CM Asks Parties to Withdraw Agitation

Mamata Banerjee asked political parties in the hills to withdraw the indefinite strike, referring to hardships caused by the agitation to various sectors like education, tourism, trade and tea plantation.

"I would like to tell political parties in the hills to restore normality. Darjeeling is an international brand and it should not be spoiled. You can ask for anything from us. We will try to meet them at our best," the chief minister told a public meeting here in North Dinajpur.

CM appeared a bit mellowed today and refrained from launching a scathing attack on the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. "Why should one create tension, spark violence and resort to arson, inconveniencing several people?" she asked.

BY KOUSIK SEN, VIA TELEGRAPH