Police on high alert after blasts in Bengal hills

Darjeeling, Aug 20: Police in northern West Bengal hills has been put on “high alert” and counter-insurgency strategies enforced after two major blasts in 24 hours in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, an official said on Sunday.

“All police stations have been put on high alert. The security protocol followed in insurgency-hit areas is being followed here,” Kalimpong Superintendent of Police Ajit Singh Yadav told IANS.

Civic volunteer Rakesh Raut was killed and a Home Guard and a Seema Sashastra Bal trooper were injured in a blast outside Kalimpong police station on Saturday night. The explosion occurred less than 24 hours after a blast in the heart of Darjeeling hill town that damaged a few shops and triggered tension.

Kalimpong District Magistrate Vishwath said prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Crimil Procedure had been imposed since August 10 for one month, adding that police was taking additiol measures for security. Tourism Minister Gautam Deb condemned the blasts and claimed the explosives were brought from outside the country. He said everyone should put aside political differences and come together to ensure security in north Bengal hills, which is critically positioned vis-a-vis neighbouring countries.

Police said the blast in Darjeeling was caused by an Improvised Explosive Device. A FIR was registered against three Morcha leaders, including GJM chief Bimal Gurung. Gurung said he had written to Union Home Minister Rajth Singh to demand a high-level inquiry into the blasts. (IANS)