Darjeeling: GJM activists clash with police on second day of indefinite strike

GJM supporters were seen to allegedly throw stones and bricks aiming at police force. Security personnel restored to lathi charge to bring the situation under control.

Maximum shops were closed on Tuesday and very few private vehicles were seen on the roads.

Newly appointed Darjeeling SP Akhilesh Chaturvedi told IBNS, "GJM supporters attacked police from an illegal assembly at Chowck Bazar and police restored to lathi charge to disperse protesters. Three or four people were arrested today. No major violence has been reported today yet."

At least 19 persons have been arrested so far in connection with Darjeeling violence, since last Thursday.

Two army columns and central paramilitary force units are continuing patrol few areas in Darjeeling hills.

The central force started patrolling in the hills after the state government's request following the violent protest that was witnessed on Thursday.

The GJM was protesting against number of issues, one of which is to do away with the introduction of Bengali as a subject in schools.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday attended a cabinet meeting in the hills, following which the violence by the GJM supporters erupted.

Meanwhile, a 12-hour general strike, called by a joint forum of 24 trade unions (except TMC's labours union) demanding hike in tea estate workers' daily wage, was held  on Tuesday in four districts of North Bengal- Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar.

Mixed effects of the strike were noticed after GJM and CPI-M supported the half-day shut down.

Strike supporters blocked NH-31 at Goshala More area in Jalpaiguri district, disrupting traffic. When police tried to lift the blockade, engaged in a clash with the strikers.

Over 40 strike supporters were detained for blocking highway and attacking cops.