GJM demands Rs 1,000 cr from Centre for quake-hit Darjeeling

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha on Monday demanded Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre for reconstruction work in Kalimpong and other areas of Darjeeling hills affected by the September 18 earthquake.

"A sum of Rs 1,000 crore is required for beginning  reconstruction work in the earthquake-hit areas. We want  Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) to persuade the Centre to provide the funds," GJM president Bimal Gurung told mediapersons after a nearly 45-minute meeting with Mamata Banerjee.

Top ministers and officials of the state and the district level attended the meeting. Earlier, Banerjee was accorded a warm welcome on her arrival in Darjeeling on a two-day visit to north Bengal.

A large number of 'lepchas' also greeted Banerjee who has assured the community of addressing their demand for recognition of their language.

This is her first visit to Darjeeling since signing of the tripartite accord regarding autonomy for the hills. She is expected to inaugurate some railway projects in Darjeeling before leaving for Dooars on Tuesday evening.