GJM begins janata curfew in West Bengal

In a bid to gain an upper hand over the West Bengal government, the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) started its “janata curfew” from Tuesday, protesting against “atrocities” of the state government.

The GJM, however, seemed to be softening its stance as it relaxed the strike for four days from August 15 and agreed to participate in election for a new chief executive to the autonomous Gorkha Territorial Administration.

, after earlier stating that all GJM members would resign. Meanwhile, the police ran a special drive since Monday night and arrested 30 GJM activists, including central committee member Ashok Lama.

The administration had thrown a dragnet over Darjeeling and adjoining areas, with the police apprehending more than 220 GJM activists and some key leaders, throwing a hard punch at GJM president Bimal Gurung himself.

According to sources, with protesters staying away from the streets as part of the spontaneous curfew, the pro-Gorkhaland party hopes to put the state government in a tricky situation.

The government, however, has been building pressure on not just the GJM but also local traders, threatening them of losing their trade license if they did not open shops.
Meanwhile, sources said that a section of local residents are tired with the prolonged strike and the effect it is having on their lives, with resources being limited. Insiders informed that some locals believe chances of future earning could get jeopardised with an extended movement as tourists will stay away from the otherwise popular hill station.

On Tuesday the streets remained empty and life was paralysed on the 11 th day of GJM’s indefinite strike since August 4. Local and government sources informed that under the surface the situation remained tense in the area with signs of the two camps, pro and anti-Gorkhaland forces, gearing up for an imminent final conflict.

Not willing to take chances, the state government has asked the Centre for 12 more companies of central forces.

“The hills are sitting on a keg of powder. Both sides are waiting for the other to draw first blood because both sides understand that bloodshed is inevitable if dialogue cannot clear the air. If the GJM is waiting to turn the tide against the state government, the latter is instigating so that the GJM takes a wrong step,” said a senior official.