Situation tense, GJM bandh evokes partial response

Jalpaiguri/Darjeeling, Feb 9 (PTI) The situation inDooars area of Jalpaiguri, which witnessed police firing thatleft two persons dead, today remained tense even as the GorkhaJanmukti Morcha-sponsored indefinite bandh evoked a partialresponse in the district.

Official sources in Jalpaiguri said the situation inthe Dooars area was tense. However, no untoward incident tookplace in the morning.

The District Magistrate of Jalpaiguri would hold ameeting with GJM leaders at Malbazar in the afternoon todefuse the situation, the sources said.

Adequate police personnel were deployed to prevent anyfurther outbreak of violence in the area, the sources said.

Meanwhile, the condition of 22-year Neeta Khowash, whowas injured in the cross firing between GJM activists and thepolice at Shipchu inside a reserve forest in Jalpaiguridistrict yesterday, was "very serious", Kalimpong sadarhospital sources said.

The bandh evoked partial response in Jalpaiguri evenas GJM supporters were trying to enforce the shut down atJaldhaka, Sukna, Bangrakote, Dhupguri and Kalchini area.

Reports from Darjeeling said that bandh has hit normallife with shops, markets and other establishments remainingclosed.

Official sources said a fire station and a telephoneexchange office were set ablaze at Bijonbari last evening.

Two persons were killed yesterday at Sipchu when thepolice opened fire to stop GJM supporters from taking out amarch in adjacent Jalpaiguri district defying prohibitoryorders, sparking widespread arson and damage to forestbungalows and properties.