(Eds: Correcting name in para 2)Darjeeling/Kolkata, Oct 13 (PTI) A sub-inspector waskilled and four policemen were injured today when allegedsupporters of GJM chief Bimal Gurung fired at them at a forestarea near here where Gurung was suspected to be hiding.
Siddhinath Gupta, additional director general ofpolice, said West Bengal police sub-inspector AmitabhaMalik was killed and four police personnel were severelyinjured after supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morch (GJM)fired at a police party on the lookout for Gurung.
The GJM claimed three of its supporters were killed inpolice firing. The police did not comment on this.
Additional director general (law and order) AnujSharma told reporters in Kolkata that the police had specificinformation that Gurung and the group loyal to him were hidingnear Patlebas, a stronghold of the GJM chief.
At 5 am, the search party raided the hideout insidethe forest, he said, alleging that the police was then firedat by GJM supporters.
ADG Sharma said the police, which faced "heavy firepower" from the group, retaliated.
Six AK-47 rifles, one 9mm pistol, 500 rounds ofammunition and bombs had been recovered from the spot, headded.
He said the police had gathered information ofGurung's links with Maoists and other rebel groups in theNorth East.
"Gurung has procured arms from them," he said.
The GJM leader was in hiding in neighbouring Sikkimand had tried to enter the Darjeeling hills today, Sharmasaid, adding that he was now trying to get back to Sikkim.
The ADG said a cornered Gurung, who has lost masssupport in recent times, was trying to foment trouble in thehills.
"We will not allow this to happen at any cost, even ifwe have to make sacrifices," he said.
Expelled GJM leader and chairman of the Board ofAdministrators for Darjeeling hills, Binay Tamang, said Gurungwas responsible for today's events.
"We don't want the Darjeeling hills to become anotherKashmir," he told reporters in Kolkata.
Those who fired at the police should be given strictpunishment, he said.
State tourism minister Gautam Deb said the stategovernment was determined to establish peace in the Darjeelinghills.
The West Bengal government will do all that isnecessary to arrest Gurung, he added.
Gurung has been in hiding since August after casesunder the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act were registeredagainst him for his alleged involvement in several bomb blastsin Darjeeling and adjoining areas.
This is the first such incident of violence after the104-day long indefinite shutdown in the hills was called offon September 26 by Gurung following an appeal by Union homeminister Rajnath Singh.
The GJM is an ally of the BJP-led National DemocraticAlliance (NDA). PTI PNT SCH SUN BDSBSA.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.