ASI and Gorkha activist killed in fresh bout of violence in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, Oct 13: Fresh spurt in violence rocked the hills of Darjeeling once again as a police officer and a civilian were killed and several injured in a clash between the government forces and Bimal Gurung-led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) activists at Takvar area, police today said. The deceased police officer was identified as ASI Amitava Mallick and the identity of the Morcha supporter was being ascertained. According to police, on a specific information that Gurung was hiding in Lepcha Busty somewhere at Takvar, the force swooped down on the area only to face a barrage of bullets from the Gurung supporters. Police said locals also fired to shield Gurung to make good his escape, adding, however, he was still hiding around the same place. Police also stumbled upon a workshop in the same area, where arms were being manufactured. Immediately, clashes erupted between the Morcha supporters belonging to Gurung faction and policemen midnight last night. As per police confirmation, two casualties have been reported in cross-firing - one Morcha supporter and one Assistant Sub-inspector rank officer, Amitava Mallick. Cross firing was still on when the report came in. With this so far 12 people have fallen prey to violence since the fresh statehood agitation began on June 8 last, while killing of the police officer in the agitation was the first. UNI