Hills unhappy over frequent disruption of life, shutdowns

SNS, KURSEONG, 27 MAY: Common people across the Darjeeling Hills sound distressed over the principal party resorting to shutdowns even after being saddled in the GTA. “We hoped things would change for the better after the party got the GTA to run. But their clinging to the obstructionist stratagem has reinforced the adage that habits die hard. This bodes ill for the health of the Hills. The Hills have kept ailing for long and now when the GTA is functioning there is little hope that the Hills would enjoy a spell of health,” said one Ms Santa Rai, a resident of Kurseong.   

However, the GJMM having had a flip-flop on the pre-announced indefinite Hill shutdown that was to begin from 26 May has made the people heave a sigh of relief. The GJMM withdrew the threat in the wake of pressure put from the ends of those associated with tourism. “But the specter of the Hills remaining strike-struck keeps hanging over our heads. The GJMM should rid itself of the habit of calling bandhs at the drop of its hats. If they do so it would auger well for the Hills and if they do not we would keep on being swung around the obstructionist cycle,” said Mr Bhagirath Pradhan, another resident from Kurseong.