DARJEELING: The police and security forces today conducted area domination march in various parts of the hills as the indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling entered its 63rd day.
Though no incident of violence was reported since last night, the police and security personnel have made special security arrangements in the hills and are keeping tight vigil to avoid any untoward incident.
"Although the situation is peaceful we have conducted area domination in various parts of the hills. For the last two days we have distributed sweets and chocolates as part of Independence Day celebrations," a senior police official told PTI.
The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which is heading the agitation, took out rallies in various parts of the hills demanding the restoration of the internet services, which remain banned in the hills since June 18, and an immediate withdrawal of police forces from Darjeeling.
Some political party activists dressed in traditional Nepali attire also took out rallies and raised slogans in support of Gorkhaland.
The GJM activists and NGOs were seen distributing food among the local people like other days as food supply has been severely hit in the prolonged shutdown.
The party has opened two helpline phone numbers and a bank account to channelise the relief material to the people of the hills.
"The objective is to channelize the relief work in a systematic manner so that relief materials reach those who need it.
"We appeal to the people to donate money in the bank account for relief materials. We also appeal that those who want to send relief materials instead of money to contact in the helpline numbers so that food grains can reach to the needy in a systematic and organised manner," GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said.
Barring medicine shops, all other shops, business establishments, schools and colleges continue to be closed.