GJM front rung leader and former GTA Sabhasad arrested

Amitava Banerjee, oneindia, August 5, 2017, Darjeeling: Norbu G Lama, a heavy weight Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader and former Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Sabhasad of Tukdah Teesta Valley was arrested from Siliguri on Saturday. He was arrested by the CID in connection with the incidents of unrest in Darjeeling town on June 8.

"Norbu G Lama has been arrested by the CID" stated Akhilesh Chaturvedi, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling. CID officers confirmed the arrest.

He will be produced at the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Siliguri. Lama in his mid 40s is a front rung GJM leader. During the recent agitation for Gorkhaland, Lama was appointed as the spokesperson by the party. Lama has been charged under different sections of the IPC relating to rioting, arson, criminal conspiracy read with sections of the Arms Act in connection with the June 8 incident. He was first taken to the CID camp office in Pintail Village on the outskirts of Siliguri and questioned. 
On June 8, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters had clashed with the security forces in Darjeeling town. More than 45 security force personnel were injured in the clash. A police booth was set on fire. 15 police vehicles were torched along with a State Government Bus. Army was deployed in Darjeeling, Ghoom and Kurseong to control the situation. 
On June 8 GJM had taken out rallies and staged a sit in demonstration a short distance away from the Raj Bhawan where the State Cabinet meeting was taking place. The rallies arrived from Singmari, Darjeeling Railway Station and Batasia Loop at the Gorkha Ranga Mancha Bhawan and staged a sit in demonstration. At around 3pm the GJM supporters torched an effigy of the CM. Suddenly there were stones being pelted and amidst shouts a stampede ensued. Some people even tried to bring down the police barricade.

Police resorted to baton charge and bursting tear gas shells. A pitched battle ensued with police personnel, CRPF including lady police personnel and officers injured. 5 GJM supporters were also injured. Finally at around 5pm the situation was diffused and the GJM supporters and leaders left the area. 

At around 7pm the 28 ministers who had attended the State Cabinet meeting had left Darjeeling for Siliguri. CM Mamata Banerjee however had stayed back to oversee the situation. At 8pm the army was deployed and started flag marching.