Compensation, jobs for families of those killed in Gorkhland agitation

Darjeeling, Nov 21 (IANS) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday announced Rs two lakh compensation and jobs to kin of each person killed during the Gorkhaland agitation.

"All parties raised the compensation issue for the dead agitators who have no criminal cases against them.

"The kin of each of the dead will be given Rs two lakh and seriously injured Rs 50,000. One member of each bereaved family will be provided job," Banerjee told reporters after the fourth round of an all-party meetings in Pintel village in Darjeeling.

Normal life was paralysed in the hills in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts due to an indefinite shutdown called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha since June 12 on the statehood demand. A number of clashes took place between the agitators and the security forces.

The Chief Minister said teachers of school and colleges would also receive their salaries for the months the agitation took place but they will have to work during holidays to complete the syllabi.

Special arrangement was proposed for other government employees so that they would get two-month salaries, out of three months, Banerjee said.

"These arrangements were decided on consensus," she said.

Hailing the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration members and people of Darjeeling for restoring peace in the region, she said: "Peace has returned to Darjeeling. I thank all parties and the GTA ... as far as development is concerned, there will be no compromise... as much as we can do we will work towards it."