Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, on Friday met with West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to discuss developments in Darjeeling so as to ensure peace and prosperity in the region, at Branch Secretariat in Siliguri.
Speaking at a press conference, CM Chamling said, “We deliberated on issues pertaining to the development of both Sikkim and West Bengal, including strengthening of tourism prospects in both the states. All issues and misunderstanding, if any, that had cropped up between Sikkim and West Bengal Governments, is a thing of the past and now all matters stand resolved.”
“We have agreed upon providing full co-operation to each other, and give support to progress and prosperity of our respective states. We have decided to work together for the development of Sikkim and West Bengal in the days to come.” Added the Sikkim CM.
The relations between the governments of the two states have deteriorated over the Gorkhaland agitation.
CM Banerjee and the state administration have in recent months accused Sikkim of helping pro-Gorkhaland Gorkha Janmukti Morcha supremo Bimal Gurung to evade arrest.
Only last month, Mamata Banerjee alleged that Sikkim was “fomenting trouble” in northern West Bengal’s Darjeeling. However, the mountainous state’s ruling party Sikkim Democratic Front “condemned” her for levelling such allegations and claimed the agitation in Darjeeling had nothing to do with Sikkim.