GNLF activists attacked by GJMM supporters

SNS, Kurseong, 26 July 2013: Activists of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) were allegedly attacked by the GJMM supporters in Kurseong while pasting posters around 12 p.m. today. Two of the injured were admitted to Kurseong hospital. 

An FIR was lodged with Kurseong police station by the GNLF. 

The GJMM did the same. One was arrested. Tension gripped Kurseong, as the GNLF supporters were beaten up allegedly by the GJMM supporters in the heart of Kurseong town, while they were putting up posters, inviting the people to participate in the Saheed Diwas programme slated for tomorrow at Longview Tea Estate in Kurseong sub-division. 

The injured have been identified as Kundan Pakhrin (36), resident of Kothi Dara, Rohini and Gorey Dong, (56), resident of Teen Number Busty, Monteviot tea estate, Kurseong. Mr Dong said the GJMM workers had attacked them because of their fear of the mounting popularity of the GNLF. 

“This is nothing new. They are intent on gagging democratic rights of the people. They are doing this while vowing allegiance to Gandhism and non-violence,” he said. Mr Pakhrin said the attack on him was unprovoked. 

“I was waiting for the passengers with my vehicle when suddenly a group of GJMM activists came and beat me up. I was a GNLF supporter but that was long ago. Now I am not associated with any political party,” he said. 

The Inspector-in-charge, Kurseong police station, Mr Robin Thapa, said they have received FIRs from both sides. “We have filed a suo moto case. We have also arrested one,” he said. 

To maintain law and order during Saheed Diwas tomorrow, a large contingent of police personnel as well as two and 12 platoons of IRB and RAF respectively have been deployed in the Darjeeling Hills. 

The SP, Darjeeling, Mr Kunal Agarwal, said that they will not stand any nuisance tomorrow. “We will arrest whoever will be found indulging in violence,” he added.