Residents, labourers leave Darjeeling amidst indefinite strike called by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha over Gorkhaland

The situation in Darjeeling is not showing any signs of improvement following the indefinite strike called by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha over Gorkhaland. Now, residents and labourers are leaving  Darjeeling.

The indefinite bandh in Darjeeling hills entered its seventh day on Wednesday. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Wednesday said that the indefinite bandh will continue until security forces are withdrawn.

“The indefinite shutdown will continue as the onus is on the state government to restore normalcy in the hills. They have to withdraw security forces - both the state, central and all repressive forces”, GJM spokesperson T Arjun told reporters after an all party meeting on Tuesday.

Except pharmacies, all other shops, hotels and restaurants remained closed.

An all-party meeting convened by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Wednesday had passed a resolution that the shutdown would continue until security forces were withdrawn.

The GJM, spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland, also decided to withdraw from the tripartite accord on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

There were reports of some tea garden workers being beaten up by GJM supporters in Naxalbari area, 65 km from Darjeeling.GJM, however, denied the reports.

The GJM took out small rallies in various parts of the hills demanding a separate state.

Internet services remained suspended for the fourth day in the hills. Locals termed it as an “oppressive step against a democratic movement.”

The parties, which attended yesterday’s meeting, also decided not to participate in the June 22 all-party meet called by the West Bengal government to discuss the prevailing situation in the hills.

GJM spokesperson T Arjun had told reporters after the meeting that it was also decided that an all-party coordination committee would be formed which would soon send a delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to press for the demand for Gorkhaland.

With PTI inputs

Also read: Gorkhaland stir: GJM calls all party meet, internet remains suspended to quell tensions

Also read: Darjeeling stir for Gorkhaland: GJM protests continue, Home Minister Rajnath Singh appeals for peace and calm