‘Indefinite strike to continue as part of statehood demand’

The Statesman

Darjeeling, 7 August
Come Independence Day, the GJMM Chief Mr Bimal Gurung today said to waive the indefinite shutdown for a day. As per the declaration from the chief, “the indefinite strike will continue as part of the ongoing Gorkhaland agitation.”
In contrary, he added, “If people ask me to withdraw the shutdown, I will,” Mr Gurung said this while talking to reporters today at Lebong cart road near the party office at Singhamari, Darjeeling.
“The people of the Hills are supporting the Gorkhaland movement. Strikes, arrests is all part of the agitation. If they want me to withdraw the agitation, I am ready for the benefit of my people and if anybody is suffering for food he can come to me for ration.”
“Even the government employees have cooperated to the agitation. The state government has blocked their one month salary. They might not even receive their three-four months salary, they should face it” said Mr Gurung.
Today, in Darjeeling, many vehicles were seen plying with party flags comparatively compared to the past four days indefinite strike.
Most of the vehicles plied from the rural areas coming town to attend rallies.
It can be mentioned here that every year on Independence Day, the day is observed with all shops closed, off day in business and a grand celebration held at either St Joseph school ground or at Lebong public ground.
When asked about the preparation for the day, the GTA executive member of the information and cultural affairs department, Mr Binay Tamang, said: “The GTA office is closed. No preparation is going on.”
On Independence day, people in thousands enjoyed every school of the Hills participating in the parade, a drill, sports competition and many more.
It seems that this time the people will have to go without it as everything is under lock down and no preparation is going on from their side too.
From the administrative side, a flag hoisting event will be conducted at the District Magistrate office on Independence day.