Locals of Darjeeling in the West Bengal (WB) state of India have expressed their dissent over the move to postpone the indefinite protest programmes by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM).

The GJM had decided to withdraw the indefinite protest programmes in Darjeeling, 80 days after the protests intensified in the hill town in view of the problems faced by the people due to the agitation.

GJM Assistant Coordinator Binaya Tamang, addressing a meeting at Kurseong on Thursday, had announced the postponement of the Gorkhaland Movement for 12 days until September 12, two days after a meeting called by WB Chief Minister Mamata Banarjee between the agitating parties and the WB government in Kolkata.

However, the people of Darjeeling have out right rejected leader Tamang’s announcement and locals are still continuing protests at Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong, Mirik among other areas.

The Darjeeling locals took to the streets on Thursday night against leader Tamang accusing him of trying to sabotage the movement. They also gheraoed and vandalised Tamang’s house.

Meanwhile, GJM Chairman Bimal Gurung claimed that he has no knowledge about the decision to revoke protest programmes.

“Protest programmes were withdrawn by the unilateral decision of Binay Tamang,” he said, adding “We will not accept his decision.”

The GJM and Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), among other groups, had been spearheading agitation in Darjeeling demanding a separate state carved out of West Bengal.