Views differ over Gurung, Ghisingh relationship

SNS, Kurseong, 16 December 2013: Views are divided in the Hills over the GJMM chief, Mr Bimal Gurung having become generous towards his one-time mentor-turned arch foe, Mr Subash Ghising, the GNLF chief. Notably, shedding his earlier inhibition, Mr Gurung yesterday said that they would welcome the GNLF patriarch back if the latter stays away from politics.  

Mr Mani Gurung, a close confidante of Mr Ghisingh, said that the former paramount leader of the Hills would step in the Hills at his own sweet will.  “It is beyond Mr Gurung to dictate terms when he would return and what he would do on his return,” he added.

Another GNLF leader based in Kurseong said that Mr Gurung having lost support is bent on resisting the revival of the GNLF in the political realm of the Hills. “His overtures, bordering on spurious generosity, reveal that he is losing nerves following his capitulation before the bullying state government.  He sounds scared too.  His gesture would not stop exodus from the GJMM to the GNLF. Rather it would gain speed, as Mr Gurung is unmasked,” he said. The Hill watchers, however, have discovered political machinations in Mr Gurung having softened stridency towards the GNLF leader.  “The GJMM leader knows that Mr Ghising still commands respect from the people despite everything that has happened in the past. In case something happens to him they would not forgive the GJMM leader. The Lok Sabha election is approaching and the sympathy factor for the ailing leader might gain further momentum,” one of the observers said. Another observer said the people of Darjeeling had not taken it kindly when Mr Ghising had been hounded off the Hills. “The GJMM cadres stopping funeral procession of his wife was against the humanistic ethos of the Hills. The sooner Mr Gurung and his minions realise this the better,” he added.