The central government has agreed to give its nod for the formation of a separate Gorkha administrative body called Gorkhaland Territorial Administration(GTA) which will be an autonomous body having greater administrative powers than the existing Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.

Members of the Central Government, the West Bengal government and the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJM) are expected to sign the agreement today.

West Bengal CM Ms. Mamata Bannerjee met with GJM president Bimal Gurung and other party leaders on Sunday in this regard. The Left has resolved to stay away from the meeting as they comment that such an agreement will pave the way for the formation of a separate Gorkha State.

A CPM-backed group is reported to have called for a bandh in protest.

 CENTRE GIVES IN TO MAKE A SEPARATE GORKHA BODY

REPORT BY BIKRAM SINGH RANA