Last time it was at the secretaries' level. We will take part in the meeting only if it is at the political level,' Tamang said.

However, he refused to call off the ongoing shutdown on the basis of the letter. 'Aug 24 is far off. They should have opted for an early date.'

A senior police officer said the situation was peaceful. 'Our men are patrolling the highway. If we receive any complaint of harassment, we will step in,' said Kurseong sub-divisional police officer Rakesh Singh.

Meanwhile, the state's ruling communists have demanded the return of the rule of law in the hills.

'The police must be allowed to function properly. And we are for more regional autonomy to the hills. Gorkhaland is neither feasible nor desirable,' said Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state committee member Jibesh Sarkar.

Ambulances and vehicles belonging to the army or carrying essential items like cooking gas have been kept out of the purview of the GJM protest.

The GJM, spearheading the movement in the hills for a separate Gorkhaland, organised indefinite shutdowns twice in the hills last year and also in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls this year, severely hitting tea and tourism - the bread and butter of the region.

Tripartite talks held last year in New Delhi had failed to break the deadlock.