GJM considers lifting of social boycott on Ghisingh

Darjeeling, Sep 1 (UNI) Ahead of the maiden tripartite talks in New Delhi next week, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in an attempt to mobilise mass support, was considering lifting of social boycott on its adversaries including the GNLF, an arch rival.

GJM president Bimal Gurung, who was now chairing an all party meeting at Gymkhana, Hall to chalk out strategy for September 8 talks in Delhi on Gorkha state, today told his followers that there would be no more arson and violence and announced lifting of ''social boycott'' on GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh.

He said the 'social ostracisation' on some particular people must end as it was the Gorkhas resonsibility to put up a united fight to force the authorities to concede their statehood demand.

The GJM had given a social boycott call on many GNLF leaders, including former Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council chairman Subash Ghisingh, after clashes occurred between the rival followers.

Mr Gurung, who time and again gives diktats on several issues, including dress code, changing of car number plates, offering prayers for Gorkhaland and boycott of power bill payment, has said he would fix a date with the GNLF leaders to convince them to join his party for putting up a united fight.

Social boycott had forced Mr Ghisingh's sons to perform their mother's last rites in Siliguri as her body was not allowed to be taken to Darjeeling. After a life threatening attack on Mr Ghisingh few months ago in Darjeeling, the isolated GNLF leader was now staying in Siliguri and faced social boycott among his community people.

The Union Government has convened a tripartite meeting- Centre, West Bengal government and the GJM on next Monday to iron out decades old demand of Gorkha state in Darjeeling, now a part of West Bengal.

UNI XC-PC KK SP AS1912