Siliguri observes 12-hour shutdown against tripartite talks

Bangla O Bangla Bhasha Bachao Committee, organisation opposing separate statehood for ethnic Gorkhas,called for the 12-hour shutdown in Siliguri on Tuesday. The BOBBBC has opposed the tripartite talks between the central government, West Bengal government and the regional Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM), which advocates a separate statehood. The shutdown brought life to a standstill in Siliguri as few vehicles plied on the roads, while shops and local markets remained closed. Public transport was the worst hit as BOBBBC activists blocked roads and rail services. The activists also staged agitations across the town and shouted anti-government slogans.