GJM chief welcomes NIA probe into Darjeeling violence

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung has appreciated the government's decision to hand over the probe into the incidents of blasts, arson and murder of a sub-inspector in the hills by the National Investigation Agency.

Gurung, along with some other GJM leaders, have been accused of being involved in several such cases. Some of them have also been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Although the Union Home Ministry is yet to issue a formal notification on NIA taking over the investigation, sources said that a team of three investigators have gone to Darjeeling and nearby areas to gather information and evidence.

The agency will be asked to probe into the death of 12 people in June and July allegedly due to police firing at the height of the Gorkhaland protests. Officials from state criminal investigation department said they had not received any formal information about the development.

Gurung on Sunday said in a press release, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to government of India and Union Home Minister Sri Rajnath Singh ji for their support to the highest ideals of fairness and justice in initiating this NIA probe."

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier alleged that Gurung and some others of the GJM were getting support from northeastern insurgents.

In another development, state CPI(M) state secretary and politburo member Surjyakanta Mishra alleged that the state and the central governments were avoiding a tripartite talk to end the impasse in the hills. "A tripartite meeting is the only solution to end the tension at the hills but the state government is trying to find a solution through coercion. None of the governments are talking about a tripartite meet," he told mediapersons.