Demanding release of some of their supporters, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) workers went on a rampage on Friday and set fire to the house of a GNLF leader in Darjeeling district. Police had to lathicharge to bring the situation under control.

After holding a meeting, GJM supporters took out a procession to the residence of local GNLF leader Rajen Mukhia at Panighata, about 35 km from Siliguri and set his house on fire, said IGP (North Bengal) K L Tamta.

Police fired teargas shells to disperse the supporters who attacked the police with stones, Tamta said, adding 15 policemen were injured, seven of them seriously.

State Home Secretary Ardhendu Sen said that the attack on Mukhia’s house could lead to repercussions.

GJM general secretary, meanwhile, Roshan Giri has called an indefinite strike in the Darjeeling hills from Saturday to protest the lathicharge, which he termed as unprovoked. On July 8, some GJM supporters had attacked Mukhia’s house following which three of them were arrested. The GJM had observed a 12-hour strike in Kurseong on Thursday demanding unconditional release of their supporters.