Expressing concern over the denial of permission to mark the third foundation day of Jan Andolan Party ( JAP) in Kalimpong, party leader Harka Bahadur Chettri on Thursday alleged that the state government is not allowing the party to exercise its democratic rights. The JAP said it will celebrate its third foundation day on 27 January at the Baghajatin Park in Siliguri.
“We had sought permission from the administration for the function, but they denied the permission, and we do not know the reasons behind it. We always wanted a single democratic and non-violent movement in the Hills. We were the only party which went against the bandh, and we were the only party to protest against the undemocratic moves of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM), and now, we are not given permission to hold our foundation day,” Mr Chettri said. “We are guardian-less in this country.
We are not being treated as genuine citizens of this democratic country because we are not being allowed to exercise our democratic rights.The administration is denying permission to celebrate the foundation day of a registered party, registered with the Election Commission of India, where there are certain rights given to a political party which includes holding a public meeting,” he told a press conference here.
He added that his party was shocked by the action of the state government to deny the permission even after the Hills have returned back to normal. “For political stability in the Hills, a secular party is a must, and therefore, we are coming to Siliguri to highlight the vision of our party,” he claimed.
Commenting on the statement made by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief Binoy Tamang against Sikkim in a public meeting held in Sukna near Siliguri on Sunday, Mr Chettri said, “It seems the voice is not that of Mr Tamang, but the state government is shooting from Mr Tamang’s shoulder.”