Activist in hospital after attack in Darjeeling, protests erupt
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Darjeeling: Protests erupted in the Darjeeling hills after the assault of an activist on Thursday night. Sudan Gurung, who has been outspoken against the alleged
teacher recruitment scam
under
Gorkhaland Territorial Administration
, was attacked by unidentified assailants near Darjeeling Motor Stand on Thursday night.
A police complaint was filed at Sadar police station. Enraged by the attack, political and apolitical groups, along with local social organisations, gheraoed the police station, demanding that the perpetrators be arrested within a day, failing which there would be a 12-hour shutdown across the hills.
"We have given the administration one day to review CCTV footage and arrest those responsible. A peaceful protest rally will begin at 10am on Saturday from Darjeeling train station to Sadar police station. Failure to act will result in a 12-hour strike across the region," said social activist Deepika Gurung.The last such shutdown in the hills occurred on Sept 30, 2024, over demand for bonus by tea garden workers.Gurung, president of Trained Unemployed Youth Welfare Organisation, has been admitted to the surgical ward of Darjeeling District Hospital. "A group of unknown men attacked me. One aimed for my neck, but I dodged and suffered a head injury instead," he said. Gurung received seven stitches to the head."This assault is linked to the high court case on the teacher recruitment scam," he added. The HC case concerns the legitimacy of 313 teacher appointments by GTA in 2019. The next hearing is scheduled for June 17.Darjeeling BJP MLA Neeraj Zimba presented Gurung with a copy of the Constitution and a traditional 14-inch Nepali kukri, symbolising self-defence. "The administration is reviewing CCTV footage, and we expect swift justice. This attack is a direct threat and exposes a serious security lapse. Gurung is a selfless advocate for public interest," Zimba said.Gorkha Janmukti Morcha youth front general secretary Noman Rai condemned the attack and urged authorities to take strict action. "He has been vocal against the recruitment scam. Though we can't comment on the sub judice matter, this attack challenges the claim that peace has returned to the hills. The administration must swiftly identify and act against the culprits," said Rai.A police officer said: "We are scanning CCTV footage to trace those involved."
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