Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) flags are placed on blocked roads (Pic: AFP)
An indefinite bandh has begun in the hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal, called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha that is demanding the separate state of Gorkhaland.
On the eve of the bandh, Darjeeling saw a replay of the 80s style agitation with alleged Gorkhaland supporters setting fire to government property, including a forest bungalow and a police outpost. Two home-guards were injured in the attack on the police outpost. (
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The Mamata Banerjee government has taken a tough stand against the bandh, sending five companies of Central forces to the hills.
It has also ordered that all state government offices should remain open. That, many apprehend, could be the flashpoint of clashes between GJM activists and security forces. The Morcha will want to ensure government offices are shut while the forces are under orders to ensure normalcy.