Gurung summoned by state child rights commission

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Monday organised a Gorkhaland rally in Darjeeling town in which children participated.

Children carrying Gorkhaland placards took part in a rally in Darjeeling. GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri stated: "Even children want separation from West Bengal. They have come out for Gorkhaland." On June 28, the GJM had organised a rally in which children had participated. While some of the children were dressed in traditional clothes, some were bare bodied and sported symbolic shackles. On June 29, the West Bengal Commission for Protection of Child Rights (WBCPCR) show-caused the GJM stating that children in shackled condition were exposed to violent activities and used in a political process by the GJM on June 28.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the Commission issued a summon to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) Chief, Bimal Gurung on Monday after he failed to give a reply of a show-cause notice served to him earlier.

It was learnt that the WBCPCR has written a strong letter to Gurung to appear before the Commission as he failed to clarify why the GJM had engaged little children in political agitation rallies. The commission has taken a note of this incident when little children took part in rally organised by the GJM to place their demands of Gorkhaland. Gautam Deb, state Tourism minister stated: "The GJM does not have any regard for the law of the land, the judiciary and directives of the courts. They have violated a Calcutta high court directive stating that children cannot take part in political activities even on holidays." The youth and women's Morcha demonstrated in front of the District Magistrate's Office in Darjeeling on Monday. Scorning government employees attending office, the Nari Morcha activists offered "Khadas" (traditional scarves) to them. "We will launch fast unto death in Delhi and Darjeeling after July 6 if the Centre continues to turn a deaf ear," warned Amrit Yonzon, General Secretary, Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha (youth wing of the GJM).

The day saw alleged GJM activists torching a police vehicle at 6th Mile near Ghoom along with another police vehicle on Rohini Road in Kurseong. "It is not GJM supporters who are indulging in arson and vandalising. There is no proof. It could be a handiwork of miscreants to defame the GJM," alleged Amar Rai, GJM MLA from Darjeeling.

Police arrested 4 persons from Kurseong in connection with the attack on the Fire Station at Kurseong and torching of three fire engines on July 1.