Gorkha leaders to call on Union Home Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today

The leaders of  Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC), an apex body of many political parties operating in Darjeeling hills, will call on Union Home minister Rajnath Singh around 1630 hours in New Delhi today, according to GJM president Bimal Gurung.

Mr Gurung, in a statement said that he had received an intimation from the Home Ministry on Saturday evening asking the Gorkha leaders to call on the minister around 1630 hours in New Delhi on Sunday.

Mr Gurung said, they were hoping that the Centre would consider their political demand for statehood for Indian Gorkhas living in northern districts of West Bengal. He said the fresh movement, launched since June 8, has become a mass movement with people from all walks of life taking to the streets for statehood.

Meanwhile, the indefinite shutdown entered the 61st day today with life remaining crippled with no economic and social activities.

The situation worsen further following banning of internet services and fury of nature that killed two people and cut off roads and villages since Saturday.

The GMCC in a meeting on Saturday announced to carry on the ongoing indefinite strike in Darjeeling hills with shut down that began second week of June.

The GMCC in the at Sinclares hotel in Kalimpong decided to carry on ongoing shut down for indefinite time. The meeting also condemned arrest of some of the GJM leader and demanded stopping of police raid at Patlebas, the party headquarters of Bimal Gurung led Gokha Janmukti Morcha.

However, there had been no report of any arson and attacks on government properties for past 72 hours.