GJM calls indefinite shutdown in hills
By IANSTuesday, February 8, 2011
SILIGURI - The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) Tuesday called an indefinite shutdown in three sub-divisions of Darjeeling district from Wednesday to protest the killing of two of its supporters in police firing.
“We are calling an indefinite strike in three sub-divisions of the Darjeeling district and entire Gorkhaland area to protest the killing of two GJM supporters in police firing. It is a murder. We condemn it,” said Binoy Tamang, a senior GJM leader.
Two GJM activists, including a woman, were killed in Dooars area of West Bengal Tuesday in police firing after they clashed with police. Fifteen security personnel were also injured.
“Police started firing after some male GJM supporters attacked a lady police constable with khukris (traditional Nepali knife) and wanted to violate the prohibitory order that was imposed in Dooars,” Inspector General of Police (North Bengal) R. Kumar said.
The clashes started when illegal camps, set up by the GJM in the Shipchu area of a reserve forest, were demolished by the police early Tuesday.
“The lady constable received severe injuries on her neck and head,” Additional Director General (Law and Order) Surajit Kar Purkayastha said.
“First, police resorted to lathi charge, but when the situation became uncontrollable, police had to open fire,” he added.
