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Statesman News Service
DARJEELING, July 7: The Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha today went ahead with its pre-planned programme of replacing vehicle number plates bearing the initials WB with GL depicting Gorkhaland and also closed down offices across the Hills, while the administration chose to remain silent on the issue.

The programme comes following the non-cooperation movement of the GJMM in defiance of the West Bengal government’s authority. “This is our home rule and we shall abide by it. If the administration wants to take action against us it can go ahead,” said party president Mr Bimal Gurung. Government vehicles are next in line for putting up such plates before the civilians switch over from WB to GL number plates in the third phase. “It is compulsory for the government vehicles to fix GL plates in the next phase and the people will do it ,” the leader announced.

When contacted, the SP and the ASP of Darjeeling refrained from commenting on the matter stating they were not “authorised” to issue any statement.

The GJMM also closed down all state, Central and DGHC offices for an indefinite period from today. However, banks, post-offices and the food supply department would remain open on Mondays and Fridays. The conservancy and waterworks department of the Hill municipalities would also remain open.