Army deployed in Darjeeling as GJM protest turns violent

Two columns of Army were deployed in the restive Darjeeling town of West Bengal yesterday after Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporters indulged in violence and arson.

They attempted to march to the venue of a cabinet meeting presided by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.The troops were brought in after the protesters damaged police vehicles and set ablaze some of them. The violent morcha supporters are opposing imposition of Bengali language in schools in the hills.

The BJP has criticised



the West Bengal government for failing to contain violence in the Darjeeling hills and demanded that a peace committee be formed to restore peace.

BJP MP from Darjeeling S S Ahluwalia said when the entire state cabinet including the Chief Minister was present in the hills, why did the administration failed to control the situation. 

Situation in Darjeeling is under control. However, shops and business establishments are closed and streets wear a deserted look.