Bimal Gurung’s return to Darjeeling sparks fresh tension among GJM factions

By Soudhriti Bhabani Kolkata, Oct 31 : The sudden resurfacing of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leader Bimal Gurung, who had been absconding since 2017 after he was charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, gave birth to a whole new political equation in West Bengals hill district Darjeeling.
A faction led by Binoy Tamang, who became the president of GJM after Gurung’s disappearance, staged protests taking out rallies in the hills. The situation went so out of control that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee had to step in to iron out differences between the warring factions of the hill party. Banerjee also made it clear that Tamang would remain the chairperson of the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA).
The GTA is the regional autonomous body formed as a result of the State, Centre and the GJM tripartite agreement in 2011. Former GJM president Bimal Gurung was elected as the chief executive of the body in 2012 but he and other office bearers of the GTA had resigned on June 23, 2017 when the agitation for the separate Gorkhaland State once again gained momentum in the hills.
According to sources at the state secretariat Nabanno, both Binoy Tamang and Anit Thapa have been called by the CM on November 3 for a meeting in the wake of the current political situation in the Darjeeling hills. When contacted by IANS repeatedly over phone, Tamang said: “I am busy”.
On October 24, supporters of Bimal Gurung raised flags with the former GJM chief’s picture in the heart of the city. Advance announcement of Bimal Gurung’s return to the hill was made. The youth wing of the GJM also staged a big procession in the town of Sonada on October 25 morning hoisting the flag which had Gurung’s picture on it, sources said.
Meanwhile, supporters of Binoy Tamang and Anit Thapa also took out a peace rally in Darjeeling town on Saturday protesting against Gurung’s return to the hills. Neither Binoy Tamang nor any of the frontline leaders of his camp were present in the procession.