Darjeeling is on the edge for the last few days over the demand for a separate state for Gorkha people. The continuing protest turned into a chaos on Saturday with extensive clashes between protesters and the police. It is said that at least one person was killed in the mayhem while 35 security personnel were injured.
But Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), the party, which is heading the demonstrations, has called for a massive protest on Sunday. GJM claimed that three of its people were killed in police firing.
However, no confirmation has come from the officials on the exact number of deaths. Here are recent developments on Darjeeling crisis you must know:
A man was killed and around 35 officials were injured at Singamari. This was the first death since violent protests started on June 8. However, the GJM claimed that three party supporters were killed.
GJM chief Bimal Gurung called on supporters to gather at the Chowk Bazaar in the heart of Darjeeling at 10 am on Sunday. They were told to wear black badges to protest against the deaths.
The authority’s tough stand of restricting gatherings of four or more people may lead to another confrontation.
Kiran Tamang, an Assistant Commandant of the India Reserve Battalion (IRB) armed police was severally injured. Earlier authorities had said that Tamang had died after being stabbed.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spoke to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and briefed him about the steps being taken to restore peace.
“What is happening today is a deep-rooted conspiracy. So many bombs and arms cannot be gathered in a day. I am ready to sacrifice my life, but I will not allow Bengal to be divided,” Banerjee said.
GJM ruled out any dialogue with the state government but said it is comfortable holding talks with the BJP-led government at the Centre.
As per the Police, GJM activists threw petrol bombs, stones and bottles at them at several places. This led the security forces to fire teargas shells and use batons to scatter the crowds.
There is a fear that the unrest may spread to the neighboring Kalimpong district as two cars were set ablaze there.
Nearly 250 Army soldiers were deployed to control the situation. Protestors staged flag marches in several areas.
