Ghisingh to quit in 10 days, Darjeeling strike over

The West Bengal Chief Minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, made the announcement this afternoon through a written statement, which said: “I have discussed the latest situation in Darjeeling with all concerned yesterday (28 February 2008). It was proposed in the report that the Union home ministry would make a reassessment of the situation in Darjeeling. Meanwhile, Shri Subhas Ghisingh, administrator, DGHC, has said that he will resign within the next ten days.”

Ghisingh wanted to send his resignation from LalKuthi — the administrative headquarters of the DGHC, Bhattacharjee had said.

The announcement brought temporary relief to the charged atmosphere in the hills. Rival Darjeeling Gorkha Janamukti Morcha called off their strike and withdrew the indefinite hunger strike till March 11. But Ghisingh will still not be allowed to enter Darjeeling as long as he does not put in his resignation, said Morcha chief Bimal Gurung, who is in Kolkata. “Ghisingh is like poison now,” he said.

Later in the evening, the Morcha decided to allow Ghisingh a passage to Darjeeling following a request from Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

The announcement brought some relief to the hills. The Janamukti Morcha called off its strike. The hunger strike was withdrawn, too. The hunger strikers, some of whom were said to be in serious condition, were immediately shifted to hospitals.

As many as 5,000 hardcore GNLF supporters were said to have switched their allegiance and joined the Morcha in different parts of the hills today, particularly in areas like Mirik, Sonada, Peshak — the erstwhile GNLF strongholds.

“More are expected to join us in the next few days,” said Benoy Tamang, a Morch spokesman in Darjeeling.