Darjeeling: Indefinite strike called by GJM relaxed during Eid for Muslims

Amid the ongoing indefinite shutdown in the West Bengal hills, the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) leadership on Sunday said there will be "partial relaxation for 12 hours" on Monday for the Muslim community to observe Eid. However, the GJM maintained that the relaxation in plying of vehicles would be only for the Muslim community, nor for the general public.

The police and security forces patrolled the streets of the hills and police pickets were placed at the entry and exit routes of Darjeeling.

Except pharmacies, all other shops, hotels and restaurants remained closed. An all-party meeting convened by the GJM on Tuesday had passed a resolution that the shutdown would continue until security forces were withdrawn.

The GJM, spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland, also decided to withdraw from the tripartite accord on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

Internet services remained suspended and local cable channels remained blocked in certain parts of the hills.

On Friday, 43 GJM leaders including party chief BImal Gurung resorted to mass resignation from the GTA - the developmental board in the North Bengal hills -- and vowed to burn the GTA regulation act documents in public on June 27 as a symbolic protest against the board.

Earlier on Saturday, People wearing the traditional Gorkha attire marched through the streets of Darjeeling on Saturday in support of Gorkhaland as the indefinite shutdown in the hills entered its 10th day.

OneIndia News