GJM calls 12-hr bandh, demands arrest of GNLF leader I N Pradhan

Siliguri, Jan 24 (UNI) Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) today called a 12-hour bandh in Darjeeling district from 0600 hours, demanding the immediate arrest of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) Kurseong unit president Indra Narayan Pradhan.

Their demand followed clashes between the rival groups in Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council especially in Kurseong sub-division, where the GJM and GNLF staged road blockades on Tuesday, and yesterdy's alleged attack on GJM activists.

Mr Pradhan allegedly led an attack yesterday in which two persons received bullet injuries. Police, then, raided Mr Pradhan's house and seized a revolver and a double barrel gun, and arrested his wife Deepa Pradhan. However, Mr Pradhan was absconding. His wife is presently remanded in judicial custody.

The GJM spokesperson Binoy Tamang had said his group has given a ''deadline'' of 1800 hours last night, until when the police had been asked to arrest Mr Pradhan.

The police had urged the GJM to withdraw their strike. However, on failing to make the arrest, the police were unable to control the strikers.

Although no untoward incident had taken place, security was on high alert in the Darjeeling Hill sub-divisions - Kurseong, Kalimpong and Darjeeling, said IC of Kurseong police station T K Rai adding that there was, however, no effect of the strike in Siliguri.

Several roads in Kurseong sub-division were blocked, bringing traffic to a standstill. Toy train services were also terminated for the day. Darjeeling-bound vehicular traffic from Siliguri were also disrupted, including the NH-55.

UNI XC LL PY RN1733