selective shutdown' to begin: GJM

Siliguri, Jul 5:The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today decided to extend the indefinite bandh relaxation till August 7 but called for a ''selective shutdown'' of DGHC, state and Union government units in the hills from July 7.

Informing this to newspersons after attending the party's central committee meeting in Darjeeling, GJM press and publicity secretary Binoy Tamang said only bank, postal services and food supply would be allowed on Monday and Friday a week during the ''selective shutdown.'' However, health, municipal service, including water service would be kept out of the purview of the bandh, though power units in the region, including those set up by NHPC, NTPC and Nippon, would remain closed, he added. Similarly, transportation of timbers from the hills to plains would be put on hold during the period.

"Keeping in view of the imbroglio over the nuke deal at the Centre, the party has decided to extend the relaxation," Mr Tamang said. According to him, from July 7 all-religion prayers would be organised across the hills for a separate state.

Mr Tamang informed that the number plates of the cars of GJM central committee leaders would start with 'GL' from July 7 adding later on it would involve inclusion of the vechicles of government officials and the general public.

Meanwhile, GJM president Bimal Gurung had written another letter to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee requesting to take initiative for a tripartite meeting with the Centre on their demand for separate statehood, he said.

UNI