GJM came up with the new demand after forging working alliance with the Duars-based Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad (ABAVP).[break]
The GJM had been claiming that some of the Duars territory too should be brought under Gorkhaland and so the relations between GJM and the ABAVP had not been smooth. But the ABAVP on Sunday said it decided to raise the demand for GATA in alliance with GJM.
ABAVP, last year, had rejected a GJM proposal to launch joint movement for Gorkha Adivasi Pradesh.
However, GJM President Bimal Gurung and ABAVP President Joha Barla informed that they have historical maintained friendship with each other.
Meanwhile, the the West Bengal state government responded to the new demand.
The GJM and the ABAVP said they will soon meet the West Bengal chief minister and union home minister to inform them about GATA.
Speaking at press conference GJM President Gurung said, "We will now organize mass gatherings at various places of Terai and Duars to inform people about GATA."
He even claimed that their new demand will be accepted by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as she is in favor of peace in Duars.
Duars, where the 60 percent of the population comprises Adivasis, is backward compared to Darjeeling in terms of development.
Meanwhile, the residents of Darjeeling have said that GATA, unlike GTA, can´t provide the Nepali-speaking populace there a distinct identity.
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