SILIGUR | KOLKATA | DARJEELING: Gorkha leader Madan Tamang was stabbed to
death while he was addressing a public meeting in Darjeeling on Friday morning.
Gorkha Janmukthi Morcha supporters are believed to be behind the
assassination of Tamang who was the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha
League. Police are yet to confirm the identity of the assassins. GJM, however,
denied its involvement in the incident.
Tamang, who led the anti-GJM Democratic Front in the Darjeeling Hills, was
attacked with a khukri and swords on Laden La Road near the Planters’ Club
around 9.30 am. He was 64.
Tamang, bleeding profusely from shoulder and stomach injuries, was rushed to
the Darjeeling district hospital. As his condition deteriorated, Tamang’s
supporters decided to shift him to Siluguri, but he died on the way.
Police claimed that the two aides of the assailants were injured when
Tamang’s bodyguards fire at them. Tamang’s killing in broad daylight has exposed
the state of law and order in Darjeeling hills.
Tamang had always been a vocal opponent of GJM. He had raised serious
corruption charges against GJM chief Bimal Gurung and was subsequently
threatened by GJM supporters. Recently, he was leading the emerging anti-GJM
conglomeration comprising BJP, CPRM and other small political entities.
News of the death led to a spontaneous shutdown in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and
Kurseong. The hills wore a deserted look after the incident, though GJM
supporters are believed to have pressured people to keep business establishments
open. Vehicles in Darjeeling went off the roads, while shops and markets were
closed.
“There is lot of tension and panic in the hills. Anything may happen any
time,” a police officer said. The ill-fated meeting was organised to celebrate
ABGL’s 67th foundation day. “Our foundation day is May 15. But district
authorities had refused us permission on that day fearing trouble. After a lot
or pleas, we were allowed to hold the meeting today,” a functionary said.
Last edited: 22-May-10 06:12 AM
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