Kalimpong, Nov. 29: A civilian movement against the politics of bandhs is taking shape here as well, much like the one in Darjeeling.
Various NGOs and ordinary people will meet at the Dukha Niwarak Sammelan hall here on Sunday to discuss ways to voice their concern. Leaflets announcing the meet are being circulated here.
Given the public mood, the meeting is expected to get a good response. “We hope to fix the date for a peace rally at the meeting,” said N.P. Dixit, president, Kalimpong Consumers’ Association. A similar rally in Darjeeling on Tuesday attracted more than 7,000 residents.
The Kalimpong subdivision has seen two successive five-day shutdowns in the last one-and-a-half weeks and the anger is showing among the people.
“The time has now come for us to tell political parties that we have had enough of bandhs,” said Suresh Rai of Rishi Road.
“This groundswell of resentment against bandhs augurs well for the future,” said Sandip Jain, the president of a local body, Vision Kalimpong.