Darjeeling poised to cash in on tension

In spite of the fear of political turmoil, the pristine hill station of Darjeeling is getting ready for the upcoming festive holidays.

“The upcoming season looks promising. There are bookings of groups from several states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, South India and Bengal,” said Pradeep Lama, secretary, Darjeeling Association of Travel Agents.

“October and November are the critical months for us as, from December, it becomes very cold and the elderly and the children may not want to visit the region,” added Lama.

With Indian-administered Kashmir out of bounds, due to the ongoing tension with Pakistan, the tourism industry in Darjeeling is hoping for a packed season.

“Darjeeling will certainly be sought after by people who wanted to visit Kashmir this festive season. We hope the politicians do not spoil the party,” said Arvind Chetri, a shop owner in the Darjeeling mall road.

Strike call

However, there is palpable tension as Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) — the most powerful political outfit in the region — has called a 12-hour strike tomorrow in protest against the comments made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The party’s chief, Bimal Gurung, has been threatening more uprisings in the days ahead.

“There is concern as the season looks [likely] to bring in lot of tourists from all over the country. But if there is political disturbance then we may see a lot of last minute cancellations,” said Subrbh Lepcha, a hotel owner.

However, most believe that GJM leaders will not do anything which will upset the locals which has been the main stay of their mass support.

“GJM may be upset with Mamata over the political manoeuvring that she has conducted in the last few months. However, he (Gurung) will not do anything that hurts the livelihood of the locals,” said Umed Lama, a taxi driver.