Indefinite Strike: Definite Impact on Life in Darjeeling

Normal life was disarrayed in the three sub-divisions of Darjeeling district on Monday as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha enforced its indefinite strike in the region after its demands failed to invoke the desired reaction from the CPI(M) government in West Bengal.

The bandh, which was scheduled to come into force at noon, was delayed by an hour to allow people last-minute purchase of essentials.

GJM publicity secretary Benoy Tamang said movement of vehicular traffic was relaxed to enable stranded tourists and students to leave the hills.

Shops and establishments remained closed and employees left offices early, say correspondents in the region citing local police officials.

Tamang said the strike would continue till the resolution of its demands and added that people had a sufficient stock of essentials.

Most of the students and tourists have already left the hills. But residential schools in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong have decided to keep their hostels open.

The GJM strike is to press for the relocation of three police officials from the region, it blames the trio for ordering a lathicharge on GJM supporters at a rally in Panighata area on Friday.

25 GJM supporters sustained injuries due to the police action, say Gurkha leaders.

Meanwhile, a GJM delegation has left for Delhi seeking fresh rounds of tripartite talks.