GJM Bandh begins in Hills, more Lepchas join fast

Darjeeling, Feb 9 (PTI) The 12-hour bandh sponsored by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha began in the Darjeeling Hills this morning amidst tight security as more Lepchas joined the hunger strike in Kalimpong. The bandh has been called to protest state government's decision to form a Lepcha Development Council without taking the autonomous Gorkhaland Territorial Administration into confidence, GJM sources said. No incident of violence has been reported so far. Shops, establishments, educational institutions and offices remained closed and transport was off the roads. GJM supporters picketed at important areas in Darjeeling and Kalimpong to drum up support for the bandh, official sources said. Hundreds of Lepchas have joined the fast-unto-death movement over the last two days in Kalimpong protesting "unwanted politics" over their ethnic identity. T N Lepcha, president of the Lepcha Rights Movement said that 600 Lepchas had joined the fast this morning. "We will not quit. Our hunger strike will continue", he said. Meanwhile, GJM leader Bimal Gurung appealed to the Lepchas to give up their fast. "We are not against the formation of the development council and not against Lepchas. We are against the government's policies to create a divide among the people of the Hills. This is the government's ploy to make brothers fight with each other", Gurung said. Meanwhile, Minister of North Bengal Development Gautam Deb arrived here yesterday to restore peace and development in the Hills. Official sources said the minister may meet Gurung on the direction of the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, patrolling by police and RAF was intensified in Darjeeling town. PTI COR CR SG