Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) issued a diktat that there will be no liquor in Darjeeling from 7th November. Excise officials said Bimal Gurung’s claims that he wants to stop the flow of liquor revenue to the state coffers has no logic. “It’s absurd to think that way. In fact, all taxes are paid in Siliguri before the liquor is brought to the Hills,” said the official.
“Revenue-wise it will not make much difference as Silliguri is a much bigger source. In Darjeeling, import will be hit and also supply to army,” said another excise official.
Licensed shop owners refused to speak on the issue, saying that they would have to obey GJM diktat, no matter what.The real losers will be those who depend on liquor business to run their family. It’s now a question of survival, for many in Darjeeling.
