Normal life was crippled in Darjeeling Hills of West Bengal as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha-sponsored 24-hour bandh began on Friday morning.
Shops, markets were closed and vehicles kept off the roads in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong sub—divisions as a result, official sources said.
Educational institutions and tea gardens were, however, exempted from the strike call.
The GJM has been demanding permanent status for over 6,000 employees in Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.
GJM General secretary Roshan Giri alleged the West Bengal Government did precious little to accord them permanent status by November 17, 2009 as promised.
