culture. We will not tolerate this. If required, we could call general bands in the future," retorted Gurung.

Announcing the agitation programme, Gurung stated that all educational institutes will remain closed on June 1 and 2 as a mark of protest. "We will take out protest rallies sporting black badges and bands from June 4 to June 8 throughout the Hills. In Darjeeling, regular protest rallies will be taken out from Ghoom to the Collectorate. I will be present in the rallies held in Darjeeling. We will submit memorandums to the District Magistrate. Permission or no permission we will go ahead with the rallies. I ask all to join in these protest rallies," stated Gurung.

He further asked the Hills along with the Terai and Dooars to display black flags from June 1 as a mark of protest.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit the Darjeeling Hills from June 4 to June 8. Though no official communication has arrived yet regarding the CM's Hill itinerary, sources state that she will be visiting Mirik on June 4 where she will be announcing developmental programmes.

She will be in Darjeeling till the 8th. On 8th, a Cabinet meeting has been lined up in Darjeeling. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Raj Bhawan in Darjeeling.

Recently, there has been some flashpoints between Morcha supporters and the police for bringing along school students in protest rallies. With the agitation lined up during the CM's visit, chances of confrontations loom large. Any untoward incident at this point especially with the ongoing tourist onrush will make matters worse.