COOCH BEHAR

'Greater Cooch Behar' : Merger Agreement Day observed

After splitting into two groups over method and way of movement about four years ago the proponents of the separate 'Greater Cooch Behar' state joined hands again.

On Friday, the activists of the Greater Cooch Behar Democratic Party (GCDP) and The Greater Cooch Behar Peoples' Association (GCPA) jointly observed the day of the historic agreement by which the erstwhile princely state of Cooch Behar merged with India. The agreement was inked between the then ruler of Cooch Behar, Maharaja Jagaddipendra Narayan and the representative of Government of India VP Menon on 28 August 1949.

The main programme was staged at Shahid Baag in Cooch Behar. Not only the GCDP and the GCPA but also activists of a few other similar minded organisations like the Kamtapur Peoples' Party attended the programme. They also observed the day at different areas in the district.

President of the GCDP Mr Ashutosh Barma said according to the agreement it was expected that Cooch Behar would become a C-category state under the framework of Indian Constitution but due to some conspiracy it was transformed into a mere district of West Bengal. The loyal subjects of the Cooch Behar State never acknowledged it from their hearts.

Mr Barma said the government of India should observe the historic day of the signing of the agreement but they never take any initiative about it. "Today we are observing the day but in future the government should do it. Otherwise we will have to organise a massive movement", he said.

Today, the proponents of the 'Greater Cooch Behar' state organised a daylong programme after hoisting of the National flag and their organisational flag. During their addresses the leaders highlighted the demand for the proposed 'Greater Cooch Behar' state. They also paid homage to the recently demised princess of Cooch Behar royal family, Gayatri Devi.