GJM foils govt move, intensifies stir

Even as the Darjeeling hills were limping back to normalcy, with several shops, markets, government offices and government-aided schools reopened on Thursday, GJM chief Bimal Gurung has asked his partymen to intensify the bandh that started 92 days ago.

After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met leaders of parties of the hills on September 12, attempts were made by police and members of the administration to open shops and other business units in Kurseong. However, supporters of Bimal Gurung thwarted the move by taking out a rally and forcing shops to down shutter once again.

In Darjeeling too, former municipal corporation of ward 25 Dinesh Gurung oversaw a drive to open shops on Thursday but as soon as he left the place, shop owners shut their establishments to avoid trouble. Eye-witnesses said that the plan had backfired because street-side makeshift shop owners who had been selling mostly foodstuff have vanished as well, anticipating trouble.

Government offices saw fair turnout and teachers also returned to schools but parents decided to keep students away from schools. Government buses were seen plying between Darjeeling and Siliguri escorted by police vehicles.