Siliguri (West Bengal) [India], August 22 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday held a security meeting regarding the Siliguri Corridor.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari was also present.
Eariler today, Shah also held a meeting with MPs, MLAs, and prominent leaders from the Gorkha community in West Bengal's Siliguri.
Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) General Secretary Roshan Giri said a committee will be formed which will submit the next proposal to the Government of India.
"HM Amit Shah has clearly stated that any resolution to the issue will be a constitutional one. A committee will be formed under the leadership of interlocutor Pankaj Singh, which will submit the next proposal to the Government of India," Giri said after the meeting.
BJP MP Khagen Murmu said the meeting focused on the threats facing North Bengal and attempts to separate North Bengal from the rest of the region.
"Our HM has been staying in Siliguri, North Bengal, for the past few days. Discussions are underway regarding the various problems facing the region. Following the detailed briefing provided by the HM yesterday, meetings are continuing today with officials to determine how to address and resolve these issues. Essentially, the focus is on the threats facing North Bengal, the targeting of the 'Chicken's Neck' corridor, and attempts to separate North Bengal from the rest of the region. The discussion centers on how to halt these efforts and effectively counter them...," the BJP MP said.
Following the meeting, BJP MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla said, "...Home Minister visited Siliguri and held a meeting. Representatives from the Gorkha community were present, as were numerous officials and CM Suvendu Adhikari; it was a good meeting that paved the way for a positive outcome. The process of finding the solution we seek regarding the Gorkhaland issue has now begun. A committee is to be formed; he indicated that this committee would operate under the leadership of our Gorkhaland interlocutor, Pankaj, to examine the matter in detail. No specific timeframe could be stated, as this is just the beginning; we cannot say anything definitive right now. There will be 100% security at the Siliguri Corridor, which is a very important issue, and every step will be taken to ensure development, meeting the aspirations, etc., through which we can fully guarantee the security of the Siliguri."
On Friday, Amit Shah joined Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel for 'Bada Khana' in Siliguri, West Bengal. 'Bada Khana', as Shah described, is a tradition in which jawans and officers of the security forces share a meal together.
"Today, joined the Sashastra Seema Bal for the 'Bada Khana' in Siliguri, West Bengal. It is a tradition among India's security forces in which jawans and officers share a meal together, strengthening their bond and rejuvenating their shared purpose," Shah posted on X, sharing a glimpse of the event.