Food distribution to 300 families during an uncertain strike situation in the Darjeeling Hills

September 17, 2017

Kalimpong – Mid-June, the demand for a separate statehood in the Darjeeling Hills led to a complete shutdown of the entire hill region for more than 3 months.

With shops closed and roads blocked, the rural population in particular faced the hardships of sustaining themselves with daily food supplies. 

In this indefinite strike situation, NGOs were playing a crucial role in supporting people thanks to the supply of food.

Entering the 85th day of the strike, SABA distributed food rations at the compound of the Karmapa Center of Education to 300 families from the surrounding villages. After obtaining special permission to leave Kalimpong, a truck was hired to head to the next big city –a six-hour drive to the plains – to carry out the purchases.

The distribution started in the morning where 200 families from Echhey Busty and 100 families from Lolay Goan Busty received a week’s worth ration of food.