Darjeeling, Aug 12 (IANS): The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Monday announced a four-day relaxation, beginning Thursday, in its ongoing indefinite shutdown in West Bengal's Darjeeling hills.

The GJM, which had announced a day's relaxation on Independence Day, extended the relief till Aug 18. It will however go ahead with its scheduled programme of clamping a two-day "public curfew" in the region from Tuesday.

"On 13 and 14 (Aug) there will be public curfew while the shutdown will be relaxed from 15th to 18," GJM chief Bimal Gurung said adding that the party will Friday decide on its future course of action in an all party meeting.

"A resolution was taken in the all party meeting today (Monday) that there should be a 3-day relaxation from Aug 16-18. The GJM discussed it in the core committee meeting and supports the decision," he added.

Life has been paralysed following an indefinite stir by the GJM pressing for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Saturday had given a 72-hour ultimatum asking the GJM to withdraw its shutdown or face strong action.