Siliguri, WB, May 21: Tension ran high in Darjeeling town on Friday after All India Gorkha League president and Gorkhaland proponent Madan Tamang was killed by some unidentified assailants while he was supervising a public meeting.
As per reports, the incident took place near Planters’ Club this morning while Tamang was supervising the arrangements for a meeting to be held later in the day.
Tamang sustained serious injuries after being attacked with sharp weapons by a group of unidentified assailants, who fled the spot immediately after the incident.
Confirming the attack on Tamag, Inspector General of Police (North Bengal) KL Tamta told reporters, “Tamang was attacked near Planters’ Club this morning. Miscreants hit him with kukris and swords, wounding him on the shoulder and stomach.”
The attack on Tamang and his sad demise has sparked tension in parts of Darjeeling hills. Shops, markets and other establishments have closed down immediately after the news of Tamang’s death spread in the area.
The state authorities have deployed heavy police force in the region to control law and order situation.
Tamang was seen as a hardliner who wanted nothing short of Gorkhaland. He recently opposed GJM’s stand on a interim set-up for Darjeeling hills and demanded Gorkhaland instead.
Tamta said AIGL initially decided to hold the meeting at Darjeeling Chowrasta but later shifted the venue due to opposition from GJM.
No arrests have been made so far in this connection.
Meanwhile, the GJM leadership have denied any hand in the brutal assassination of Madan Tamang.
Speaking to a TV news channel, GJm leader Roshan Giri said, “We are a peaceful movement. We don’t believe in violence. We have so far carried the Gorkhaland movement in a democratic manner.”
—-PTI