DARJEELING,: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista stated Wednesday
that discussions on the Gorkha community’s key issues including Statehood,
Permanent Political Solution (PPS) and tribal status will resume shortly. He
attributed the delay to recent political developments such as the elections and
the Manipur crisis but assured that the dialogue process within the Home
Ministry would reopen soon.
Speaking on the side-lines of a rally
held here to welcome 1008 Kalidas Krishnanand, Bista said, “As far as the issue
of the Gorkhas regarding Statehood or a Permanent Political Solution and the
tribal status issues goes, it is on track.”
He expressed confidence that the
government remains committed to resolving these issues. “The dreams and goals
we are working towards are significant and patience is needed,” he said,
emphasizing the importance of dialogue and support from the Central government.
When asked about the ongoing rift
between their alliance parties, Bista dismissed rumours of any friction,
stating that he is in constant touch with alliance leaders. “I have only
yesterday met leaders of some of our alliance parties in Delhi and am in constant
touch with leaders of our other alliance parties. I have not seen anyone angry
towards us.”
He acknowledged the GNLF’s recent black
flag campaign, saying it highlights the need for urgency but did not see it as
a negative action. “The GNLF started a black flag campaign maintaining that a
lot of delay is being made. They only want to send a message to the Centre
demanding the solution for the issues here as soon as possible. I feel there is
nothing wrong with that and if the Centre speeds up the process due to this,
the people will be the ones who will benefit,” he added.
Responding to Bharatiya Gorkha
Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) chief Anit Thapa’s demand for more MLAs and MPs for
the GTA area, Bista encouraged Thapa to share his proposals, reiterating that
addressing past injustices remains a priority. “Thapa can give whatever
suggestion he has regarding delimitation and I want him to share with me a copy
of his demand as the most help for it can be provided by me. I feel that the injustice
that has happened to us in the seventies and eighties should be addressed.”
On the issue of tribal status for 11
Gorkha communities, Bista reiterated that the solution lies with the Central
government, not the State, and emphasized that collaborative efforts are key to
achieving a positive outcome for the Gorkha people.