Ground Report

SILIGURI / DARJEELING: Reactions are pouring in from around Siliguri over Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s verdict that all taxis plying from Siliguri to Darjeeling hills will have to sport the Gorkhaland (GL) vehicle registration numbers. Speaking to the Press, West Bengal Urban Development Minister, Asok Bhattacharya said, “We have intimated the Police about the GJM verdict and the Police will initiate steps against GL numbers. There is no such state as Gorkhaland in India and hence, no vehicles with GL numbers will be allowed to ply anywhere in the state. In one instance the Morcha says they welcome Tourists but my imposing such undemocratic verdicts strongly hampers the tourist flow to the hills. These type of verdicts are harmful for the people in the hills and will not affect Siliguri or the plains as such.”