Darjeeling inseparable from Bengal: Mamata

Kolkata : Emboldened by the presence of all three Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) MLAs in a meeting on Darjeeling here today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today made it clear that the picturesque hill district was first and foremost a concern of West Bengal. “We shall have to find a permanent solution to the problem in Darjeeling. If any useful suggestion is made by someone, we shall certainly consider it. But the onus of finding a solution is on us only”, Banerjee said after the meeting.
“Darjeeling is an important part of our state. It is a world famous place and an international brand. I want to develop my Darjeeling and the neighbouring Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik. In the meeting, we all agreed on this issue”, Banerjee said.
“Darjeeling will not face any law and order problem. We will take serious care for that”, said Banerjee, who shot off letters to the Prime and Home Minister today regarding withdrawal of central forces from Darjeeling.
Banerjee today sent West Bengal DGP Surajit Kar Purkayastha to Darjeeling to take stock of the law and order scenario of the area. Today’s meeting at “Nabanna”, the state secretariat, was the third meeting between Mamata Banerjee and representatives of hill-based political parties being held to restore normalcy in the hills. Banerjee announced that she would next meet the hill parties on November 21.