Gorkha Janmukti Morcha Supporters Clash with Security Forces in Darjeeling District, West Bengal
Category: Unrest
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/13/2017 (India) - Local media reports on Friday, 13 October, indicate that at least two people have been killed in clashes between security forces and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supporters in the Lapchey Bustee area of West Bengal's Darjeeling district. The violence reportedly broke out early on Friday morning as police raided a suspected GJM hideout in the area, around 20km (12 miles) west of Darjeeling town. At least one police officer is reported to have been shot and severely injured during the clashes but the exact number of casualties is currently unclear. The violence comes a month after GJM leaders called off a three-month-long bandh in the Darjeeling district over the creation of a separate Gorkhaland state. At least 12 people are reported to have been killed since the beginning of the latest GJM campaign in June.
Those in the Darjeeling district are advised to avoid the Lapchey Bustee area in the immediate term due to the risk of further clashes and ongoing security forces operations. Travellers should monitor local media sources for further updates on the incident and heed any directives issued by local authorities. Travellers should avoid all demonstrations, political gatherings and active security operations in West Bengal due to the risk of exposure to potential crowd disturbances and incidental violence.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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