GJMM supporter dies in ‘GNLF firing’
Posted by barunroy on July 26, 2008
FROM THE STATESMAN
DARJEELING, July 25: A Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) supporter ~ Pramila Sharma (38) ~ was shot dead allegedly by GNLF leader Mr Deepak Gurung when a mob stormed his house today. In the violence that followed, the crowd set fire to Mr Gurung’s house (photograph right) and three of his vehicles. The houses of GNLF president Mr Subash Ghisingh and some other GNLF leaders ~ Mr NB Khawas, Mr Tika Rai, Mr NK Kumai ~ as well as Glenary’s Restaurant, a Darjeeling landmark, were damaged by the violent mob.
According to the GJMM, the women and youth wings of the party had gone to agitate near the Zakir Hussain Road residences of GNLF president Mr Subash Ghisingh and party leaders Mr Deepak Gurung and Mr NB Khawas. GJMM said its supporters had been baited by GNLF members while sloganeering near Mr Ghisingh’s residence and they had pelted stones at Mr Ghisingh’s residence. The GJMM activists simultaneously damaged Mr Khawas’ residence before proceeding to Mr Gurung’s residence. Two shots were allegedly fired from Mr Gurung’s home, injuring Pramila Sharma in her abdomen. She later died in Darjeeling District Hospital, Mrs Urmila Rumba, convenor of Gorkha Jana Mukti Nari Morcha (GJNM), said. Mr Gurung, who was confined to his house for almost two hours during the violence was escorted out by police.
The GJMM has filed an FIR demanding the arrest of Mr Ahitaraj Dewan, Mr Tilak Dewan, Mr Hem Gurung, Mr NK Kumai, Mr Norsang Sherpa, Mr Amar Tamang and seven others who, it alleged, had been present along with Mr Gurung when the shots were fired. Shops put up shutters and Darjeeling grew tense after the violence.
The situation was brought under control towards the evening. “Six vehicles and houses of GNLF leaders were damaged by the mob. According to reports, a woman was shot in the firing. We are investigating. Mr Deepak Gurung has been arrested and sent to an undisclosed location in view of the present situation. Other GNLF leaders have been detained. We appeal to the GJMM to maintain peace,” IG (special) Mr DT Lepcha said. “Additional forces are on their way,” he added.
