Ghisingh’s son may lead GNLF

Deep Gazmer, TNN, Jan 31, 2015, DARJEELING: Subash Ghisingh's son Mohan may be the new Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) president. The party reportedly wants Mohan to take over the reins, though the late GNLF founder's son did not confirm it. "I don't know anything about it yet," he said.

Leaving aside their political and ideological differences, leaders of various parties in the Hills reached Ghisingh's house on Saturday to pay their last respects to the Gorkha leader, who died in a Delhi hospital on Thursday.

One of the first to reach Ghisingh's house at Dr Zakir Hussain Road, located on the upper fringes of Darjeeling town, was CPRM president R B Rai accompanied by senior party leaders. "With Ghisingh's demise, a chapter has come to an end," said Rai, a former MP from Darjeeling.

Echoing similar sentiments, CPM district secretariat member K B Wattar said: "We had differences but it must be said that he was an astute leader. His demand for implementing the Sixth Schedule in the Hills paved the way for the ongoing claim of granting tribal status."

ABGL general secretary Pratap Khati also showed respect with 'khadas' and wreath. "It is because of him that Gorkhaland has become synonymous with Darjeeling and its people," he said.

GJM was represented by its vice-president R P Waiba and central committee leader Urmila Rumba. Leaders from Congress and Trinamool Congress were also seen at Ghisingh's house.

As a mark of respect, all GTA offices, shops and business establishments remained shut on Saturday.

Mohan said Ghisingh's body would be taken to their ancestral home at Manju in Mirik at 9am on Sunday. "We will first lead the funeral procession in Darjeeling town and then leave for Manju for cremation," he said.