Riots in Darjeeling

In Darjeeling, West Bengal, in eastern India, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), an ethnically Gorkha separatist group, staged violent protests in late June after the state government made the Bengali language mandatory in schools. At least five protesters were killed and more than 100 people were injured, including 30 police officers.

The GJM, whose goal is the creation of an independent state of Gorkhaland, also committed to a month-long general strike throughout June during the height of the tourist season, leaving many travelers in the area without services.

The leader of the GJM called for the protests, saying that since most people in Darjeeling are not Bengali, they should not be required to learn Bengali. The Gorkha are a Nepali-speaking group.