Kurseong sabhasads yet to receive bail....GJM leader Ashok Lama “lonely” in jail

EOIC, KURSEONG, 13 Sep 2013: Even after several trials before the Kurseong ACJM court, arrested GJM and GTA members from Kurseong are yet to be released. 

Several GJM activists and GTA sabhasads were produced before court today. 

Anit Thapa, Yogendra Rai and Pranay Thapa were denied bail again. 

Meanwhile, three other GJM activists who were presented simultaneously in court have been granted bail. 

According to sources, the sabhasads were initially arrested on a few charges but several more charges have been added. 

Notably, all GTA members from Kurseong GTA constituency have been arrested except GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, who is the sabha member from Sittong – Latpachor constituency of Kurseong. 

Pradip Lama, KALCHINI, 13 Sep 2013: A month has passed since the arrest of Dooars-based prominent GJM leader Ashok Lama. Both the party and Lama’s family had been hopeful of his release after 14 days’ judicial custody, but he is still behind bars even after a month. Lama’s lawyer Sourav Mandal is also unable to say anything about his release. 

The GJM leader was presented before Alipurduar court on Thursday in connection with pre-Panchayat poll clashes. 

GJM supporters thronged the court premises around 2pm to meet their leader. Looking at them, Lama said, “Come to meet me sometimes, I feel lonely here.” 

Sources have said the next hearing is scheduled for September 17 but the possibilities of Lama’s release remain almost nil. 

They said the court may not release the GJM leader for some more time following pressure from the state government. 

GJM supporters alleged Lama was arrested because he was an active leader of the party, while those who have shifted camp to the TMC from the GJM remain free. 

The Dooars GJM had threatened to launch an aggressive movement if Lama was not released, but nothing of that nature has come to pass.