2 dead several GJM supporters and police injured, indefinite strike called

Kalimpong News, Kalimpong, 8 February: Two GJM supporters Bikky Lama 25, of Rangamutte Dooars and Bimala Rai 24, of Khani Kalimpong were shot dead by CRPF in Shibsu Dooars at 11 am today. According to GJM sources police fired at GJM supporters gathered in Shibsu without any warning in which 2 were shot dead. Both dead were shot above the waist. 

Pellet injury of  an injured

Khusbu Adhikari of Lower Bom Busty, Nita Khawas of Kurseong, Laxmi Mangar, Makrapara Dooars, Bivechana Rai of Samsing, Rudra Gurung of Jaldhaka, Nimala Thakuri of Kalchini and several others were injured in the incident. 3 of them suffered pellet injuries in stomach, back of the body and foot. Condition of Nita with injuries in stomach is serious. Injured are admitted in SD Hospital Kalimpong, Gorubathan PHC and Mal.

In protest against the firing GJM has declared indefinite strike in all three hill subdivision and Dooars. Chakka jam from 12.30 to 4pm was observed today. During the chakka jam several incidents of fire and arson was reported. Forest Bunglow of Kalimpong DM of Forest Department , SDO's Office, PWD Office, 2 NBSTC Bus were burnt in Kalimpong. 1 Forest vehicle in Mungpong, Police station of Pedong, Police van in Kurseong, Forest Bunglow/ Rest House of Jaldhaka, Forest Office and residential quarter of Lava were set ablaze by agitated supporters. One SNT Bus, a forest department vehicle and Divisional Forest office  in Kalimpong was also vandalised in the incident at Kalimpong. 
In the incident of Shibsu 12 police personnels were injured, of them the condition of Rita Rai a a lady home guard with injury in hand is serious and admitted in Mal Hospital.

Due to indefinite bundh thee was rush in the town and people were panicky.

Exams and essential services are out of the purview of strike and no helpline will be provided by the party, declared Subha Pradhan, Secretary of SD committee of GJM.

Meanwhile, social organisations and bodies have condemned the police atrocities against the peaceful marchers. They have alleged that the police action is masterminded by the state govt. to fulfill its vested and politically motivated interest.