"GNLF to participate actively in the Lok Sabha Election" Subash Ghisingh
JALPAIGURI: "Gorkha National Liberation Front will be resurrected once again," said Subash Ghisingh, the one time father of the Indian Gorkhas and the President of the now defunct Gorkha National Liberation Front. Speaking to the press after appearing before the Jalpaiguri Sessions Court, Ghisingh said, "GNLF supporters are still present in large numbers in the nooks and corners of the hills. I have asked our party cadres to remain silent since I do not want any clash. During the 1986 Gorkhaland Movement a lot of people died due to the clash between brothers and brothers. 13 to 14 hundred people had died. I do not want that to happen again. That is exactly why I have refrained everyone from speaking up.
Subash Ghisingh has arrived at Jalpaiguri as the final witness to the Saat Ghoomte Attack case filed in 2001. After being forced to leave Darjeeling due to the death of Pamila Sharma in the hands of alleged GNLF cadres and office bearers, Subash Ghisingh had lived a life of secrecy. However, his sudden return to the public life and his statements seeking the ressurection of GNLF has sent shockwaves in the Hills. Political analysts and leaders have accepted that the GNLF Chief statement at this crucial stage of forthcoming elections is very significant.
"We are looking at the situation and will at this moment be patient in laying down our moves. I am ready to wait it out no matter how long it takes but GNLF will never be rooted out of Darjeeling hills," Ghisingh said.
Replying to the speculations that Subash Ghisingh had earlier retired from active politics, Ghisingh said, "I have not yet retired from active politics. I am still the President of Gorkha National Liberation Front and I am still working. I have indulged in Silent Politics bearing in mind the betterment of the people of Darjeeling hills. Why should I talk when things I say may led to clashes in the hills. It is better for me to remain silent but that does not mean that I am not politically active. I left Darjeeling because I wanted the people to live in peace. I have so far enjoyed private life. I will be staying in Jalpaiguri for some days and I will meet my party members and friends. We will also discuss on the present political situation situation."
When inquired about the party’s participation in the forthcoming Lok Sabha Elections, Ghisingh said, "We have not yet decided as to who will contest in the forthcoming elections. However, our party will actively participate in the elections."
Replying to a question raised by a reporter as to the possibility of GNLF contesting the election together with CPIM, Ghisingh said, "We have our own agenda. GNLF is an independent party with an independent stand. "
Raising the bogey of the Sixth Schedule Status Ghisingh said, "Sixth Schedule Bill has not been shelfed yet merely postponned. The Tripartite Agreement signed on Sixth Schedule still stands and has not yet been scrapped."