Gorkhaland Agitation, Strike to Continue, Says GPCC President

Situation in Darjeeling tensed but incident-free as strike demanding a separate state reached its 48th day.

Security forces personnel trying to control woman Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters during a protest in Darjeeling.

(Photo: PTI)

The agitation and the indefinite strike to press for separate Gorkhaland will continue in deference to the wishes of the people of the region, the Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC) said on Tuesday.

GMCC, the apex body of the political parties which is spearheading the stir in Darjeeling hills, made clear its stand after holding a meeting here as the indefinite bandh entered its 48th day on 1 August.

The meeting, which lasted over five hours, discussed the way forward for the separate statehood movement. A joint resolution was passed by the GMCC after it ended.

We will continue with the agitation for separate state. We honour the sentiments of the people who wish to continue the strike.

Kalyan Dewan, GMCC president

Dewan, who is also the vice president of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), said that they will reach out to parliamentarians for support.

Speaking to reporters, Dewan reiterated that their agitation would continue.

On August 15, we will hoist the national flag, but not observe any celebrations. We will, instead, form a human chain to highlight the excesses being meted out to people who are demanding Gorkhaland.

A one-day hunger strike would also be held at Jantar Mantar on 4 August by the GMCC.

Tense but Incident Free: Situation on Tuesday

The situation in Darjeeling hills remained tense but incident-free on Tuesday as the indefinite strike demanding a separate state entered its 48th day.

Not a single incident of violence was reported till Tuesday evening, police said, adding the GJM organised rallies in various parts of the hills demanding 'Gorkhaland.' Police and security forces patrolled the streets of the hills and kept a tight vigil at every entry and exit routes.

Except pharmacy, all the other shops, restaurants, hotels, schools and colleges remained closed.

With food supply severely hit due to the ongoing shutdown, GJM activists and NGOs of the hills were seen distributing vegetables to the locals.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing a rally in North Dinajpur district on Tuesday afternoon, said she will never support the division of the state and urged all political parties in the hills to restore peace and normal life in Darjeeling.

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