Rajnath speaks to Mamata over Darjeeling protest, appeals to maintain peace

This was the first loss of life since the latest round of clashes broke out on June 8. Baton-wielding police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters in eastern India's hill resort of Darjeeling today, as unrest over a long-simmering separatist movement rattles the town at the height of tourist season.

Fresh clashes broke out between Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters and security forces in Darjeeling, today.

The incident, in which several people were injured, prompted the administration to deploy Army contingents in the area. "We have got clues that this has terrorist connections", she said.

The rallies were organised after police raided the residence of GJM assistant general secretary Benoy Tamang early on Saturday morning and arrested journalism professor at St Joseph College and GJM media cell coordinator Vikram Rai on Friday night. "At least 19 other police personnel are gravely injured". They are both martyrs.

"The final battle is on".

Police claimed to have seized bows and arrows, knives, axes, explosives and a large quantity of cash from Gurung's house. There was no police firing.

Also, Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) commandant Kiran Tamang was seriously injured when protestors attacked him from behind with khukuri.

GJM, Alley said, wants to raise a 8000-strong force in Darjeeling hills which will be well prepared to tackle "any kind of situation". Who will explain presence of so much of arms and ammunition in a small area?

Later in the day, the effects of the trouble were felt in Kalimpong's Gorubathan market where GJM supporters allegedly torched a vehicle of the power supply authority, while the Jaldhaka police station was vandalised. "If anything happens to any foreigner (tourist) it will bring bad name to the country", Banerjee said. "I request them (insurgent groups) not to extend any support to the GJM", Banerjee told reporters in Kolkata.

On GJM supporters setting fire to several government offices and damaging water supply lines, the chief minister expressed concern over keeping up the supply of provisions to the hills. A number of police vehicles were set on fire, he said. They are using arms, throwing bombs and indulging in vandalism in such a way. "We had to resort to lathi charge", a senior police official said.

ADG Sharma told PTI, "We are waiting for the postmortem report, but it seems that the man died of gunshot wound".

The GJM had rubbished the allegation made by Banerjee, saying that she was trying to malign the Gorkhas fighting for their identity.

Barring pharmacies, all others shops and hotels were closed in Darjeeling. The protests had started against "imposition" of Bengali language in schools.

The deceased have been identified by the GJM as Bimal Shankar and Sunil Rai.