West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced strong opposition to the central government’s recent appointment of a retired IPS officer as an interlocutor for Gorkha-related issues in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Banerjee expressed surprise and shock, labeling the move ‘unilateral’ and a breach of cooperative federalism. She stated that the state government was not consulted before the decision was made. Banerjee highlighted that the issues pertain to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), an autonomous body operating under state jurisdiction. She emphasized that since 2011, her government has fostered peace and stability in the hill districts through collaborative efforts. The Chief Minister warned that such independent actions by the Centre could undermine the prevailing peace. She recalled the 2011 Tripartite Agreement that established the GTA, involving the Centre, the state, and the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM), aimed at socio-economic and cultural development. Banerjee stressed that any future initiatives concerning the Gorkha community or the GTA must involve the West Bengal government to ensure continued peace and inclusivity. She appealed to Prime Minister Modi to revoke the appointment, stressing the importance of joint decision-making for regional harmony.
