Siliguri observes shut down over Gorkhaland administration row

Siliguri, July 18 (ANI): Activists and supporters of the regional Bangla-O-Bangla Bhasa Bachao Committee observed a 24-hour shutdown here on Wednesday.

The forum has demanded annulment of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for which the Central and state governments had endorsed a tripartite pact with the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM).

It has opposed the anticipated agreement between the West Bengal Government and the GJM to finalise the interim set-up in the disputed Gorkhaland region.

President of Bangla-O-Bangla Basha Bhachao Committee Dr. Mukundu Majumdar said they are against the partition of West Bengal.

"Today we observed 24-hours strike demanding abrogation of the GTA, which is the first step towards partition of Bengal. We will resist partition of Bengal with last drop of our blood and for that people have responded spontaneously. Without any picketing people have supported and the strike is completely successful," Dr. Majumdar said.

The shutdown forced the locals to stay indoors, with public transport coming to halt and local markets wearing a deserted look.

"I have been waiting for long for bus as I am unable to find any suitable means of transport. I was unaware about the strike," said Partch Patua, a tourist from Gorakhpur.

The local police had deployed special vehicles and personnel at sensitive areas to prevent any untoward incident.

The elections to the GTA are scheduled on July 29. (ANI)