Kolkata/Darjeeling:
The West Bengal government has requested the Centre for deployment of the Army in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal after two people were killed when police opened fire to disperse a crowd of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) protesters who violated prohibitory orders.
The defence ministry, however, is yet to respond to the state government's request.
The police claim that they opened fire after supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, who had blocked roads, stabbed a woman constable. They had earlier tried to disperse the crowd with a lathicharge and teargas but had failed.
"When there were further attacks, police opened fire. Seven rounds were fired, Till now, a man and a woman have died", S Kar Purkayasta, ADG (Law and Order) said.
Close to 3000 GJM supporters were on a relay hunger strike since January 29 at Sipchu at the border between Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts to demand the inclusion of parts of Jalpaiguri in their proposed Gorkhaland state.
Roshan Giri, Leader of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha said "Why did they fire on our non-violent protest today? We need justice."
The impact of yesterday's violence spread to the hills of Darjeeling where rampaging mobs set a judge's vehicle as well as a tourist bungalow at Jaldhaka on fire.
Meanwhile, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha has called for an indefinite bandh starting 6 am today.