Darjeeling bandh to be relaxed for 12 hours tomorrow

Jalpaiguri (WB), Feb 14 (PTI) The indefinite bandh inDarjeeling hills, which entered its sixth day today, would berelaxed for 12 hours from 6 am tomorrow, GJM chief BimalGurung has said.

The proposed Kumani-Sankosh padayatra to press for aseparate Gorkhaland was also called off by him subject topolice allowing GJM supporters coming on foot from Dooars andother areas to meet him.

"GJM supporters coming to meet me from Dooars andother areas should not be barred by the police," Gurung, whois camping at Kumani on the border of Darjeeling andJalpaiguri districts for the past several days to hold theproposed padayatra, told reporters here today.

Asked if he would consider withdrawing the bandh incase officials of the Election Commission came to Darjeeling,he said, "Permission should be first given for a padayatra byGJM in the Dooars. Only then will I consider withdrawing thebandh."

The bandh has hit normal life with LPG, vegetables andessential commodities becoming scarce. Vehicular traffic hascome to a standstill across the district and offices andschools are closed.

Trouble broke out in Darjeeling following the death ofGJM supporters in police firing during a clash between thewomen''s wing of the GJM and the police in Dooars on Februaryeight.