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Kolkata: The Indian army on Thursday headed to the tourist attraction of Darjeeling Hills, where protesters have been clashing with police over demands for a separate state.
The region’s ethnic Gurkhas are demanding a separate state in the West Bengal region in order to protect their culture.
All tourists have been asked to leave the town to avoid getting caught in the strike.
A parallel strike was launched in the town of Siliguri on Thursday by supporters of the ruling communist government. Nepalis were attacked, sparking further clashes which left dozens injured.
Police fired tear gas to control the protest.
"The Gurkhas were chased away by the Bengali speaking people from the plains who are opposed to the statehood (demand)," a senior police officer said.
In Siliguri, communist supporters blocked roads to cut off supplies to the hills and forced traders to close shops.
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