News for 'Darjeeling Hills'

Darjeeling landslides: Hill pockets cut-off, tourists stuck; toll rises to 24

Darjeeling landslides: Hill pockets cut-off, tourists stuck; toll rises to 24

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The death toll from landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal has risen to 24, with rescue operations continuing amidst challenging conditions. Thousands of tourists are stranded as roads remain blocked.

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Shah Promises Gorkha Solution, Case Withdrawals if BJP Wins Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged that the BJP will prioritise resolving the Gorkha issue in Darjeeling and withdraw cases against community leaders if elected in West Bengal. He criticised Mamata Banerjee's government for non-cooperation and assured a constitutional solution.

Gorkha Issue To Be Resolved In Six Months: Shah

Gorkha Issue To Be Resolved In Six Months: Shah

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has pledged to resolve the long-standing Gorkha issue within six months if the BJP wins the West Bengal elections. He criticised previous governments for failing to address the aspirations of the Gorkha people and promised a solution acceptable to them.

Amit Shah assures to resolve Gorkha issue without dividing Bengal

Amit Shah assures to resolve Gorkha issue without dividing Bengal

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed poll rallies in West Bengal, promising to resolve the Gorkha issue constitutionally and offering a development package for north Bengal if the BJP is voted to power.

The Woman Making History On India's Oldest Toy Train

The Woman Making History On India's Oldest Toy Train

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Sarita Yolma is the first woman Train Ticket Examiner on the 145-year-old Darjeeling Hill Railway. 'It is a dream journey,' she says.

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Downpour triggers 35 landslides in Darjeeling, 23 killed

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

At least 23 people, including children, were killed as relentless rain triggered one of the worst landslides in a decade in Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas on Sunday, sweeping away homes, cutting off roads, isolating villages, and leaving hundreds of stranded tourists amid widespread devastation, officials said.

Darjeeling tea output may have hit a new low in 2025

Darjeeling tea output may have hit a new low in 2025

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

The famed Darjeeling tea may have slip to a new production low in 2025, as changing weather patterns, a shortage of pluckers and mounting economic stress weigh on the region's gardens.

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

From hills to Jungal Mahal, TMC draws a blank in 29 Bengal districts

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The BJP achieved a clean sweep in nine districts of West Bengal, securing all 68 seats in these regions during the recent election. This victory marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, ending the Trinamool Congress's 15-year rule and establishing the BJP's dominance.

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Amit Shah Pledges To Resolve Gorkha Issue In Six Months

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised to resolve the decades-old Gorkha issue within six months if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal, addressing a rally in Kurseong, Darjeeling district.

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Mamata holds meet with counting agents ahead of results

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee met with Trinamool Congress counting agents in Bhabanipur ahead of the vote count for the assembly election. The meeting aimed to ensure agents are well-prepared and updated on the counting process.

Rain havoc: Over 30 Darjeeling tea gardens destroyed; Rs 50 cr loss feared

Rain havoc: Over 30 Darjeeling tea gardens destroyed; Rs 50 cr loss feared

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The recent flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain in north Bengal have caused massive destruction in at least 30-35 tea gardens in Darjeeling, with reports of loss of plantation areas, deaths of workers and damage to houses of labourers, prompting planters to convene a meeting to assess the situation, stakeholders said.

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

'Whoever wants to quit may go': Mamata to rebels amid defection fears

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Mamata Banerjee has urged Trinamool Congress candidates to rebuild the party organisation after facing an electoral setback in the recent assembly polls. She asserted that those wishing to leave the party are free to do so, and encouraged those remaining to revitalise the party's presence.

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

TMC meltdown continues as ex-minister, Siliguri mayor resign

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a severe leadership crisis as former minister Jyoti Priya Mallick resigned from all party organisational posts citing health, and senior North Bengal leader Goutam Deb stepped down as mayor of Siliguri Municipal Corporation, amidst widespread internal rifts and electoral setbacks.

Bengal Government To Pursue CBI Investigation Into GTA Teacher Recruitment Scam

Bengal Government To Pursue CBI Investigation Into GTA Teacher Recruitment Scam

Rediff.com29 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the state government will move the Supreme Court to vacate the stay on a CBI probe into the alleged Gorkhaland Territorial Administration teacher recruitment scam. The decision follows complaints of corruption and illegal teacher recruitment within the GTA.

Mamata to hold virtual meeting with all TMC counting agents on Saturday

Mamata to hold virtual meeting with all TMC counting agents on Saturday

Rediff.com1 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with counting agents to ensure there are no lapses during the vote counting process.

Stay alert during counting, seek recounts in close contests: Mamata to agents

Stay alert during counting, seek recounts in close contests: Mamata to agents

Rediff.com2 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee will hold a virtual meeting with TMC counting agents to prepare for the vote counting of the assembly elections.

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

India-Nepal Boundary Dispute Needs Solution

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

The boundary mess between India and Nepal needs a solution in a manner as mentioned by Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal: 'On evidence not emotions', counsels Lieutenant General Shakti Gurung (retd).

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Bengal set for counting day after historic turnout

Rediff.com3 May 2026

West Bengal is on edge as it awaits the results of its recent election, with the TMC and BJP vying for control. The counting process will be conducted under tight security, with the Election Commission implementing stringent measures to ensure a fair and transparent process.

'Prashant Tamang Was In His Sleep When He Left Us'

'Prashant Tamang Was In His Sleep When He Left Us'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Prashant Tamang's wife Martha Aley shut down all speculation about his sudden death on January 11 by confirming that his death was 'natural' and occurred while he was asleep.

Amit Shah Promises Action on Infiltration and Gorkha Concerns in West Bengal

Amit Shah Promises Action on Infiltration and Gorkha Concerns in West Bengal

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed rallies in West Bengal, promising to address infiltration issues, resolve the Gorkha issue, and tackle corruption if the BJP wins the upcoming elections.

BJP promises Rs 3,000 a month, reservation in govt jobs to Bengal women

BJP promises Rs 3,000 a month, reservation in govt jobs to Bengal women

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

The BJP has released its election manifesto for West Bengal, promising a hardline stance on infiltration, financial assistance for women and unemployed youth, and the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees.

After 104 days, GJM suspends Darjeeling shutdown

After 104 days, GJM suspends Darjeeling shutdown

Rediff.com26 Sep 2017

The indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling hills will be suspended from Wednesday morning.

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

These 8 states emerged as the country's most-travelled destinations for local Indian visitors, according to Ministry Of Tourism's most recent statistics which are from 2024.

Hill parties, barring TMC, adopt resolution for separate Gorkhaland state

Hill parties, barring TMC, adopt resolution for separate Gorkhaland state

Rediff.com13 Jun 2017

The meeting was attended by the GJM, the GNLF, the Gorkhaland Rajya Nirman Morcha, the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (apolitical) and the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists.

Gorkhaland echoes in Darjeeling again

Gorkhaland echoes in Darjeeling again

Rediff.com7 Jul 2011

GJM president Bimal Gurung has been holding meetings in Darjeeling district claiming that none could resist the formation of Gorkhaland, while urging partymen in the plains in the Dooars to ensure that the government assessment team returned convinced that people there area wanted to be under the new hill council.

Darjeeling: Protests erupt after weapons recovered from GJM chief's office

Darjeeling: Protests erupt after weapons recovered from GJM chief's office

Rediff.com15 Jun 2017

Police recovered more than 300 weapons, including arrows and explosives.

Gorkhaland protests: GJM supporters held, normal life hit in Darjeeling

Gorkhaland protests: GJM supporters held, normal life hit in Darjeeling

Rediff.com4 Aug 2013

Six members of Gorkha Janmukti Morch were arrested on Sunday for stopping the vehicle of the superintendent of police during the bandh in Darjeeling hills.

Bandh for Gorkhaland disrupts normal life in Darjeeling

Bandh for Gorkhaland disrupts normal life in Darjeeling

Rediff.com30 Jul 2013

Normal life was disrupted for the second day on Tuesday due to the 72-hour bandh called in the Darjeeling hills by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha to demand Gorkhaland.

Mamata rules out separation of Darjeeling from Bengal

Mamata rules out separation of Darjeeling from Bengal

Rediff.com29 Jan 2013

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asserted that Darjeeling Hills would remain part of West Bengal, even as a section of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters raised slogans demanding a separate state, during the inauguration of the North Bengal Festival. "Let us remain together. Darjeeling is part of Bengal and we will remain together," Banerjee said.

North India shivers: Delhi coldest in 3 years, record chill in Chandigarh

North India shivers: Delhi coldest in 3 years, record chill in Chandigarh

Rediff.com13 Jan 2026

Delhi recorded its coldest January morning in three years with the minimum temperature dropping to 3 degrees Celsius. Cold wave conditions are expected to persist, and air quality has deteriorated to the 'very poor' category.

Violence in Darjeeling, Army on stand-by

Violence in Darjeeling, Army on stand-by

Rediff.com23 Nov 2007

The Army was kept on stand-by as violence erupted in Darjeeling Hills after ruling GNLF leader K G Gurung was grievously injured in an alleged attack by rival GJMM activists on Friday.

HC stays removal of central forces from Darjeeling

HC stays removal of central forces from Darjeeling

Rediff.com17 Oct 2017

The West Bengal government had written to the Centre seeking extended deployment of CAPF till December 25, but was told that out of the 15 companies present, 10 would be withdrawn on October 15 and the rest by October 20.

BJP MP bleeds after stone attack in Bengal; party blames TMC

BJP MP bleeds after stone attack in Bengal; party blames TMC

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The BJP claimed that the attackers were TMC-backed goons, accusing the Mamata Banerjee government of allowing violence against opposition leaders even in times of humanitarian crisis.

Don't miss! 7 breathtaking pics from Darjeeling

Don't miss! 7 breathtaking pics from Darjeeling

Rediff.com12 Sep 2019

The mesmerising hill station located in West Bengal is a must visit place for every travel enthusiast, says Hitesh Harisinghani.

Gorkhaland: Bandh hits life in Darjeeling

Gorkhaland: Bandh hits life in Darjeeling

Rediff.com18 Jun 2008

Normal life in Darjeeling Hills was paralysed for the second day today due to the indefinite bandh called by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) in support of their demand for a separate Gorkhaland.

GJM bandh chokes Darjeeling for third day

GJM bandh chokes Darjeeling for third day

Rediff.com11 Feb 2011

Normal life was hit for the third day in Darjeeling Hills on Friday in response to the indefinite bandh called by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha to protest police firing at Sipchu in Jalpaiguri district that left two persons dead.

Centre to repeal Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council

Centre to repeal Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council

Rediff.com11 Aug 2009

Centre agreed to repeal the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha fighting for a separate Gorkhaland state on Tuesday.

Where Darjeeling Tea Comes From

Where Darjeeling Tea Comes From

Rediff.com13 Apr 2023

Darjeeling has 87 tea gardens spread across roughly 19,000 hectares, employing about 52,000 permanent workers.

GJM calls off Darjeeling shutdown on BJP's plea

GJM calls off Darjeeling shutdown on BJP's plea

Rediff.com14 Dec 2009

A 96-hour bandh called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha on Monday to press for Gorkhaland in the Darjeeling hills has been withdrawn.GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told PTI from Delhi that the decision was taken after senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders L K Advani, Sushma Swaraj and Arun Jaitley urged that the shutdown be called off for a normal situation to prevail before the tripartite talks begin in Darjeeling on December 21.However, the indefinite fast will continue.

Gorkhaland issue: Darjeeling calm, for now

Gorkhaland issue: Darjeeling calm, for now

Rediff.com23 Jun 2008

According to the GJM leaders, the breather was given from 6 pm on Sunday following requests of some Union ministers to enable school students to finish their term before summer vacations begin from June 25.