The situation in Darjeeling remained tense but incident-free today, the 23rd day of the indefinite shutdown which has crippled normal life in the hills and its neighbouring areas.
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has appealed to the chairmen and vice-chairmen of all development boards in the hills, formed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, to resign immediately and join the Gorkhaland movement, which it is spearheading.
"In the last 15 days many members have already resigned. Only some are left. We want them also to join us," a senior GJM leader said.
The GJM took out a rally from Darjeeling station to Chowkbazar in the afternoon to press its demand for withdrawal of forces from the hills and restoration of Internet services, which have been snapped since June 18.
Some political party activists, dressed in traditional Nepali attire, also took out rallies. They were heard shouting slogans in support of Gorkhaland.
Police and security forces kept a tight vigil on each and every exit and entry routes to the hills.
With food supply severely hit due to the ongoing shutdown, GJM activists and NGOs of the hills were seen distributing food items among the people.
Except pharmacies, all shops, schools and colleges remained closed.
All parties of Darjeeling hills had yesterday decided to continue with the indefinite shutdown.
The five-hour-long meeting had witnessed an intense debate on whether to continue the bandh, which started on June 15 for a separate Gorkhaland state, before deciding to carry on with it.
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