Violence in former soldiers’ march

Siliguri strife over state demand
Violence in former soldiers’ march OUR BUREAU - The Telegraph

Siliguri, April 9: A proce- ssion of around 1,000 people rallying for Gorkhaland turned violent this morning, forcing police to lathicharge and lob tear gas shells and bringing back memories of another Siliguri street riot six months ago.

At least 25 people, 14 of them policemen, were injured. Four had to be hospitalised.

Witnesses said the trigger for today’s trouble was stones thrown at the police by some youths who may not have been part of the rally by the All-Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Morcha.

The association is an affiliate of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, which has been spearheading the agitation for a Gorkhaland state for the past five months.

The Morcha has called a bandh in Darjeeling district — to be supported by the Greater Cooch Behar Democratic Party and the Kamtapur Progressive Party, which raise demands for their own separate states once in a while — to protest against the lathicharge on ex-servicemen.

The Darjeeling district administration had refused the association permission to bring out today’s rally, citing an attack on its new office at Darjeeling More yesterday and security concerns.

The police allowed vehicles packed with former soldiers from the hills to enter Sukna around 10.30am after repeated requests .

The rallyists were told not to cross Pintail Village . But they defied the orders and marched on.

Requests from district magistrate Rajesh Pandey and superintendent of police Rahul Srivastava fell on deaf ears.
The police stopped the group midway towards Darjeeling More.

Stones came raining in retaliation. The police chased the crowd with batons, burst tear gas shells and threw back some of the brickbats hurled at them. Stones struck a few former jawans, too.

The district magistrate said only 30 per cent of the rallyists were former jawans. “The rest were rowdy elements.”
At one point, the mob grabbed Kurseong subdivisional officer Rakesh Singh.

“We feared he would be lynched,” said Pandey.

Ten persons were arrested for inciting the violence.

“We’ll take the help of video footage to book more culprits,” Pandey said, adding that the arrested former soldiers would be released.

Several elderly ex-servicemen — Jai Bahadur Rai, 65, Dambar Bahadur, 60, B.B. Rai, 80, and Krishna Bahadur Subba, 68 — were injured.

“They suffered fractures and blows on the head and back,” said the Morcha’s Sukna president, Lalit Thapa.

Among the injured were an inspector, three sub-inspectors and an assistant sub-inspector. A stone struck a photojournalist in the eye.

Brigadier (retired) M.K. Gurung, the president of the ex-servicemen’s association, said the rally was peaceful, but turned ugly because of “antisocial elements not known to us”.

In September, rumours of hooliganism by supporters of Indian Idol winner Prashant Tamang had led to street riots in the town, police firing, army intervention and an indefinite curfew.

Tamang, who had then appealed to the people not to indulge in violence from Kathmandu, was caught in the clash backlash today.

He reached Darjeeling from Siliguri late in the night.

The Morcha will start a hunger strike in the hills and the Dooars tomorrow. It is in protest against a convention being planned by the Siliguri civic body to counter the Morcha demand for the inclusion of the town in its new state.

Violence in Darjeeling; GJM clashes with police
Special Correspondent - The Hindu

Kolkata: Violence flared up in the foothills of West Bengal’s Darjeeling district near Siliguri when supporters of the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) clashed with the police while trying to enter the town on Wednesday.

The GJM leadership is demanding a Gorkhaland state to be carved out of the hills and certain areas contiguous to it that include Siliguri.

GJM workers accompanying a procession led by the All Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Morcha, which is also supporting the Gorkhaland demand, broke through a barricade and tried to march on into Siliguri when the police prevented them from doing so.

The police who were attacked with bricks burst teargas shells after a baton-charge failed to disperse them, Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said here.

Several persons were injured in the clash. Fifteen persons were arrested.

The local administration had refused permission to the GJM to take out a procession in Siliguri on the ground that if allowed it could lead to a clash between communities, a district official said. Leaders of the GJM claimed that their supporters had “every right to bring out a peaceful procession there.”

The GJM leadership condemned the police action on their workers and called a 24-hour bandh in Darjeeling district on Thursday in protest against it. A bandh has also been called by the Kamtapur Progressive Party and supported by the Greater Cooch Behar Democratic Party. These parties are also demanding a separate State to be carved out of districts in north Bengal and parts of Assam.

Gorkha party calls shutdown in Darjeeling hills
April 9th, 2008 - 11:51 pm ICT - Thaindian News

Kolkata, April 9 (IANS) The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), demanding separate statehood for Darjeeling, has called a daylong shutdown in the hills Thursday, to protest police baton charge on its activists during what it called a peaceful rally in Siliguri Wednesday. “We have called a 24-hour shutdown on Thursday, protesting a baton charge by the police on our peaceful rally in Siliguri. We condemn the atrocious act of the police who stopped the procession from entering Siliguri,” GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told IANS.

Giri said: “About 16 GJM supporters were injured and over 40 activists were arrested. We demand an immediate enquiry into the case.”

GJM supporters, led by Bimal Gurung, want complete statehood for Darjeeling in north Bengal instead of a Sixth Schedule status that has granted greater autonomy for the region since 2005.

“The 24-hour shutdown call is also supported by Kamtapur Progressive Party (KPP) and Greater Cooch-Behar Democratic Party - two important political forces in the hills,” he said.

“We will cripple normal life in the hills and will also see that no government offices are open,” Bimal Gurung said.
Gurung, president of GJM, was expelled from Subash Ghisingh’s Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) for “anti-party” activities.

The central government in 2005 announced Sixth Schedule status to the GNLF-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC), which ensures greater autonomy to the governing body. GNLF was the principal political force in hills till GJM emerged.

Click image to enlarge

Photo Courtesy: Himalaya Darpan, a Nepali daily

Yes Mr. Khurana, you are right that India is not a true democratic country. It is only supposed to be a democratic country and biggest but irony is, it is not in a truer sense. The proof is the lathicharge in Siliguri and killing of unarmed women and children on 27 July 1986 by proxy CPRF in Kalimpong. The recent restriction on peaceful Gorkhaland procession is a big tyranny. This is what we have in India. WB government is a spoiled child of Centre. That’s why it can do what it likes and is not part of India may be? Mr. Asok Bhattacharya is now listening to his elder brother and is restricting the use of Pintail village by Gorkhas. This is another example of democracy. What a big laugh. When it comes for them they would say and refer to legal aspect of the matter but when it is time to kill or carry out their illegal lathicharge or other atrocities they would not look into their books. Another big big laugh.
(Posted by A victim of CPM, May 12, 2008, 7:17 AM)

Oh Gorkha! World has nothing but only admires for your bravery. Alas in the hand of your own neighbour destined to face slavery. You have been victimized by your own government. They made you so weak that you can do nothing to defend. They rubbed you off your integrity, dignity and humanity . You are being deprived of every rights but to live in vanity. You always desired to live with humble and simple life. But your life was always on the edge of a sharpest knife. self-respect that what your only heart’s yearn. For this you have already given your life in return. Why you must always ask and be pitied upon? For your sacrifices nothing has been done. You are asking nothing that too big. Only a resting place for yourself to dig. You have spelt your blood from the mountains to desert-land. For this you are branded foreigner in your own motherland. Still you are to be ready to be sacrificed again and again. Without any resentment, hesitation or morale pain. They curse you kick you pelt stones and push you in van. Why should you be treated like animal and not a man? Just because you are different and from a humble race. Yes U’re different from Writers’ Building dwellers’ face. Deter you not by this prejudice or strong force any, or any extreme climate whether cold, hot or rainy. Ready to be sacrificed yourself when nation is in a danger. You advance to the front forgetting discrimination and all anger. But far from the shivering cold, no danger and hunger they need to feel. Sinner and ungrateful they can only envy your medals and fighting skill. Gorkhas alert at the border and home they live their lives with ease and comfort. And pry a political keel to kick Gorkhas out as if we are nothing but useless dirt. They undermine your bravery and sacrifices you have been offering. Only to be sent to jail later for you to endure more suffering. You are bleeding from head to toe and medals are stained covering valor with blood. Dhaka topis were stampede upon with Police brutality in pool of mud. They do this to you the very people you save They are not civilized and are from fareast cave. They are pushing Gorkhas hard and fast to an edge. Challenging them ignoring fury and their mighty rage. Treachery is their game to dry your strength out like a desert lakes, All the honors and awards they give are all nothing but fakes. They have branded you foreigners now by a Hill and Urban Minister. How low they can be of such mentality giving us a grave sinister To protest his remark with equal blow and equally strong reply to them. All Gorkhas should return the fake medals given to them are nothing but shame. Mr. Nanda Hankhim did the right thing with bold and heroic sentiment. We are human and equal in all respect that our pride is not for rent. Why are we to be treated nothing but mere slaves to them. We nothing much but pones for their political game. They find our statehood demand without any strong bases. Therefore, our sacrifice, honors is nothing but heap of ashes. It shakes us hard and hurts us more by remember the Blackest Day. Many old and children died on that day unfortunate Sunday. They were littered in their mothers’ lifeless arms. Pools of blood they bathed were still warm. Remember those old and young gasping for their last breath. Those women clutching their children in their bloody chests. Moms not knowing what hit them so hard. Trying their best to keep awake with failing heart. Their mouths were wide open in dismay and disbelief. No help was forth coming and no rescue of any relief. Chaos and death engulf the bazaar with faint cry of dying child. No regret no sympathy to care but a strange feeling of darkest wild. A dance of shame and cruelty over took the market. A shocked and shaken society was made a political target. The most heinous crime we saw to Kurds by Saddam’s Chemical Ali. Proud CPM government did the same atrocity to Gorkhas and their family. Both crimes were greatest insult to humanity and our mankind. These are the examples that power hungry tyrants keep them bind. We were very sure that Hitler’s days were far over. Massacres of that scales never to reoccur. But the massacres have happened here again. Killing innocents only to have their political gain. Mothers of cruelty the tyrants of the century still live. Still faithful and on only earthly possession they believe. We get nothing from them but their extreme hate. And it is great shame and to live along to share the Banga state.
(Posted by Rai Balali, May 11, 2008, 12:38 PM)

This coinciding Siliguri Bandh was organized by the CPM younger generation (YCL) in conjunction with its parent counterpart the CPM was to deter and counter balance our successful Gorkhaland rally but if I'm not wront it seemingly failed to meet its objective. Many Gorkhas did not support this bandh as they know and understand the greater aspect and benefits that Siliguri can achieved through new state. There is no doubt that Siliguri would become a gateway to Dj and not only the Gorkhas but all the races in Siliguri would directly benefit more than people in hills areas. Being the main access route their business would double in no times and they could play vital roles in our spreading businesses with other states. Our arms could reach go farther beyond Kolkata. We do not have to depend on middleman any more. Our ability and approach would be far greater than that have been provided to us by the WB government. This would be unprecedented opportunity for all people in Siliguri and hills alike. Dj and Sikkim would forge a tie that could take us to new high level hemisphere. With mutual understanding and natural brotherhood relationship the two young states could be a shining example to all other states in India. They treated us like filth but they did not know the sacred lotus flowers grow in filthy water. To deny this opportunity they would certainly do something drastic. Firstly they are planning something to counter balance the successful Gorkhaland rally yesterday. We don’t have to wait for long to see their early reaction to our successful rally yesterday. They may also organize similar "tit for tat" rally to show off their force with the help of green card holders. But would they be able to gather 4 lakhs in a short time? Perhaps they make take a bit longer to stage a comprehensive gathering. Once again my sincerest CONGRATULATION for staging a very successful support rally yesterday. It is not only heartfelt satisfaction for us but a historic achievement to our all race not only Gorkhas.
(Posted by A CPM original victim of 1986, May 8, 2008, 7:22 AM)

It is some consoling to hear that a probe is being organized to investigate the lathicharge incident at Dj More. No matter what the finding may be but at least the WB government has shown that it also can carry some responsibilities. The probe may be just super-facial action to cool down the heat generated by the incident. At the same time it is also very pathetic that the massacre of unarmed innocent people at Kalimpong Bazar 21 years ago on 27 July 1986 (The Black Sunday) one of the most vicious attack on mankind especially to a Gorkha race was inhumanly carried out. This cowardly act will remain one of the heinous atrocity by the West Bengal Government. This inhuman behaviour of the WB government will tarnish not only Bengal but the whole Indian history. This shows how CPM can utilize their illicit resources without giving any thoughts to mankind. India can never forget the Jalinwala Bagh massacre so the Dj people would not forget the horrifying bloodbath in Kalimpong on 27 July 1986. Mr. Jyoti Basu is untouchable who may be imune to justice for this he had carried this killing like Chemical Ali did to Kurds. He may never face the court music but the West Bengal has to live up with this raping of Kalimpong for a long long time to come. Its history would stand as its proof of shameful atrocity. In time those died will avenge their untimely and cruel deaths. It is pity no one dared to challenge this heinous act on mankind. Even the Central remained very quiet. Is that means it was in agreement with WB government. Why other opposition leaders in the Parliament never raised single question on this killing of innocent civilians? Was the killing of these hundreds of Gorkha martyrs justified in their mind? Do they share the same sentiment of WB government? Is the democracy just a mindless political game for the WB government. Why all our representatives totally forgot about them. This silence from our leaders and from the Central Government has given a pat on the shoulder of WB government who would have no hesitation in creating another killing field. Those involved in killing field in Cambodia have been brought to trial one by one and were hanged. Why the perpetrators of Kalimpong massacre were not brought to justice but pardoned. Who gave order to open fire on unarmed civilian from the roof tops. It shows that the CPRF were given advance order to open fire. For they were armed to teeth and were waiting people to rich open market so that they can kill them easily. Is this means all the Gorkhas are dispensable in Dj? Had the Chief Minister got authority to carry out massacre of his own subject. Why Central did nothing to prevent this massacre? In what understanding between the WB and Central the CPRF were deployed in Dj and its sub-divisions? What would have happened if the same killing was carry out by CPRF at any other places? i.e. Meghalaya, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland or Jharkhand etc. These all questions point towards one sentiment and one belief that Gorkhas are only not second class citizen but are not human. They can be killed like animals in jungle (even the animals are protected). But all Gorkhas’ killers are roaming freely even some may have been awarded medals for their crime. These are the fact that Dj people want to distant themselves from WB goverment. All medals and awards presented to Dj people by the WB government recently should be returned to save our dignity and integrity and foremost to protest degree of inhumanity treatment to Gorkhas. Jai! Jai!! Jai!!! Gorkhas they are the true Amar Shahid.
(Posted by A victim of Jyoti Basu, May 5, 2008, 7:12 AM)

Don't just beat the old, fragile, Unarmed and helpless Gorkha Retired Soldiers in their old age. If you can then try your luck by beating the young serving Gorkha Soldiers who are still on the Service and see the results OK ?? I bet and challenge that you are not that brave enough to do that, CAN YOU ???
(Posted by Bhangre Shishnu., April 19, 2008, 7:52 PM)

What happened in Siliguri goes against all the concepts of Human Rights and most importantly Morality. Beating up OLD men, who have been guardians of our nation. What kind of people do things like that or to be precise, what kind of mentality do those people have ? When I heard about and saw the atrocities that were committed, even the timid blood in my veins boiled with rage. Then again, on second thoughts, I considered my emotions to be rather appropriate to the needs of the Bengal Govt. After all, this is exactly what they want. To excite and instigate the People of Darjeeling so that we will do something violent in retaliation. Which will provide them with ample excuse to bring in their troops, read Goondas, like the CRPF forces in 1986 who raped, murdered and pillaged. However, the Bengal Govt should not take us for granted because all things have a breaking point. "All men are not born Heroes and I, certainly am not one. But even a rat, when cornered, will fight back. And I, after all am a man, if not braver I am at least bigger than a rat".
(Posted by Aditya, April 16, 2008, 7:50 PM)

The Attack on Democracy And on its Guards. India is supposed to be a democratic country where everybody whether poor or rich, black or white, hindu or muslim or in other words , communist or not should have the fundamental rights. The attack on the Ex-armymen going for peaceful , non violent prcession by the west Bengal police force not only proves that they are communist but they are communal also. Nevertheless damage is done not only on the democracy but on its guards also. Why don’t they understand that they have put their lives on stake to save these god damn chicken hearts. But I pity them for they never have been to battle fields and don’t know what it means for them but unless you go to parliament and to some cultural show. But I assured every citizen of our country that if India is attacked by some superpowers , these so called chiken heart communist will be first one to leave the country or may be support them by slogans. Battle is not won by speeches but by the heart of steel. So now since Indian army is attacked by communists, they should be punished in such a way that their offsprings should not forget in generations to come. JAI HIND
(Posted by anoop khurana, April 13, 2008, 7:43 PM)

This is 'Mera Bharat Mahaan",this is a Democratic country where the people who fought for the security and solidarity of their country are beaten up mercilessly by their own fellow citizens ,Thank you ,MERA BHARAT MAHAAN......! Was the peaceful procession led by our Ex-servicemen (AGESM) A barbaric crime ? Needless to say that we'r being bullied repeatedly by the racist like Ashoke Bhattacharya and have become his easy prey as long as the demand of Gorkhaland is concerned ,consequently he has pushed the Gorkha community beyond the limit of endurance .The shocking news and the pictures of our beloved ex-servicemen with their heads and limbs bleeding prove that how insecure we are in the hands of Bengal .....! Since Bhattacharya himself has stirred the hornet's nest so he shall face the consequences .Long live AGESM......
(Posted by ranipriya, April 12, 2008, 7:54 PM)

Dear Gorkhas of the world, It is sad to see our elders and faithful soldiers of the past humiliated like these by the police of Siliguri and the government of West Bengal with the medals of valor, bravery, duty, loyalty, and honesty poned on their chest. Our movement has to take a different direction and a different dimension to solve this problem. Furthermore, this flow of our movement needs to take a turn for the best. We need to remain united and focused in achieving our ultimate goal of independent 'Gorkhaland' Dennis R. Jai gorkha!
(Posted by Dennis R., April 12, 2008, 7:34 AM)

Violence in former soldiers’ march

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