Gurung breaks radio silence, floats conspiracy theory

First time after the shootout between supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) and security forces on October 13, Gurung floated a conspiracy theory through an audio clip on Wednesday.

The clash on October 13 in the Singla Forest bordering Sikkim had left Sub Inspector of Police Amitava Malik dead from alleged cover fire by Gurung's supporters covering Gurung's escape.

The police had recovered a large cache of arms (including AK47s,)ammunition and explosives. According to the police Gurung had managed to flee by crossing the Chota Rangeet river into the jungles neighbouring Sikkim.

Gurung breaking his radio silence on Wednesday, through an audio clip sent from an unknown destination claimed that the October 13 incident is part of a conspiracy by the West Bengal Government.

"They want to eliminate me and derail the Gorkhaland agitation. They claim that I had setup camp on the riverbed along with Gorkhaland Personnel (GLP.) All this is nothing but a conspiracy" stated Gurung.

The GJM President also dubbed the recovery of arms and ammunition as a conspiracy. "The police have planted the weapons that had been surrendered by the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) militants just to defame me. It is all part of the conspiracy" alleged Gurung.

The GJM Chief claimed that all this was done just to prevent him from coming out in public. "On October 12, I had stated that I will make a public appearance on October 30. Just to prevent me from coming out in public the October 13 incident was orchestrated by the State Government. I will definitely come out and meet the public" claimed Gurung.

Incidentally Gurung has been implicated in numerous cases and also faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA.) There is a Look-out notice and arrest warrant in his name.
Gurung is on the run and police have launched a man hunt for him. He further complained of police excess.
"The State Government has defamed the Central Armed Police Force also. They are indulging in torching houses of innocents, theft and are beating up innocent people" alleged Gurung.

Meanwhile the Calcutta High Court has stayed the withdrawal of Central Armed Police Forces from the Hills of North Bengal. There are 12 companies of CRPF (including 3 Mahila companies) and 3 companies of SSB deployed in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts.

The Union Home Ministry had ordered the withdrawal of 10 companies of CAPF from October 16 out of the 15 companies deployed. The remaining forces would continue till October 20.

Following vehement opposition from the State Government, the Union Home Ministry decided to pull out 7 companies instead of 10.

The State then moved the court against the order. The Calcutta High Court putting a stay directed the Centre to file an affidavit by October 23 and directed the State to file a reply on October 26. The matter will come up for hearing on October 27.

OneIndia News