Darjeeling unrest: GJM chief Bimal Gurung threatens to intensify protests, demands CBI inquiry

Darjeeling: The GJM, spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland, adopted a confrontationist stand on Friday with its chief Bimal Gurung threatening to intensify the stir and demanding a CBI inquiry into the alleged police firing in the hills on 17 June. Gurung, who resigned as the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive along with other elected members of the body during the day, said, “The agitation for Gorkhaland will continue. We have resigned from the GTA. Our one point demand is Gorkhaland.” [caption id=“attachment_3738909” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of GJM chief Bimal Gurung. Getty Images[/caption] The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader, who was not seen in public for the past several days, appeared before the media at Patlebas in Darjeeling, a party stronghold. “I am not Kishenji (Maoist leader) who can be eliminated in a police encounter. I have not taken up arms against the country. I am fighting for the identity of the Gorkhas and in a democracy I have every right to do that,” he said. “Our fight will continue and I will fight till the end,” he said. Alleging that the police had opened fire in the hills on 17 June in which three GJM activists were killed, Gurung said, “We (the GJM) have video footage of the incident. I demand a CBI inquiry.” It was the state government which has violated human rights and slapped false cases against the GJM, he claimed. Asked about the Centre’s reponse to the GJM’s demand, he said, “Talks are on with the central government and we hope something positive will come up soon.” He said the GTA was a “closed chapter” and that the next all-party meeting will be held on 29 June to decide the next course of action.