Darjeeling on fire, again; army may be deployed

Darjeeling, Feb 9: Darjeeling experienced trouble-free time for some days, though amid non-violent protests. But the incident on Tuesday, Feb 8 resumed deadly violence in the region. Darjeeling once again faced the wrath of the state government and GJM supporters.

West Bengal government demanded army deployment in the region after two people were killed when police opened fire to disperse a crowd of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) protesters who allegedly violated prohibitory orders.

The GJM members allegedly burnt two North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) buses, mobbed district collector in Darjeeling and set ablaze a police van and the car of the district judge.

Clarifying their move, police officials stated, "When there were further attacks, police opened fire. Seven rounds were fired, Till now, a man and a woman have died."

Reiterating their demand for a separate Gorkhaland, GJM supporters are on a hunger strike since Jan 29 at the border between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts.

Citing yesterday's move by the police, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) clamped an indefinite bandh from Wednesday, Feb 9.

OneIndia News