India tea region strike resumes

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An indefinite strike called by a regional political party has resumed in India's tea-producing Darjeeling hills.

The strike - called by the regional Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)- was halted for a few days last week to allow tourists to leave.

It was also stopped to allow the shopkeepers to stock up on essentials. The strike resumed late on Monday.

The GJM is demanding a separate state and fairer treatment for Darjeeling's Nepali-speaking Gorkha community.

GJM secretary Roshan Giri said the strike would now continue "for weeks, perhaps months, if our aspirations are not fulfilled".

The strike, earlier this month, led to widespread violence between the Gorkhas and the Bengalis in the foothills of Darjeeling.

Police had to intervene several times to break up clashes and the army was put on alert.

Mainstay

The West Bengal government has called an all party meeting on Tuesday to discuss ways to handle the crisis caused by the agitation for a separate Gorkha state in the Darjeeling hills.

The GJM has also called an all party meeting in Darjeeling, asking other Gorkha groups and parties to join their protest activities.

"We will not talk to the Bengal government anymore. We are waiting for a call for talks with the federal government in Delhi," said Mr Giri.

Tea and tourism are the mainstay of Darjeeling's economy.

Tourists left Darjeeling in a hurry after the sudden call for an indefinite strike by the GJM earlier this month.

Tea industry sources say the more than 250 tea estates in Darjeeling and its foothills are likely to be affected by the indefinite strike.

This is time for the second flush - or harvest - of tea in the region, which fetches high prices in European markets.

But with movement of vehicles completely stopped, it will be difficult carrying the tea to auction centres in Siliguri and Calcutta, tea industry sources said.