India: Renewed violence in Darjeeling; heightened security measures in place /update 5

Event

Heightened security measures remain in place in the Darjeeling Hills region of West Bengal State, as a “bandh” (shutdown strike) enters its 25th day on Sunday, July 9. More than 80 extra army personnel have been  deployed across the region (Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong), following renewed violent clashes in Darjeeling town on July 7 and 8. At least three people died in the latest clashes between police and members of the separatist Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) party and the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF). A ban on internet services has been extended until the evening of July 13.

Context

At least eight people have been killed and over 100 others injured in recent strike-related clashes in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal state throughout June. The GJM called for the bandh ,and the indefinite shutdown of government offices, following clashes with the police on June 12.  Unrest and strikes were triggered when the government announcement that Bengali, the state official language, would become a compulsory subject in schools across the state, prompting unrest among the ethnic Gorkha people. Gorkha leaders are arguing that they are not ethnically Bengali but Nepali, and should not be forced to speak Bengali. GJM subsequently called for the indefinite strike as well as for the creation of a new state, Gorkhaland.

Advice

Individuals in Darjeeling are advised to monitor the situation, stay away from all demonstrations, and adhere to instructions issued by the local authorities.