Flag row worsens, spat on

Kurseong, Dec. 24: Supporters of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJM) and the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) are engaging in what could prove a dangerous trend of tearing each other’s party flags and clashes, after a series of public meetings in the Darjeeling Hills. On 9 December GJM supporters had allegedly torn GNLF flags in different parts of Darjeeling Hills, while returning from a public meeting at Sukna near Siliguri. In retaliation, GNLF supporters allegedly abused GJM party flags while returning from a public meeting at Sukna. Protesting against the act, GJM supporters staged a road block on National Highway 55 at Dilaram for three-and-a-half hours today. The GJM, Dilaram convener Mr RB Lama alleged that GNLF supporters tore GJM flags and festoons yesterday at Dilaram. 

“If the administration does not arrest the guilty the road-block programme will continue,” he said. The agitators also lodged an FIR against the five GNLF supporters, all residents of Chatakpur-Dilaram. The GJM Kurseong branch, Press and publicity secretary, Subash Pradhan said that his party had given the administration 24-hours to arrest the guilty. “If administration fails to do so the road block programme would resume.” Rejecting the GJM allegation, the GNLF Kurseong branch, general secretary, NB Khawas said that the GJM is frustrated with the GNLF’s success and is casting false allegations. The road block today caused severe inconvenience to tourists arriving at the Hills expecting to witness a snow-fall.