Bandh fails to evoke response

SNS, Siliguri, 19 August 2013: The 24 hour statewide general bandh convened by the anti-Gorkhaland pressure group, Bangla O Bangla Bhasa Banchao Committee (BOBBBC) failed to evoke any response in Siliguri sub-division today. 

The group convened the strike, demanding abrogation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and scrapping of the fact-finding committee constituted by the state government to look into the land demands of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha in the Terai-Dooars.

The markets and shops along Hill Cart Road were open. Principal markets, including Bidhan market, Hong Kong market, Seth Srilal market, which are usually closed during the strike, were open. 

The educational institutions, government and private offices were also open. Vehicles plied as on a normal day. The BOBBBC activists were not seen doing any picketing or blocking any road. 

Police had already warned of strong action if the strike supporters would enforce the shutdown. 

The north Bengal development minister, Mr Gautam Deb, led a rally against the strike in Siliguri today. 

“We thank people for keeping life normal today. The bandh having fizzled out today heralds a new and healthy trend for Siliguri”, Mr Deb added. The Darjeeling district Congress (Plains) also took out a rally against the strike in Siliguri today. 

The BOBBBC president, Dr Mukunda Majumder said police and administration had unleashed terror on those who had convened the bandh. “Despite that, the people responded to our call. The bandh was successful till 12 p.m. Police then broke it by applying force,” he added.