Darjeeling loses tea essence over Gorkha protest

Darjeeling, Feb 12: Darjeeling is known worldwide for its tea essence. But now, it seems that the region may lose its all essence soon following several protests. The tea industry in the region including other businesses were stranded over the indefinite strike observed by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) members.

Ram Gopal Jajodia, the Chairman of North Bengal Zonal Council stated, "From 2009 onwards the hill gardens were picking up in terms of price realization. At this juncture we'll be back to square one once again, the loss is huge and it's not a one time loss, it's a chain effect."

Siliguri, the largest wholesale market in North-East India seemed totally paralised since Wednesday, Feb 9.The indefinite bandh hit the trade and economy as well in the entire North Bengal.

Rejecting to withdraw the strike, GJM supporters claimed, "The state government should show magnanimity which should address the problems and should implement whatever has been decided in the meeting and should clearly mention Terai in Gorkha land territory."

Citing the death of two GJM protesters, who were shot by police, an indefinite strike has been started in the region.

However, the central government has decided to rush government-appointed interlocutor Lieutenant General Vijay Madan (retd) to Darjeeling to help to normalise the situation in the hills.

OneIndia News