GNLF supporters protest in Siliguri, want arrest of Tamang’s killers

Siliguri (West Bengal), May 26 (ANI): Supporters of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) took to streets of West Bengal’s Siliguri city on Wednesday demanding arrest of their leader Madan Tamang’s killers.

Supporters of the regional party Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) have widely been suspected of carrying out attack on Tamang.

Demanding the arrest of GJM chief Bimal Gurung, activists blocked roads and the local hill train in the West Bengali city, saying they would not allow democracy to function in the hills until Gurung was arrested.

“We demand the arrest of Bimal Gurung Roshangiri. His arrest will bring democracy back in the hills. We will not allow democracy here if he is not being arrested. Yesterday also he threatened people in his speech. He is threatening government and still government is doing nothing,” said Rajen Mukhia, General Secretary, GNLF.

Mukhia asserted that Gurung is being protected by the police and no action being taken against him.

“With the orders of Bimal Gurung, a senior leader like Madan Tamang was killed, but he conducted a meeting in the presence of state administration. What kind of democracy is this? Can Bimal Gurung do anything? Police were protecting him and escorted him. Public is completely against him,” said Mukhia.

While police have detained 45 GJM supporters, they have refuted claims of their involvement in Tamang’s murder.

Tamang was also a vocal opponent of Bimal Gurung, and had levelled corruption charges against him.

Over 150 armed persons had stormed a AGBL meeting early on Friday (May 21) morning and had stabbed Tamang. The leader succumbed to his injuries later in hospital. (ANI)