In what looked like a section of the population in Darjeeling district had started listening to the expelled Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Benay Tamang — by defying party chief Bimal Gurung’s diktats to continue the ongoing Hill strike — shops and other establishments opened at Panighata block in the lower Himalayas on Monday.
That transports plied and markets did brisk business amid tight police security after 83 days of non-stop bandh tended to bring some smile in the State administration. Panighata has otherwise been a stronghold of the Morcha.
Gurung had earlier expelled Tamang from party and revoked his decision to suspend the bandh till September 12 when the second round of talks were scheduled between the State Government and the GJM.
Monday’s development came with reports that pro-dialogue leader Tamang currently captive in his own house —under tight security following his expulsion and threats from the GJM workers — had decided to hold rallies in days to come.
Though Tamang would not name any leader he threatened to reveal the names of “those who had purchased flats in Florida and london and own hotel at Okhla by stealing the people’s money.”
Meanwhile, the police reportedly unearthed arms and ammunition from some GJM workers’ houses at various places sources said adding IED explosives were also recovered from hideouts. Two persons had been arrested. Gurung charged under UAPA remained untraceable even as the Bengal Police launched a massive manhunt.