26/01/2026
Press Release
26 January 2026
Ajay Edwards meets Interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh
Only the formation of a Gorkhaland state can resolve the problems of Indian Gorkhas
I have placed before Interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh that only the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland can resolve the problems of us Indian Gorkhas. Today, at the Railway Guest House, I met former IPS officer and Interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh. During a meeting that lasted for more than one hour, I clearly stated that only the formation of a separate state of Gorkhaland can provide a long-term solution to the problems faced by Indian Gorkhas. I emphasized before Interlocutor Singh that there is no other permanent solution except a separate Gorkhaland state.
Being both a political party leader and an elected representative, I would like to point out that more than three and a half years have passed since the formation of the GTA Assembly Board. The present GTA Assembly Board will complete its five-year tenure in June 2027. However, in these three and a half years, the present GTA Assembly Board has convened the official GTA Assembly only three times. Even those sessions were called as emergency meetings due to natural disasters and similar incidents in the Darjeeling hills, and that too under pressure from us opposition members. Sadly, during the GTA Assembly sessions, GTA Chief Anit Thapa hardly stays for more than five to ten minutes and leaves citing one excuse or another.
The GTA is deeply mired in corruption. Had the state government, as per the 2011 agreement, empowered the GTA Assembly to function independently and effectively, some amount of development might have taken place. If those holding positions in the GTA had worked honestly by building a proper system, there could have been some development in the hills. Due to the lack of development, the hills are in a state of neglect, and the condition of tea gardens is becoming worse day by day.
The issue of a separate Gorkhaland state should not be led by political parties alone. All social organizations and those who have been working for Gorkhaland should also lead the demand for its formation. Gorkhaland-dedicated leaders from the hills, Terai, and Dooars have formed a joint forum under the leadership of senior advocate Prabhakar Dewan. Interlocutor Pankaj Kumar Singh should also give time to meet them. The leaders involved in this joint forum have no connection with elections and have no association with Lal Kothi. They are committed to the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state, and therefore, without haste, they can take this issue to its logical conclusion.
After the movement of 1986, the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council was formed in 1988. Similarly, after the movement that began in 2007, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was formed in 2011. However, in neither of these systems was a hundred percent roster implemented. Reservation for Scheduled Tribes and other communities has not been provided. In all administrative systems formed across India, roster systems have been implemented, but it is extremely unfortunate that the systems given to the Darjeeling hills do not have roster implementation.
Most areas of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars are occupied by tea gardens, yet the condition of the workers employed in these tea gardens is extremely poor. With a daily wage of only ₹220, they are forced to sustain their families. Till date, minimum wages have not been implemented, which is a matter of great concern.
In the coming days, I plan to issue a white paper on all these issues.
Ajay Edwards
Convener
Central Committee
Indian Gorkha Janashakti Front
Central Office, Darjeeling