GJM demands enhanced security for GTA chief Bimal Gurung

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has asked the Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling Hills, to enhance the security cover for GTA Chief Executive Bimal Gurung whose rank is on par with a state cabinet minister and condemned the alleged attack on his convoy two days back.
The memorandum, signed by GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri, alleged the convoy of GTA Chief Executive was "waylaid near Ghoom station by GNLF supporters who were drunk. They abused the GTA Chief Executive and even tried to assault him".
The memorandum was submitted yesterday.
Wednesday's incident took place when GNLF supporters were on their way back from Darjeeling after attending the death rituals of Subash Ghisingh while the GTA Chief Executive was on his way to Darjeeling town from Maneybhanjyang after laying the foundation stone for a road project, Giri said.

Additional SP Surya Pratap Yadav said a probe is on to ascertain what happened in Ghoom.
"As for the GJM's demand for more security to the GTA chief executive, we will first review the situation," the ASP said.

"We demand the immediate arrest of the GNLF cadre who attacked our President. If they are not arrested within 24 hours, we will launch a bigger agitation," GJM Assistant Secretary Binay Tamang said.
"The district administration and the police were both aware of Gurung's itinerary for the day. The district police are responsible for ensuring proper security arrangements to enable the GTA chief executive to move freely, especially when a rival political party is holding a rally or function," Giri said after submitting the memorandum.

The GNLF had called a strike in Pokhraybong on Thursday, demanding the arrest of the GJM cadre responsible for the alleged assault.
It was called off after three GJM supporters, allegedly involved in the incident, were arrested.
The three - identified as local residents Nikit Rai, Abit Rai, and Dharmadhoj Tamang - were produced before the chief judicial magistrate court yesterday and granted bail.
Rubbishing GJM charges, the GNLF earlier said its supporters were assaulted by morcha men accompanying Gurung's convoy when the GNLF activists were returning home after attending the death ritual of GNLF founder Subash Ghisingh and the two sides came face to face.

Gurung currently is entitled to have a security cover comprising an assistant sub-inspector and six constables round the clock, GTA sources said.