Darjeeling shutdown enters 20th day, situation remains tense

GJM has demanded that the Centre initiate a dialogue on Gorkhaland as, it says, it is the aspiration of the hill people.

In unison: Supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha take part in a rally to honour protesters who were allegedly killed in clashes with security forces a day earlier, in Darjeeling. File

The situation in Darjeeling remained tense as the agitation for Gorkhaland entered the 20th day on Tuesday.

Internet services remained suspended for the 17th consecutive day as the Darjeeling district extended the ban on it for eight more days on Monday.

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

 

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has demanded that the Centre initiate a dialogue on Gorkhaland as it says it is the aspiration of the hill people.

Its general secretary Roshan Giri said on Monday, “The Mamata Banerjee government is dealing with it as a law and order problem. But it is not a law and order problem. It is a political problem and should be solved politically.”

Various boarding schools have extended their vacation due to the ongoing unrest in the hills, which had been on the boil since June 8 following the agitation spearheaded by the GJM demanding Gorkhaland. The agitation also led to widespread violence, claiming two lives.