The deserted collectorate in Darjeeling on Friday. Picture by Suman Tamang

Darjeeling, Feb. 5: The Vidyarthi Morcha lifted its 11-hour siege of the district magistrate’s office today, but work could not resume at the collectorate as the hill outfit did not let government vehicles ply.

No government officer used his vehicle today. District magistrate Surendra Gupta, who was confined to his office till 2.15am, did not come to the collectorate either. Gupta, however, has an office at his residence as well.

The deputy magistrates posted at the collectorate were also absent. Many of them had been with Gupta, waiting for his release till early morning.

Gupta admitted that the officials were not using their vehicles. “No government vehicles plied. The police, too, have not used their vehicles so there is no question of being stopped,” he said.

But Vidyarthi Morcha activists did stop a few government cars (one of them was with registration number WMX-191) in town on Chowrastha Road.

Kismat Chhetri, the president of the student wing of the Morcha, said: “We allowed the district magistrate to leave his office this morning after telling him that we would wait for another seven days for permission. We also told him that till we get the nod to hold the meeting, we will not allow any government vehicles to ply across the hills.”

Official sources said since police had already sent a report apprehending a breach in peace and tranquillity if students were allowed to hold the meeting in the plains, it is unlikely that the district magistrate will give permission.

“Unless the situation improves dramatically and the police change their report, it is unlikely that the district magistrate will give permission especially after yesterday’s incident,” a source said.

In the morning, the Morcha brought out a procession in town and demonstrated in front of the collectorate. Soon, members of the Vidyarthi Morcha arrived and submitted a memorandum at the district magistrate’s office.

“We have submitted a memorandum to the police superintendent and have demanded action against the circle inspector of Bagdogra and the inspector in charge of Pradhannagar police station as they had led the lathicharge,” said Kismat Chhetri.

In Kurseong, MLA Shanta Chhetri’s house was stoned around two in the morning.

“Since my husband is in his last days and is in hospital in Kurseong, the Morcha leadership has allowed me to stay (in the hills). Despite supporting the cause of Gorkhaland, my house was targeted once again. This is very sad,” said Shanta Chhetri.

Since the Morcha writ began in the hills two years ago, the MLA has not been allowed to return to her house despite resigning from the GNLF.