GJM relaxes bandh for Muslims on Eid

Tribune News Service

Kolkata, June 25

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today announced to relax the ongoing indefinite strike for 12 hours tomorrow in view of Eid. However, the relaxation would be for the Muslims only, and not for all.

Around 6 per cent of the population in erstwhile Darjeeling district (now Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts) comprises Muslims.

Today, on the 14th day of the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in the hills demanding a separate state of “Gorkhaland”, all commercial establishments remained closed as the picturesque hill station wore a desolate look.

GJM supporters marched in processions from Chawk Bazar to Singmari in Darjeeling carrying the Tricolour and raising pro-Gorkhaland slogans. Except medicine shops, all other shops and markets, schools and colleges remained closed. Vehicles were also off the roads. Internet services remained suspended for the eighth day while security forces were seen patrolling the streets.

The activists also reopened the GJM office at Singmari that had been closed since the massive clash with the police and security forces on June 17.

In a video message last night, GJM supremo Bimal Gurung asked people to hit the streets and cautioned that some leaders from other parties might try to “betray” the Gorkhaland agitation.

“I urge everyone to hit the streets in protest. All leaders should hit the streets with workers and common people. We are ready for talks only on the issue of Gorkhaland, not on any alternative formula,” Gurung said in a video message.

“Some leaders of different parties may betray our cause. Remember that one day, everyone has to die. Either my body will go home or I will return with Gorkhland,” he said.

(With PTI inputs)