GJM call off indefinite bandh in Darjeeling hills

Jalpaiguri (WB), Feb 22 (PTI) Responding to the appealof the Election Commission and in view of the boardexaminations beginning in West Bengal from tomorrow, theGorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) called off its indefinite bandhin the Darjeeling hills today after nearly a fortnight.

"The bandh is being called off to allow students totake the tenth class board examinations (madhyamik). The bandhwas also lifted to keep our promise to the Election Commissionobservers to bring normalcy in the hills," HarkabahadurChhetri, GJM spokesperson, told PTI over phone from Kumaninear here.

Chhetri said the Election Commission observers hadurged the GJM to maintain normalcy as it was the singlelargest party in the hills.

"We are lifting the bandh to keep our promise to theElection Commission observers of maintaining peace in thehills," he said.

The bandh was enforced in the Darjeeling hills onFebruary 9 in protest against the killing of two GJMsupporters in police firing at Sipchu in Jalpaiguri districtthe previous day.

GJM Vice-President Kalyan Diwan said they wouldorganise a rally at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on February 27.

Diwan also protested against the imposition ofprohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC and policeharassment of GJM workers and said they would organise ahunger strike in Darjeeling.