Darjeeling blast was 'planned move' to disrepute Gorkhaland movement: GJM

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Friday condemned the bomb blast that took place in the heart of Darjeeling town, asserting it was a planned move aimed at bringing disrepute to the movement and the demand for Gorkhaland.

According to a press release issued by the GJM, "We condemn this attempt at breaching peace in the hills. The blast, we believe was the handiwork of those who do not want Gorkhaland state to be formed. This was a planned move aimed at bringing disrepute to the movement and the demand for Gorkhaland."

The GJM further demanded a probe in regards to the matter at the earliest and the facts to be made public, stating that those involved behind this heinous act be punished stringently.

"We demand that a probe be initiated, at the earliest, by a High Level Enquiry Committee, comprising of National Invstigation Agency (NIA) officials under the supervision of the Supreme Court of India, so that an unbiased investigations can be carried out into this heinous attempt to bring disrepute to the Gorkhaland movement and the leaders associated with it, and willful attempts at causing unrest in peaceful Darjeeling," the press release read.

Averring that will never support any undemocratic means that is causing unrest in peaceful Darjeeling, GJM said, "We are committed to maintaining peace while constantly struggling to make the Gorkhaland dream come true."

The GJM further appealed everyone not to be misled and not to be scared, and to maintain peace in the hills.

"We also appeal to the police and administration to take necessary steps to maintain peace in our region," the GJM added.

Darjeeling Superintendent of Police (SP) Akhilesh Charurvedi said no arrest have been made in this case so far.

"We are conducting the enquiry in the matter. We have technical inputs and other inputs regarding the incident," the SP said.

Chaturvedi further added that GJM's Bimal Gurung and Prakash Gurung are being named in this case.

Darjeeling was rocked with a high-intensity explosion in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

The explosion occurred near a motor stand, in which at least 12 shops were destroyed.

However, no loss of life or injury was reported.

The blast occurred in front of the Old Super Market next to the Singamari Motor Syndicate in the heart of the Darjeeling town.