Indefinite bandh in Darjeeling, hill parties unite to demand Gorkhaland

Thousands of tourists fled the hill resort of Darjeeling after local activists demanding the creation of a new state warned that a general strike could degenerate into violence.The GJM seemed to gain momentum from a joint forum of 26 trade unions calling for a two-day general strike among tea workers.

Updated on: Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM IST

News

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

A man walks past closed shops during a general strike called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in Darjeeling. Thousands of tourists fled the hill resort after local activists demanding the creation of a new state warned that a general strike could degenerate into violence.The GJM seemed to gain momentum from a joint forum of 26 trade unions calling for a two-day general strike among tea workers. Currently paramilitary forces are patrolling the city with all government and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) offices closed indefinitely. (AFP)

2/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

Supporters of the GJM raise slogans at a protest demanding a separate state for the Gorkhas in India. The demand for Gorkhaland gained prominence in 1986 when Subash Ghising and the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) spearheaded a 28-month violent agitation that left 1,200 people dead. (AFP)

3/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

A tourist looks on as security personnel stop supporters of the GJM. Hundreds of troops and riot police patrolled the streets as panicked tourists packed their bags after local activists warned that the strike could turn violent. (AFP)

4/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

Students return home after schools closed down due to the general strike. (AFP)

5/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

Security personnel stand guard during a protest by supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha amid a general strike in Darjeeling. (AFP)

6/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

Police baton-charge supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in Darjeeling. The GJM called an all-party meeting and appealed to the Centre to take decisive steps towards making Gorkhaland a separate state. (AFP)

7/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

Five political parties and an apolitical body that attended the meeting unanimously concluded to fight for a separate state, a direct challenge to chief minister Mamata Banerjee who has vowed not to allow a split of Bengal. (AFP)

8/8

View Photos in a new improved layout

Updated on Jun 16, 2017 7:24 AM

Security personnel stand guard during a protest by supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. (AFP)