Kalimpong shops down shutters after Bhujel's death

Darjeeling: Shops in Kalimpong downed shutters on Wednesday morning with news of Municipal Councillor and GJM leader Barun Bhujel dying in jail custody in the wee hours of Wednesday.

Bhujel, the Municipal Councillor of Ward 16 of the Kalimpong Municipality was arrested on June 15 for allegedly torching Hill Top Tourist Lodge in Kalimpong town.

GJM president Bimal Gurung in an audio message from an undisclosed location demanded that the Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts shut down in protest. "Bhujel died owing to torture in custody. He died for Gorkhaland. People should come out on the streets and protest in the Hills, Terai and Dooars" stated Gurung.

Situation was normal in Darjeeling, Kurseong and Mirik. However shops downed shutters in Kalimpong since 9:30 am on Wednesday morning as a mark of respect.

A Condolence rally along with a condolence meeting was held at the Dambar Chowk in Kalimpong. "My brother died because of delay in treatment and apathy of the authorities" claimed Biren Bhujel, brother of the deceased.

Bhujel is survived by his wife and two daughters. His dead body will arrive in Kalimpong

on Thursday.

GJM leader Binay Tamang expressing condolences stated that Bhujel had died for Gorkhaland.

"Even in 2013 during the agitation he had gone to jail along with me. We will do everything in our capacity to help the bereaved family" stated Tamang who is also the Chairman of the Board of Administrators,

GTA.

BJP's Dilip Ghosh claimed that with Bhujel's condition having deteriorated he was first shifted to North Bengal Medical College and Hospital recently from where he was referred to SSKM, Kolkata.

SSKM doctors claim that Bhujel was admitted in a serious condition and was in the ICU. He was suffering from liver ailments along with pancreatitis.