Indefinite strike in Darjeeling enters second day

GJM demands Gorkhaland carved out of West Bengal
Hardnews Bureau

Complete shutdown continues in Darjeeling as the indefinite strike called by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) entered the second day. Normal life was disrupted in all the three hill subdivisions of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong.

GJM has been demanding Gorkhaland, a separate state for the Gorkha people carved out of West Bengal within India.

The movement for a separate Gorkha state dates back to the Eighties. Since then it has claimed thousands of human lives. The movement gained momentum last year when the GJM organised strikes on two occasions. The strike was postponed in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections when the GJM backed BJP in the Darjeeling seat gifting the saffron party a win. And, BJP heavyweight, Jaswant Singh, won the Darjeeling parliamentary constituency by a thumping majority.

For the Left Front Government, the woes seem to be increasing. Gorkha leaders have levelled serious charges against the IG of the Darjeeling range. Hardnews learnt that they have sought his transfer for the alleged harassment of GJM supporters by the police on the orders of the state government. GJM is demanding unconditional release of all its supporters.

Earlier on Monday, tourists were seen fleeing the hills to avoid harassment during the strike. Amid simmering tension, worried parents feared for their children studying in the hill schools. Students have also started moving out of the hills. Supplies to Sikkim were also disrupted as the only highway to the hill state was blocked by the protestors.

Meanwhile, the Centre has conveyed its eagerness for tripartite talks involving GJM and the West Bengal government. But, the GJM remained adamant about going ahead with the indefinite strike till its demands are met.