GJM ends Darjeeling strike after Rajnath invites for talks

New Delhi: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Tuesday announced to withdraw its indefinite strike in Darjeeling after the Centre promised to discuss all contentious issues, media reports said.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier in the day urged the GJM chief Bimal Gurung to end the more than 100-day long protest and invited him for talks.

"In a democracy, dialogue is the only way out to resolve any problem. Solution can be found through restraint, mutual dialogue and within the legal ambit," he said.

Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba has been directed to hold an official level meeting within a fortnight to discuss all related issues.

"I have been pained immensely by what has happened in Darjeeling Hills. I appeal to the GJM and its leader Bimal Gurung to withdraw the ongoing bandh and to help create a conducive atmosphere for allowing normalcy to return to the area, particularly in view of the festive season," Singh said.

At least 11 protesters were killed and many others were injured during clashes with the police at the peak of the turmoil.