In Photos: Silence Cloaks Darjeeling as Strike Continues

Life has been at a standstill in the hilly town of Darjeeling since 15 June when the strike began.

Darjeeling has been shut down for an indefinite period since 15 June.

Schools, theatres, zoos, medical shop all stand in silence.

The taxi stand is empty. Nobody wants to go to Siliguri. A driver who isn't willing to share his name says, "We are facing maximum loss due to strike, but we are using red cross in cars and carrying locals to Kurseong, Kalimpong at risk."

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Speaking of losses, even newspaper sales are at an all-time low. Mohan Chetri, who is a newspaper vendor says, "As the strike starts, tourists have stopped coming, all hotels are closed, demand for newspaper is also low."

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Black flag-bearing protesters attacked Biswa Bangla showroom, a West Bengal government sales emporium. They damaged the glowing signboard outside the store.

Chowk Bazar barely has one medical shop open, after it witnessed the most violent protest in recent days. Several CRPF personnel remain posted there.

But not everybody is complaining. Mr Tamang, a shop owner of Nehru Market, goes to buy some dry food for family and says, "We are facing losses, nothing left at our kitchen, we are starving but the demand for Gorkhaland is genuine. I fully support the movement."

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