West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said she would “never allow separation of Darjeeling from Bengal” and appealed Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) to maintain peace in the hills.
“I still appeal GJM to maintain peace and allow development (works) in Darjeeling,” Banerjee told the media at the State Secretariat.
The chief minister also asked why GJM has been demanding a separate statehood at a time when development works have started once again in the hills and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has been formed.
“GTA is created. Gorkhaland name has been given. Everything has been provided to them…Now, we cannot divide Bengal,” she added.
She announced that she would visit Darjeeling on September 3.
ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in