GNLF flexible on demands: Mann ... it is important to know what the Centre and state want to offer.... GNLF not very enthusiastic about GTA elections

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, Darjeeling: GNLF president Mann Ghisingh said on Wednesday that he was "flexible" in seeking a political solution for the Darjeeling hills but iterated reservations over the GTA.

The GNLF wants Sixth Schedule status for the hills and believes that is the best solution until the statehood is achieved.

Interacting with the media, Ghisingh said: "We have made a demand (for Sixth Schedule) but I personally believe it is important to know what the Centre and state want to offer. We need to be flexible" "Sixth Schedule is a constitutionally guaranteed provision and protects our people and our land. Our wish is that it should have constitutional guarantee and should protect our land and people. We can then compare it with our demand," said Ghisingh.

Observers believe Ghisingh does not want to be seen as rigid and wants the government to come up with a solution so that the party can generate a new political discussion in the hills.

The GNLF leader on Wednesday announced the formation of 17-member steering committee that would guide the party. On June 22 this year, the party had dissolved its central committee.

"The steering committee will sit for a meeting, probably this Sunday, and decide our future course of action," said Ghisingh.

The GNLF president said he was airing his "personal views" even before the steering committee sits for a meeting.

The GNLF chief also said he was not very enthusiastic about GTA elections.

"The people have rejected the GTA, some had even burnt its copies (this was in reference to Binay Tamang burning the GTA agreement during the last phase of the agitation) and we have also filed a case (in Calcutta High court) regarding the validity of this body," said Ghisingh.

The GNLF has argued that without amending the Constitution, the GTA cannot be considered valid as a reference to erstwhile DGHC has been made in the Constitution.