Darjeeling to witness slew of 'bandhs' tomorrow

Siliguri, Oct 20 (UNI) ''Amra Bangali'' today called for a 24-hour ''Darjeeling bandh'' tomorrow to protest the West Bengal government's alleged indifference to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Amra Bangali General Secretary (Darjeeling) Shambhu Sutradhar said, '' The organisation had earlier decided to go for an indefinite strike from today. But, it was deferred in response to an appeal made by the Darjeeling District administration. We issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the administration and eventually decided to observe 'bandh' tomorrow.'' The Shiv Sena had also made its presence felt here as it had simultaneously given a 48-hour 'bandh' call in the Darjeeling district from tomorrow, while ''Bangla o Bangla Banchao Committee'' will observe a daylong shutdown in north Bengal on October 22.

Shiv Sena Darjeeling District President Dasharat Karmakar said, ''We have called for a 48-hour 'bandh' to protest the GJM's movement for a separate Gorkhaland.'' The CITU today organised a rally here to oppose the statehood demand of the GJM.

Police, meanwhile, seized two motor-cycles and one four-wheeler bearing GL number plates.

A motor-bike, carrying a GL number plate, was also set afire at Bagdogra under Siliguri sub-division in Darjeeling district by the anti-GJM activists.

UNI XC SB PC ATI RK2044