Normalcy returned to Darjeeling on Wednesday after more than 100 days of complete shutdown, with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) withdrawing the indefinite bandh. Shops and other institutions, closed for the past three months, opened; streets which so long were deserted were once again buzzing with activities; banks and commercial establishments opened the shutters.
People came out of homes in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. With markets opening in the hills, people started preparations for Dashai (Dasara) which is celebrated in the hills with fervour.
“Normal life resumed even before the announcement of the withdrawal of shutdown. Trade transport has started. Operations resumed in some of tea gardens,” claimed rebel GJM leader Binoy Tamang.
The announcement of withdrawal of the strike came after an appeal from Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Denies speculation
GJM president Bimal Gurung, who called off the strike, denied speculation that he had been arrested. Mr. Gurung said that he was in his constituency and working for the people.
The GJM president expressed hope that as directed by the Home Minister, the meeting on the Darjeeling issue would be convened by the Centre in next 15 days.
Despite the withdrawal of the strike, it would still take a few days for the situation to completely return to normal. The shutdown has severely affected supplies in the hills and with vehicles plying, shopkeepers are keen to replenish their stock in next few days. During this Puja, there are hardly any tourists, but tour operators are hopeful that if the situation remains peaceful, the hills will be buzzing with tourists in the next few days.
