A police officer was today stabbed to death by protesters during fresh clashes that erupted in Darjeeling after the son of a lawmaker was arrested and a senior Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader's house was allegedly vandalised last night. Both protesters and security personnel were injured in the clashes. A police vehicle was also set on fire by protesters.

As GJM supporters threw stones, bottles and even petrol bombs at security forces prompting them to lathi-charge and use teargas shells, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called it a conspiracy and said that "insurgency groups are supporting the GJM

Whatever is happening is a deep-rooted conspiracy. Assistant Commandant Kirem Tamang was stabbed to death by protesters. We are really shocked. We urge the GJM to promote peace," said Ms Banerjee while reacting to the protests that turned violent in Darjeeling.

The Army had to be called in to control the situation. The police are on high alert and security forces are conducting route marches in various parts of the hills.