DGHC Act, 1988 to be repealed
Alternate framework mooted for Darjeeling Hills
DARJEELING, August 11: The Centre, the West Bengal government and representatives of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), at their tripartite talks held at New Delhi today, agreed in principle to do away with the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) and set up an alternative framework.
“It was agreed in principle to the repeal of the DGHC Act, 1988. The repeal of the Act would be processed as soon as an alternative administrative framework is finalised through mutual consultations and agreement,” said a Union Home Ministry statement.
“The government announced the appointment of an interlocutor to carry forward the discussions held during the third round of tripartite talks and both the state government and the GJM welcomed the same,”, a Ministry official was quoted by national media.
The DGHC was formed in 1988 through an agreement between the Central and State governments and the GNLF.
The talks were held between Union Home Secretary G K Pillai, the West Bengal delegation led by Chief Secretary A K Chakrabarty and the GJM delegation by Anmole Prasad.
“The GJM assured that a peaceful and conducive atmosphere would be maintained and all the parties agreed to work in a spirit of constructive cooperation to carry the talks forward,” said the official was quoted by national media.
The next tripartite meeting would be held on December 21 this year at Darjeeling.
As an interim measure and to restore the democratic process, it was decided that elections would be held to the panchayat samitis, the gram panchayats and the municipalities in the Darjeeling hills. It was also decided that an unutilized sum of Rs 700 million that was part of the central assistance would be put to use.
The last tripartite meeting between the three sides took place on December 29 last year where it was decided to take forward the talks after the Lok Sabha polls.
Expressing full satisfaction over the talks, the GJM has said that upcoming December 21 tripartite meeting at Darjeeling should be held on political basis.
Addressing a press meet here in Darjeeling, the GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said that next tripartite talks is scheduled on December 21 at Darjeeling demanding that it should be held on a political level.
Mr. Giri informed that today’s tripartite talks focused on Gorkhaland deliberations. He added that both Centre and West Bengal government have agreed not to raise the Sixth Schedule issue and a Central team will be soon sent to Darjeeling to understand the Gorkhaland movement in a meaningful manner.
Replying to a question, Mr. Giri said that Gorkhaland should directly be formed after repeal of DGHC Act of 1988.
To another question regarding the future of thousands of adhoc employees of DGHC after the repeal of the 1988 Act, Mr. Giri said all the adhoc employees should be regularized.
“From now on, IG North Bengal KL Tamta will not interfere on any issue in the three subdivisions of Darjeeling hills. This has been admitted by the State chief secretary”, said Mr. Giri.
Meanwhile in Darjeeling hills, a human chain was formed by GJM supporters today morning to show solidarity to Gorkhaland movement even as tripartite talks in New Delhi were taking place.
The unforgettable human chain originated from Lebong stamping as memorable chapter in the Gorkhaland movement so far. At various places along the roads in the hills, hundreds of people lined up along the road joining hands expressing unity to the perennial Gorkhaland demand.
The human chain was also formed from Rangpo along NH 31A which stretched up to Coronation Bridge. Another human chain started from Sunakosh river in Dooars.
The human chain message was observed for one hour starting from 11.19 am to 12.19 pm
