Fourteen more Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters were arrested as the indefinite bandh called by GJM to demand a separate state entered the tenth day today in Darjeeling hills of West Bengal disrupting normal life.
A police team led by additional superintendent of police last night arrested a top GJM trade union leader Sumir Tirua as well as a woman activist Gita Chetri, taking the total number of those held to 182.
A total of 14 persons were arrested since last night including, five persons on charges of indulging in arson, the police said.
The GJM has ruled out negotiations with the state government on their demand and insisted they will only sit for talks with the Centre.
An all-party meeting convened by the GJM on the issue is scheduled today. Among the parties who have confirmed their participation are the opposition CPI(M), GNLF, Gorkha Task Forces and Gorkha Nirman Parishad.
