GJMM-GNLF clash in Mirik injures many, 26 arrested

Photo: Rabin Rai

SNS, KURSEONG/DARJEELING/SILIGURI, 5 MAY: Ahead of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s proposed visit to Darjeeling, the three Hill sub-divisions  erupted after a clash broke out between activists of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) and the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) at Saureni near Mirik today. Police arrested 26 people, including 20 GJMM activists in connection with the case.

Several persons were injured in the clash, including GNLF activists and five cops. At least seven GNLF supporters and five policemen were brought to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH).

Trouble broke out at Saureni Bazaar when police prevented some GNLF activists from heading towards a venue where a meeting was scheduled to be held. As the GNLF activists, ignoring the police order, went forward, some GJMM activists allegedly started pelting stones on them from atop a hill.

Police resorted to lathicharge to bring the situation under control but failed to stop the violence.

Local residents, backed by GNLF leaders, retaliated and damaged vehicles, in which GJMM supporters had allegedly come to spot. GNLF leader Nima Lama alleged that GJMM supporters, backed by Mr Anik Thapa and Mr Premendra Gurung, damaged party flags and ransacked several houses of GNLF supporters. GJMM as well as GNLF leaders lodged complaints with the police against each other.

Immediately after the violence, GJMM leaders called an indefinite bandh across the Hills. Traders shut down their establishments, though traffic remained normal. Later, GJMM leaders called off the bandh and decided to defer the agitation till tomorrow evening. The GJMM leaders were demanding immediate transfer of the officer-in-charge of Mirik Police Station. Both the GJMM and GNLF held the police responsible for the clash at Saureni.

After Saureni, tension prevailed at Longview and Pankhabari area under Kurseong sub-division as some GJMM activists allegedly attacked GNLF supporters and their houses this evening, police said.

Refuting the allegations, the Darjeeling District Superintendent of Police, Mr Kunal Agarwal, said four police personnel were seriously injured in the clash. “We had intervened on time and brought the situation under control. Five GNLF supporters have been injured. A police officer has been admitted to the NBMCH with serious injuries. Two police personnel were admitted to Sukna hospital while two were discharged after first aid. A GNLF supporter, Mr Chiran Thapa, was arrested,” Mr Agarwal said.

North Bengal Development Affairs Minister, Mr Guatam Deb, said the Trinamul leadership is closely monitoring the situation in the Hills.

GJMM general secretary Roshan Giri threatned further action, saying, “Keeping in mind the present tourist season, we have decided to call off the bandh, which we had called instantly, around 5 p.m. today. We have given an ultimatum to the administration that the police officer in Mirik should be transferred immediately and police should arrest all GNLF activists involved in the clash. We would formulate further strategies if the administration does not pay heed to our demands.”