Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee underscored that the hill districts have remained peaceable and harmonious since her authorities got here to energy in 2011, attributing this stability to sustained and collaborative efforts.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing “shock and shock” over the Centre’s unilateral appointment of a retired Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Pankaj Kumar Singh, as interlocutor on points regarding Gorkhas in Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars. She urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the choice, stating that the state authorities had not been consulted on the matter.
Questions lack of session with state authorities
In her two-page letter, Banerjee stated the appointment was made with out prior session, calling it inconsistent with the spirit of cooperative federalism. She identified that the issues underneath dialogue straight relate to the governance and stability of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), an autonomous physique functioning underneath the state authorities. “Such unilateral motion is inconsistent with the spirit of cooperative federalism that types one of many foundational ideas of our Structure,” she famous.
Highlights peaceable progress underneath state’s management
Banerjee emphasised that peace and concord have prevailed within the hill districts since her authorities assumed workplace in 2011, crediting steady and collective efforts for sustaining stability. She cautioned that any choice taken with out state involvement might jeopardize the delicate peace within the area.
Reiterates the importance of the 2011 Tripartite Settlement
The Chief Minister recalled the formation of the GTA by way of a Tripartite Settlement signed on July 18, 2011, between the Authorities of India, the Authorities of West Bengal, and the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) in Darjeeling. The settlement aimed to foster socio-economic and cultural growth within the hill areas whereas safeguarding the distinct ethnic identification of the Gorkha neighborhood.
Banerjee reiterated that every one future initiatives regarding the neighborhood or the GTA area should contain the state authorities to make sure sustained peace and inclusivity.
Appeals for revocation of appointment
Concluding her letter, Banerjee requested Prime Minister Modi to rethink and revoke the appointment, underscoring that cooperative decision-making between the Centre and the state is significant for sustaining belief and concord in delicate areas just like the Darjeeling Hills.