Raids unearth IED-making substances from Darjeeling

Darjeeling: Police on Friday raided different areas in Darjeeling and recovered substances believed to be used in manufacturing IEDs and also improvised firearms.

Talking to mediapersons in Darjeeling, Akhilesh Chaturvedi, Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling stated: "Based on source information, we had raided houses belonging to Pranil Subba in Singla and Bishal Bomzan in Bannockburn Tea Estate. We recovered substances, tools, pipes, sockets, detonators, wires believed to be used in manufacturing IEDs and improvised firearms. No arrests have been made but we have launched a manhunt for the persons connected with these modules."

A case has been initiated under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) against Pranil Subba, Bishal Bomzan, Dipen Malay, Rikash Theeng, Priyavardhan Rai, Deven Sharma, Dinesh Theeng and others.

"Dipen Malay is a close associate of Bimal Gurung. He heads this module," claimed the SP. The SP stated that there are GJM leaders who have been trained by North-East militant outfits who are supervising these modules.

Meanwhile, in Darjeeling, police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse a GJM rally at the Darjeeling Chowk Bazar. "We vehemently protest the unprovoked baton charge which has resulted in the injury of many GJM supporters," stated GJM general secretary, Roshan Giri.

Dr Humayun Kabir, DIG, Darjeeling Range held a meeting with business establishments, shop owners, drivers' associations, bankers and schools regarding the bandh. The police have appealed to open up Kurseong from Saturday. A GJM and Gorkhaland Movement Coordination Committee team met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi urging him to initiate tripartite talks.

The GJM also requested minister Singh to talk to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to halt raids on GJM leaders and supporters. The GJM team will be attending talks called by CM Mamata Banerjee in Uttarkanya in Jalpaiguri on September 12.