Kids & Muslim women hit roads as strike enters 19th day

SNS, KALIMPONG,3 JULY 2017: The indefinite strike reached its 19th day today and the procession and rallies are going on in a regular basis> students, infant and elders took out a peace rally from Dambar Chowk in demand of a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Little kids carried placards which had written in them statements in favour of statehood. When The Statesman asked the kids as to why they were in the procession, they replied, "Because we too want Gorkhaland."

Malina Sharma, who goes to Bright Life Academy, studies in standard I, said that the ongoing situation is important in her life and that is the reason for her to participate in the rally today "ActuallyI1 have come with my mother, she joined the other procession and I have come to the silent rally,' said the six-year old.

Sujal Chettri, studying in standard III also said that Gorkhaland is very important for him. "I am here today because I too want Gorkhaland as a separate state." said the young lad.

Interestingly, women from the muslim community also joined the movement of the constitutional demand.

Muslims prefer to keep their women indoors but now since the agitadon has become more of a 'people's movement' they have decided to let their women on the streets to agitate on this demand and "We have always believed to keep women inside the house, but since this is the last fight, we have comeout together with our entire family" said Miraz Ahemad. the president of Gorkha Jan Muslim Morcha.

The Muslim community has been supporting the Gorkhaland movement since 2007.They appealed the people of other communities to come to the street and join the agitation for the sake of the soil.

According to sources, last night, an office of Kami development board, which is located near Dr Grahams Homes, was torched.

The impact was more on the chairman's chamber. People were unaware of the inferno till the employees turned up the office for their work, said the source of the board.

Meanwhile, the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha still beseechs the employees of the state government workplaces to stop attending their offices. They said that one month's salary is not more important than 'Gorkhaland' and they can side-line their offices to join the movement starting tomorrow.