“We expect the GJM to end its hunger strike before the talks though it does not mean talks cannot be held if the hunger strike went on,” Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen said today. It was Sen who had said a day earlier that the state government could “rethink” its participation in the Darjeeling talks.

Sen, however, reiterated there was no question of accepting a separate Gorkhaland and said the state government would instead offer more autonomy for the Gorkhas. “If the issue of Gorkhaland is raised, it will have to be discussed. But that does not mean we will accept that demand.  Instead, we will offer scrapping of the DGHC Act, more autonomy, more funds, and of course development of the Hills,” he said.

The GJM, however, says it will only discuss Gorkhaland. “There is no use of talking about anything else except Gorkhaland,” key GJM leader Roshan Giri said. The condition of some of those on hunger strike is really bad, he added.

But Sen said those who have fallen sick because of the hunger strike have agreed to accept medical treatment.