The ongoing violence in Darjeeling over the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland, which started on June 9, claimed its first casualty on Saturday, as fresh clashes broke out between the agitating Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters and security personnel. One civilian was killed and 36 security personnel, including an Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) officer, were injured in Saturday's violence.
Although GJM leaders claimed that three of their members have been killed, ADG (Law and Order), Anuj Sharma told DNA, "We have confirmation of only one death. The reason for his death will be confirmed after the post mortem report comes." He added that 36 police officers were injured, of whom 5 sustained gunshot injuries.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the protests a "deep-rooted conspiracy supported by insurgent groups of the Northeast and some foreign countries".
The trouble began when police raided the house of Binay Tamang, assistant general secretary of GJM on Friday night and later arrested Vikram Rai, son of Amar Rai who is a GJM MLA from Darjeeling.
GJM members took out three different rallies on Saturday morning from Patlaybas, Lebong and Ghoom. Members of the rallies shouted 'Hoshiar Mamata' (Mamata beware) and chanted slogans in support of Gorkhaland.
When police tried to stop one of the rallies at Singmari, violence sparked off.
The agitators started pelting stones and bottles at policemen. Police ran for cover till they got reinforcement by Army personnel. At least three police vehicles were burnt by the time Army personnel could arrive.
Police allegedly opened fire and teargas shells to disperse the crowd.
Tamang said that two of their supporters were killed by bullets fired by the police and five more were severely injured.
"Many of our men and women are missing. We are looking for them," Tamang said.
Police brushed aside the allegations. "Police have not fired any gunshot. It was the GJM supporters who had started violence and attacked police with stones and petrol bombs. They had opened fire. They set our vehicles abaze. We are investigating the matter," said ADG (Law and Order), Anuj Sharma.
Chief Minister Banerjee said that the violence was a part of a deep-rooted conspiracy. "It did not happen in one day. So much of arms, ammunition and explosives cannot be stored overnight. It is a rooted conspiracy. They are not listening to the court order and are also using the national flag for vandalism. For five years, they had enjoyed the power and now that the GTA election is round the corner, they are resorting to violence because they know that they have lost their credibility," Banerjee said at a press conference on Saturday. She also said that the agitators have connection with the Northeast insurgency groups. Asked if she was ready for a dialogue with the GJM leaders, she said, "They should first withdraw the bandh."
An assistant commander of IRB, Kiran Tamang, was attacked and has been left seriously injured. He has been brought to Siliguri for treatment.
GJM leaders, protesting against the alleged police firing which killed two, had called for a 12-hour bandh at Dooars. Kismat Pradhan, GJM leader from Dooars said, "We have called for the bandh against the police atrocities at Darjeeling which left two of our supporters dead. Other than emergency services, all will be within the purview of the strike. After that we will decide what will be our next course of action."
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