GJM calls indefinite strike from today

Aug,03,Even as the Darjeeling hills braced for a fresh bout of political uncertainty on the eve of an indefinite strike called by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), a delegation of the party left for New Delhi on Friday for talks with central leaders on their “one-point demand for a separate Gorkhaland State.”

There were reports of stray incidents of arson and violence in the hills while people in the three hill subdivisions — Darjeeling, Kalimpong and



Kurseong —came out of their homes and made a beeline for the market places to collect provisions to see them through the strike days.

“Incidents of arson have been reported from the Takdah Forest Guest House and a police outpost at Pokhriabong. Two vehicles have also been attacked. We have booked some persons and are trying to apprehend the others involved in the incidents,” District Magistrate of Darjeeling Soumitra Mohan told The Hindu over telephone.There was a stir after a body was found in the Lebong area of Darjeeling but according to Mr. Mohan, the death had nothing to do with political violence.

“We are trying to restore normality in the region and ensure that common people are not threatened,” he added.

The Hindu