Gorkhaland demand still exists : Ghishing

Darjeeling/Siliguri, Oct 2 (UNI) Gorkhaland still figured in Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) supremo Subash Ghishing's priority list even after getting the approval of Sixth Schedule status for the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) yesterday.

Arriving at Siliguri from Singapur, he told newsmen today that he was thankful to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee for the latter's support to get the Sixth Schedule status for Darjeeling.

Asked on Gorkhaland, Mr Ghishing said, '' This is a separate issue. It's not the right time to discuss the issue because now we have to celebrate the Sixth Schedule status for Darjeeling as it is going to be implemented soon. '' '' Everybody has the right to demand his own land, and so it is the political demand of the GNLF since long, '' he stated.

Mr Ghishing said still it had been a long process from the Central Government side, adding the Draft Bill of Articles 244 and 332 and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) had been approved by the Union Cabinet.

He said after the Bill was passed, a Governor would be appointed for the Council.

After appointing the Governor, all the processes, including election, would start in Darjeeling, said Mr Ghishing.

The GNLF supremo also said the tribal status for the DGHC would benefit every community of Darjeeling hills.

Meanwhile, active GNLF member Bimal Gurung, opposing the tribal status, said the Gorkhaland was the dream of the hill people since 1980.

UNI