Martyrs Day observed in Darjeeling, indefinite shutdown on

The GJM and other hill parties today observed 'the Martyrs Day' and paid tributes to pro-Gorkhaland activists killed here in the Darjeeling hills in clashes since the agitation for a separate state began in June.

On the 43rd day of the indefinite shutdown today, the agitators took out rallies in various parts of the hills and paid tributes to nine pro-Gorkhaland activists, allegedly killed in clashes since the agitation started on June 8.

A monument in memory of the agitators was erected at Chowkbazar in Darjeeling town, where activists, locals and students paid floral tributes and vowed to intensify the stir.

There was no report of any violence and arson from anywhere in the hills.

The police, however, have claimed that only two persons have died in the agitation so far.

The 43-day-long indefinite shutdown, which started on June 15, is the second longest so far in the picturesque hill station which had witnessed a 40-day bandh in 1988 by Gorkha National Liberation Front and a 44-day shutdown in 2013 by Gorkha Janamukti Morcha on the statehood issue.

The ban on internet services which was imposed on June 18 has already been extended by the district administration till August 4.

Police and security forces have been patrolling the streets of the hills and kept a tight vigil at all entry and exit routes as usual.

Except the pharmacy shops, other business establishments, including restaurants and hotels besides the schools and colleges have remained closed.

GJM workers and various NGOs of the hills were seen distributing food items among the people as food supply has been severely hit due to the indefinite shutdown.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)