Following the clash, the GJM has called a 24-hour bandh in Darjeeling district on Monday.

District administration sources said the trouble started at Bihar More near Bagdogra when an altercation between non-Nepalis and the GJM activists turned into a clash. The police had to resort to lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the clashing sides.

The GJM has blamed the CPM cadres for instigating the violence. The CPM has, however, claimed that the clash was the result of inconvenience caused to the locals by the GJM activists who had blocked the NH-31 for several days.

“Fifteen to 20 of GJM activists were injured in the clash. Even our activists on hunger strike at Naxalbari were gheraoed by the CPM cadres. We have been asked to approach the Chief Minister for permission to hold the Naxalbari meeting. The district administration refused to grant us permission when we approached them on May 25. The attitude of the state government is appalling,” said GJM general secretary Roshan Giri.

Following the bandh call, District Magistrate, Darjeeling held a meeting with , senior police officers till late on Sunday evening to review the security in the district. IGP (North Bengal) Kundan Lal Tamta said the administration has decided not to use excessive force against the protesting people.