1 week ago

Gurung Insists Terai, Dooars Stay in Gorkha Settlement

Bimal Gurung is asking that two areas, called Terai and Dooars, be included in a future agreement about Gorkha political demands.

He said these areas must not be left out.

Gorkha leaders want at least 400 local administrative areas, called mouzas, to come under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

Gurung said more talks are still needed after a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

He said an agreement might come in a few months, but it could take one or two years.

Binoy Tamang thanked leaders for what he called a historic meeting.

Amit Shah said the government would consider the Gorkha community’s legitimate concerns within India’s Constitution.

The Home Ministry has created a committee to prepare a plan for a lasting political solution.

Key facts

Demand: Gorkha leaders want at least 400 mouzas in Terai and Dooars brought under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.
Gurung’s position: He said Terai and Dooars cannot be excluded from the settlement at any cost.
Recent meeting: Amit Shah met Gorkha MPs, MLAs, prominent political leaders, and the West Bengal chief minister in Siliguri on Saturday.
Possible timeline: Gurung said a settlement might occur within three or four months, while also allowing for one or two years if necessary.
Government position: Shah said the government would address legitimate Gorkha aspirations within the framework of the Constitution.
Committee: The Ministry of Home Affairs established a high-level committee chaired by Pankaj Kumar Singh.
Committee task: The committee will prepare a comprehensive framework for a permanent political solution to Gorkha issues.

thestatesman.com · 1 week ago