Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Hansraj Gangaram Ahir informed that Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has called for an indefinite strike in Darjeeling hills w.e.f. 12.06.2017 demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland, which is still continuing. Violence and damage to public property has been reported during the agitations and a number of cases have been registered by the West Bengal police.
The Central Government had sought a report from the Government of West Bengal in the matter on 13.06.2017. The Government of West Bengal sent a report vide letter dated 17.06.2017. Keeping in view the reports of unabated incidents of violence, the Central Government vide letter dated 4.07.2017 had again sought updated status of law & order in the Darjeeling hills areas. The Government of West Bengal, vide its letter dated 5.07.2017 has provided the abstract deployment of Central Para Military Forces (CPMFs) in Darjeeling and Kalimpong and vide letter dated 7.07.2017 provided a brief report on the events leading to the present situation in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Areas (GTAA).
As per the VII Schedule to the Constitution of India, ‘Public Order’ and ‘Police’ are state subjects. The State Government concerned is primarily responsible for maintenance of law and order. The Central Government, on the request of State Government, assists the State Government in maintenance of law & order by providing Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). CAPF battalions have been provided to the Government of West Bengal for maintenance of law & order in GTAA.