Darjeeling unrest: 1 Gorkhaland supporter allegedly shot during GJM-police clash in Sukna
At least two protesters have been detained so far.
"At least three Gorkhaland supporters were injured during the clash with police force and one of them, Ajay Chettri from Garidhura in Darjeeling, is sustaining bullet wounds as police opened fire on the protesters," a GJM leader told IBNS.
"Our injured supporters are being treated at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri in critical conditions," the GJM leader added.
Police, however, denied reports of firing during the violent clash in Sukna.
"Police did not open fire bullets on protesters today. We used water cannon, lobbed tear gas shells and restored to lathicharge to disperse the protesters and to bring the situation under control," a police official told IBNS.
Earlier in the morning, Gorkhaland supporters engaged in a clash with the security forces after their rally towards Darjeeling More in Siliguri city was stopped by the police.
Describing the incident, a local police official told IBNS, "After we prevented the march, where GJM supporters took part with sharp weapons, from entering Siliguri metropolitan area, protesters suddenly attacked us."
"Besides trying to stab policemen, GJM supporters threw bricks and stones aiming at us. More than 8 cops, including few senior officials, were injured in the skirmish," the officer added.
Police claimed that protesters vandalized several vehicles, including few police vans, and set few tyres on fire on the roads during the hour-long skirmish in Sukna.
However, till the last update came in, situation in Sukna remains tense as Gorkhaland supporters at a large are still holding demonstration at the area.
"We are taking restraint actions against the protesters to avoid further clashes," a senior police official told IBNS.
Meanwhile, pro-Gorkhaland supporters’ indefinite strike entered its 45th day on Saturday.
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