8th day of GJM stir: Ambulance services hit, TV connections snapped

Ambulance services were hit and TV cable connections snapped in some areas as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha-sponsored indefinite shutdown in Darjeeling hills entered the eight day on Thursday.

No untoward incident was reported from anywhere in Darjeeling which had witnessed widespread clashes between GJM activists and security forces on Saturday.

Ambulance operators were refusing to carry patients due to fear of harassment.

Since morning, local cable TV connections were snapped in a section of the hills.

Internet services also remained suspended for the fifth day on Thursday to stop the spread of rumours that incite violence.

Police patrolling was intensified in the hills since morning.

Although the West Bengal government has called an all-party meeting in Siliguri today, all the Hills parties have decided to boycott it.

As normal life continued to be crippled, the GJM on Wednesday offered a 12-hour 'window' on June 23 to schools to evacuate students safely to Siliguri and Rongpo.

The GJM is leading an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state to be carved out of West Bengal.

Case filed against Gurung, wife

Meanwhile, a case has been lodged against GJM supremo Bimal Gurung and his wife Asha for their alleged involvement in violence, arson and killing of one person during clashes in Darjeeling hills.

"We have lodged a case (against Gurung and his wife) and the investigation is on. There were allegation that they were involved in the violence, arson and killing of one person during clashes on Saturday," a senior police official said.

Reacting to the police case against Gurung and his wife, a senior GJM leader charged that the police were implicating them in false cases.

"Three of our supporters were killed and they are filing cases against us. Cases should be lodged against the police and state administration for violating human rights and killing," the GJM leader said.

The GJM claimed that three of its supporters were killed during clashes with police on Saturday. However, the police confirmed only one death.

IMAGE: People carry a patient to hospital as security personnel stand guard during GJM's indefinite strike at Chawk Bazaar in Darjeeling. Photograph: Ashok Bhaumik/PTI Photo