SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Nov 15-21, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

US favours dialogue, not independence for Tibet: Obama

Beijing, Nov 14: US President Barack Obama said he favours direct dialogue – not independence – to resolve the Tibet issue."We recognise Tibet as part of the People's Republic of China. We are not in favour of independence," Obama said shortly after announcing that US and China had reached a deal to curb greenhouse gases.

At a joint news conference at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping praised their landmark joint plan to curb carbon emissions, which includes targets for reduction of emissions in the United States and an ambitious first-time commitment by China to stop its emissions growing by 2030. Also highlighted were agreements on cyber security, trade and regional security.

Speaking on cooperation between the two nations Obama said, "When the US and China are able to work together effectively, the whole world benefits."

On the subject of human rights, Xi said China has made progress on human rights but said there was always room for improvement. Obama highlighted America's strong support for human rights of all people but said the US does not favour Tibetan independence from China.

This is not the first time Obama has said the US does not support Tibetan independence. On 21 February 2014, President Obama met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Washington DC, despite objections from China. According to a statement from the White House, Obama reiterated that the US position is that Tibet is part of the People's Republic of China and the United States does not support Tibet independence, Tibet Post reported.

Obama stressed that he encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that gets results for China and Tibetans would be positive.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama told Obama in February that he is not seeking independence for Tibet and hopes that dialogue between his representatives and the Chinese government will resume. Both agreed on the importance of a positive and constructive relationship between the United States and China.

Arms haul in Assam points to new Gorkha militant outfit

Darjeeling, Nov 14: A huge cache of arms and ammunition, meant to be supplied to a newly formed underground outfit of the Gorkhas in Darjeeling was seized in Assam on Saturday. Two people have been arrested in this connection.

They have been identified as Ganesh Chettri, resident of Baksa district of Assam, and Umesh Kami. The two allegedly have links with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland.

The discovery has led to increase in surprise checks along the West Bengal border, especially in the districts of Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar. Police are conducting surprise checks at all major thoroughfares, bus stands and other transit points here, The Hindustan Times reported.

The seizure comes at a time when the state is already battling cross border terrorism from Bangladesh and has become a hub for terrorist cells.

A team of the West Bengal police and intelligence agencies has reached Assam and is interrogating the arrested accused. “They were arrested on Sunday and have been charged under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Indian Penal Code. They are being interrogated and will be produced at the Bongaigaon Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Assam on Monday,” Ranjan Bhuiyan, Superintendent of Police, Chirang, said. The police are expected to plead for their custody.

On the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday, a vehicle bearing a Darjeeling number plate (WB74A 4788) was intercepted in Chirang district of Assam while on its way from Dimapur in Nagaland to West Bengal. A routine search by the police led to the discovery of the cache of arms and ammunition.

The seized cache includes highly sophisticated M16 Rifle, seven pistols, including 0.32 and 9mm, 300 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 80 rounds of AK47 ammunition, 198 rounds of M16 ammunition and 16 rounds of bullets for 0.32 pistol.

Citation on Ganju Lama gate wrong: Statesman

Gangtok, Nov 14: Ningthoukhong, where the Late Ganju Lama of the 7^th Gorkha Rifle, who won the coveted Victoria Cross for bravery while battling the Japanese during the 2^nd World War, is not in Burma/Myanmar but located in Manipur.

The citation on Ganju Lama’s plaques (English and Hindi) at the Ganju Lama Dwar (gate) here have erroneously shown Ningthoukhong as part of Burma, Yambem Laba, Manipur-based Special Correspondent of The Statesman, has said in an article in the newspaper (Nov 10, 2014).

The citation reads: “On 12^th Jun 1944, the Japanese put down an intense artillery barrage lasing an hour on own positions north of the village Mingthoukhong in Burma.”

    “It is also not known whether Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, who inaugurated the gate on 1 November 2013, read what was written on the plaque. It was like describing Amritsar to be in Pakistan. Ningthoukhong is just 30 km south of Manipur’s capital, Imphal, on the way to Loktak Lake,” the article said.

The citation on the plaques describe how “on 12 June 1944, Rifleman Ganju Lama of the 7th Gorkha Rifles, thwarted a major Japanese artillery assault by five medium tanks that overran a number of British/Allied bunkers at Ningthoukhong where the Gorkha soldiers also fought hand to hand with their khukris and the Japanese wielding samurai swords.

It goes on to describe how Ganju Lama, in spite of having a broken wrist and wounded, took the initiative, without regard for his own personal safety and knocked out two Japanese tanks with his projectile infantry anti-tank gun. He continued to fire on the Japanese, killing a number of them and maiming others, before he was evacuated. And for this he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honour for valour beyond the call of duty, awarded by the British Crown to soldiers serving under it,” the Statesman article said

Making Sikkim Subject Certificate mandatory will safeguard ‘distinct identity’, check influx: Sangha MLA

Gangtok, Nov 14: Responding positively to the Chamling Government’s decision to safeguard the rights and interests of bonafide Sikkimese possessing Sikkim Subject Certificates, Sangha MLA Sonam Lama said such steps would go a long way in safeguarding Sikkim’s ‘distinct identity within the Union’ and checking influx.

In a press statement, Lama, who is one of the ten legislators of the Opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) said “I congratulate and thank the present government” for making it mandatory the production of Sikkim Subject Certificate (SSC) or Certificate of Identification (CoI) by Sikkimese women seeking to avail of certain benefits from the government.

During a recent meeting of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Legislature Party it was

decided that SSC or CoI be made mandatory for those who wish to get government jobs, trade

licenses and government benefits.

It was also decided CoI would be issued only to girls/women born in Sikkim marrying Sikkimese and not to women from outside the State marrying Sikkimese men.

The decision by the ruling party to introduce work permit system for non-Sikkimese working in the State has been welcomed by the Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP).

SNPP President Biraj Adhikari said his party not only “endorses the government’s effort” but “expects concrete rules to implement this initiative at the earliest.”

Tibetans in India entitled for central, state welfare schemes: Gyari

Gangtok, Nov 14: The Home Minister of the Tibetan exiled-government Dolma Gyari has welcomed the Centre’s recent decision to entitle Tibetans residing in India to become beneficiries           

In what is considered to be a landmark decision, Government of India recently formalised the Tibetan Rehabilitation Policy 2014.

Gyari, who was here recently for a women’s empowerment function, said she received a copy of 7-paged document concerning the policy.

The Tibetan Rehabilitation policy makes clear the entitlements of Tibetans relating to their welfare in India. The guidelines include the extension of land lease agreements, and the benefits available to the Tibetans under central and state government welfare schemes. The policy also grants Tibetans the right to undertake economic activity and pursue any job for which they are professionally qualified; these can include nursing, engineering, accounting, medicine, etc.

There are over 100,000 Tibetans living in India and for the first time the Indian Election Commission allowed India-born Tibetans to participate in the general election this year, and has given them the right to apply for an Indian passport.

Chogyal rule, ‘golden era’: old settlers

“Namgyal Dynasty gave us respect, security”

Gangtok, Nov 14: Indian-origin old settlers of the former kingdom of Sikkim have unanimously

acknowledged the pre-merger Chogyal era as the ‘golden era’ of Sikkim.

Paying rich tributes to the youngest and the only son of Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal, Prince Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal, who passed away here on October 30 at the age of 86, the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, during its condolence meeting said the members recalled the Chogyal era as the ‘golden era’.

RC Mundra, President of the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSOS), in a press release said members of the Association, who have been living in Sikkim since 1880, “expressed deep grief” on the demise of the former Prince.

“Several members recalled the golden time of the Namgyal Dynasty,” the release said and added, “We are indebted to the Namgyal Dynasty for giving us respect, affection and full security during their regime.”

As a mark of respect the business community closed down all business establishments in the capital and other parts of the State on the funeral day, November 5. (see OBITUARY on page 4)

Editorial

WELCOME  INITIATIVE

Benefits For Tibetans

After inviting the exiled Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath-taking ceremony in New Delhi recently the Modi Government has now allowed Tibetan refugees in India to become beneficiaries of various welfare schemes in the country. While this will not only help the economic condition of the one lac plus Tibetan refugee residing in India the new initiative will also go a long way in giving a sense of security and belonging to the Tibetans, who left their homeland after the Chinese occupation of Tibet in latter part of 1950s.

So far majority of Tibetans residing in various settlements in the country rely on themselves, the exiled government and the international community for their livelihood. The new policy of the Indian Government,  aimed at aiding their economic condition is, therefore, a big bonus. It has come at a time when the Tibetan refugees are legally permitted to become Indian citizens. The BJP has always been sympathetic to the Tibetans and their cause and its concerns for them have now taken a tangible shape. This indeed is a welcome step in the right direction.

Korean, Thai delegates visit Sikkim

    Former Thai Minister Nalinee Taveesin (centre) at Enchay monastery, Gangtok, recently.

Gangtok,  Nov 14: Appreciating and congratulating the successful X-Himalayan Expedition 2014 led by well South Korean adventurer Junghun Park that culminated in Sikkim last month, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Ugen T. Gyatso hosted a dinner for the expedition team here at the Mayfair Resorts.

The X-Himalaya expedition after completing their expeditions through the mountainous terrains of Pakistan, Tibet and Nepal, started their expedition here in Sikkim from 10 October 2014.

A team of climbers, film crew for documentation and a few friends, the expedition led by team Leader Junghun Park summitted Mt. Tingchingkhang while at the same time paragliding atop eastern and Sikkim Himalayas, an official release said.

The team included four South Koreans with Junghun Park as the team leader. The others included Dehea Park, Jaemjn An, Hyun Jung Kim and Sikkimese adventurer and paraglider Raju Rai.

The X-expedition included trekking, mountain biking, climbing and paragliding.

Junghun Park the team leader is a world renowned alpinist and is not new to Sikkim. The Minister lauded the efforts of the team member in promoting adventure, an integral part of tourism.

Gyatso who also holds the portfolio of trade and commerce over an extended dinner invitation also hosted the Thai trade, commerce and tourism delegation led by Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, former Minister and permanent representative attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Royal Government of Thailand.

The delegation had reached Gangtok after touring Darjeeling. During the cordial interaction between the Thai delegates and Sikkim officials, closer ties between Thailand and Sikkim in trade, commerce and tourism were discussed and to take the efforts to the next level as there was already an exchange of tourism between the two for several years including pilgrimage tourism which was gradually growing over the years. The delegation included Thai trade and commerce captains as well as entrepreneurs and members from the Trade and Commerce Ministry.

Taveesin, who has a very impressive educational background with several degrees from the USA, including one from the prestigious Harvard University and Edward S. Mason Fellow of Harvard Kennedy School of Government, also studied in Darjeeling (Mt Hermon School).

NIT director Densapa recovering from septicemia attack

(Right) Densapa (left) at NIT, Gangtok. (file pix)

Gangtok, Nov 14: The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT) Director Tashi Densapa, who was admitted to a hospital in Delhi recently, has regained his health and is recovering.

Densapa suffered from a sudden and severe attack of septicemia and was rushed to Delhi after a brief medical check-up in Siliguri in September.

The former secretary is likely to return home next month for a while, sources said.

Family sources said Densapa is now out of danger and is gradually regaining his health. He is said to be still very weak.

Septicemia, formerly called blood poisoning, is an infection caused by the presence of bacteria in the blood. The onset of septicemia is signaled by a high fever, chills, weakness, and excessive sweating, followed by a decrease in blood pressure.

Chemicals released into the blood to fight infection trigger widespread inflammation. Inflammation may result in organ damage. Blood clotting during sepsis reduces blood flow to limbs and internal organs, depriving them of nutrients and oxygen. In severe cases, one or more organs fail.

 In the worst cases, infection leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure, called septic shock. This can quickly lead to the failure of several organs -- lungs, kidneys, and liver -- causing death.

Parliamentary panel visits Nathula

Gangtok,  Nov 14: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence led by former Uttarakhand chief minister BC Khanduri visited the Indo-China border trade post at Nathula in east Sikkimlast month.

He was accompanied by former Prime Minister HG Deve Gowda and Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP Hishey Lachungpa.

The Committee comprises of nine members from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and senior officials of the Committee, Defence Ministry.

The team inspected the road and other infrastructure to Nathula along the Indo-China border.

The visit comes in view of the recent decision of the Centre to open Nathula for pilgrims to travel to Mt. Kailash.

OBITUARY Gyalsey Kushon Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal

Sikkim missed the touch of a brilliant mind

By TENZIN C. TASHI

Denjong Gyalsey Kushon (Younger Sikkimese Prince) Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal was born on August 23, 1928 at the Palace, Gangtok. He was the youngest son of Their Highnesses, the 11^th Denjong Chogyal Tashi Namgyal and Maharani Kunzang Dechhen Tshomo Namgyal. Following his demise on October 30, 2014 at the age of 86, perhaps it is the end of a genteel era of Sikkim’s history.

Gyalsey JT Namgyal was affectionately known as Gyalsey Georgela. Sikkim was then under British rule, and the Sikkimese royal family had cordial relations with the British Political Officer for Sikkim, Bhutan and Tibet who was based in Gangtok. The strong British influence - P.O. Charles Bell personally groomed his father, Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, to take over the reins of the administration of the kingdom - explained why the royal children had British nicknames.

Gyalsey Georgela received a fine western education at the most prestigious of educational institutions in India and abroad: St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling; Bishop Cotton School, Shimla; St. Stephen’s College, Delhi; and Christ Church College, University of Oxford. He was a brilliant student and proved his academic genius by consistently topping his class. He topped St. Stephens where he majored in History Honours. He was only 17 years when he graduated from college. He earned further laurels by making it to the elite Christ Church College at the University of Oxford.

    The last journey begins at Late Prince's residence, Tashi Gartsel, Gangtok.

It is from his letters sent home from Bishop Cotton School to his father that much of his innate goodness of nature emerges. These are still carefully preserved in the Palace files. He was a conscientious child, always applying himself diligently to his school work; this discipline, coupled with his natural intelligence, always resulted in high marks and glowing testimonials from his tutors. The young prince always made it a point to reassure his father that he was working hard and topping the class and hoped it pleased his royal father. His many report cards show that he was equally adept at all the many subjects he studied.

He was also a talented artist, much like Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, and always signed off every letter home with a pencil sketch as varied as two boxers or a horse. Additionally, he was a fine equestrian and enjoyed horse-riding; there is a yellowed clipping from a Shimla newspaper tucked away in the Palace files announcing that the Prince of Sikkim had won an award for his excellent horsemanship.

Prince Jigme Namgyal

Although his elder brothers, Crown Prince Kunzang Cholay Namgyal aka Paljor Namgyal and Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal were also studying at Bishop’s concurrently, they were 7 and 5 years older to him respectively.  Like typical elder brothers, they seem to have considered their young brother something of an impatience and were glad, they wrote, that every weekend, ‘George has again been invited to his friend’s home, and we have not even seen his face.’ On his part, young Georgela, shy and academically inclined, apparently ran away when he saw his older and more physical brothers. Interestingly, while the two older Princes routinely wrote home to their father asking him to send more money for festivals and birthdays, it was young Georgela who stoically averred that he still had money left over and would not need more to be sent. This despite getting the princely sum of five rupees to his brothers’ fifteen or twenty.

Following the untimely demise of Crown Prince Paljor in WWII in 1941, 

Princess Gawa Namgyal and Princess Hope Leezum Namgyal

Palden Thondup Namgyal became the heir apparent and Georgela was being groomed to assist him in the administration of the kingdom. Upon completing his studies in England and returning home, Georgela became the first Development Commissioner of Sikkim. 

Prince Palden Namgyal

Mr. K.C. Pradhan, former Chief Secretary of Sikkim, reminisces:  ‘My immediate reflection of him was Dewan Rustomji in his grey bakhu standing on top of the stairs of lower Secretariat waiting for Georgela and the latter walking briskly up the stairs. Dewan Rustomji had made it a point to give him a lift to go to the Palace for lunch every working day. He was Development Commissioner then and his office was located in the same floor along with Forest and Agriculture. He was brilliant and we were often told his grasp of subjects and notations in files were superb, besides which he was a voracious reader. Dewan Rustomji loved him and was keen he should get fully involved in Sikkim administration.’

Indifferent health issues cut short Gyalsey Georgela’s career in the administration. His mother decided it was time he married. She threw a garden party at ‘Arunachal’, the Kalimpong house of his sister, Princess Pema Tsedeun Yabshi- Pheunkhang, where she had invited about 10-12 prospective brides for him. Gyalsey Georgela dutifully checked out all the young ladies but made no comment. It was only when they had returned home to Sikkim that he announced his choice, the beautiful young daughter, Sonam Yangchenla aka Soyangla, of the aristocratic Tibetan family of Namseling.

Princess Hope L. Namgyal

The Maharani was a little puzzled that he had chosen someone so young, 18 years his junior. But such is what we Sikkimese call ‘thamzi.’ After getting engaged in 1960, Gyalsey Georgela and Lhacham Soyangla were married in 1961. They had two children in quick succession, son Jigmela in 1962 and daughter Gawala in 1964. Gyalsey Georgela was plagued by health issues for much of his subsequent life. It was thamzi that he chose Lhacham Soyangla as she is the true embodiment of the title ‘Lhacham’ which means heavenly consort. Her infinite patience, unwavering commitment and lifelong dedication to her late husband is the stuff legends are made of. It was only because of her steadfast presence and staunch devotion that the Prince lived so long and defeated so many bouts of illness that required hospitalisation.

Due to his health issues, Gyalsey Georgela was often confined to bed rest and hence led a quiet retired life in his Development Area residence, Tashi Gartsel. Lhacham Kusho recollects, ‘He was such a nice, kind man. He never harmed anyone. He never spoke ill of anyone.’ His daughter Gawa Yangchenla avers that he was a kind and compassionate father and much loved and adored by his grandchildren. When he was well, he used to joke with them. Even when ill, he was affectionate and caring. Those that knew the departed Prince vouch that he was always unfailingly courteous and large-hearted.

In true Buddhist tradition, Gyalsey Georgela thus left behind this lasting legacy of kindness and compassion. He touched the hearts of all who knew him and loved him.

Danny Denzongpa

Wednesday, November 5, is the day of his funeral. The Government of Sikkim has declared it a state holiday. His mortal remains will be consigned to the flames on the slopes of the Lukshyama royal crematorium where all the members of the Namgyal dynasty have traditionally been cremated. And his gentle legacy will reverberate through every Sikkimese heart that beats there and waft into collective consciousness.

 (Tenzin C. Tashi is a Senior Researcher at the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (NIT), Sikkim)

SIKKIM GIVES BEFITTING FAREWELL TO PRINCE JIGDAL TSEWANG NAMGYAL

 ON HIS LAST JOURNEY

Homage to Symbol of Sikkim’s ‘golden era’

The kubur of Late Denjong Gyalsey Kusho, Prince Jigdal Tshewang Namgyal of Sikkim, the youngest and the only surviving son of Maharaja Sir Tashi Namgyal (KCSI, KCIE - 1914-1963), the 11^th Chogyal of Sikkim, bearing the Sikkim national flag, passes through (Nov 5, 2014) three prominent power-points in the former Kingdom: White Hall, Nehru’s Bust, and Mintokgang, Chief Minister’s official residence.

White Hall was built in the memory of John Claude White, British India’s first Political Officer (1889-1908) in Sikkim, during whose rule Sikkim gradually came under British  domination, paving way for the kingdom’s ultimate absorption into the Indian Union in 1975.

While the bust of India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was placed on this route after Sikkim’s ‘merger’ in 1975, Mintokgang was used as the official residence of the Indian Chief Executive, who wielded more power in Sikkim than the Chogyal during the Indian takeover in early 1970s. The Palace, situated in the same location across the Ridge Park, is about 300 metres south of Mintokgang.

The funeral day was declared a State holiday by the Chamling Government. The old business community, while declaring the Chogyals’ rule Sikkim’s ‘golden era’, closed down all business establishments in Gangtok and elsewhere in the State as a mark of respect to the departed soul. Prominent members of Sikkim’s political-administrative setup, including Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Ministers, Chief Secretary R. Ongmu, were present at the funeral.

Bollywood actor Danny Denzongpa, the Late Prince’s son-in-law, and Bhutan’s model-turned-actor Kelly Dorji, a member of Bhutan’s royal family, were also present at the funeral procession. Prime Minister of the Tibetan exiled government Lobsang Sangay also paid his last respects to the departed soul at Tashi Gartsel, residence of the Late Prince in Gangtok.

Prince Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal may have lived a quiet life; his death, however, brought him back into the limelight and reminded us of who we are, what happened to us and where we are heading.

Sikkim school team wins East Zone basketball tourney

Gangtok, Nov 14: Sikkim’s Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) for Scheduled Tribe, Gangyap, West Sikkim, has won the Under 19 East Zone Basketball Cluster 1 Championship (CBSE).

The EMRS basketball team has just returned from Guwahati after participating in the CBSE Under 19 East Zone Basketball Cluster 1 Championship that took place from the 25th – 27th of this month. EMRS had taken both the boys as well as the girls teams for basketball, Principal-cum-coach Sidharth Yonzone said.

The boys beat Gurukool School, Guwahati, in their 1st game but lost to St. Francis, Narangi in the quarter final game but put up a brave contesting fight led by their captain Pema Chewang of class XI.

On the other hand, the girls’ basketball team which had been champions for the last 4 years were playing their first CBSE tournament without 8 seniors who have passed out from school earlier this year. Led by Tshering Eden Bhutia (XII) & Vice Captain Diki Doma Bhutia (XII), the duo made sure that EMRS retained their 5th championship as in as many years.

They played Axel Public School in the quarter finals after being awarded a bye in the first round and beat them 59 -02 in a shortened game.

In the semi-finals, they demolished Delhi Public School, Guwahati 87 -06 with Tshering Eden scoring 30 and Diki scoring 26.

They faced St. Francis in the finals. St. Francis had earlier defeated the home team MBRS by some 40 points and had promised a contesting finals. But the girls of Gangyap just swept through the finals thrashing them, 86 – 04 with Tshering Eden scoring 35 and Diki scoring 34.

The team has now qualified for the Nationals which is to be held in the first week of December in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

Schools from Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam had taken part in this CBSE Cluster 1 meet.