GJM again calls for bandh in Darjeeling hills

SILIGURI: After remaining in low key for two days, Gorkha Janamukti Morcha ( GJM) has once again come out with its usual aggressive mood warning for yet another spell of bandhs on next Saturday and Sunday in hills while denying any possibility of any talk to state government. On the other side, administration has also tightened its grip over the hills.

Darjeeling hills is still too far from the normalcy after devastation due to massive storm and heavy rain on Monday night. "Restoration of full electricity distribution scenario will take two more days," said WBSEDCL officials. Water lines are being restored, though at grossly impaired pace.

But, immediately after people came of out the shock of the natural calamity, GJM supremo Mr. Bimal Gurung announced about yet another spell of bandh on nest Saturday and Sunday calling it as deferment of previously announced movement step.

"There is no way remaining for any talk with state Government," he said while criticizing state Government for not withdrawing the old cases against GJHM leaders "Though it was a commitment as per the GTA agreement," he said.

Taking own call of movement one more step ahead, Mr. Gurung has called all police officials from Gorkha community not to cooperate with state machinery. "This may impart significant effect in different ways. On one side, police action may or may not get impaired due to the sentimental call. To avoid this, administration may think of mass transfer. But that will also cause large scale destabilization," accepted a senior police official on condition of anonymity.

However, while tightening its grip over the hills police have arrested 40 GJM activists including GJM spokesman and central committee member Mr. Binoy Tamang and Block level leader Mr. Santosh Tamang, both in connection with old case during last 24 hour. This has taken the total number of arrest to around 750. Court has ordered 14 days jail custody for Mr. BinoyTamang.

"Even if they arrest me or Roshan Giri, the movement will go on," said Mr. Gurung. But, "It is difficult for even him too asses the actual strength of this statement as a large section of the hill populace has already become fade up with the chaotic situation continuing there for last three weeks," said political observers.