GJM announces 12-hour relaxation in Darjeeling strike for Eid celebration

The relaxation will begin from 6 am. and end at 6 pm. on Monday, a GJM leader told IBNS.

"As Muslims in Darjeeling hills can enjoy and celebrate Eid fest tomorrow, we have taken this decision," the leader said.

A large number of GJM supporters held rallies at several locations in Darjeeling on Sunday.

According to GJM leaders, the party will hold a 'tubelight rally' on Tuesday.

"We are all set to hold a rally from Darjeeling station to Chowk Bazar on coming Tuesday where our activists will walk holding tubelights in their hands," a senior GJM leader told IBNS.

"Following the march, agitators will hurt themselves with those tubelights to show that they are ready to give their blood for Gorkhaland," he added.

Meanwhile, an anti-Gorkhaland apolitical protest triggered tension in north Bengal's Siliguri city on Sunday as agitators went on a rampage and clashed with police.

Protesters allegedly vandalized few vehicles during the rally.

Later, a heavy police force rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control.

Strike has hit normal lives in Darjeeling.

The Himalayan town is considered as one of the major tourist spots in West Bengal.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Friday officially announced that it is parting ways with Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA).

GJM chief Bimal Gurung said that he and 43 other GJM members are quitting GTA.

"GTA chapter is closed. Our resignation letters will be sent to GTA secretary and West Bengal governor shortly," Bimal Gurung said.

(With inputs by Deepayan Sinha)