GJMM, Janjagran Manch clashes in Siliguri

Siliguri, Apr 7 (ANI): Violent clashes occurred between a pro-Gorkhaland group from the Dooars region and activists of the Janjagran Manch of Communist Party of India-Marxist here on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when supporters of the GJMM from the Kalchini Bock of Dooars took out a rally which they termed peaceful.

They were demanding the inclusion of certain areas of Dooars to be part of the proposed state of Gorkhaland.

Talking to reporters, Samyal Gurung, a GJMM leader from the Dooars area, said Janjagran Manch activists had obstructed their peace rally.

"We had taken out a peace rally from Dooars to Kalimpong but on the way some people belonging to JMM tried to block us. There was some scuffle and our activists were injured. Our rally was in the context of our memorandum submitted to the government after the tripartite meeting," Gurung added.

Reportedly, over 50 people, including police personnel and GJMM rallyists, were injured during the clash.

Police fired over six rounds of tear gas shells to disperse the mob.

The Gorkhas have been demanding a separate state, to be carved out of West Bengal, to protect their culture and heritage.

The Gorkha population in West Bengal is estimated to be around a million. (ANI)