Kolkata, Oct 18: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposing the Union government’s decision to appoint former Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) and ex-Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF), Pankaj Kumar Singh, as an interlocutor for tripartite talks on a permanent political solution to the Gorkhaland statehood demand.
In her letter, Banerjee expressed shock over the appointment, stating that the decision was taken unilaterally without consulting the state government, even though the matter directly concerns the governance, peace, and administrative stability of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) region—an autonomous body under the West Bengal government.
“I am surprised and shocked to know that the Union government has appointed retired IPS officer Pankaj Kumar Singh as an interlocutor to hold discussions on the issues relating to the Gorkhas in Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars regions of West Bengal,” the Chief Minister wrote.
Banerjee emphasized that such a move undermines the principle of cooperative federalism, which is a cornerstone of India’s constitutional framework. She maintained that the peace and harmony prevailing in the hills today are the result of consistent efforts made by her government since 2011 to restore stability and development in the region.
“The state government believes that any initiative concerning the Gorkha community or the GTA region must be taken in full consultation with the West Bengal government to ensure peace and stability,” she wrote.
The Chief Minister cautioned that any unilateral action in this sensitive matter could disturb the hard-earned peace in north Bengal. Concluding her letter, Banerjee urged the Prime Minister to reconsider and revoke the decision to appoint the interlocutor in the larger interest of maintaining harmony and cooperative governance.
