GNLF's Darjeeling MLA Pronoy Rai resigns

Siliguri, Feb 29 (UNI) Beleaguered Subash Ghisingh today received a fresh jolt when his close associate and Darjeeling's MLA Pronoy Rai resigned from the party and Assembly.

Mr Rai told UNI that his resignation letter was to quit the party and from membership of the West Bengal Legistative Assembly with immediate effect. The letter addressed to Mr Deepak Gurung, GNLF's Darjeeling branch president.

Mr Gurung, however, told UNI that he was yet to recieve the letter.

Mr Rai said that he had, however, not decided whether or not to join the GJM founded by Bimal Gurung, also a former follower of Mr Ghisingh.

Incidentally, other Gorkha National Liberation Front(GNLF) leaders, including T N Ghisingh, have joined the GJM and others were considering the same as well.

GJM spokesperson Benoy Tamang said that he had received the information regarding his resignation, but said that they have no assurance from his end of joining their party.

Meanwhile, indefinite Darjeeling hills bandh, sponsored by the GJM, continued disrupting life and essentials since February 17. The GJM was demanding ouster of Ghisingh from caretaker administrator of the Darjleeing Gorkha Hill Council and rejection of proposed 6th Schedule status for the Hills.

About 200 supporters of the total 500, who were on indefinite hunger strike since February 17 at different places, fell ill, a GJM spokesman claimed today.

Mr Ghising was also not allowed to enter Darjeeling after his return from Delhi on proposed 6th Schedule status for the hills.

Kalimpong GNLF MLA Goldean Lepcha has informed that he will meet GJM-supporters, who were sitting on a hunger strike in the sub-division.

Incidentally, several ward commissioners of Kurseong have also left the GNLF and joined the GJM.

Meanwhile, rumour was that Ghisingh had resigned from the DGHC.

However, no confirmation has yet been received in this regard.

UNI XC-LL PC RN1519