New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday assured West
Bengal government that it will provide additional security
forces to deal with the violence which has erupted following a
protest by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha activists.
Home Secretary Gopal K Pillai said the Centre has already
sent 300 paramilitary personnel and 100 women security guards
to assist the state police forces to tackle the situation in
Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling.
"We have asked the state government to look into the
matter. (Central) Forces are available in West Midnapore
district and if need some more could be sent from there," he
told reporters here.
Two persons were killed when police opened fire to stop
GJM supporters from taking out a march in Jalpaiguri district
violating prohibitory orders, triggering unrest in Darjeeling
hills where government vehicles and offices were set on fire
by GJM workers.
Clashes erupted when the police dismantled illegal
temporary camps of the GJM built near Shipchu inside a reserve
forest.
The GJM is currently negotiating with the government on
the possibility of setting up of a Darjeeling Regional
Authority comprising the districts of Darjeeling and adjoining
areas but no decision has been taken.
However, it was not clear whether the interim authority
would be set up before the West Bengal Assembly elections a
few months away.
PTI
