Political unrest compels students to take admission in Siliguri

SILIGURI - With the continued political disruptions in Darjeeling hills over demand for a separate Gorkhaland, the students here are moving to the nearby town of Siliguri for higher education.

The colleges in Siliguri are receiving a large number of applications from Darjeeling students.

“Admissions are going on in full swing, as you can see there is a lot of gathering here, yesterday was the same. There is a huge rush of students from the hills this time, as they say that there is a lot of disturbance in that area. The infrastructure of education is totally disrupted there, so lots of male and female students are coming here,” said Amit Goswami, Students Union General Secretary.

The recent incidents of violence have further destroyed normalcy in the area.After the assassination of Madan Tamang, there were strikes and students had to participate in the movement. So, our education is getting hampered and we miss our classes due to the strikes. All this is hampering the education,” said Vineet Pradhan, a student from the Darjeeling hills.

The students are turning up in large numbers to Siliguri for its peaceful atmosphere.

“You need a good environment for education, which we don’t have there because of politics. Students don’t have any link with politics. A student needs a good environment for studying. Siliguri is close by and a cheap place too, so we have come here to study,” said Pranesh Rai, a student from Darjeeling.

Darjeeling has been in turmoil since the demand for a separate Gorkhaland.

The Gorkhas have been demanding a separate state, to be carved out of West Bengal, to help them preserve their culture and heritage. (ANI)