GJM activists distribute vegetables to residents to beat food crisis in Darjeeling

On Wednesday, members of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) distributed vegetables to locals in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling, August 3: On Thursday, the indefinite bandh in Darjeeling and its adjoining areas entered its 50th day. It's a long time to remain cut off from the rest of the world for people of any place, Darjeeling and its suburbs are no exceptions.

The locals of the hills are facing severe food crisis as shops remained closed and truck carrying food supplies stopped entering the region.

In such a situation, residents of the hills are largely depending on the generosity of each other by sharing food items. Reports also say some shops, where stock are still available, are selling food items to people from the "backdoor". Many are also visiting neighbouring border towns of Nepal to buy food items and vegetables.

On Wednesday, activists of the Gorkha Janmukti Morch (GJM)--the political outfit that is spearheading the current agitation in the hills--distributed vegetables to the locals.
Members of a few NGOs were also seen giving food and vegetables to the residents of the hills.

Meanwhile, activists of the GJM and other hill parties organised a sit-in demonstration demanding restoration of the internet services on Wednesday. The internet services in Darjeeling hills remained suspended since June 18.

Activists of various political parties took out rallies dressed in their traditional Nepali attire and shouted slogans in favour of Gorkhaland. Vigil has been tightened outside all police stations, camps and outposts fearing attack by pro-Gorkhaland agitators.

According to police, a truck carrying food supplies was set ablaze by pro-Gorkhaland agitators in Darjeeling on Wednesday.

A police official said the truck carrying food supplies for a local grocery shop was set afire by the agitators near Darjeeling Railway station and around Rs 70,000 in cash was looted.

A private car was also set on fire at Rongpu in Darjeeling earlier today, the official added.

According to Darjeeling district administration, the situation in Darjeeling is yet to improve meriting withdrawal of the ban on internet.

"The situation in the hills is yet to improve. The situation is not at all good. Regarding the decision to revoke the internet ban, we are yet to take a call," a senior district official said.

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