Subash Ghising

Early Life and Background

Subash Ghising was born on June 22, 1936, in Manju Tea Estate, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. He belonged to the Gorkha community, which has a significant presence in the Darjeeling hills. Ghising’s early life was marked by modest beginnings, and he pursued his education locally.

Military Service

Before entering politics, Subash Ghising served in the Indian Army. His time in the military instilled in him a sense of discipline and a strong sense of identity as a Gorkha. This experience played a crucial role in shaping his political ideology and his later activism for the Gorkha community.

Political Career and the Gorkhaland Movement

Subash Ghising is best known for his role in spearheading the Gorkhaland movement, which aimed to create a separate state for the Gorkhas in the Darjeeling hills. The movement sought to address the socio-economic and cultural aspirations of the Gorkha people, who felt marginalized within the state of West Bengal.

Formation of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF)

In 1980, Ghising founded the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF). The party quickly gained support among the Gorkha community and became the driving force behind the demand for Gorkhaland. Ghising’s charismatic leadership and oratory skills made him a prominent figure in the hills.

Gorkhaland Agitation (1986-1988)

The Gorkhaland agitation, led by the GNLF, reached its peak between 1986 and 1988. The movement saw widespread protests, strikes, and clashes with the state authorities. The agitation resulted in significant loss of life and property, but it also brought national attention to the Gorkha cause.

Formation of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC)

In 1988, after prolonged negotiations with the West Bengal government and the central government, an agreement was reached to form the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC). The DGHC was granted limited autonomy to govern the Darjeeling hills, and Subash Ghising became its first chairman. While the creation of the DGHC fell short of the demand for a separate state, it was seen as a significant step towards addressing the aspirations of the Gorkha community.

Later Years and Decline

In the years following the formation of the DGHC, Subash Ghising’s influence began to wane. Internal conflicts within the GNLF and dissatisfaction with the limited powers of the DGHC led to a decline in his popularity. New political forces, such as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) led by Bimal Gurung, emerged to challenge Ghising’s leadership.

Personal Life and Legacy

Subash Ghising was known for his fiery speeches and his unwavering commitment to the Gorkha cause. He remained a controversial figure, admired by many for his leadership and criticized by others for his authoritarian style.

Ghising passed away on January 29, 2015, in Siliguri, West Bengal. Despite the controversies surrounding his leadership, he is remembered as a pivotal figure in the history of the Gorkhaland movement and for his role in bringing the issues of the Gorkha community to the forefront of national politics.

Vision and Impact

Subash Ghising’s vision was centered around the creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland, where the Gorkha community could preserve its cultural identity and achieve socio-economic development. His efforts laid the groundwork for future movements and negotiations related to the Gorkhaland issue.

While the demand for Gorkhaland remains unresolved, Ghising’s legacy continues to inspire political activism in the Darjeeling hills. His contributions to the Gorkha cause have left an indelible mark on the region’s political landscape.