Mamata terms Darjeeling bandh illegal

Darjeeling (WB), June 9: The Army staged flag marches in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) observed a 12-hour bandh, which was described by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as “illegal”.

“The situation is under control and government offices recorded 98 to 100 per cent attendance in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik,” the Chief Minister told reporters here.

She said some shops were closed as their owners were wary of GJM vandalism.

GJM chief Bimal Gurung has challenged Banerjee to stop the agitation in the hills. Gurung said the GJM would formulate a strategy for further agitation in a democratic way.

The six columns of Army carried out flag marches in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong, a defence spokesperson said, adding the situation was under control.

Darjeeling town, brimming over with tourists, had witnessed violence on Thursday when GJM supporters clashed with the police and burnt state vehicles.

Banerjee, who stayed back here after Thursday’s cabinet meeting, asked the tourists not to get scared. She said a three-member committee comprising three senior IPS officers had been set up to look after the law and order situation in Darjeeling.

She said arrangements had been made to help the tourists return to Siliguri from Darjeeling. The state government has also arranged buses to take the tourists from Siliguri to Kolkata. — PTI