As the news reached Kolkata, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee held a meeting where home secretary, chief secretary and the DGP were present. The CM has asked the administration to ensure security of all the political leaders in the hills.

Sources said the government would try to send additional forces to guard political leaders who are being targeted by the Morcha activists.

Already, three companies of central forces are deployed to guard the National Highway connecting the region to Sikkim. “The forces from the highway can not be withdrawn. We are sending a report to the Centre explaining the situation in the hills following the incident,” said a senior officer.

State Urban Development Minister Ashok Bhattacharya, who took part in the tripartite talks, said the murder may derail the talks. “I feel it would have a negative impact on the ongoing talks,” he said.

CPM state secretary Biman Bose alleged that Gorkha Janamukti Morcha has links with the Trinamool Congress. “The Trinamool cannot deny that it had earlier encouraged the outfit for electoral gains,” Bose said.