Desperate to woo the restive tribals in the Dooars to the Gorkhaland cause, the GJMM president Mr Bimal Gurung is expected to visit Lalgarh in West Midnapore tentatively on 18 February. According to GJMM sources, the final announcement on the itinerary of the proposed visit would be made in a day or two.
The GJMM general secretary, Mr Roshan Giri today acknowledged there was a likelihood of the president visiting the tension-stricken Lalgarh later this month. “Mr Gurung is eager to get a first hand view of the tribal unrest sweeping across the region for some time. He might meet the tribal leaders who have been spearheading the anti-state government agitation apart from having informal talks with a cross section of the tribal populace over there,” Mr Giri said.
The GJMM leader further said that it was imperative for the GJMM to sense the depth of mounting exasperation amongst the tribals in south Bengal. “Both the tribals, residing in south and north Bengal and the north Bengal-based Indian Gorkhas, having arrived at the end of their tether, should close ranks to bolster the people’s movement going on against the draconian policies of the state government,” Mr Giri added.
Speaking on the matter, the GJMM media and publicity secretary Mr Binay Tamang said that the nitty gritty of the proposed visit would be chalked out soon. “ There is a possibility, though, that Mr Gurung would address a public meeting at Lalgarh,” he added.
Asked whether Mr Gurung would visit alone or a party delegation would accompany him, Mr Tamang refused to give details, saying that they would announce the details of the programme later.
SILIGURI: The ongoing political upheaval in Dooars may soon hit the high-quality and highly valued ‘first flush’ tea trade there. Dooars contributes over 15% to the all India tea production.
“Undoubtedly, the charged environment has created uneasiness among planters here. If the trouble continues for long, the next ‘first flush’ business will be severely affected,” said Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA) principal advisor NK Basu.
According to experts, tea bushes remain at the best metabolic state and yield the best quality tea between 18 and 32 degree Celsius in post-winter and pre-peak summer season. After the two- month long no-plucking winter season, the new batch of leaves, normally plucked in March, comes in heavy quantities. Known as ‘first flush’ produce, it brings in the highest price. Out of around 920 million kg all-India tea production, Dooars produces 145 million kg. But its higher price makes the industry highly sensitive to the ‘first flush’ output in Dooars like all other tea producing areas.
“The political crisis in Dooars is yet to touch our management activities. But, the growing rift between Gorkhas and the tribals, two major communities in our workforce, will badly impact the overall operation, including production in all Dooars gardens,” said a senior tea garden manager.
While the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha is demanding the tea-producing Dooars and Terai be included in their proposed Gorkhaland state, tribals, under Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikash Parishad banner, are strongly against this. The ongoing tussle has already claimed two lives.
Labels: Dooars
