Cable TV channels blocked, bandh enters seventh day

In a bid to curb tension in the troubled hill district, authorities on Friday blocked airing of news by three local cable TV operators even as the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha-sponsored "indefinite bandh" entered the seventh day. The authorities ordered three local cable TV channels to stop airing news on the ground that the broadcast allegedly in favour of the GJM had created tension, official sources said.

Meanwhile, the condition of GJM supporter Purba Sherpa (32), a physically challenged person, who attempted self immolation yesterday continued to be critical at the Darjeeling Sadar Hospital here.

Severe shortage of food stuff under the public distribution system has occurred with the bandh crippling the function of ration shops in the hill town and nearby areas. The bandh, called in demand for separate Gorkhaland, has affected vehicular traffic which was reported to be thin on the national highway 31 A, sources said.

The new Darjeeling district magistrate Punit Yadav will take over charge today from Soumitra Mohan, who was transferred in the wake of the stir.