GNLF meeting in Hills after 3 years

Photo: EOI

Deep Gazmer, TNN, DARJEELING: The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) upped the election ante on Thursday by holding its first meeting in the Darjeeling subdivision - after a gap of three years - and sticking to its long-standing demand of implementing the Sixth Schedule in the Hills. Party president Subhash Ghisingh, however, gave the meeting a miss.

The GNLF held a major meeting in Darjeeling for the last time ahead of the assembly election in April 2011, where Ghisingh addressed a sea of supporters and appealed to people to vote for his party.

In their public address, GNLF leaders lambasted the GJM from the dais at Sumeroo Manch and demanded the Sixth Schedule but stopped short of addressing the statehood issue.

Mani Gurung, a senior party leader from Darjeeling subdivision, said, "GJM is resorting to terror tactics to gather people but I want to say that the GNLF under Ghisingh will safeguard you. Unlike in 2011, Ghisingh will not leave the Hills this time and people need not fear the GJM," he added.

GNLF chief convener MG Subba argued for the Sixth Schedule saying it would have a constitutional guarantee. "Our leader has already signed an MoU for implementation of the Sixth Schedule with the state and the central government in December, 2005. The bill for the Sixth Schedule is not dead as is being propagated by the GJM party. We will pursue the matter with both the state and central government after the election," he promised.

Asked about Ghisingh's absence, senior GNLF leader Biren Lama said, "Appa (as Ghisingh is fondly addressed by supporters) has already given his blessing and that is enough for us. We will put in everything to ensure Baichung Bhutia's victory. We are distributing pamphlets all across the Hills in favour of Trinamool."

The GNLF though has said it would not share the election dais with its ally. "Supporting the Trinamool is our political stand. We will not be on the same platform," Lama said.

Sources within the party pointed out that the Lok Sabha election was only a way forward to strengthen its base in the Hills and that the actual political strategy would be chalked out by Ghisingh once the democratic exercise was over.