Shutdown in Darjeeling hills in presence of Mamata Banerjee ; 10,000 tourists stranded

According to reports, most of the shops and markets are closed, no private cars are plying and  very few state-run buses are being noticed in Darjeeling.

However, the Government has arranged buses to evacuate stranded tourists from the hills.

A huge security arrangement, involving the army, CRPF and the state police has been made.

GJM supporters were seen stopping vehicles in Kalimpong, Sukna and Kurseong.

An under-construction ITI building has been set on fire by a mob at Mongpo. At least two persons were injured in the incident.

A senior police official told IBNS that no major violence has been reported so far and the situation is currently under control.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is still in Darjeeling. "We won't entertain such violence. Legal steps will be taken," she said.

A large number of tourists have been brought back to Siliguri safely.

The strike will continue till 6 pm. on Friday. Then the Morcha will decide the future course of its movement.

The army was called out in Darjeeling at the request of the West Bengal government to control the situation arising out of a violent protest by the GJM on Thursday.

About 50 policemen, including three officers, were injured while several  police vehicles were set on fire by the protesters.

Since Thursday late evening, army trucks  have been  patrolling in the violence-hit areas of Darjeeling.

Amid protests and violence, the Chief Minister  on Thursday chaired a state cabinet meeting.

While the Chief Minister along with her cabinet colleagues is camping in the hills, more thatn 10,000 tourists are  stranded because of the unrest.

The local  administration has requested  the tourists to stay indoors.

Banerjee has  condemned  the violent incidents and directed the local administration to take all steps to maintain normalcy.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)