GNLF chief termed traitor, indefinte strike from tomorrow

Siliguri, Feb 19 (UNI) The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters have called an indefinite strike from tomorrow in protest against the Hill's Sixth Schedule status to Darjeeling.

The Hills district was in a turmoil after Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief Subash Ghisingh struck a deal with the Centre giving the hills a Sixth Schedule status instead of statehood.

The GNLF chief, who led the hills for the last two decades, had been denied entry into Darjeeling.

Ghisingh, who was stranded on the outskirts of Siliguri upon his arrival at Bagdogra airport yesterday fearing an attack by the GJM activists, was staying at the Pintail village guest house here.

The activists today tried to gherao the guest-house but the attempt was foiled, North Bengal IGP R J S Nalwa said adding that Mr Ghisingh has been provided with Z-category security along with two bulletproof vehicles.

He also said that the GNLF chief will stay here for some more days till the situation became normal.

The Gorkha Hill Council activists also blocked the roads and tension was palpable in the Sukna and Siliguri.

GJM secretary Roshan Giri said, ''We will not allow the traitor to enter Darjeeling. Even if he is taken in a helicopter we will block the helipad.'' GJM spokesperson Binoy Tamang said, ''We will not allow him to enter the Hills under any circumstances. Our supporters are picketing and blocking the roads from all directions. Our motto is to remove Ghisingh from his post and cancel the Sixth Schedule status,'' he said.

GNLF Darjeeling Committee President Deepak Gurung has blamed the Centre and West Bengal government for the unrest in the hills.

Incidentally, there was an attack on Mr Ghisingh's life on February 10, 2001.

UNI XC PP RN1608