Darjeeling schools, colleges to reopen on September 13

The GJM today said it would allow reopening of schools and colleges in the Darjeeling hills, which remained closed for more than a month ever since it started a fresh statehood agitation, from September 13.
GJM president Bimal Gurung announced this after a meeting with the heads of schools and colleges here.
There are 45 schools and 18 colleges in the hills.
"After the meeting we have come to the conclusion that the on-going agitation for Gorkhaland will continue as it is our final battle for our long-standing demand for a separate state. This is the only answer to the people's aspirations," Gurung said in a Facebook post.

He, however, put a rider, saying that no transport will be made available to the students and they would have to walk to reach their destinations.
"The school authorities will have to ensure boarding facilities for all outstation students and also for students who can't walk to school. There will be no relaxation for commercial establishments too," Gurung said.

Observing that the students are the future and tomorrow's voice for Gorkhaland, Gurung said keeping this in mind their success in the coming Higher Secondary and other final examinations need to be ensured by teachers.
"All students and teachers must also do a signature campaign for Gorkhaland and send a copy to the President of India and Prime Minister. The School authorities must hold classes on Saturdays and Sundays to make up for lost time," said Gurung in the post.

"I reiterate that our fight is not against the State; it is with the Centre," he said.
Gurung claimed that the heads of schools and colleges in the hills openly came and supported the demand for Gorkhaland and promise to do so in the future.