Centre’s Interlocutor Holds Consultations in Kalimpong Amid Protests and Statehood Demands

Delegations flag identity, land and employment concerns as activists object to remarks attributed to the interlocutor

KalimNews, January 28, 2026, Kalimpong: Pankaj Kumar Singh, the interlocutor appointed by the Government of India, arrived in Kalimpong yesterday after a stay in Darjeeling and put up at the Mayfair Hotel. He is scheduled to return today after holding meetings with representatives of several organisations.

During his visit, a delegation of the Gorkha Rashtriya Nirman Morcha (GRNM) met the interlocutor. Representatives of the National Gorkhaland Committee, along with members of other committees demanding statehood, also met Singh in Kalimpong.

Dawa Pakhrin of the GRNM stated that all regions in the North East that were earlier categorised under the Partially Excluded Areas and Absorbed Act, with the exception of Darjeeling, had subsequently been granted statehood. He told the interlocutor that the people of the region were facing an acute identity crisis and serious difficulties in protecting their land, pointing out that there were no restrictions on the sale of land to non-native persons. He added that, in the absence of effective remedies, agitation remained the only option to resolve these issues.

Members of the National Gorkhaland Committee and other statehood-seeking bodies said they had placed before the interlocutor their long-standing demand for statehood and separation from West Bengal. They submitted a prepared vision document detailing the structure and features of the proposed state. The delegations also drew the attention of the central government to the prolonged pendency of their demand, stating that despite repeated assurances, no concrete solution had been indicated and the matter continued to be delayed. They highlighted a range of problems affecting the population, including issues related to students, employment and others.

Outside the hotel, activist Bhavesh Bhujel staged a protest by displaying a black flag and remaining at the hotel gate where the interlocutor was staying. Speaking to reporters, Bhujel clarified that the protest was not against the interlocutor’s visit per se, but against what he described as a damaging statement made in connection with the visit. 

Bhujel referred to a press conference addressed a day earlier by Subodh Pakhrin of the Gorkha Rashtriya Congress, in which Pakhrin reportedly stated that his party’s delegation had informed the interlocutor that granting separate statehood could lead to an inclination among Gorkhas towards Nepal. 

According to Bhujel, Pakhrin further claimed that the interlocutor had admitted this concern and added that his visit to Darjeeling was intended to make the people understand this perspective. Bhujel described this assertion as harmful and contrary to the future interests of the Gorkha community, and said that his demonstration was directed against this narrative. He also remarked that the interlocutor’s visit appeared to him to be of a private nature as he is staying in a hotel.

According to the delegations, the interlocutor listened to their submissions and expressed hope for an early resolution. Singh is expected to return today, concluding his brief visit to Kalimpong.