The Union home ministry’s decision to convene a meeting regarding an accord for Tripura’s tribals in Delhi on Tuesday has led to cries of neglect being echoed by the BJP alliance in Darjeeling.

According to a notice issued by the Union ministry of home affairs, a meeting of the joint working committee constituted in pursuance of a tripartite agreement will be held in Delhi on December 12.

The tripartite agreement was signed between the Centre, the Tripura state government and The Indigenous Progressive Regional Alliance commonly called the Tipra Motha, which was founded by the royal scion-politician Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, on March 2, 2024.

The agreement, also known as the Tiprasa Accord, gives special focus to resolving issues pertaining to history, land rights, political rights, economic development, identity, culture and language of Tripura tribals.

Following the Tripura development, BJP allies in Darjeeling hills have started voicing their concerns aloud.

Neeraj Zimba, secretary-general of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) who won the Darjeeling Assembly seat on a BJP ticket led the chorus.

“The recent strides made by the Union home ministry in addressing the aspirations of the Tiprasa community through the TIPRASA Accord is a commendable step toward inclusive governance and the fulfillment of regional aspirations. However, this progress starkly contrasts with the persistent neglect of the Indian Gorkhas — a community whose political legacy and legitimate demands are among the oldest and the most deserving in the history of modern India,” read Zimba’swritten statement.

The BJP, which has been winning the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat since 2009 has promised tribal status to 11 Gorkha communities and a permanent political solution (PPS). Even though the BJP has not defined PPS, many in the hills construe it to be the Gorkhaland state.

“Forget about finding a permanent political solution, in our case even a dialogue has not been started,” Zimba told this correspondent.

The hill allies are further peeved that the top BJP leaders do not fail to raise these issues before every election.

“Time and again, top brass BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister, the home minister, and the BJP president, have publicly announced their commitment to fulfilling the dreams of the Gorkha community. From national platforms to electoral rallies, these leaders have repeatedly assured the Gorkhas of a political resolution that addresses their aspirations,” stated Zimba. “Yet, despite such emphatic declarations, these promises remain unfulfilled.”

In August this year, the GNLF had put up black flags across the Darjeeling hills to protest against the Centre’s delay to look into the issues of the Indian Gorkhas.

Another group from Darjeeling under the banner Gorkhaland Activist Samuha has also decided to organise a dharna in Delhi on December 13 and 14 to pressfor Gorkhaland.

“Not just the government but also political parties are now silent on the demand but we will continue to put pressure on the government,” said Kishore Pradhan, theSamuha convener.