GNLF echoes Binay line

RAJEEV RAVIDAS, TT,  Jan 22, 2018, Kalimpong: The Gorkha National Liberation Front on Monday appeared to lend credence to the claim of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Binay Tamang that he was working towards a new "arrangement" to solve the twin issues of identity and security of the Gorkhas.

Y. Lama, a central committee of the GNLF, told reporters in Darjeeling that talks were on to find a long-term political solution to the problem of the Gorkhas, but didn't reveal much.

"Long-term political solution is a phrase used by the chief minister (Mamata Banerjee) herself. The chief minister doesn't want repeated agitations and strikes. She doesn't want any incident that would disturb the law-and-order to happen here. She wants a long-term political solution," he said.

Addressing a public meeting in Sukna on Sunday, Tamang had spoken about a new arrangement to solve the twin issues of Gorkha identity and security. "We need to solve this issue and we are discussing a new arrangement at the highest level which will solve the issue of (Gorkha) identity and security," Tamang had said without divulging the contours of the arrangement.

Lama said only the future would tell what shape the long-term solution would take, but the GNLF was hopeful that the chief minister would work towards finding one.

"Long-term political solution is being discussed in the ongoing bipartite talks (between the state government and the hill parties)...When talking about permanent political solution, statehood will find a mention," he said.

The GNLF also welcomed Tamang's announcement to name the Rohini Road after its founding president Subash Ghisingh.

"The GNLF president Mann Ghisingh welcomes the GTA decision to name the Rohini Road as Subash Ghisingh Marg. The GNLF also welcomes the earlier announcement of the GTA not collect toll tax from the road. Our president (read Subash Ghisingh) had never thought of collecting toll tax from the public. He made the road for the public and they should not be forced to pay for its use," Lama said.