Siliguri bandh leaves no impact

A 48-hour bandh in Siliguri called by two little-known organisations opposed to Gorkhaland from 6 am on Thursday had little impact as no fresh violence was reported between GJM and its rival organisations in and around the hills.

The Amra Bangali and Bangla Bhasa Bachaon Committee called the bandh to protest against the demand for Gorkhaland raised by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha.

Most political parties, including the CPI-M and Congress, opposed the bandh called immediately after the GJM declared a 60-hour relaxation in their indefinite bandh in Darjeeling hills and in some parts of Dooars and Terai. The relaxation period would end at 6 am on Saturday.

GJM press secretary Benoy Tamang alleged that the bandh was called only to restrict hill-bound vehicles carrying food stuff and essential items during the recess period.

Three Darjeeling-bound lorries were stopped by a section of locals at Jhankar More in the heart of Siliguri town on Wednesday night. Tamang claimed police took no action.

Sub-divisional Officer, Siliguri, Smita Pandey told PTI that sufficient security forces were deployed at all vulnerable points, particularly at Darjeeling More, Salhgara and Himul More -- points to enter Darjeeling hills.

There was no incident of restricting vehicles to and from the hills, she said.

GJM activists attacked tourists and policemen injuring 28 persons and damaged 16 vehicles on Wednesday evening at Malbazar in Jalpaiguri district, prompting the authorities to impose Section 144 in Malbazar.

However, no fresh violence was reported from there this morning, official sources said.