As the deadline to switch from WB to GL
number plates of vehicles is approaching in the Darjeeling
hills, a man closeted in a tiny shop is finding it hard to
handle the awesome number of orders he has already received
for such plates.
“About 50 orders are coming our way now and the number
is likely to increase,” said Mr Pranay Rai, owner of
the shop overwhelmed with the amount of business coming his
way all on a sudden. The shop is lined with colourful plates
most of which bear a striking resemblance to the GJMM party
flag. “The drivers choose the designs
and colours themselves and this happens to be a favourite.
They just want to express their loyalty for Gorkhaland,”
he says busy pasting numbers on a plate with a GJMM flag on
the background.
There is a rule though. Only orders sanctioned by the transport
department of the GJMM office at Singamari are accepted. Licenses
and other documents of vehicles are thoroughly scrutinised
before allotting tokens to them. “To avoid confusion
and under the instruction of the transport committee I accept
only those orders that are sanctioned by the GJMM,”
said Mr Rai.
The All Transport Joint Action Committee's decision for compulsory
implementation of GL number plates in all areas falling within
the proposed Gorkhaland state boundary has evoked mixed reaction
among the people. “This rule is compulsory for all vehicles
of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik, Siliguri and Dooars.
Since we will not use WB plates, we are not bound to pay taxes
to the West Bengal government,”said Mr Narbu Lama, president
of ATJAC.
Apprehension runs deep on the legal implications of using
the Gorkhaland number plates on vehicles. “We will use
GL number plates and stop paying taxes but in that case we
will not be allowed to claim insurance if the vehicle meets
with an accident,” fears Mr Sanjay Mukhia, a resident.
“Such problems should be overlooked for Gorkhaland.
We must make sacrifices in this final battle for statehood,”
debates Mr Jyoti Pradhan, who is even ready to court arrest.
Courtesy: The Statesman |
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