Should Gorkhaland statehood be granted?

By K Ramanathan Iyer/Chennai

India is a land of agitations. Agitating for any issue is our democratic right. We agitate for anything; being for more quota in educational instututions/ jobs or for a separate statehood, the recent one being the Gokhaland.

After a few years of lull, the issue of Gorkhaland has again come to the fore with renewed vigor, thanks to the inefficiency of WB government, centre leadership and yes, the local council body to resolve the decade- old issue.

Now the echoes of Gorkhas' demand for separate statehood have reached Delhi and the state government has conveniently showed its finger towards the centre to take a decision on the vexed issue, the ball is now in the UPA government's court.

Congress, which has a history of wait-and-watch policy, thereby aggravating any issue affecting people, may again put the separate state demand in the backburner and thus leaving the issue to the next government to resolve. As elections are around the corner, the party may not take any decision which will go against the party's interest in the coming elections.

Another issue is if separate statehood is awarded to Darjeeling council, then many a few areas across India will start demanding separate statehood for them also, with Telungana sitting pretty first to grab such an offer. Already the country has been successfully divided by caste, religion, languages, etc, by our great politicians and thinkers, having more fragrant states will further add chaos to the already chaotic region. Yes, this will facilitate more wealth to local politicians and babus and thumbs down to the local area development.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, which is spearheading the agitation under the leadership of Bimal Gurung, has decided to go to Delhi with representatives from 13 outfits including Congress, BJP and Left parties, to talk to the centre over the separate land issue.

But unfortunately, the tourism industry in the beautiful hill station has been the worst hit due to the ongoing agitation by the parties concerned. Several tourists were caught unaware due to the sudden turn of events and stranded for several hours. Travelling to Darjeeling for vocation will not be an enjoyable experience anymore. But again, who cares?

As both West Bengal government and Centre have their own issues to ponder upon, the hilly region will once again turn into a battle ground for justice.