Darjeeling bandh ends today, but Siliguri shutdown from Thurs

July 31 (PTI): Life in Darjeeling Hills, where the demand for a separate Gorkhaland has been revived shortly after the Congress endorsed the creation of Telangana, remained affected on the third and last day of the bandh called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha Wednesday. Shops and markets remained closed. Educational institutions, government and private offices and banks were also shut. Vehicles were, however, plying as the bandh sponsor GJM have allowed their movement. The India Reserve Battalion and Rapid Action Force were patrolling the towns in the hills, especially Darjeeling, officials said. Additional security personnel were posted at the district magistrate's office, while two companies of the Central Reserve Police Force have been kept on standby, official sources said. GJM will announce its further course of action alter in the day after its core committee meeting, party sources said. While GJM had threatened to launch an indefinite strike in the hills till its separate state demand was met, Shiv Sena has called a 2-day bandh in Siliguri from August one opposing the Gorkhaland demand. The party said it will prevent movement of food stuff to the hills from Siliguri, which acts as the gateway to the Darjeeling Hills and Sikkim, during the duration of the bandh. People in the hills were facing shortage as the food stocked in homes was almost over and short supply was feared due to the impending Siliguri bandh. Heavy persistent rains have also hit life in the hills.