By Admin 
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the interlocutor on Gorkha-related issues was appointed without consulting the West Bengal government. He demanded from PM Modi to immediately cancel the appointment of these negotiators.
Why did CM Mamata Banerjee get angry at the central government?
Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said, “I have expressed surprise at the Government of India unilaterally appointing an interlocutor for issues related to the Gorkhas in the Darjeeling Hills, Terai and Dooars regions of West Bengal. The West Bengal government stands that any initiative related to the Gorkha community or the GTA area should be taken only in full consultation with the state government, so that hard-earned peace and harmony can be maintained in the region.”
Any unilateral action in this sensitive matter will not be in the interest of peace and harmony in the region. “Appointing an arbitrator without involving the State is against the spirit of the federal structure.”
Why was GTA formed?
He said, “Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed following a tripartite agreement signed on July 18, 2011 in Darjeeling between the Government of India, the Government of West Bengal and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in the presence of the then Honorable Union Home Minister and the Chief Minister of West Bengal.”
He said, “The GTA was formed to ensure the socio-economic, infrastructure, educational, cultural and linguistic development of the hilly areas and also to protect the ethnic identity of the Gorkhas and promote peaceful existence among all the communities, which is the hallmark of the unity and harmony of the hills.”
The Chief Minister said that peace and harmony prevail in the hill districts of the state, which has been possible due to the continuous efforts made by his government after coming to power in 2011. He said that we are committed to continue our positive efforts in this direction.
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