Darjeeling: Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa met Centre-appointed interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh on Wednesday, in a meeting that assumed political significance. Thapa's party, the Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM), has been an ally of the Trinamool Congress, and Thapa had previously refused to meet the interlocutor.
Background of the Meeting
Singh was appointed as the Centre's interlocutor in October last year and had visited Darjeeling in January. At that time, Thapa declined to meet him, labelling the appointment as "politically motivated" and "aimed at influencing assembly elections" in West Bengal.
Details of the Discussion
On Wednesday, Thapa stated that he met Singh in his capacity as GTA chief executive. "I met the interlocutor at Takdah Forest Guest House. The meeting lasted around 45 minutes. We deliberated on the issue of a permanent political solution for Darjeeling. The meeting was cordial and constructive," Thapa said. He added, "Many issues concerning the Hills were discussed. They expressed concern for the Hills. It was a positive discussion."
Alongside Thapa, Singh also met GNLF president Mann Ghising, IGJF Ajoy Edwards, and representatives of several political and apolitical organisations. Singh's visit coincided with that of state minister Agnimitra Paul, who held meetings with district administrations of Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Previous Engagement with State Government
Singh had earlier met Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and senior officials of the Bengal government on June 4. This marked the first engagement of the state government with the Centre's interlocutor on the question of a permanent political solution for the Hills.
Centre's Commitment
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, while campaigning for the BJP ahead of the state elections, had stated that the Centre was committed to finding a permanent political solution for the Darjeeling hills within the constitutional framework. The BJP has also promised Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for 11 Gorkha communities.
