Even as the Darjeeling Hills head for yet another indefinite shutdown from Monday, called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha over the police action against its supporters, the GJM’s ally BJP indicated that the party would support the bandh call.

“The strike has been called by our partner. We have nothing to say on this,” BJP leader Dawa Sherpa, who was initially touted to get the LS ticket from Darjeeling, said.

Trouble broke out in Panighata near Kurseong town on July 8 when a group of GJM supporters attacked the residence of local GNLF leader Rajen Mukhia over some differences. Following a complaint lodged by Mukhia, police arrested three GJM supporters. On July 10, a large mob of GJM supporters went on rampage and set ablaze Mukhia’s residence. Unable to control the GJM men, police resorted to lathi-charge and hurled shells of tear gas.

Protesting the police action, the GJM leadership has called for an indefinite shutdown beginning on Monday and demanded the transfer of IGP (north Bengal) K L Tamta and action against Additional Superintendent of Police (headquarters) Akhilesh Chaturvedi and Kurseong SDPO Rajesh Singh. The GJM also demanded the arrest of Mukhia and 34 GNLF supporters.

Till late on Sunday evening, GJM leaders remained engaged in a meeting. Party general secretary Roshan Giri said there was no question of calling off the bandh. “ We want the removal of Tamta, Chaturvedi and Singh. We’ve set a deadline of Monday afternoon. If our demands are not met, the indefinite strike will begin for the separate Gorkhaland,” Giri said.

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