Earlier this month I posted a blog about the indefinite general strike in Darjeeling. The news is no better today and the shutdown that began on June 15 entered its 44th day on Friday, beating the 42-day strike called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in July-August 2013.

Normal life has remained crippled in the Darjeeling hills: apart from essential medicine shops, all business establishments, restaurants, hotels, schools and colleges remain closed.

Our friends working in the tea industry are devastated for their livelihood and the teachers and Sisters in our sponsored school – St Mary’s Singla – are struggling every day. Today rather than reprint news bulletins I want to share some messages that have been sent to us from one of the teachers – Miss Sudhina – on the few occasions she has managed to gain internet access:

“Today I had gone to the hospital to visit my aunt who is sick. Suddenly the fight started and the police killed three men: So many are injured. I could not come out of the hospital. After 5 hours I was able to come back home. They are firing anyone they see.”

“It is same as usual. There is no sign of things getting better. Today is 42nd day and there is no improvement. For two days all the cell network was stopped. They have even stopped our TV lines. It’s really suffocating here. We don't get electricity during daytime.”

“I am in Singla to help the students study their lessons. I along with three friends are giving free tuition classes for the students of Singla. My sister is a great help in this matter. My papa is visiting Sikkim frequently searching for some relief for the poor people. Last time he managed to bring 5 bags of rice which he distributed among 20 families. He is going today also. Some good hearted people are helping in this acute situation. Let’s hope for the best to happen.”