Another GJM supporter attempts self-immolation | Nari Morcha tonsure head to express solidarity

 The sixth day of the indefinite bandh in the Hills saw a Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supporter making a self-immolation bid, while members of the women’s wing tonsured their heads protesting against the state government’s highhandedness in trying to suppress the statehood movement. Phurba Sherpa (32), who is physically handicapped, set himself on fire in front of the district magistrate’s office this afternoon while picketing. He was saved in time by fellow picketers but his right hand has been reportedly injured severely and is admitted at the district hospital.
“I will do anything it takes to achieve our demand. The state government cannot deny us our right,” said Sherpa from his hospital bed.
Meanwhile, eight GJM women supporters tonsured their head at the Chowk Bazaar premises protesting against the state government. “For any woman her hair is an ornament. But we have decided to cut ours off to show our strong objection to the state government’s attitude,” said Rachana Tamang, who had her hair cut in front of a massive crowd.

Youth leader Nagendra Limbu (29) went a step further and had his back engraved with a blade the slogan “No more worry Gorkha, I am here”. Speaking to reporters, he said, “In Telangana there was a youth pressure group and the government considered their demand. But the case here is not the same even as our youths are setting themselves on fire and agitating. We are following democratic means but in order to achieve our demand we can go to any length,” said Limbu.
Braving the morning downpour, GJM activists held a silent protest rally from town to the DM’s office. Rally participants covered their mouths with black cloth, while some of them were shackled and locked inside a bamboo cage. “We are agitating peacefully for our demand but the state government is bent on gagging our voice by arresting protestors. The cage and covering of our mouth are symbolic of the state government’s malevolent policy of denying our right,” said Minu Tamang, president of the Darjeeling Sadar II constituency that organized the rally.
          GJM assistant secretary Binay Tamang urged people not to get cowed down by the state government’s oppressive stance. “The state government is trying to spread fear and panic among people by arresting innocent cadres and leaders. But we will not step back. Everyone, including all other political parties, coming out in huge numbers is a clear message to the chief minister that her anti-people intentions will not be tolerated,” he said.
          Meanwhile, the police on Wednesday night arrested Yuwa Morcha organisational secretary Amrit Yonzon and one other activist. The youth leader was presented before Siliguri court and sent to the correctional home after his bail plea got rejected. The police were tightlipped about the arrest, but it is learnt Yonzon was arrested for obstructing a police officer’s vehicle during the shutdown on July 28 and 29.(EOIC)