GJM to go on strike from today

The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) decided to intensify its demand for a separate Gorkhaland with a second phase of indefinite strike in the hills from August 24. The movement has been galvanised by the arrest of vice-president Benoy Tamang.

The movement will gain further steam as Tamang and 720 other GJM activists, arrested on various charges since August 4, will participate in a “fast unto death” while in judicial custody.

With the Calcutta High Court expressing displeasure last week over the GJM’s indefinite strike, the hill party will call it an extension of its “ghar bitrai janta” programme, where people stay indoors in a self-imposed curfew.

Party president Bimal Gurung had earlier announced a two-day shutdown from Saturday, but later declared the indefinite “people’s curfew”. Tamang, who was produced before a court at Kailmpong, told reporters that he would start an indefinite hunger strike.

While Gurung urged arrested activists to fast while in custody, the GJM organised protest marches across the hills, pressing for Gorkhaland and activists release.

The state government, however, showed no signs of backing down with North Bengal Development Minister Gautam Deb justifying the arrests.