DARJEELING HILLS: Bimal Gurung slams opposition
Posted by Barun Roy on May 3rd, 2011
“After the results of the (Assembly) elections are declared everything will be made clear as to who needs to be taken care of.” Bimal Gurung
Bimal Gurung, the President of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha addressing a meeting in Darjeeling. A File Photo by Barun Roy
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) President Bimal Gurung has come down heavily on the opposition parties and particularly Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) President Subash Ghisingh. Addressing a meeting at Sitong yesterday, he said, “There are people who are trying to transform me back into the Bimal Gurung of 1986. But they must remember that I have not raised the issue of Gorkhaland for nothing. I have plunged into this movement ready to risk my life. I warn these people not to humour me. If I give up Gandhism, no one would be able to stop me.”
Speaking about GNLF President Subash Ghisingh he said, “I had not said that Subash Ghisingh’s visa in the Hills have expired just for fun. After the results of the (Assembly) elections are declared everything will be made clear as to who needs to be taken care of.”
Referring to the recent division in the Asthahi Karmachari Sangathan, a labour union affiliated with GJM, he said, “A lot of people are being vocal against me. They are questioning my motives and alleging numerous things about me. I warn them. They should not take me lightly. I led a movement from the jungles of the Dooars Terai for more than 2 and a half months. I forged friendship with the wild elephants and the serpants there. Realizing that the youths would go astray, I rectruited them in the GLP (Gorkhaland Personnel) and offered them a life of discipline and dedicaton. These younts are now getting a salary between 1500 to 2000 Rupees. This salary is helping these youths to at least offer some financial support to their families. Is this a wrong thing to do? I have never detracted from our main goals. I promise this in the names of all our Gods and Goddesses. I have never lied to nor betrayed my people and I will never do so in the future. This is the last struggle. But people are trying to bring a wedge between us. In order to make this movement successful, I will go to whatever extent possible. This movement is peaceful, democratic and non-violent and hence we have not asked our youths to carry Khukuris and Guns like the 80s. But the State Government and its agents are trying to destroy this movement. I will tell you today that they will not be successful.”