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Bengal

Hill body takes out protest rally against NRC, CAA in Darjeeling

Darjeeling: Darjeeling on Sunday witnessed a protest rally against NRC and CAA, amid widespread unrest in various parts of the country. The rally was brought out by the All Board Coordination Committee (ABCC).

Meanwhile, all trains going from Northeast Railway towards Eastern Railway have been cancelled due to violent protests in the plains.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (Binay faction) also held an emergency meeting in Sukna in the foothills of the district. The meeting culminated with the announcement of anti-NRC and anti-CAA programmes by the GJM.

The ABCC, comprising members from the 14 development boards of the Hills, marched from the railway station in Darjeeling to Chowrasta, chanting anti-CAA and NRC slogans.

"The ABCC represents 14 communities of the Hills. We support the Chief Minister's stand on NRC and CAA. We will not allow divisive politics to spoil the peace and tranquility of the Hills. We will oppose both NRC and CAA tooth and nail," stated Lyansong Tamsang of the ABCC.

"We demand that areas under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration be exempted from the CAA, as they have exempted Bodoland Territorial Council and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Even GTA is a council on similar lines, which is why we demand exemption. We further demand reimposing Inner Line Permit in the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Dooars. It was there during the British days but was later removed. Along with this, we demand original inhabitant status for the Gorkhas including inclusion in protected list," stated GJM president Binay Tamang.

GJM has lined up massive postering campaigns in the Hills and Dooars on December 18 and 19, which will be followed by rallies in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik on December 20.

The Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha (youth wing) will also be announcing a major programme after December 20.

"In January the protests will be intensified and we will come out on the streets in the Hills and Dooars," added Tamang.

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