A top GJM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) leader was arrested here today in connection with cases of arson and attempt to murder, even as the indefinite bandh to demand for separate Gorkhaland state in Darjeeling hills entered eighth day with the hill station wearing a deserted look.
Narayan Pradhan, President of GJM Darjeeling Town Committee, was arrested early today for cases of arson, attempt to murder and other criminal cases, police said.
Acting on a tip-off, he was taken into custody early in the morning from a location in Darjeeling town, taking the total number of arrests to 149, the police said.
According to sources, the bandh continues to paralyse normal life with shortage of food reported across the hills. All shops and other commercial establishments have been closed since the beginning of the bandh. Vehicular traffic on NH-31A, the lifeline of Sikkim, was also hit.
GJM leaders and supporters gathered at the main areas and at District Magistrate’s office in Darjeeling town and raised slogans asking for implementation of their demands and release of arrested leaders.
Meanwhile, three local cable TV operators have been ordered yesterday to stop their telecast in the hills.