Darjeeling: Answering to Union Home minister Rajnath Singh's appeal for peace and normalcy, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha lifted the fast-unto-death that hit the 26-day mark on Monday.
Rajnath Singh in a meeting with Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (GMCC) leaders in Delhi, on Sunday, appealed for the lifting of the fast-unto-death programme and the indefinite bandh.
The GMCC, a conglomeration of pro-Gorkhaland parties held a meeting in Delhi on Monday. They requested Bimal Gurung, president, GJM to lift the ongoing fast respecting the Union Home minister's appeal.
Gurung said: "Given that tomorrow (Tuesday) is also the 70th Independence day, I am also of the view that the Home minister's appeal should be respected and the hunger strike by the Yuwa Morcha should be withdrawn as a first step towards achieving our goal of Gorkhaland. I direct the Yuwa Morcha to call off the hunger strike on the eve of Independence Day."
The fast-unto-death was lifted at around 5 pm in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik with the three Hill MLAs offering water. The protestors were then rushed to hospitals. Three Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha supporters had been sitting in the fast-unto-death since July 20.
In the past, district administration officials had intervened requesting them to be moved to hospitals. However, the protesters were not willing to move. For the past few days, oxygen and intravenous fluids have been administered.
Though the fast-unto-death was lifted on Monday, the GJM has decided to continue with the ongoing bandh. "Owing it to the Independence Day and in respect for the nation, there will be no GJM picketers on Tuesday from 6 am to 6 pm on Tuesday. However, the indefinite bandh will continue," said Binay Tamang, assistant secretary GJM.
The indefinite bandh had been clamped on June 15 and hit the 61-day mark on Monday. There has not been a single day of relaxation in the bandh this time.