Locals come to the rescue of stranded tourists after protests in Darjeeling

Violent clashes between GJM supporters and the police erupted in Darjeeling on Thursday after the police stopped protest against imposition of Bengali language. This violence has affected the routine life of this tourist town with thousand of tourists stranded.

Violence erupted on Thursday when Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters called a protest march towards the Raj Bhavan, where Mamata Banarjee-led cabinet meeting was taking place. (Aishik Chanda | EPS) 

The protest was against 'imposition' of Bengali language in schools in the hills. (Aishik Chanda | EPS)

The GJM supporters tried to break the barricades put up by the police and hurled bricks at them.Police fired tear gas shells and lathicharged at them. (Aishik Chanda | EPS)

Thousands of tourists were left stranded after GJM called for a bandh in Darjeeling following the violence on Thursday. (Aishik Chanda | EPS)

Bengal government has made special arrangement for the transport of the stranded tourists. Meanwhile, the local people have come to the aid of the tourists preparing and providing food. (Aishik Chanda | EPS)