Anti-GJM bandh call in Darjeeling evokes feeble response

Siliguri, Oct 21 (UNI) The 24-hour Darjeeling bandh, called by the 'Amra Bangali' to protest the West Bengal government's 'inaction' over the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's 'undemocratic and illegal movement', evoked partial response in the plains while the hills remained unaffected.

Private buses and vehicles stayed off the roads in Siliguri subdivision while the state transport buses plied as usual.

However, shops and business establishments downed their shutters.

The Shiv Sena had also simultaneously given a 48-hour bandh call in Darjeeling district from today against the GJM's movement for a separate Gorkhaland.

Meanwhile, the GJM activists were replacing West Bengal (WB) with Gorkhaland (GL) on the number plates of vehicles plying through Sukna and Sevoke.

Police yesterday seized two motor-cycles and a four-wheeler bearing GL number plates.

A motorbike bearing a GL number plate was set afire at Bagdogra under Siliguri subdivision in Darjeeling district by the anti-GJM activists.

UNI XC DPM PL SW HT1415