"The Home Minister has issued an appeal to GJM and other stakeholders in the Gorkhaland issue. I am also of the opinion that his appeal should be respected and the hunger strike of the Yuba Morcha should be withdrawn as a first step to achieving our goal of Gorkhaland. "The health condition of all the 12 participants is critical. "Keeping in mind the occasion of India's 70th Independence Day, the GJM has decided to withdraw the picketers from the roads of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and other adjoining areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Several other local parties have endorsed the shutdown.

Source: Times of India August 14, 2017 12:11 UTC