Siliguri, Feb. 7, : Violence broke out in Siliguri during a 24-hour strike called by an outfit demanding autonomy on Saturday.

The indigenous Gorkha people have been demanding a separate state within West Bengal.

Police officials said the situation turned violent in Siliguri when the locals chased armed protesters under the banner of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM).

The shutdown was called to protest the recent violence on tribal people in the State.

Police officials said 12 people were arrested for inciting violence.

"Protestors were coming from the north side holding knives. Police had to resort to baton charge and teargas shell to control the situation. 12 people have been arrested," Deputy Superintendent of police Pradip Dutta said.

Gorkha people have been demanding for a separate state from a long time. (ANI)