Paramilitary forces deployed in NH31A to keep Sikkim's lifeline open

Darjeeling/Siliguri, May 16 : Two companies of para-military forces were deployed in National Highway 31A, the lifeline of Sikkim, in view of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha-sponsored 48-hour bandh that entered the second day today demanding a separate Gorkha state.

''Two companies of para-military forces have been deployed in NH 31A near Bangla-Sikkim border,'' said Additional Superintendent of Police, Kalingpong, J Dorjee.

Few vehicles traversed through NH 31A though no untoward incident has been reported so far, she added.

The deployment of para-military forces came in the wake of a standing Supreme Court order to keep the highway safe and free from all disturbances.

Plucking of tea leaves was also hampered in different gardens owing to bandh. However, some of the tea estates continued their operation on a regular basis.

The GJM leadership, however, claimed the bandh was complete, peaceful and spontaneous.

The GJM leadership claimed it to be a prelude for a bigger type of agitation for the creation of statehood for the Gorkhas in the hills, Dooars and Terai of the Darjeeling district.

The GJM had called a ten-day strike from June 12 for the same demand.


--UNI