A 13-member delegation of the Parishad, which met the CM today, placed a 13-point charter of demands.

The GJM has been demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland comprising Darjeeling, Siliguri and the areas of the Dooars and Terai in Jalpaiguri district. On Thursday, the GJM started an indefinite hunger-strike at Gorubathan in Darjeeling district to press for its demands.

“Dooars and Terai region was reclaimed by our forefathers and they have no right to claim it. And they have the support of not even 5 per cent of tribals. As far as the Gorkhaland agitation is concerned, it is for the government to tackle it,” Birsa Tirkey, president of the Parishad who led the delegation, said after the meeting with the CM that lasted for two about hours.

The Parishad’s demands include action against those involved in the recent clashes between the GJM and the tribals, more jobs for tribals, setting up of Hindi-medium schools in the region and opening of closed tea gardens.

Tirkey, however, said they were not demanding an autonomous council there. “We may demand it if our demands are not met,” he said.

The chief minister urged the delegation to maintain peace and harmony in the area and promised to look into their demands.