Gorkhaland supporter found dead, GJM allege murder by police

Sonada (Darjeeling) [India], July 8 (ANI): A Gorkhaland supporter was found dead in Sonada, on the outskirts of Darjeeling, on Friday. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has alleged that he was killed by the police force present there. GNLF spokesperson, Neeraj Zimba alleges that Tashi Bhutia, a Gorkhaland supporter was shot by police and there are reports that he died on the spot. "He had received bullet injuries on his forehead somewhere near his ear," added Zimba. Zimba said that the deceased had gone to a medical shop to buy medicines for this brother, where he met a convoy of eight to nine CRPF personals. He further said, "Something happened and Tashi was shot on a point blank range. And so we condemn this incident of brutal police firing on an innocent Gorkhaland supporter." Zimba also says that Bhutia was unarmed, peace loving citizen and the supporter of GNLF. "He was an Indian first, a law abiding Indian citizen, wanting a separate state of Gorkhaland within the constitution of India." Zimba says that everyone in the hills condemn this act that they allege was committed by the state police. There were reports that the man was stopping vehicles which were moving to Sonada. Talking to ANI, Zimba said, "No, that is what the police claims. There will be counter allegations, but there were twelve to thirteen police convoys and they stopped one unarmed person and shot him." He said that it was not a disturbed area and section 144 was not imposed anywhere near the area, and anybody could make free movements there. "Why was he shot on a point blank range on his forehead? Police could have easily caught him and taken him into custody, if he had done something," said Zimba. He further stated that the GNLF central committee is having an emergency meeting in Sonada regarding this. "Our president and general secretary and all the members are going to be there. But now we are a part of Gorkhaland committee and there is no one party system," he added. He further said that Gorkhaland committee will also take care of the funeral possessions of the deceased. Earlier on June 17, three GJM protestors were killed in clashes that broke between out in Darjeeling, the sixth day of the party's indefinite shutdown demanding a separate Gorkhaland. (ANI)