GJM to hold meeting at Darjeeling today

Siliguri/Darjeeling, Jun 15 (UNI) The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) is scheduled to hold a meeting, to be attended by all its unit secretaries from Kurseong, Kalimpong and other areas, from 1300 hrs at Darjeeling today to decide on the further course of their agitation.

GJM publicity secretary Benoy Tamang said the meeting would discuss the prevailing situation in the hills as well as the plains, the West Bengal government and other political parties' stand on the issue, the all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on June 17 and the invitation to the GJM for talks on June 18.

The GJM would also decide on whether to continue their strike, which has been relaxed for 60 hours till tomorrow, or to withdraw it, Mr Tamang stated.

Meanwhile, the Darjeeling district administration yesterday withdrew the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) but retained the CRPF for security purposes as the situation was fast improving in the hills and plains, official sources said.

Essential items, including fuel, rice, salt and vegetables had started moving uphill after nearly five days of suspension of traffic following the Darjeeling bandh, Siliguri's strike and economic blockade.

Police said trucks carrying essentials had started moving towards Sikkim and Darjeeling since yesterday despite inclement weather and rain.

Two companies of SSB were deployed on Thursday and six companies of CRPF were reinforced on the following day after clashes broke out between pro and anti-Gorkhaland supporters in the region.

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