The Hindu : New Delhi News : Blockades hold back Ghising in Siliguri

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Tuesday, Feb 19, 2008
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Blockades hold back Ghising in Siliguri

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: Embattled Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) administrator Subhas Ghising was held back in Siliguri on his arrival from New Delhi on Monday. He did not proceed to Darjeeling as blockades were set up by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters on roads leading to the hill town.

“It is the people who have decided to prevent Mr. Ghising and will be obstructing any attempt for his return to Darjeeling until he is removed as DGHC administrator by the West Bengal government,” Roshan Giri, GJM general secretary, told The Hindu over telephone from Darjeeling.

The GJM has intensified its agitation for a separate state comprising Darjeeling and certain contiguous areas. A hunger-strike by some of its activists in Darjeeling and the sub-divisional towns of Kurseong and Kalimpong entered the second day.

Work in State government offices also remained affected.

Mr. Ghising, who is also the chief of the Gorkha National Liberation Front, said he was staying on in Siliguri for personal reasons. He expressed confidence that the amendment Bills for granting the Sixth Schedule status to the hill region would be passed by Parliament shortly.

He said he had gone to New Delhi to press leaders for its passage and the response was positive.

Ashok Bhattacharya, Urban Affairs Minister, urged protesters to end their agitation as the government was open for talks.

Mr. Bhattacharya, who convened a review meeting here, said: “We hope that the Bills will be passed and the process will be started immediately to hold the council polls on March 24. Once this happens, the question of Subhas Ghising staying on as DGHC administrator does not arise.” The last polls were held in March 1999.

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