Darjeeling, July 10

Another army column moved into Darjeeling hills, which remained tense but incident-free on Monday as supporters of Gorkhaland held protest rallies for a separate state.

An Army column of 50 personnel was deployed in Kalimpong last night, defence sources said.

Two columns of the Indian Army were sent to Darjeeling and Sonada on Saturday after large-scale violence and arson was reported in the area.

No incident of violence has been reported since Sunday night, officials said.

A rally was organised from the Darjeeling station to Singhmari area by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) — the organsation that is spearheading the campaign — demanding withdrawal of security forces from the hills and restoration of Internet services.

Internet services were suspended in Darjeeling and other violence-hit areas on June 18.

The GJM claimed seven supporters were killed in police firing since the protests began a month ago, including four on Saturday, but police contests the claim saying only two have died — including a truck driver whose vehicle was set ablaze — but “not a single shot” has been fired at protesters.

Security forces said they have been watching police stations, camps and outposts and entry and exit routes to prevent attacks by pro-Gorkhaland supporters.

Food supplies have run dry as indefinite strike entered its 26th day on Monday, prompting the GJM and various NGOs in the hills distribute them.

All shops except chemists, schools and colleges remained closed. PTI