In other areas of the Hills, GJM supporters would participate in relay hunger strikes.

Speaking to The Indian Express after a meeting at Triveni near Kalimpong, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said: “Seven persons at a time will go on a relay hunger strike in Siliguri and the Dooars, but no bandhs will be imposed in these areas. We have also planned rallies at several places. Schools, colleges and hospital services will be exempted from the purview of the agitation.”

He added that GJM will repair the residences of Nepali people, damaged during the recent clashes, at their own expense.

“Many houses have been damaged by the Amra Bangali and Jan Jagaran Manch activists. We have decided not to approach or wait for the state government to repair them. We will do it ourselves,” he said. Giri said no decision had been taken during Sunday’s meeting to hold an alternative “all-party” meeting.