A number of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha banners and flags with the picture of party chief Bimal Gurung, removed from a party office in Kalimpong on its 11th foundation day earlier this month, were restored on Friday.

According to source close to GJM, the incident took place in district’s Damber Chowk after the dead body of the arrested GJM leader Barun Bhujel was brought to the local party office.

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Bhujel, a GJM councillor from Kalimpong, was arrested in June for his alleged involvement in violence in the Hills during the 104-day long shutdown in the region. He passed away in Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital on Wednesday under judicial custody.

Meanwhile, the town of Kalimpong remained largely shut for the second day as locals paid tribute to the GJM leader and the body was taken around in a large procession.

“Several locals and GJM activists gathered today to pay their last respect to Bhujel. Most of them were in shock as his health was completely sound during his arrest. People here feel this is not a natural death,” GJM leader Kalyan Dewan said.

“Most of the shops here were closed today during the procession. Though the vehicles plied on the street, the overall mood was somber for the leader’s death,” he said.

GJM chief Gurung who is in a hideout, had condoled the death of Bhujel and urged the Gorkha agitators to hit the streets in an audio message on Wednesday. Later the youth wing of GJM, also called for a strike.

“The strike that happened in here was spontaneous. People in genera are in a shock at the sudden death of the local leader,” Dewan added.