Darjeeling: Five days after the brutal murder of Gorkha League leader Madan Tamang, Darjeeling remains tense, with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung returning to the hill town with a convoy of supporters, defying prohibitory orders there.
Since Friday, when Tamang was murdered, Gurung and other top leaders of the Morcha had been staying at Kalimpong and had not come to Darjeeling fearing protests.
Over a thousand supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in tow, Bimal Gurung defied Section 144 and ignored protests to march into Darjeeling today and denied any role in Tamang's murder. A case has been filed against him for conspiring to murder Tamang.
"Bimal Gurung or GJM did not kill Tamang, the CPRM and state government have done it," said Bimal Gurung, GJM chief.
Just yesterday, at Madan Tamang's funeral procession, Darjeeling residents protested against the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and tore down party flags and posters. A case has been filed against six Morcha activists for murdering Tamang.
"You know there is a saying once bitten twice shy. The water has risen above sea level. People have had it. People have had enough," said Sonam Bhutia, Darjeeling resident.
Gurung wants the arrest of those who tore up his party flags and has warned of agitations if Morcha leaders are arrested for Tamang's murder. Two companies of the CRPF are on their way to Darjeeling to ensure calm.