Gorkhaland agitation: Paramilitary forces sent to W Bengal

New Delhi, Jun 12 (UNI) The Centre has sent paramilitary forces to West Bengal to contain the situation in Darjeeling district and its adjoining areas following escalating ethnic violence over the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha's (GJM) Gorkhaland demand.

The BSF also staged a flagmarch in the Toofanganj area of Coochbehar district of the state, Home ministry sources said.

Ten companies of the paramilitary forces were being sent on the request of the state government.

Meanwhile, the CRPF is also on it way to Siliguri to tackle the crisis.

The reinforcement was meant to deal with the situation in violence-hit north Bengal, they said.

Personnel of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) staged a flagmarch in Siliguri town in Darjeeling district to ease tension following violence between supporters and opponents of separate Gorkhaland.

UNI AJ RP BD1954