GJM chief Bimal Gurung asked his supporters to defy curfew and gather for Sunday's protest
As the indefinite strike called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) entered its seventh day in Darjeeling, protests over the demand for a separate state are set to intensify as GJM supporters assembled at Chowk Bazaar on Sunday morning.
The silent rally was carried out to protest against the death of three activists. GJM chief Bimal Gurung asked his supporters to defy curfew and gather for Sunday's protest.
Most of the participants in the rally sported black outfits, waved black flags and carried posters demanding that the West Bengal police and security forces be withdrawn from the hills.
"It is not about Gorkhas or Gorkhaland. We have come from Bihar and have been living and working here. We want peace to be restored so that we can live without fear," said Mohd Islam, a Bihar native who has set up a garment business in the hills.
Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who in a series of tweets on Sunday, said he has been apprised of the situation by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, called for peace.
"I appeal to the people living in Darjeeling and nearby areas to remain calm and peaceful. Nobody should resort to violence," he tweeted. "In a democracy like India, resorting to violence would never help finding a solution. Every issue can be resolved through mutual dialogue," another tweet read.. He further tweeted that all concerned parties and stakeholders should resolve their differences and misunderstandings through a dialogue in an amicable environment.
On Saturday, at least three activists of the GJM were killed and several persons injured as protesters clashed with police in Darjeeling. A police officer was also injured and is said to be in a critical condition. While the GJM claimed three of their cadre were killed in police firing, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denied the allegations.
The GJM also called for a 12-hour bandh in the Dooars on Sunday. Most shops remained closed, and state buses remained off the roads. The bandh was successful in Bagrakote, Samsing and Chamurchi.
Amar Singh Rai, GJM MLA from Darjeeling, said the party was not happy with the Centre's role so far "We are disappointed with the Centre. The Union government needs to initiat talks. We have lost three of our supporters. We do not want to be caught in the tussle between the Bengal government and the Centre," he said, and added that if there was no tripartite talk, the party would not be willing to initiate a dialogue with the Mamata Banerjee government.
...& ANALYSIS
- The protests may cast a shadow on the BJP because of their alliance with GJM.
- The West Bengal govt may have to take a drastic step to ensure negotiations.
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 "Darjeeling Bandh")
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