Normal life disrupted in Darjeeling due to bandh

Darjeeling, July 31: Life in Darjeeling Hills, where the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has been revived post the Congress endorsing creation of Telangana, remained affected on the third and last day of GJM bandh on Wednesday.

Shops and markets remained closed. Educational institutions, government and private offices and banks were also shut. Vehicles were, however, plying as the bandh sponsor GJM have allowed their movement.

IRB and RAF personnel were patrolling the towns in the hills, specially Darjeeling, officials said.

Additional security personnel were posted at the district magistrate's office, while two companies of CRPF have been kept on standby, official sources said.

Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) will announce its further course of action alter in the day after its core committee meeting, party sources said.

While GJM had threatened to launch an indefinite strike in the hills till its separate state demand was met, Shiv Sena has called a 2-day bandh in Siliguri from August one opposing the Gorkhaland demand.

The party said it will prevent movement of food stuff to the hills from Siliguri, which acts as the gateway to the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim, during the duration of the bandh.

Meanwhile, the condition of the man who attempted self immolation at Dumbarchowk in Kalimpong yesterday remained serious. He was transfered to a Siliguri hospital, police said.

People in the hills were facing shortage as the food stocked in homes was almost over and short supply was feared due to the impending Siliguri bandh.

Heavy persistent rains have also hit life in the hills.

PTI