GJM permitted to undertake hunger strike at Siliguri

Siliguri, May 3: The Siliguri district administration today granted permission to the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) to carry on their fast-unto-death at Darjeeling More in Siliguri, even as their agitation entered its third day.

Official sources said a meeting was held this morning between GJM leaders and the district administration at Pintail village in Siliguri district where the officials granted permission to the Morcha to carry out their fast at Darjeeling More.

GJM sources said preparations were on to start the hunger strike at Darjeeling More and the protestors would reach the place soon.

However, prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC continued to be in force within a radius of 200 m around the Siliguri court and Sub-Divisional Office (SDO).

Meanwhile, the GJM members continued their indefinite hunger strike in the hill areas to demand creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Teams comprising 11 agitators each had assembled in front of the Darjeeling District Magistrate's office, Kurseong and Kalimpong SDOs, Mirik Block Development Office (BDO) under Kurseong Sub-Division as well as in front of a few BDOs at Dooars area.

Police said additional security forces as well as the Rapid Action Force (RAF) had been deployed at strategic locations throughout Siliguri and Darjeeling to maintain peace and patrolling.

No untoward incident had been reported from anywhere so far though tension prevailed both in Siliguri and Darjeeling districts, police said.

Yesterday, veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu had called for immediate steps to prevent the political situation in West Bengal from becoming 'dangerous'.

UNI