‘Real’ Ghisingh is yet to emerge, says DGHC chief

Express news service

Kolkata, March 8 “The asli (real) Ghisingh is yet to emerge,” announced Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief Subash Ghisingh in Siliguri on Saturday. He was speaking to the media regarding his impending resignation from the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) and subsequent plans. Ghisingh, who is at present the caretaker administrator of DGHC, confirmed that he will step down on Monday.

Darjeeling district administration sources said the state government is trying to ensure a safe passage for Ghisingh by holding talks with the Gorkha Janamukti Morch (GJM) leaders. GJM leaders are apparently divided about allowing Ghisingh to enter Darjeeling even after he agreed to step down as DGHC chief.

While one section is in favour of allowing him to return to Darjeeling after he resigned, the other section feels his return will give him the opportunity to regroup his men and foment trouble.

However, a GJM leader said: “Going by the present mood in the hills, people might spontaneously block Ghisingh’s entry.” Meanwhile, Ghisingh said he will not demand Sixth Schedule status for Darjeeling anymore. “It has lost its relevance. I appreciate what the Morcha has done to unify the people of the hills for Gorkhaland,” he said.