Incident-free day in Darjeeling, several shops open

Darjeeling: The situation in Darjeeling remained tense but incident-free as the indefinite shutdown in the hills on Sunday entered its 88th day.

A large number of shops were open in the Darjeeling hills today braving threats and intimidation by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).

The police and administration for the second day appealed to the locals through the public address system to open their shops and restore normalcy in the hills.

Peace rallies were taken out by the residents of Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik demanding the restoration of peace in the hills.

Expelled GJM leader Anit Thapa also took out a peace rally near Kurseong.

State Tourism Minister and senior TMC leader Gautam Deb took out a peace rally in the hills.

The search operation to trace Gurung, the absconding GJM supremo against whom cases have been lodged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, continued in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas.

The GJM supporters took out rallies in support of Gorkhaland, and the ongoing shutdown in parts of Darjeeling, Sonada and Kalimpong.

Picketing by them was strengthened in some areas and posters and leaflets were distributed in support of the strike.

Internet services in the hills remain suspended since June 18.