Operation Tamang Debunked Morcha leaders picked up from Ranka Perbing, say eyewitness

HM Bureau, Aug 23: They came, they swooped, arrested and swiftly deported 6 Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) across Rangpo border. ‘Operation Tamang’, which began inside Sikkim Wednesday night climaxed at Bengal side of Rangpo next morning; now appears to be a well-coordinated operation by police of both the states. 

Contrary to the campaigned theory of GJM spokesperson and GTA member Binay Tamang and 5 others being arrested from Bengal side of Rangpo, ‘Operation Tamang’ unfolded at Ranka Perbing village above Kanchanjunga Tourist Complex, around 8 Kms off Gangtok between 10.30 and 11.00 pm Wednesday night. 

Despite both Sikkim and Bengal police officials firm on their versions, eyewitness account confirmed Binay Tamang and aides were staying in the house of a Sikkim government employee in the locality since August 19, 2 days before their arrest. Team ‘Operation Tamang’ comprised 8 semi-uniformed but armed Bengal cops, and 3 Sikkim policemen (2 posted in the Tourist Complex nearby), who deboarded a white Bolero with registration SK-01/2910 and another new Bolero Maxx without registration plate around 10.54 pm above the house. Inside, Binay watching TV, his friends chatting after dinner. 

Photo: DAINANDINI, KalimNews

The armed visiting cops launching their crackdown, 6 gheraoed the house, 2 took position aiming the door, 3 host cops passively stood nearby. Accomplished – picked up from the house and taken to Ranipool for onward deportation to Rangpo and beyond.

Friday morning, the Scorpio car of Satish Pokhrel (arrested along with Binay), with registration WB-76/1114, still parked outside the house, confirming their stay and subsequent arrest from the place. The car was taken elsewhere only this afternoon. 

‘They were following the leaders for some time. Local cops showed the way but remained passive during the swoop. A Sikkim number car had stopped above the house for a while and took a u-turn towards Gangtok, couldn’t ascertain who was inside’, recalls another eyewitness, who managed to peek through in the darkness. 

In Gangtok, both Sikkim Police and Home Officials including Home Secretary and top cops tightlipped, candidly rejecting ‘Operation Tamang’ within their jurisdiction. 

Serious concerns being expressed, did the Bengal police override inter-state protocol, federal ethics and police operations? (Courtesy -Republished from Himalayan Mirror http://www.himalayanmirror.net/upload/13773257921.pdf)