What happened in Siliguri (24 August 2026)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a stakeholder meeting in Siliguri in West Bengal with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari. Senior representatives of the Union Government and the State Government were present, along with political representatives and leaders from multiple organizations linked to hill areas of West Bengal.

The meeting discussed issues faced by the hill population of West Bengal, focusing on demands related to a distinct identity, a Permanent Political Solution, and recognition under the Constitution of India. Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised a Permanent Political solution soon under the umbrella of the Constitution of India and said that the Union Government will look sympathetically into other community demands, with adequate Central funding to address pending issues.

To finalize the modalities for a final agreement toward a Permanent Political Solution under the Constitution of India, the meeting decided to form a committee under Pankaj Kumar Singh, former Deputy National Security Advisor and current interlocutor.

The meeting included participation of named political representatives and organization leaders: MP Raju Bista, MP Harshvardhan Singla, Minister for Hills Bishal Lama, GJM leader Bimal Gurung, GNLF leader Mann Ghising, MLA Bharat Chettri, MLA Sonam Lama, MLA Noman Rai, CPRM leader J.B. Rai, GoRaNiMo leader Dawa Pakhrin, and Sumetee leader Bikash Rai.

Background and earlier position on hill-area demands

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