GJM seeks NHRC intervention amid Darjeeling shutdown

Darjeeling, July 8 (IANS) The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on Saturday sought the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) citing the "shocking instances" of human rights violation and "misuse of power" by the West Bengal government and police amid the GJM-sponsored indefinite shutdown in the north Bengal hills.

The Central Committee of the GJM in its letter to the NHRC, accused the police of stopping critical items like medicines and baby food to the violence-hit hills "for the sole purpose of troubling the people in the hills."

"There have been several reports of Sikkimese vehicles also being targeted by crowds," the GJM said.

"Such action on the part of the administration and police authorities is a total violation of human rights. The West Bengal police are misusing the powers vested in them to put the lives of people in Darjeeling hills at risk. We would therefore, seek your intervention at the earliest to direct the state administration that they should desist from such actions," the GJM said in its letter to the NHRC.

"Additionally, we would seek your intervention and request you to send a team to Darjeeling to institute a proper inquiry into the matter," the party said.