Leaders of the Darjeeling Hills on Saturday met former deputy national security adviser Pankaj Kumar Singh, appointed by the Union Home Ministry as interlocutor for the region, and placed an “unequivocal demand for the creation of Gorkhaland as a full-fledged state.”
Singh, on his first visit to Darjeeling, arrived on Friday and held a series of meetings with hill leaders the following day.
Representatives of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) told Singh that if statehood is not granted, a Union Territory with full legislative powers must be considered. They also pressed for tribal status for 11 Gorkha sub-tribes.
GJM chief Bimal Gurung and general secretary Roshan Giri submitted a letter.
“The Gorkhas of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Terai and Dooars have, for decades, articulated their democratic and constitutional aspiration for a permanent political and administrative solution that ensures dignity, security, development, and preservation of their distinct socio-cultural identity within the Indian Union. Despite multiple arrangements and assurances over time, the core issues remain unresolved, leading to persistent uncertainty and alienation among the people,” the letter stated.
“In this context, we respectfully place before you our unequivocal demand for the creation of Gorkhaland as a full-fledged State within the Constitution of India. This demand is rooted not in separatism, but in the legitimate federal principle of administrative efficiency, historical injustice, and the right to self-governance within the Indian democratic framework,” it added.
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The letter further stated: “If statehood is not considered feasible at this juncture, the alternative must be the creation of a Union Territory with full legislative powers, akin to other Union Territories with legislatures. Any arrangement falling short of legislative authority would not address the political aspirations or governance needs of the region and would only perpetuate instability.”
It also highlighted the long-pending demand for tribal status for 11 Gorkha sub-tribes. “While several Gorkha communities have been granted Scheduled Tribe status after due process, the exclusion of these 11 sub-tribes has resulted in social and constitutional inequity among closely related communities with shared histories, customs, and anthropological characteristics,” the letter said.
Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba welcomed Singh and submitted a memorandum, calling the visit of “historic significance.” BJP Lok Sabha MP Raju Bista also met Singh, urging inclusive talks for regional aspirations.
The Union Home Ministry had appointed Singh as interlocutor on November 10, 2025. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the appointment “completely unconstitutional and arbitrary.”
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