Normal life in the hill station and adjoining areas resumed Wednesday morning, reports said.

The strike was called by the leaders of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha or GJM (Gorkha Peoples Liberation Front), who were spearheading the protests demanding separate state of Gorkhaland to be carved out of West Bengal.

“GJM Chief Bimal Gurung met senior leaders of his party and later, in an audio message, announced to suspend the shutdown from today for an indefinite period,” a GJM leader said.

Singh on Tuesday appealed to GJM to withdraw the strike, saying in a democracy, dialogue was the only way out to resolve problems.

“I have asked the home secretary to convene an official level meeting in the home ministry within a fortnight to discuss all related issues. I also appeal to the GJM and its leader Shri 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,” a statement issued by Singh said.

The indefinite shutdown demanding a separate state of Gorkhaland has been on for 104 days.

Officials said 11 people were killed and several others injured during the agitation. The strike crippled tourism in the hills, incurring a huge loss owing to the closure of businesses and incidents of violence.  Enditem