West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday served a 72-hour ultimatum to the Darjeeling leaders to withdraw their now eight-day-old bandh. Without naming the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha which has called the bandh, the Chief Minister said the “illegal and unconstitutional” bandh should be called off within three days. Otherwise, the State Government would be forced to take “strong action” against those who were stalling life, development as also business activities, closing schools and hospitals by intimidation.
She also sought the resignation of Bimal Gurung as Chairman of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration. The person next in line should take charge of the body and assume responsibility of the hill area administration.
Quoting a recent Calcutta High Court order, the Chief Minister said obstruction of road, rail and air traffic was prohibited. She sought free movement of tea and tourists in the area.