The indefinite bandh in Darjeeling hills, which entered its sixth day today was said to be relaxed for 12 hours from 6 am tomorrow. But the relief for 12 hrs from the ongoing indefinite strike has now been withdrawn by the GJM with a sudden notice.

This sudden announcement came immediately after the plain based Jana Jagaran Manch (JJM) called 12 hrs counter bandh in Siliguri on 15th February against GJM’s relaxation. It has alleged police harassment to the GJM supporters in Bagrakote where five party workers have started fast unto death from 11.19 AM. GJM has withdrawn the relaxation protesting against the bandh called by JJM and police harassment.

The proposed Kumani-Sankosh Padayatra to press for a separate Gorkhaland was also called off by Bimal Gurung subject to police allowing GJM supporters coming on foot from Dooars and other areas to meet him. “GJM supporters coming to meet me from Dooars and other areas should not be barred by the police”, said Bimal Gurung, who is camping at Kumani on the border of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts for the past several days. When asked if he would consider withdrawing the bandh in case officials of the Election Commission came to Darjeeling, he said, “Permission should be first given for a Padayatra by GJM in the Dooars. Only then will I consider withdrawing the bandh.”

According to the sources about 1200 GJM supporters court arrested in Kalimpong Thana as proposed earlier. Similar court arresting is reported from other police stations too.

Courtesy: Sikkim Mail

 

Comment