The situation remained tense in Darjeeling as the shut-down in the hills entered the 81 day on Sunday, even as the West Bengal police continued their search for Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung.
Since Friday, the police had been combing the hills and adjoining areas for Mr. Gurung, against whom a lookout notice was issued for his alleged involvement in various cases, including that of a bomb blast that killed a civic volunteer in the Kalimpong police station area. He is also facing cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Gorkhaland supporters organised protests and took out rallies in Darjeeling, Kurseong, Mirik, Sonada and Kalimpong. Picketing by GJM workers was intensified in several areas and posters and leaflets were distributed in support of the shut-down.
Except hospitals and pharmacies, all business establishments and schools and colleges remained closed.
Mr. Gurung revoked GJM convener Binay Tamang’s decision to suspend the shut-down till September 12, when the next round of talks with the State will take place. Mr. Gurung also expelled Mr. Tamang on the charge of “violating the party line and indulging in anti-party activities.”
Security forces were on alert to avoid any untoward incident.
UAPA for Bimal
Meanwhile, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung has again been slapped with a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on Sunday in relation to a blast at a police outpost in the Takdah area of Darjeeling. The blast took place a couple of days back. Cases under UAPA have also been lodged against some other GJM leaders.
“A case has been lodged under UAPA against Bimal Gurung and three other GJM leaders in relation to the blast at the outpost,” a senior State police official said, adding, that there were no casualties in the blast.
(Inputs from Kolkata bureau)
