GJM holds office gherao amid incidents of arson

MP, 14 July 2017 |  Darjeeling: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's office gherao programme on Friday passed off in the Hills without any untoward incident. There were reports of arson from all over the Hills including the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway headquarters located in Kurseong. 

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) had given a call for a gherao of all BDOs, SDOs and District Magistrate's offices in the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. 

The GJM rally in Darjeeling comprising women carrying khukuris marched to the DM Office.

An Army column was deployed in front of the District Magistrate office located at the Lebong Cart Road in Darjeeling. 

The protestors shouted pro-Gorkhaland slogans in front of the DM Office and left. 

The rally culminated at the Chowk Bazar. "We don't want rations or any other facilities from the Bengal government. 

Already seven people have sacrificed their lives for Gorkhaland. 

However, we demand immediate intervention of the Central government," stated Sushma Rai of the Gorkha Janmukti Nari Morcha.

The Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee (a conglomeration of pro-Gorkhaland outfits) had issued a deadline stating that Chairmen and vice-chairmen of the 15 Development and Cultural Boards constituted by the Bengal government would have to resign by 6 pm on Friday, failing which they would be dubbed anti-Gorkhaland. 

On Friday Kumar Mangrati, Chairman of the Sarki Board tendered his resignation. 

At around 10.30 pm on Thursday, alleged Gorkhaland activists torched the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway head quarters located at Kurseong. 

Incidentally, the two-storied building houses the DHR head quarters, the UNESCO office and Elisa Palace Museum. The wooden corridor was damaged in the fire which was doused by the employees and security personnel. 

The Premchandra Memorial Rural library in Mirik was torched. Many old books, newspapers and magazine were reduced to ashes in this 70 year old library. 

A police checkpost was also torched at Sukhiapokhari. 

The sericulture office at Reling Poolbazar was set ablaze.