Gorkha agitation causes immense loss in West Bengal

Siliguri, May 19 : The numerous calls for strikes in west Bengal's Siliguri have badly affected the economy and development works in the region.

Strikes and shutdowns called by organizations like Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), Bangla-O-Bangla Bhasha Bachao Committee (BOBBBC) have caused great damage to the region''s economy.

The business machinery in the city mainly consists of retailers, wholesalers, dealers, distributors and small-scale entrepreneurs, all of who have suffered losses.

"Our business is more dependant on the area situation. If strike continues like this, people cannot come on time and it will automatically affect the business," said Biman Roy, the owner of a shopping center.

With repeated outbreaks of violence in the region over the past two decades, investors have not undertaken any new project in the area, either.

"These types of shutdowns are not in favor of businessmen. One day shutdown in Siliguri itself causes the transaction loss of eight crore rupees and overall transaction loss would be around 12 crore rupees," said Biswajit Das, Secretary of the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries of North Bengal (FOCIN).

The tourism industry alone employs a large number of people, but due to shutdowns, many tourists reluctant to stay in Siliguri out of fear of violence.