Status of Gorkhaland Agitation

Why in news?

The stir for a separate Gorkhaland state now had entered its fifth week.

What is the present status of the agitation?

• Seven people had lost their lives so far.
• There are lots of twist and turns in the agitation
• A “fast-unto-death” programme has been announced by senior leaders, It has also been decided that the agitation will continue indefinitely
• The officials barred the internet connections across the area where the agitation is on progress.

What is the stand of Sikkim?

• Sikkim is the very closer state to the Darjeeling area.
• Sikkim appears to have positioned itself in the emerging political configuration.
• It gave its open support to the Gorkhaland cause by making public a letter to Union Home Minister, has created ripples.
• Sikkim has begun suffering disruptions in essential supplies.

What are the apprehensions about the agitation?

• The Bengal government believes the agitation is encouraged by union government for a political turmoil.
• The insurgency groups around the chicken neck region making plans for the agitation.
• There are also suspicions that the agitation is funded by foreign forces like China and Nepal. 

Quick fact

Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC)

• It was a semi-autonomous body that looked after the administration of the hills of Darjeeling District in the state of West Bengal, India.
• It was operational from 1988-2012, also once known for a short period of time as Darjeeling Gorkha Autonomous Hill Council (DGAHC).
• DGHC had three subdivisions under its authority: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Kurseong and some areas of Siliguri subdivision.

Source: The Hindu