The police and security forces today conducted area domination march in various parts of the hills today as the indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling entered its 58th day.
Although no incident of violence was reported since last night, the police and security personnel have made special security arrangements in the hills and are keeping tight vigil to avoid any untoward incident.
"We have conducted area domination in various parts of the hills including in Mirik, Kurseong, Patlebas, Singhmari. We have increased vigil so that no untoward incident takes place," a senior police official told PTI.
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) took out rallies in various parts of the hills demanding restoration of the Internet services, which remain banned in the hills since June 18, and an immediate withdrawal of police from Darjeeling.
It also took out colourful rallies carrying the national flag as part of week-long Independence Day celebrations.
Besides the GJM, various other hill parties and intellectuals marched the streets of Darjeeling with black flags and placards demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland.
Some political party activists dressed in traditional Nepali attire also took out rallies and raised slogans in support of Gorkhaland.
With food supply severely hit due to the shutdown, GJM activists and NGOs were seen distributing food among the local people.
Barring medicine shops, all other shops, business establishments, schools and colleges remained closed.
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