According to Publicity Secretary of GJM Harka Bahadur Chhetri, the march was obstructed by the police when the demonstrators were passing through Hattipota area of Darjeeling. [break]The march had begun from Sunkosh area that lies in the area bordering Bengal and Assam.
The GJM said the march began with the participation of some 50 people. The number had reached 300 by the time the demonstrators had reached Hattipot area -- some 15 kilometers from Sunkosh area.
Chhetri said all those taking part in the march had staged a sit-in after the local authorities obstructed the procession. “We have directed them not to move ahead in a bid to avoid further tension,” he said. None of the senior GJM leaders had participated in the march.
Jalpaigudi Administration had enforced prohibitory orders and mobilized heavily armed Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in various areas including Jayagaun, Kalchini, Nagarkatta, Malbazar keeping in view the scheduled march past program.
On the other hand, local tribesmen, under the banner of Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad, joining hands with the state had called a general strike to foil the march.
The GJM has been launching a non-violent mass movement for a separate state, under the Indian federation, for Nepali-speaking population residing in Darjeeling and the surrounding areas.
The GJM chief Bimal Gurung has been staying in Kumani for the last one month to make preparations for the campaign. The GJM had earlier announced to conclude the 11-day march at Kumani.
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