One GJM activist killed, nine arrested from Sikkim

A Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) activist was allegedly killed in police firing while at least nine party leaders were arrested by the police during a raid in south Sikkim's Namchi on Friday where the hill party held its central committee meeting during the day.

"A boy has been shot dead in Namchi by the police today," GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri told IANS.

Police said nine GJM leaders were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), West Bengal, from the all-party meeting venue in Sikkim's Namchi area, around 45 km from here.

"Nine GJM leaders have been arrested by a team of West Bengal CID officials," Superintendent of Police Akhilesh Kumar Chaturvedi told IANS.

However, Chaturvedi refuted the report of a person's death in police firing. "We have received no such information yet."

During the meeting, the core committee expelled Binay Tamang from the party, a day after he announced the withdrawal of the bandh in northern West Bengal.

GJM chief Bimal Gurung's supporters, who are against the suspension of the ongoing shutdown, stepped up rallies and picketing, stalling flow of life in the region. - IANS