GJM activists foiled an attempt by a youth to attack their leader Bimal Gurung at a public meeting in Kalimpong in Darjeeling district, police said on Saturday. The youth, Anuj Rai, carrying a knife, was intercepted by the GJM activists at the meeting venue yesterday and handed over to police, Superintendent of Police D P Singh said.

Angry GJM supporters last night ransacked three houses, including that of Rai, but the situation was brought under control by the police.

Police suspect that Rai attacked Gurung to revenge forced ouster of his brother, a former GNLF councillor, from the hills by GJM.