Emotions ran high in the Darjeeling Hills today as Ajoy Edwards, chief coordinator of the Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF), appealed to the Hill people for support in demanding justice for his party leader, Prakash Gurung.
Darjeeling MP Raju Bista underscored the critical role of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in safeguarding the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars, which include the strategically significant “Chicken Neck” region of India.
At least 10 tea gardens in Darjeeling Hills have been completely shut down, with more closures likely if the ongoing agitation continues. Workers are demanding an additional 4 per cent bonus, despite the state government's advisory to pay a 16 per cent bonus.
Hundreds of tea workers took to the streets, claiming that the state government's decision reflects collusion with plantation owners.
Significantly, the SSSJC is now demanding that the pay scale for monthly rated staffs and sub-staff through bipartite agreement.
Parties allege Dhankhar in Hills to do politics; BJP MP Raju Bista says incident an insult to Gorkhas.
Mr Adityanath was campaigning for the BJP's Assembly election candidate for Kurseong constituency, BP Bajgain.
Dhankhar comes down heavily on Darjeeling DM and SP for not following protocols during his visits
The GTA had also asked all tourists who were already in areas under the GTA to leave as soon as they can.
The state government needs to take up the responsibility of preventing environmental degradation, or else rampant commercial ventures will lead to bleak days in the Darjeeling hills.
