Darjeeling unrest: With situation improving, state govt restores internet connection

 In view of normalcy returning to Darjeeling hills, the state administration tonight decided to lift the restrictions on use of internet services in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, which was imposed on June 18.

As the indefinite shutdown in the hills by the GJM for a separate state of Gorkhaland today entered its 103rd day, shops, business establishment, schools were open defying the shutdown call. Normalcy in hill districts of Darjeeling and Kalimpong has been restored with the active participation of the residents of the two districts. Shops, business establishments and tea gardens have opened in both districts, ADGP (Law & Order) Anuj Sharma said in a statement.

The newly formed GTA has started functioning effectively. The residents of the two districts are now getting actively involved in the religious festivities centering around Durga Puja leading to normalcy in the region, he said. "Keeping in mind these facts the state administration has decided to lift the restrictions on use of internet in the two hill districts," the ADGP said. Peace rallies were taken out by residents in Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik, police said.
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha is spearheading the shutdown demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland.

The newly-appointed Board of Administrators (BoA) of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) met today for the first time under the chairmanship of rebel GJM leader Binay Tamang.