This marks Singh’s first visit to the region since his appointment a few months ago by the Ministry of Home Affairs. After reaching Siliguri on Friday, he proceeded to the hills and is expected to remain in the region for at least five days. Sources indicated that his stay could be extended if required.
Political leaders across the hills and plains have expressed keen interest in meeting the interlocutor. Darjeeling BJP Member of Parliament Raju Bista has already met Singh and welcomed his arrival, describing the visit as an important step towards resolving long-standing regional issues through constitutional means.
Bista said he had been informed of the arrival of the Central Government’s representative and expressed hope that Singh would carry out his responsibilities impartially. He stated that all stakeholders would be taken along in the process to find a constitutional solution for the region and assured full cooperation from his side. Bista added that he was confident the interlocutor would be able to bring together political, social and community stakeholders for meaningful dialogue.
During their meeting, Bista highlighted the strategic and geopolitical importance of the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars, noting that the region borders Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, and lies in close proximity to China. He emphasised that these factors make the area vital from a national security perspective. Bista urged Singh to ensure that discussions remain fair, transparent and free from political bias, while renewing momentum in negotiations through inclusive participation.
Calling the engagement a crucial step forward, Bista said he remained optimistic that all stakeholders, including the West Bengal government, would participate constructively in the dialogue process. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for what he described as their continued commitment to resolving issues concerning the region.
Neeraj Zimba, MLA from Darjeeling, was among the first leaders to meet the interlocutor. Speaking to reporters, Zimba said that Singh was well aware of the problems faced by the Gorkhas and that an official memorandum had been submitted to him.
A separate delegation of the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) led by its Central Committee president Man Ghising also met Singh in Darjeeling. The party said detailed discussions were held on political and administrative issues concerning the Darjeeling hills, Terai, Dooars and Siliguri. The delegation presented the aspirations, rights, identity-related concerns and future vision of the Gorkha community in a positive and constructive manner, and described the meeting as a meaningful step towards sustained dialogue with the Central Government, including on development, administrative reforms and public sentiment.
Former Board of Administrators chairman Binay Tamang and Indian Gorkha Janshakti Front (IGJF) president Ajoy Edwards have also sought an appointment with the interlocutor.
After meeting the interlocutor, a Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) delegation comprising lof its President Bimal Gurung, leaders Roshan Giri, and Noman Rai stated that they had reiterated their demand for the creation of a separate Gorkhaland state encompassing the hills, Terai and Dooars as a permanent solution to Gorkha aspirations. As an alternative, they demanded Union Territory status with full legislative powers, similar to Puducherry and Delhi.
The delegation also demanded that all political parties, social organisations and tribal bodies from both hills and plains be consulted, and sought Scheduled Tribe status for 11 communities. They informed Singh that the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) and the GTA had failed to fulfil the aspirations of the Gorkha people.
On being questioned, Giri and Gurung clarified that the proposal for a Gorkhaland Territorial Region (GTR) was not their demand but an initiative of the Union Home Minister. The delegation said Singh had assured them that their demands would be included in his report to the Central Government.
While the appointment of an interlocutor is widely seen as politically advantageous for the BJP, opposition parties in the hills have refrained from publicly questioning the move, citing the sensitivity of the issue. Privately, however, several anti-BJP leaders have described the appointment as a cosmetic exercise ahead of the Assembly elections. One such leader remarked that if the Centre genuinely intended to resolve Darjeeling’s issues, an interlocutor would not be necessary.
The appointment has also drawn strong opposition from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Observers of hill politics suggested that Banerjee’s objections were also aimed at shaping a political narrative that the BJP-led Centre was attempting to divide West Bengal, a narrative emerging as the Assembly election campaign gains momentum.
Meanwhile, the BJP’s Darjeeling (Hills) district committee has announced a public meeting in Kurseong on January 26, further signalling heightened political activity in the region.