Despite threats, shops open in Darjeeling

Situation tense but incident-free

Trinamool Congress supporters along with local residents take part in a rally urging a return to normal life and the reopening of shops in Mirik, near Siliguri on September 4, 2017.

The situation in Darjeeling remained tense but incident-free as the indefinite shutdown in the hills entered its 88th day on Sunday.

A large number of shops were open in the Darjeeling hills on Sunday, braving threats and intimidation by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM). The police and administration for the second day appealed to the locals through the public address system to open their shops and restore normalcy in the hills.

Peace rallies were taken out by the residents of Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik demanding the restoration of peace in the hills.

Expelled GJM leader Anit Thapa also took out a peace rally near Kurseong. State Tourism Minister and senior Trinamool Congress leader Gautam Deb took out a peace rally in the hills.

Search on for Gurung

The search operation to trace Bimal Gurung, the absconding GJM supremo against whom cases have been lodged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, continued in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas.

GJM supporters took out rallies in support of Gorkhaland and the ongoing shutdown in parts of Darjeeling, Sonada and Kalimpong. Posters and leaflets were distributed in support of the strike.

Internet services in the hills remain suspended since June 18.