Mamata's 'Smiling Hills' begin to bleed as GJM ups agitation

Tourists, who were holidaying, drove away in huge numbers to flee the uncertainty and violence

Sporadic violence, bandh and calls for statehood have returned to the hills of Darjeeling that were till recently 'smiling'.

Following a series of violence since last week, which culminated in today's strike call, 10 people have been detained by the police among which eight were detained after they allegedly tried to torch a BDO office in Bijenbari. Although fire tenders controlled the situation quickly, atleast one room was gutted.

Protestors also locked the Sukna Village Panchayat office, which was reopened only after the police stepped in.

Tourists, who were holidaying in the Hills to escape the summer heat, drove away in huge numbers