Peace returns in Darjeeling

Normalcy has been restored in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal which were on boil for over three months, said police.

Anuj Sharma ADG, Law and Order, has confirmed the news.

Sharma informed that shops, business establishments and tea gardens have been re-opened in the affected areas and Internet services have also been restored in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts which were suspended in the hills since June 18.

The newly formed Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has also started functioning effectively, Sharma said.

The peace confirmation comes a day after incidents of fresh violence rocked West Bengal's Darjeeling hills.

The district has been witnessing indefinite shutdown over separate Gorkhaland by various hill parties which have been spearheading the agitation, including the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists.

Scores of GJM leaders have also been arrested in the matter on charges of attempt to murder and vandalism.

The agitated leaders here have remained firm on their stance and have refused to withdraw their demands till tripartite talks between the central and state governments and other stakeholders are organised.

Regarding this, on September 19, a five-member delegation of the GJM met Home Minister Rajnath Singh too.