Since late 2007 the demand for a separate state within the Indian Union has been started more intensely by the Gorkha leader Mr. Bimal Gurung
, under the newly formed party called Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJMM) [4]. This movement has vowed to create a separate state by 2010 [5] .He has called for a more non violent form of protest by refusing to pay state taxes to the government including electricity and phone bills. People have resorted to changing vehicle numbers from WB (West Bengal) to GL (signifying Gorkhaland).
The administrative machinery in the hills of Darjeeling seems to have broken down, with most of the Government offices non functional, and even the police unable to maintain law and order in the district. The scene became particularly violent when a woman GJMM supporter was shot dead allegedly by GNLF supporters during a protest. Chaos and lawlessness reigned supreme while the administration was no where to be seen. The situation became normal after GJMM leaders called for restraint. The center and the West Bengal government has called for a tripartite meeting with the GJMM leaders to resolve the issue. However break through seems unlikely as both the GJMM leaders as well as the West Bengal government seems to be taking a hard stance, where the former has refused to consider anything less than Gorkhaland while the later has been adamant in claiming that they would not allow further division of Bengal.
The activities for support of Gurkhaland has also been seen in parts outside Gurkhaland. The mainstream parties of Sikkim
have openly supported Gurkhaland movement and pledged solidarity.
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