The indefinite bandh in Darjeeling hills, which entered its sixth day on Monday, would be relaxed for 12 hours from 6 a.m. on Tuesday, GJM chief Bimal Gurung has said.
The proposed Kumani-Sankosh padayatra to press for a separate Gorkhaland was also called off by him subject to police allowing GJM supporters coming on foot from Dooars and other areas to meet him.
“GJM supporters coming to meet me from Dooars and other areas should not be barred by the police,” Gurung, who is camping at Kumani on the border of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts for the past several days to hold the proposed padayatra, told reporters in Jalpaiguri on Monday.
Asked if he would consider withdrawing the bandh in case officials of the Election Commission came to Darjeeling, he said, “Permission should be first given for a padayatra by GJM in Dooars. Only then will I consider withdrawing the bandh.”
The bandh has hit normal life with LPG, vegetables and essential commodities becoming scarce. Vehicular traffic has come to a standstill across the district and offices and schools are closed.
Trouble broke out in Darjeeling following the death of GJM supporters in police firing during a clash between the women’s wing of the GJM and the police in Dooars on February 8.
