FIR against GJM supporters, chief 'mockery of democracy': Roshan Giri

Hours after a fresh suo motto FIR lodged against Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung, his wife Asha and other party supporters, the party general secretary on Thursday dubbed it a 'mockery of democracy' while demanding Centre's intervention in the matter.

"Our three supporters have died and for that charges have been levelled against GJM president Bimal Gurung and frontline leaders. This is a mockery of democracy. This is a political problem and not a law and order problem. By citing it a law and order problem they are trying to suppress our movement," Giri told ANI.

Seeking Central Government and Home Ministry intervention, he said his party was demanding a separate state within the framework of Indian Constitution which is a democratic demand.

Earlier in the day, a fresh suo moto FIR was lodged against Gurung, his wife Asha and other party supporters under sections 302 and 120B.

The GJM announced an indefinite strike encompassing Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts and the Dooars protesting against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's decision to make Bengali language compulsory in state-run schools.

The strike was called even after the Chief Minister assured that the new rule would not be imposed in the hill districts.

The protestors are also asking for a separate Gorkhaland, a long pending demand of the people of the hills.

Later, Gurung claimed that the West Bengal Police are illegally entering their supporters' houses and torturing them and also accused them of killing two of his supporters.

He said that GJM would further strengthen their agitation.

Mamata Banerjee tore into the GJM supporters and said that they aren't listening to the court, even after it had passed an order citing the bandh was "illegal."

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh earlier reviewed the security situation in West Bengal's Darjeeling by sending more troops to help restore normalcy as the state government has not yet submitted its report on the situation.