Limbu leader murdered

Vivek Chhetri, TT, Darjeeling, Dec. 29: Kumar Subba, the 52-year-old president of Yuma Yakthung Tribal Youth Fuzzombo that is one of the youth associations of the Limbu community in Darjeeling, was hacked to death with a sharp weapon at Lebong, near Darjeeling, last night.

Kumar is also the younger brother of M.G. Subba, the chief convener of the GNLF's Darjeeling branch committee.

Amit P. Javalgi, the Darjeeling superintendent of police, said: "There was an incident in which a person was attacked. Preliminary investigation suggests that there were some personal grudges and a scuffle took place."

Kumar's son Sion Subba filed an FIR naming Bala Rai and Deoman Rai for their alleged involvement in the murder.

Police sources said that Kumar and Binny Subba, who is the general secretary of the Fuzzombo, were in an eatery at Lebong, 8km from Darjeeling town, when a scuffle broke out around 7.30pm last night.

"During the scuffle, Kumar was hit with a sharp weapon from behind. He died immediately and Binny suffered injuries," said a police source.

Police have registered a murder case based on the FIR. "The accused will be arrested soon," Javalgi said.

L.B. Limbu, the joint secretary of Fuzzombo, said: "The funeral will take place tomorrow. We appeal to residents of Darjeeling to down shutters between 12 noon and 2pm tomorrow when the funeral procession passes through the town."

Kumar was also the secretary of Darjeeling-Jorethang Motor Syndicate.