GJM allows schools to reopen, seeks Gorkhaland signature drive

Darjeeling: While allowing schools to reopen, the GJM which is spearheading a separatist stir in West Bengal's Darjeeling hills, Thursday asked students and teachers to do a signature campaign for Gorkhaland and send a copy to the president and the prime minister.

Asserting that Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's ongoing agitation for Gorkhaland will continue, its chief Bimal Gurung said all schools of the region will be allowed to reopen from Sep 13.

"The on-going agitation for Gorkhaland will continue as it is our final battle. But considering the priority we accord to education, we have decided to allow all schools in the Darjeeling hills to reopen from Sep 13," he said. However, the students will have to walk to their schools as no transport will be available for them.

"All students and teachers must also do a signature campaign for Gorkhaland and send a copy to the president of India and prime minister," said Gurung, who earlier asked schools to "discuss the Gorkhaland issue in the morning assembly as students must understand the relevance of the demand".

Gurung, who earlier said that students in the region were ready to sacrifice education for the sake of Gorkhaland, asked the school authorities to hold classes on Saturdays and Sundays to make up for the lost time.

"Students are our future, tomorrow's voice for Gorkhaland. Keeping this in mind, their success in the coming higher secondary and other final examinations need to be ensured by teachers," said Gurung and reiterated that his fight is not against West Bengal but against the central government.