GNLF-GJM clash at Panighata, 12 injured

SILIGURI: At least 12 people were injured when Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) activists attacked Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters at Panighata, about 40 km from here, police said on Friday.
    
The GNLF activists attacked GJM supporters on Thursday when they were holding a meeting at Panighata.
    
GJM Spokesman Benjoy Tamang alleged that GNLF activists armed with sharp edged weapons attacked GJM supporters in which Panighat GJM Convenor Hari Lohar and a woman received serious injuries and were hospitalised.
    
Tamang also alleged the GNLF activists set on fire a vehicle used by the GJM
    
The GNLF leader at Panighata Sanjay Gahatarai refuted the GJM allegations and claimed that when GNLF protested against GJM move to organise a meeting with outsiders, the GJM supporters attacked GNLF activists injuring 10 persons.
    
Both GJM and GNLF have filed FIRs against each other.
    
Tamang said Friday morning that GJM had already submitted a deputation to Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling Rajesh Subarna and demanded arrest of 20 GNLF leaders and activists including B K Rai and former panchayat Prodhan of Panighata, Rajen Mukhia.
    
The GNLF supports the sixth schedule status for Darjeeling Hills while the GJM opposes the sixth schedule bill for the Hills.