Won't allow Darjeeling to turn into Kashmir: Tamang

Iterating that he would not allow Darjeeling to turn into another Kashmir, Chairman of the Board of Administrators (BoA) and expelled GJM leader Binoy Tamang on Friday demanded a thorough probe into the violence in the northern hills that led to the death of a policeman.

Tamang, who called on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the state secretariat Nabanna during the day, held Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung responsible for the clashes in which a police sub-inspector died and three other cops were injured.

Sub-Inspector Amitava Malik was fatally shot in a forested area close to Gurung's residence at Patlebas.

The clashes ensued when police raided the area below Lepcha Bustee after receiving specific information that Grurung was camping in the area. Gurung, however, managed to flee.

Tamang said while people were happy with peace returning to Darjeeling after the 105-day indefinite shutdown, Gurung and his associates were keen to create fresh disturbances.

"Whatever has happened in the hills is regrettable. The weapons unearthed show links with the Maoists. Bimal Gurung has to take responsibility," he said.

Police found huge amounts of arms and ammunitions including nine AK 47 rifles, a Berretta pistol,over 1,800 rounds of ammunition, 20 gelatine sticks and more than 1,000 detonators in Darjeeling. The security forces stumbled upon more arms and ammunition at Pedong of Kalimpong district.

"We won't allow Darjeeling to turn into another Kashmir. The peace-loving people of the hills are not with Gurung and his politics of violence and bloodshed," he said, while calling for a proper probe into the violence and punishment for the culprits.

Tamang will on Monday take part in the official meeting on Darjeeling issue. The Chief Minister will be present during the deliberations.

--IANS

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