Darjeeling: Supreme Court allows central government to withdraw paramilitary forces
The top court's order came after the Centre argued they require manpower to hold elections in two states- Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat- scheduled to take place in the last two months of the year.
Prior to SC's order, the Calcutta High Court stayed the withdrawal of central paramilitary forces on October 17.
The rift between the central and the state governments began after the former had passed an order to withdraw 10 out of 15 paramilitary companies.
Following the order, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, lashed out at the Centre and also her government later moved Calcutta High Court.
Following an appeal of Union home minister Rajnath Singh, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), finally called off an indefinite strike in Darjeeling after 104 days on September 27.
The indefinite strike was called with the demand of a separate Gorkhaland.
The protest by the GJM had started after West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee held an administrative meeting in Darjeeling months ago.
Banerjee's meeting was followed by a protest by the GJM supporters who had ransacked several government properties, leading to a complete shutdown in the hills.
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