Gurung asks Tamang, Thapa to ensure arrears of tea garden workers

Darjeeling: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung has asked rebel leaders Binay Tamang and Anit Thapa to ensure that the workers of the tea gardens and cinchona plantations get arrears for the three strike-ridden months.

Incidentally, Tamang and Thapa are the Chirman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Administrators, GTA.

"Binay Tamang had called for indefinite strike without consulting me. He along with Anit Thapa are now in the GTA. I appeal to them to ensure that tea garden workers and cinchona plantation workers are given the wages for the 104 days of bandh. Tamang and Thapa should ensure this as they have already made commitments regarding the same," claimed Gurung through an audio clip sent from an undisclosed location.

Incidentally, Gurung is on the run with a warrant and a look-out notice pending against him. He has been charged under different sections of the IPC and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Labelling Tamang and Thapa as "traitors," Gurung stated: "You have been telling people that I have run away but I am under your very nose keeping a close watch on what you are doing." He further alleged that Tamang, Thapa and their close associates were involved in extortion. He asked the Hill populace to stay away from the rally organised by Tamang in Darjeeling on November 19.