Protester who burnt self is dead

GJM vice-president Binay Tamang said,“Rajput was declared dead at 6.30 pm today.”

Another senior Morcha leader,Ramesh Alley,said,“We have been informed by the hospital that Mangal has succumbed to injuries. He was first admitted in a Kalimpong hospital with 60 per cent burns. He was moved to the Siliguri hospital later.”

Earlier in the day,GJM leaders stalled the work underway at two hydel power projects. Rammam project in Rimbik and Nippan project in Lodhama,both under the NHPC,are among major power suppliers to the hills.

A team of central forces,however,rushed to provide security to engineers,who operated the projects. “Engineers were feeling insecure while entering the project areas. They were threatened by GJM supporters,” said Kunal Agarwal,SP,Darjeeling.

A GJM leader,Prakash Gurung,was arrested for shutting down the power projects.

Sources said chief minister Mamata Banerjee is said to have directed the administration and the police to keep the two projects operational.

Meanwhile,five persons were arrested in connection with Friday’s arson attacks. Besides setting a police camp at Pokhriabong ablaze,GJM supporters set afire two policemen guarding the camp.

The constables have been identified as Binsen Baraili and Amber Manger.

Both were taken to a local hospital where Amber was released after fast-aid while Binsen’s condition is reportedly better Saturday.