AMN
Fresh clashes broke out between Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters and security forces in Darjeeling, today. As the indefinite shutdown to demand a separate state entered its third day, police sources said, prohibitory orders were in force in the entire area and no one was allowed to take out processions.
However, GJM supporters violated the orders and took a procession. When police stopped them, they hurled stones and bottles. Police fired teargas shells and used batons to dispersethe crowd.
Meanhwile, shops, hotels and other business establishments, barring pharmacies are closed on the 16th day of the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in the Darjeeling hills. Security forces are conducting route marches in various parts of the hills.
Police picked up a GJM MLA’s son and raided the residence of another leader following an attempt by some party supporters to torch a PWD office in Bijanbari area. A raid at Binay Tamang’s house was conducted last night. Leaders of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, said Vikram Rai, son of GJM MLA Amar Rai, was picked up by the police. Vikram is the in-charge of the GJM’s media cell.
The turmoil, was set off by the state government’s announcement on introduction of compulsory teaching of Bengali language in schools.