Darjeeling: The Darjeeling Hills, which usually witness peaceful elections, have started on a wrong note. Two supporters of the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) were allegedly attacked with sharp weapons on Thursday night in the hills. The BGPM has alleged that BJP supporters were behind the attack. An FIR has also been lodged.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 pm on Thursday at Lower Relling under the Bijanbari block in Darjeeling. BGPM leaders alleged that their supporters were returning from an election campaign when they were attacked by BJP supporters, who had also gathered in the area for campaigning.
“Satyam Subba and Sanjog Subba were attacked with sharp weapons. One sustained head injuries and the other injuries to the hands. They were then rushed to the Darjeeling Sadar Hospital. It was a life-threatening attack. The attackers fled after the incident, abandoning their vehicle. There were BJP flags in the vehicle,” stated Anit Thapa, President, BGPM, who visited the injured at the Darjeeling Sadar Hospital on Friday. An FIR has been lodged naming Surendra Subba, Gopal Bhitrikoto, Rakesh Thapa and others. “The main accused is also a resident of the same area. He had a heated exchange of words with the duo, following which he attacked them with a sharp weapon and fled. We have launched a manhunt. It has been two months since he returned and took up a job as a driver here. Earlier, he was in Delhi, Bangalore and Sikkim. We hope to apprehend him soon,” stated Pratiksha Jharkhariya, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, speaking to the Millennium Post. Police said the accused fled, leaving his phone behind, which has slowed efforts to track him down. Anit Thapa, speaking to reporters, said: “We urge everyone not to fall prey to provocation and disturb the peace and tranquillity. It has taken a lot of effort to restore peace in the hills. Gone are the days of violence and arson. I appeal to all political parties, leaders and supporters to keep the hills peaceful. Do not provoke your supporters. We will take legal recourse and not retaliate, but limits should not be crossed.”
Nahkul Chettri, Darjeeling district BJP spokesperson, said: “The BJP has nothing to do with this incident. We want peace in the hills along with a clean political culture.”