GNLF leader K B Gurung injured in attack, tourists flee

Darjeeling, Nov 23 (UNI) Tension prevailed in Darjeeling town after some miscreants attacked ruling GNLF leader K B Gurung with khukris near his residence today, police said.

The former executive councillor Gurung was immediately removed to a local nursing home by his security guards with neck and hand injuries.

He was, however, out of danger, the physicians treating him said.

Police said in a brazen attack some unidentifed ruffians caught Gurung this afternoon near his home in town and pounded with khukries and other lethal weapons. As the GNLF leader screams for help his guards and policemen posted nearby arrived at the spot and save him from further assault.

As the news of crime spread, the GNLF cadres fanned out in the streets forcing the local adminstration to deploy Rapid Action Force to contain the volatile situation. Business eastablishments, restaurants and shops downed their shutters.

Many visiting tourists ran for safety and they were looking for early return, said a travel agent.

Meanwhile, the police have received several complaints from GNLF leaders that they were getting threatenting calls saying if they oppose the Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha, which was formed last October by rebel GNLF leader Bimal Gurung, would face death.

Meanwhile, the 108-hour bandh called by the Kalingpong branch of Gorkha National Liberation Front since yesterday was continuing.

GNLF's Kalingpong unit president Dawa Pakhrin said the bandh was in support of 6th Schedule Bill to be introduced in current session of parliament. He said the bandh was to press the Centre to introduce the said bill.

Another report said GNLF supremo and DGHC caretaker administrator Subash Ghising told his leaders that due to Nandigram issue the said bill might not be tabled immediately.

UNI