Home Minister Amit Shah and CM Suvendu Adhikari at a meeting with representatives of hill areas of Bengal, in Siliguri on Saturday. ANIThe Centre on Saturday constituted a committee to find a “permanent political solution” to the Gorkha identity issue in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas, officials said following a key meeting of Gorkha leaders with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and West Bengal government in Siliguri.The new panel has been tasked with preparing a report on resolving the Gorkha issue within the Constitutional framework, and submit its findings to the Centre. The MHA statement said, “All issues relating to the hill population of West Bengal were discussed in detail. Their demands pertaining to a distinct identity, a permanent political solution and recognition under the Constitution of India were taken up. The Union Home Minister promised a permanent political solution soon under the umbrella of the Constitution. He also promised to sympathetically look into all other demands of the community and said that adequate funding from the Centre will ensure all pending issues are taken care of.”The meeting was attended by CM Suvendu Adhikari and leaders of parties of the hills and other stakeholders of the region. The panel will be led by former deputy NSA Pankaj Kumar Singh. He was appointed by MHA as interlocutor for issues relating to the Darjeeling hills, Dooars and Terai in 2025.Shah addressed the demand for ST status for 11 Gorkha communities and presented a blueprint for fulfilling their demands. On X, he said, “…Reiterated that under the leadership of PM Modi Ji, the government is firmly committed to addressing these issues. Assured them every possible effort will be made to address legitimate aspirations within the framework of the Constitution.”Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on InstagramTags:Amit ShahKolkata