Centre forms committee to work on 'permanent political solution' to Gorkha identity issue

The Centre has set up a committee to prepare an agreement and settle the modalities for a “permanent political solution” to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas. The decision followed a tripartite meeting on Saturday involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gorkha leaders and the West Bengal government.

Centre moves on Gorkha political solution

The talks centred on the BJP’s promise of a “permanent political solution” to the long-pending demands of people in the hills, including recognition of their distinct identity under the Constitution. Pankaj Kumar Singh, former deputy national security advisor and the government’s interlocutor, will head the committee preparing the proposed agreement.

Also Read: Amit Shah pledges constitutional resolution to Gorkhaland issue without dividing Bengal

"All issues relating to the hill population of West Bengal were discussed in detail. Their demands pertaining to a distinct identity, a permanent political solution and recognition under the Constitution of India were taken up. The Union Home Minister promised a permanent political solution soon under the umbrella of the Constitution," a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said.

"To finalise modalities, it was decided to form a committee under Shri Pankaj Kumar Singh, former deputy national security advisor and current interlocutor, to finalise the details regarding the final agreement that will be drafted towards a permanent political solution for the people of the hill areas of West Bengal under the Constitution of India," the statement added.

Shah promises funding

Shah also promised to sympathetically consider other demands raised by the community. "He said that adequate funding from the Centre will ensure all pending issues are taken care of," the communication added.

Also Read: Gorkhaland demand: Centre appoints Pankaj Kumar Singh as interlocutor for talks

The meeting was held at a hotel in Sukna in the Darjeeling foothills on the third and final day of Shah’s visit to West Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, hill-based political leaders, state ministers, BJP MLAs and other stakeholders attended.

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung, Roshan Giri, Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief Mann Ghisingh, BJP MPs Raju Bista and Harshvardhan Singla, MoS Hill Affairs Bishal Lama, and MLAs Bharat Chettri, Sonam Lama and Noman Rai were among those present.

Pankaj Kumar Singh to lead committee

In October 2025, the MHA appointed Singh, a retired IPS officer and former DG, BSF, as government interlocutor for issues concerning the Darjeeling hills, Dooars and Terai. He was deputy national security advisor from 2023-25.

Bista said the meeting coincided with the date of the 1988 Gorkha accord. The agreement between the Centre, West Bengal government and GNLF led to the creation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) after an agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state.

Gorkha leaders seek constitutional framework

"The history of struggle of the hill communities spans over four decades during which the previous Left and TMC government trampled over the aspirations of the hill people. The sacrifice made by our people involves nearly 2,000 people who were martyred, over 5,000 people displaced and women tortured and raped," he alleged.

Giri said the Gorkha leadership backed a constitutional solution.

Also Read: Bengal govt absent from Gorkha talks, Centre tells Lok Sabha

"Union Home Minister Amit Shah has clearly said that whatever solution is reached to address the issue will have to be under the constitutional framework. I am in favour of a constitutional solution and have put forward my suggestions in accordance with that," he told reporters.

Previous arrangements, including the DGHC and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), have arguably failed to secure lasting peace, economic prosperity and political stability in the region.

(With agency inputs)