Darjeeling, 30th September: The Darjeeling hills witnessed a complete shutdown on Monday after eight-years, as tea estate workers staged a 12-hour strike demanding a 20% bonus. The bandh, called by a joint platform of tea workers’ organizations, has brought the region to a standstill.
Reportedly, the roads leading up to the hills from Siliguri have been closed, and no vehicles are allowed to commute. However, tourists with return flights or trains are being permitted to leave. The strike follows a recent tripartite meeting in Siliguri where tea workers’ representatives reiterated their demand for a 20% bonus. However, the tea garden authorities on Sunday indicated their inability to meet this demand, leading to the announcement of the bandh.
