Darjeeling Security personnel patrol a road during GJM strike in Darjeeling on Saturday. (PTI)
As the indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling entered its third day, here’s a look at all the events of today from the burning hill city of West Bengal.
1. Widespread clashes claim first civilian casualty
There was widespread violence in Darjeeling, with both police confirming there were civilian fatalities. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader Binay Tamang said two of his party workers were killed when police opened fire at a GJM procession.
However, additional director-general (law and order) Anuj Sharma said it was the GJM activists who opened fire. One person was killed in the violence, he confirmed.
This was the first death since violent protests returned to Darjeeling on June 8, after a gap of a few years.
2. Paramilitary officer injured in clashes
An assistant commandant of the Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) was seriously injured when Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists clashed with security forces in Darjeeling. Assistant commandant Kiran Tamang of IRB's second battalion was stabbed with a khukri (sharp-edged weapon) during the clash, IRB sources said.
Earlier reports said Tamang had been killed but chief minister Mamata Banerjee said in Kolkata that he was critically injured and is in hospital.
3. Darjeeling turns into battleground
The Singmari area in Darjeeling turned into a battleground as GJM activists threw petrol bombs and stones at riot police, who in retaliation fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge.
The incident, in which several people were injured, prompted the administration to deploy army troops in the area.
4. Mamata alleges deep-rooted conspiracy
Mamata Banerjee condemned the vandalism by GJM supporters and alleged a "deep-rooted conspiracy" against her regime. "So much of arms and ammunition couldn't have come in a single day. There is an international border and a state border. They are violating the Constitution. They are throwing bombs. They are stockpiling illegal arms and bombs," she said.
5. GJM MLA’s son ‘picked up’ from his residence
Police picked up Vikram Rai, son of GJM MLA Amar Rai, from his residence following an attempt by some party supporters to torch a PWD office in Bijanbari area. The police also raided Binay Tamang's house last night.
6. GJM rules out talks with Bengal government
The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) today ruled out any discussion with West Bengal government but said it is "comfortable" in holding talks with the BJP-led government at the Centre. The BJP is an ally of the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) and party MP S S Ahluwalia had won the 2014 Lok Sabha elections from Darjeeling with its help. "We are not ready for talks with West Bengal government. Mamata Banerjee has insulted us, she has called us terrorists," GJM leader Binay Tamang said.
(With Inputs from PTI)
