The hills have become tense as GNLF leaders and supporters began preparing to defend Subhash Ghising in the wake of Bimal Gurungs threat of driving the GNLF chief out of Darjeeling. According to a senior police official,GNLF supporters were encouraged after Ghising came back to Darjeeling. According to the information we have,both groups have mobilised goons in reserve. Several meetings were held at GJM offices,during which plans were made to oust Ghising again from Darjeeling. Confrontation resulting in bloodshed is likely after polls in the hills, the official said. After Ghising held a meeting in Mirik on April 9,GJM chief Gurung held a meeting at the same venue the next day. There he declared that lakhs of people would drive out Ghising after the elections. However,GNLF leaders and supporters seemed adamant. Prakash Dahal,GNLF candidate in Kurseong,said,We are lucky to have Ghising back in the hills. In 2008,we were chased out of our place forcibly. Our chief instructed us against any sort of confrontation. But this time,he has told us that he will not leave the hills under any circumstances. We will protect him till the end of our life.
