Hundreds of GJM activists took to streets today on the 20th day of the indefinite strike in Darjeeling hills demanding immediate release of their colleagues with GJM chief Bimal Gurung vowing that the shutdown will go on.
The agitators with women at forefront began their march from Darjeeling station to Chowkbazar here demanding release of the GJM activists arrested for their alleged involvement in violence.
Security forces continued patrolling the hill area which remained tense. They were also keeping vigil over the entry and exit points of the town.
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GJM chief Bimal Gurung, meanwhile, said "the indefinite shutdown in the hills will continue. This is our final battle, we'll either achieve Gorkhaland or die fighting for it. We will fight till justice is delivered," Gurung said in a press conference here.
"The Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee will meet and decide the next course of action, but as far as GJM is concerned we will not call off the shutdown. It was GJM which had called the indefinite shutdown on June 15," Gurung said.
The GJM supremo accused the West Bengal government of the gross violation of human rights in the hills to suppress the movement.
"A gross violation of human rights is going on in the hills. The internet services has been suspended for more than two weeks. Is this the way to deal with a democratic movement? We would appeal to the Centre to look into it," he said.
When asked whether the GJM is ready for talks, Gurung said, "We have a single point agenda of Gorkhaland and we will only hold talks if the agenda is separate state. This is our final battle and we will not move an inch from our demand."
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Yuva Morcha president Prakash Gurung today said they would be going on a fast unto death if justice was not delivered to them.
"The government is ignoring our democratic agitation, which would make our protest more intensified. We will fast unto death," Gurung said.
Internet services remained suspended for the 17th day as the Darjeeling district administration extended the ban on it for eight more days yesterday.
Except pharmacies all other shops, restaurants, hotels, schools and colleges remained closed.
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