Photos by: Parbat Portel

The protests in Darjeeling, India, demanding for a separate Gorkhaland state from the state of West Bengal has reached 48 days.

The locals have remained steadfast on their demand and are adamant to accept any other options other than a separate state and the local political parties are unlikely to withdraw programmes of protest in the hills.

The latest death toll after the Gorkhaland movement ensued has reached 10.

Meanwhile, the Queen of Hills has been out of telecommunication service for the last 46 days. Internet, television, mobile phones and land line services have been cut by the West Bengal government. Likewise, the locals are now reeling under food shortage.

Meanwhile, locals in Darjeeling, Mirik, Kurseong and Kalimpong are staging fast-unto-death strike for the last two weeks. The protesters are adamant to break their fast until their demand for Gorkhaland is met. The health of some of the protesters are reported to be in serious condition following the hunger strike.

However, the protests that turned violent in the early days have simmered down but locals have been organising peaceful protests at Chaurasta, Chowk Bazar in Darjeeling, Krishnanagar area in Mirik, Damber chowk in Kalimpong and Kurseong bazar area.