Gorkhaland unrest: Darjeeling, Kurseong Schools to shift classes to Siliguri to clear syllabus backlog

The GJM-led indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling has taken a toll on students, prompting a prominent boarding school to shift classes 10 and 12 to Siliguri to clear the syllabus backlog, while a Kurseong based school may follow suit.

Representational image. Image courtesy Syeda Ambia Zahan

Classes were suspended in the hill schools in view of the indefinite strike, going on since 15 June, demanding a separate Gorkhaland state.

"We have asked all the students of classes 10 and 12 to report at Siliguri on 1 August. We will be holding classes at Matigara, near Siliguri," a spokesperson of Darjeeling North Point School said.

It is being done to complete the syllabus for board examinations to be held early next year, he said.
Kurseong-based Himali Boarding School will take a decision on starting classes 10 and 12 at Siliguri after a meeting of the Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee in New Delhi on 1 August.

"Everything is closed, shops, banks, schools etc.  Because of this, we may have to move to Siliguri with the students taking their board exams. Big hassle, but we have no choice,"said  Robindra Subba, the director of Himali Boarding School.

"Himali and two other schools optimistically await the outcome of the meeting on the 1st. Will then follow suit if outcome negative (sic)," Subba had earlier posted on Facebook. Hundreds of the students, who flock to boarding schools in the Darjeeling hills, had descended in Siliguri on 23 June , when the GJM gave them a 12-hour travel window.