Lama on fast. Picture by Vivek Singh

Kurseong, Feb. 25: A 29-year-old is ready to call off his marriage to help the indefinite hunger strike produce results.

Sonam Lama’s marriage to Rachana Pradhan has been fixed for March 12. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporter has been on fast for the past nine days in front of the subdivisional office here. To him, Subash Ghisingh’s removal is more important than the health of his father R.B. Lama, who has lost both kidneys, or his marriage.

“Until the government does something about the Morcha demand, I will not leave this place, even if it means I have to sacrifice my marriage,” Lama told The Telegraph from his bed in front of the subdivisional office. “I will fast to death to attain the aspirations of the hill people.”

Rachana said she was ready to meet the consequences of an indefinite hunger strike. “If our marriage is sacrificed, it will be for a greater cause.”

The 28-year-old resident of Munda Tea Estate, 20km from here, had been in love with Sonam for the past two years. She said with a note of pride in her voice that the doctors have asked Sonam to get admitted to hospital, but he refused.

Lama was once the branch president of the All Gorkha Students’ Union — an apolitical students organisation. He joined the Morcha in November last year.

For Lama, his presence at home was not that important, although his father is very ill. “For me the aspiration of the people of the hills who have dreamt of Gorkhaland is more important than my family,” said Lama.