The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) are demonstrating protest for the third day now. The protest originally began against the decision of Mamata Banerjee government of making Bengali a compulsory subject for all.
The GJM, looking at the prevailing political situation in the hills are now demanding for a different state for the Gorkhas by taking out rallies and leading a shut down in the region. Most shops in and around Chowbazar and Mall Road in the hill town were closed.
Police was on high alert with patrolling under way in several areas, though no violence has been reported today till now. A GJM procession had marched to several government offices in Chowkbazar area yesterday to stop people from reporting for work. The protesters turned violent yesterday when they were stopped.
Their call for a separate state of Gorkhaland gained momentum after six other hill parties extended their support to GJM and unanimously passed a resolution demanding a separate state yesterday. The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), an ally of the ruling Trinamool Congress, has also backed the demand for a separate state.
To control the violent situation arising, two all-women’s companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in Darjeeling.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has asked for report from, Mamata Banerjee led Bengal government, regarding the unrest and agitation going on in the hills.