New Delhi, Aug 11 - The centre, the West Bengal government and representatives of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), at their tripartite talks here Tuesday, agreed in principle to do away with the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) and set up an alternative framework.

'It was agreed in principle to the repeal of the DGHC Act, 1988. The repeal of the Act would be processed as soon as an alternative administrative framework is finalised through mutual consultations and agreement,' said a home ministry statement.

'The government announced the appointment of an interlocutor to carry forward the discussions held during the third round of tripartite talks and both the state government and the GJM welcomed the same,' said a ministry official.

The GJM has been spearheading a movement for a separate Gorkhaland state, led by its president Bimal Gurung. The organisation has been mobilising a movement in the hills for a separate state, besides opposing the Sixth Schedule status for Darjeeling district.

The central government in 2005 conferred the Sixth Schedule status on the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF)-led Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) that ensures greater autonomy to the governing body. The area has been witnessing violence on the issue for the last two years.