The police in northern West Bengal hills have been put on "high alert" and counter-insurgency strategies enforced after two blasts in 24 hours in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, an official said
Officials investigate the blast site after an explosion near a motor-stand in Darjeeling on Saturday. Pic/PTI
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The police in northern West Bengal hills have been put on "high alert" and counter-insurgency strategies enforced after two blasts in 24 hours in Darjeeling and Kalimpong, an official said.
"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 said, adding, "New types of weapons have been issued to policemen."
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.
"A high-intensity explosive was used in Kalimpong," the official said.
Kalimpong District Magistrate Vishwanath said, "Section 144 (of CrPC) has been imposed within a radius of 100 metres of all government properties in Kalimpong from August 10 to September 10. Additional security is in place."
Tourism Minister Gautam Deb condemned the blasts and claimed explosives were brought from outside India.
He said everyone should put aside political differences and unite to ensure security in north Bengal hills.
Both blasts took place on the 69th day of the indefinite shutdown called by the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha.
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