Banks open in Kalimpong without Link

SNS, KALIMPONG, 11 SEPTEMBER 2017: Following yesterday's effort from the DM to restore normality in the town, three banks opened shutters amid tight security on the 89th day of the indefinite strike called by the GJMM today. 

Due to the lack of internet services, however, bank staffs just cleaned the offices and the computers, it is learnt. It may he mentioned that the Hills are doing without the Internet for around three months now, after the state restricted the same soon after the Gorkhaland agitation began. "The idea to open institutions like banks, but without the internet, is just laughable and it makes no sense,' a town resident said.

`The most important thing that a bank needs is the link, and without it, the entire institution is useless'. Moreover, the security which the administration has provided is only in the outer areas of the banks, while we need security for all the staff," said a banker, who requested anonymity.

Schools, on the other hand, are still awaiting tomorrow's meeting between chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Hill parties at Uttarkanya in Siliguri. "The administration has given assurances, but we will wait for a few more days, because opening schools would also mean relaxing

movement of vehicles to transport teachers and students to and from schools:' the head of a reputed school said, "The schools cannot open now

because if they do, vehicles have to run, and if the vehicles run, petrol pumps have to open, and this goes on. So are interlinked, like canteens and other shops for students. Just saying `open the schools' won't do," said Leslie John, a senior citizen in the town.The buses of the North Bengal State Transport Corporation also started plying today, transporting people from here to Siliguri and back. If we get more passengers, we will use both the buses from tomorrow," said Shekhar Khati, the NBSTC's depot in-charge.

In Kurseong town in Darjeeling, the Central Bank of India reopened its shutters today. The State Bank of India's Kurseong branch reopened under tight security arrangements on Saturday last.

CBI, Kurseong branch assistant manager, Dilip Bakshi, however, said the hank would take some time to function fully as there is no Internet connection presently. On 8 September, the police administration led by DIG Humayun Kabir held meetings with the business community, heads of private schools, transportation and taxis -syndicate representatives and bank officials in a bid to reopen the institutions and restore normality in Kurseong. Meanwhile, as compared to a few days back, the movement of vehicles was slightly more today.

Talking to reporters, a representative of the business community said they have not yet decided on reopening their shops.