Darjeeling sees no respite from strike

Normal life in the Darjeeling hills in West Bengal state of India has been badly affected due to the shutdown strike imposed there by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) from the last 4 days demanding a separate Gorkhaland state.

Due to the shutdown strike imposed to exert pressure on the central and West Bengal state government to fulfill their rights, life in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong has been completely crippled.

Although GJM relaxed the strike for 4 hours in Darjeeling on Saturday morning to let people buy daily essential items, opposition leaders said most of the people couldn’t do so out of fear. The strike has also badly affected vehicular movement in the hills.

Meanwhile, the health condition of more than 40 people who have been on a hunger strike in front of Darjeeling district magistrate for a week calling for the fulfillment of their demand for a separate Gorkhaland state has also deteriorated to a great extent. nepalnews.com ag Feb 24 08