Sikkim Observer Oct 31, 2011

Bengal govt NOC needed for alternative highway: CM

Gangtok, Oct 30:  Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has requested the Mamata Banerjee government for forest clearance to construct an alternative highway from Siliguri to Gangtok.

"I have requested Mamataji for an no-objection certificate (NOC). I told her the alternative highway will be important for Sikkim as well as Darjeeling," Chamling said, a national daily reported.

"An NOC from Bengal is also necessary for the construction of a rail link to Sikkim." The necessary NOC from the Bengal government is, however, still awaited.

The State Government had earlier sent a plan for the alternative highway to the Centre since NH 31A from Siliguri to Gangtok is overused and often gets blocked due to landslides. But an NOC from the Bengal government is a must before the ministry of environment and forest gives the final approval, the report said.

The State Government wants the proposed highway to pass through Chalsa in north Bengal, connecting the existing NH 31A at Rongpo in Sikkim via Jaldhaka, passing through the Neora Valley forest in Bengal.

One-fifth of IPS officers in the country yet to submit property returns

24 IPS officers from Sikkim, including DGP Jasbir Singh, in list of defaulters

Observer News Service

New Delhi, Oct 30: Nearly one-fifth of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers in the country have not declared their annual immovable property returns (IPR) for 2010 despite three deadlines given to them by the home ministry.

These include police chiefs of Delhi, Bihar, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh. Their action will now put them in the negative list of vigilance clearance for future postings, a national daily reported.

After the latest deadline of October 10 went by, the ministry - which is the cadre controlling authority of IPS officers - recently made public the names of 864 officers who are yet to submit their IPRs.

Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, with 92 officers each, top the list of defaulters followed by Karnataka (56), Tamil Nadu (51), Maharashtra (47), Jammu & Kashmir (42) and West Bengal (37). There are nearly 4,300 IPS officers (sanctioned strength) in the country.

Many top IPS officers, including officers of the rank of DGP and Additional DG figure in the list. It includes Delhi Police commissioner B K Gupta, Bihar police chief Abhayanand, Sikkim DGP Jasbir Singh and UP police chief Brij Lal among other prominent top cops of the country.

Issuing the latest deadline in September, the Home Ministry had asked IPS officers to submit their annual IPR for 2010 before October 10 else their vigilance clearance may be denied for future postings. It also said names of defaulters would be made public on the ministry's website.

"If the IPRs for 2010 are not received within the aforesaid period, names of defaulting officers will be posted on the website of this ministry," the circular said.

The home ministry also said if the officers failed to submit their returns before October 10, action may be initiated as per the modified guidelines of the department of personnel.

It was the third deadline given by the ministry after the IPS officers failed to adhere to their first deadline of January 31 and second deadline of September 20.

IPS officers of almost all states and Union Territories have, however, become defaulters. The list of defaulters also shows 35 officers from Punjab, 30 from Jharkhand, 28 from Kerala, 28 from Chhattisgarh, 25 from Haryana, 24 from Sikkim, 22 from Orissa and 22 from Madhya Pradesh among others.

The total IPS officers in Sikkim is believed to be 32 only. According to informed sources, several Sikkim IPS officers, including the DGP, had earlier submitted their papers to the State Government’s DoP. The DoP had failed to forward the same to the Home Ministry, it is learnt.

EU status for Darjeeling tea

DARJEELING: The European Union (EU) has registered India's Darjeeling tea as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) product. Darjeeling tea is the first commodity from India to get the status.

The status implies that the brew produced only in Darjeeling can be sold as Darjeeling Tea in the EU countries.

Govt will bring out ‘white paper’ on quake funds: Chamling

Chungthang, Oct 30: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said his government would bring out a ‘white paper’ on utilization of the relief funds for the victims of the recent earthquake that rocked the State.

During his weeklong tour of the north district, which is a part of his earlier statewide tour of the State, the Chief Minister expressed his condolences and sympathy to those affected by last month’s devastating earthquake measuring 6.9 in the Richter scale.

During his visit to Lachen, Lachung and Dzongu, Chamling personally inspected the damaged areas, including houses. He also interacted with the local people, Pipons and the panchayat.

“The Chief Minister also informed the people of various initiatives taken by the government towards relief and rehabilitation and the government decision to construct one storied building to the affected victims whose houses have been completely damaged by the  recent earth quake,” an official release said.

The Chief Minister also “informed the people that a white paper on the utilization of the relief fund will be released by the government for public information and appealed to the gathering  to extend their full participation, support and co-operation in the rebuilding and restoration process,” the release added.

Speaking at Shipgyer in upper Dzongu, the Chief Minister said the State Government will reconstruct 64 houses in Dzongu and shift 14 displaced families on the area.

It may be mentioned that the Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) last week demanded a “White Paper” on various issues, including distribution of funds, relating to the recent earthquake.

The Congress party, too, alleged discrimination in distribution of relief funds.

Tibet Film Festival in Dharamsala

Observer News Service

Dehradun, Oct 30: The third edition of the Tibet Film Festival will be held in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh from October 29-30, 2011. This is the first time the festival is being held in India simultaneously with its main venue in Zurich where the past two editions of the festival were held.

The festival will screen films by Tibetan filmmakers and hold roundtable on ‘What is a Tibetan Film?”  There will be a short film competition on the theme ‘Mother’. The selected entries will be screened both in India and Switzerland and will run in competition for the $500 / $300 / $200 Jury Award and the $200 Audience Award. The films in competition will be posted on the “Filming for Tibet” homepage.

The Festival is collaboration between Filming for Tibet and the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe (TYAE). The event is dedicated to the imprisoned filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen who was detained in China in 2009 shortly after completing filming on his documentary film Leaving Fear Behind.

Global Peace Vigil on Tibet in Toronto

Toronto, Oct 33:The Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC) and 5 NGOs in Toronto is organizing a massive global peace vigil at Parliament Hill, Ottawa on Nov 02, 2011, to call for multi-lateral, diplomatic intervention from world leaders to support the voice from Tibet.

 Around 10 Buses and over 25 car loads of Tibetans from Toronto alone will be participating in this Global Peace Vigil. Large number of MPs, Senators, leaders of Chinese pro-democracy Movement (FDC), China Rights network and Amnesty International, are expected to speak at the Vigil.

Speaking to the group of Tibet supporters, Trinlay Choezom, General Secretary of RTYC appealed to all the human rights activists to call on the United Nations and the world leaders, who consider human rights as their core value to break their silence to prevent further loss of lives inside Tibet by calling on China in the forthcoming G 20 summit, where President Hu Jintao is expected, to condemn its repressive measures across Tibet and to allow an independent investigation team to assess the escalating critical situation in Ngaba County, Kirti Monastery and initiate measures to de-escalate the situation.

Kunga Tsering, Coordinator of the Global Peace Vigil appeals to all those who supports the concept of Human Right as Universal, to join the Vigil at Parliament Hill on Nov 02 at 9am. He said "Let's not forget the pain and courage of those young Monks and Nun who scarified their life to achieve their dream of a Free Tibet with return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Potala Palace in Tibet".

India concerned over Chinese activities on Bhutan border

New Delhi, Oct 30: With fresh reports of Chinese activities in border areas of Bhutan, New Delhi is learnt to have taken it up with Thimphu at the highest levels. To discuss this “sensitive” issue, Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Sanjeev K Tripathi  reportedly met the visiting Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck in the Capital last week.

During the meeting with the Bhutanese King, the RAW chief is expected to brief him on the intelligence inputs gathered by the Indian agencies of late. The meeting with the head of India’s external intelligence agency is quite unusual, media report said.

The Bhutanese King met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil on Monday.

New Delhi has been monitoring the situation in the border regions between Bhutan and China, especially since India and Bhutan have an almost open border — with 7,000 Indians working as “day workers” in Bhutan.

But with recent inputs of Beijing trying to gain foothold in Bhutan’s villages — spread over difficult terrains — alarm bells have been ringing in New Delhi, a national daily reported.

The landlocked Himalayan kingdom too places its friendship with India on a high priority. In fact, India is one of the few countries that Bhutan has allowed to establish a diplomatic presence in Thimphu. Neither the US nor China have diplomatic missions in Bhutan.

SIKKIM OBSERVER OCT 24, 2011

Sakya Trizin, CM at Ngor Gompa’s 50^th anniversary

Gangtok, Oct 23: His Holiness the Sakya Trizin and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, along with Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker KT Gyaltsen, were among those who participated in the 50^th anniversary celebrations of Ngor Gompa here last Wednesday.

While His Holiness called on the people to preserve Sikkim’s distinct cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said his government was doing all it can to preserve and promote the “cultural and natural heritage” of the State.

In his address, the Sakya Trizin appreciated the State Government’s role in providing good governance while maintaining peace and harmony in the State.

The Sakya Trizin and Chief Minister jointly unveiled the plaque of the monastery’s proposed Buddhist centre for higher learning.

The Sakya Trizin also released the Golden Jubilee Souvenir of Ngor Gompa during the function. He and His Eminence Luding Dorji Chang and the lamas performed a special prayer for the earthquake victims on the occasion.

Bhutia-Lepchas call on Sakya Trizin to urge Chamling to scrap power projects

Gangtok, Oct 23: The minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals have asked His Holiness the Sakya Trizin to urge the State Government to scrap all “anti-Buddhist” hydropower projects in West Sikkim, in order to preserve Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage.

While welcoming the Sakya Trizin to the State and also performing jensek (fire puja) for victims of the recent earthquake, a general meeting of the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) held here last week passed several resolutions calling on the Head of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism to convince the State Government to scrap three power projects – located at Lethang, Tin-Ting and Tashiding – located in West Sikkim.

“It might be reiterated here that despite several representations by the minority

Bhutia-Lepcha as well as Buddhist organizations calling for the immediate scrapping of this anti-Buddhist Projects over our sacred Rathongchu River, the adamant Government of Sikkim is simply unyielding,” said a press release by SIBLAC Convenor and former minister Tseten Tashi Bhutia.

“Development is very vital and necessary for the all-round

development of the people and the nation, however, the same

development cannot be allowed or afforded at the very cost of our

religion and lineage and above all, its sanctity,” the resolution said.

Bhutia said the minority community looks “towards His Holiness the Sakya

Trichen Rinpoche to uphold and preserve the same Sikkimese lineage and

its sanctity at the moment when the same is facing imminent threat

given the adamant attitude of ignorant people.”

The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) President Sonam Kaleon has also urged His Holiness to impress on the State Government to scrap the above  power projects.

In a letter to the Sakya Trizin, NASBO President has “…we the Buddhist people of Sikkim sincerely pray His Holiness, the Sakya Trichen to kindly enlighten the Government of Sikkim on the significance of the Denjong Neyig and the necessity to preserve the sacredness of the Rathongchu at all cost. We request Holiness to kindly enlighten the Sikkim Government to immediately scrap all the three HEP slated on sacred Rathongchu in West Sikkim, thereby preserving the Buddha dharma, its ethos, tradition and sanctity.”

“Most of the cliffs, streams, trees, rocks, hills, etc in the West Sikkim is proclaimed either as the local deities or their abodes in the Denjong Neyig (guidebook to the sacred locations of Bayul Dremo Dzong as received as Terma by Lhatsun Namkha Jigme in the 16th century). River Rathongchu forms one of the most significant rivers amongst such locations.River Rathongchu is the source to the annual Tashiding Bumchu ceremony since centuries,” the letter said.

“There was a proposal to develop mega Hydro-power project over this sacred Rathongchu in 1990s. However, given the significant and sanctity of the river in Sikkimese Buddhist religion and its tradition, vis-à-vis the annual Tashiding Bumchu, the proposed Rathongchu Hydro-electric project was scrapped in 1997 by the present Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling.”

Kaleon said the Centre had objected to the Lethang project while the Home Ministry constituted a committee to look into the religious aspects of the two other projects in Ting-Ting and Tashiding.

Referring to the devastating effects of the recent earthquake, Bhutia said hydropower projects in the State “will fundamentally transform the landscape, ecology and economy of the region and will have far-reaching impacts on the rich bio-diversity of the State.”

He added, “Submergence of lands, homes, fields and forests on a large scale will displace hundreds of people. Damming and diversion of rivers will severely disrupt the downstream flows, impacting agriculture and fisheries and threatening livelihoods of entire populations. Degradation of the natural surroundings and a massive influx of migrant workers will have grave implications for the culture and identity of distinct Sikkimese people, who are protected under Article 371F of the Constitution.”

SNPP demands “White Paper” on Sikkim quake

“Centre should take up disbursement of relief funds till CBI clears Chamling’s name in graft case”

Gangtok, Oct 23: Not content with the way the State Government has handled the affairs of the State after 6.9 magnitude rocked the tiny Himalyan State on September 18 last month, the Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has demanded a ‘White Paper’ on the subject.

     The party wants the State Government to “make it clear to the people that they were aware of the high seismic activity” in the State when it signed MoUs with a number of private power project parties. The SNPP also wants to know whether the companies undertaking hydropower projects in the State were “experienced and were competent to work in a terrain like Sikkim.”

The SNPP has also demanded the Centre to immediately “constitute a committee of experts from outside Sikkim who would determine if these mega power projects did in any way aggravate the destruction caused by the earthquake and whether the allegations of financial impropriety pointed out by the CAG caused the overlooking of crucial measure to overcome obstacles like seismic activity,” the resolution passed during a party meeting said.

Alleging that “massive corruption” has resulted in the death of many people during the quake, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari said the Centre should take up disbursement of relief funds and materials till the CBI clears its graft cases against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

“The people do not have to be reminded that these power projects have turned out to be the fountainhead of the massive corruption plaguing Sikkim, and it is to our shame that the CBI has booked a case against the Chief Minister who has misused every democratic institution in the state to stall the investigation by using the protections of Article 371F,” a party release said.

It went on to say that “most of these power projects have been awarded in complete violation of the provisions of the article for personal gain.”

 It added that “institutionalized corruption” led to “innocent Sikkimese losing their lives” during the devastating quake last month. “The party strongly believes that a decade of blasting and tunneling has also contributed to the death toll in a significant way and condemns the fact that the Chief Minister is trying to brush these facts under the carpet,” Adhikari said.

Editorial

PRESERVE SIKKIM

Sakya Trizin Approached on Hydel Projects

The indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha tribals of Sikkim have approached His Holiness the Sakya Trizin to impress on the Chamling Government to scrap three major hydropower projects in West Sikkim on the ground that if these projects are implemented they would lead to the destruction of Sikkim’s sacred socio-cultural heritage which has been preserved down the ages. Since the State Government seems hell-bent on going ahead with mega hydel projects in the State despite warning bells from various quarters, including the massive earthquake last month that rocked Sikkim, it is but natural for the minority Bhutia-Lepcha communities to seek the help of Sakya Trizin, whose ancestors share historical connection with Sikkim and its Namgyal Dynasty right from the 13^th century. In his address during the 50^th anniversary celebrations of Ngor Gompa last week His Holiness expressed the need to preserve Sikkim’s cultural and natural heritage.

On October 19, exactly a month after the devastating earthquake, the Sakya Trizin in his address at Ngor Gompa, where Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was also present said, “Sikkim has a very special place in Tibetan Buddhism. That Sikkim is no more ruled by the Chogyals, who were looked upon as Dharmaraj, should not change the people’s love and concern for Sikkim and its people. Changes in the political system of a place should not affect the people’s faith in themselves and for their homeland. Each generation of Sikkimese must and should continue to preserve the rich and unique cultural heritage of this place.” He added, “While we cannot avert natural disasters caused by earthquakes we also have a duty to preserve our ecology and natural environment to ensure that we minimize damages and destructions caused by such calamities.”

 His Holiness the Dalai Lama, too, said much the same thing during his visit to Sikkim last year. “There are different religions in Sikkim. But as a whole the State has Buddhist community with many monasteries. One important aspect of the Sikkimese identity is the Buddhist culture. Therefore, it is very important to preserve it,” the Dalai Lama said during a talk in Gangtok last December. It is now up to the political leadership at the Centre and the State to respond positively to the aspirations of the people and their dharma masters. Failing to do so would lead to the gradual disintegration and destruction of Sikkim’s distinct cultural identity.

RIGHT TO RECALL

Constitutional Amendment Needed

Chief Election Commissioner SY Quaraishi needs to take a second look at Anna Hazare’s proposal for inclusion of “right to reject” and “right to recall” clauses in election rules. Quaraishi’s outright rejection of the proposal on the ground that it would destabilize the political process is completely unacceptable. The CEC's views are shared by several other experts, who see the proposal as unworkable in a multi-party democracy. Their view is that the right to reject will lead to frequent elections that the country cannot afford.

   India may boast of being the world’s “largest democracy” but the ordinary citizens know fully well how the country’s ‘political process’ actually works. In theory, the political system appears to cater to the general people but in practice it serves the interest of the establishment. In the name of parliamentary democracy our elected representatives often betray the promises made to the people and go about as if they are above the people and the law. Very few politicians and political parties get absolute mandate to rule and at times they come to power through devious means. In a democracy people are the ultimate source of power and if they choose to act against their elected representatives and exercise their right to reject and recall no one dare question them. The Congress party has done the right thing to call an all-party meeting on the subject to elicit their views. In a democracy people are sovereign. Their elected representatives ought to listen to their voice and make the electoral process stronger through a constitutional amendment at the earliest.

Tibet PM at Darj school function

Lobsang Sangay grateful to CST

Darjeeling, Oct 23: Gracing the golden jubilee celebration of Central School for Tibetans at Darjeeling as the special guest, Tibetan exiled Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay said he hope to see more professionals coming out of this school in the future.

Addressing the landmark occasion, Sangay expressed his gratitude to the school and said his childhood was spent here and that he received his basic education in this school.

Moreover, as per the Central Tibetan Administration's policy of unity, innovation and self reliance, he asserted that the administration will give its wholehearted efforts for the return of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Myanmar keen to reopen Stilwell Road

New Delhi, Oct 23: The likely reopening of the historic Stilwell Road, which connects India with China through Burma, was discussed during a meeting between the Minister of Border Affairs of Myanmar, Lt General Thien Htay, and Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Paban Singh Ghatowar, here last week.

 The Myanmar Government has shown keen interest in reopening this road, suggesting additional construction of a 130 Km road linking Pancha and Khamti connecting the historic Stilwell Road.

“We have told them that Government of India would consider the proposal after it is formally submitted,” the Minister DoNER said.

Ghatowar said they have stressed on enhancing people to people contact, development of border areas and trade. “We have also suggested that sports activities between the region and Myanmar should be increased,” he said.

The 1,739 km Stilwell road starts in Assam and links Kunming in Yunnan Province of South China through Pangsau Pass on India-Myanmar border.

Earlier, the Myanmar Government was not keen on opening this road as it was  concerned with the threat from its own rebels in Kachin region in northern Burma. India and Myanmar has also decided to strengthen the cooperation and coordination between the security forces of the two countries to collaboratively tackle insurgency, smuggling and drug trafficking. As such, the border management mechanism would also be strengthened and a meeting of the heads of Survey Department of both countries is being scheduled in November.

This was agreed during the high level visit of President of Myanmar U Thein Sein to India along with a 67-member delegation. U Thein Sein had a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This was followed by a high level delegation talk in which 13 senior ministers of Myanmar took part. (also see article on Stilwell Road on page 2)

Tibet was never part of China: RSS

Dharamshala, Oct 23: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Indresh Kumar has said that Tibet was never a part of China and the Indian government should reconsider its decision and review its policies concerning Tibet.

Kumar told the media here that after taking over Tibet, China had also grabbed the Himalayan region. Kumar said that Tibet must be looked as a distinct country and not as a part and parcel of China, ANI reported.

He said: "We appeal to Tibet to take a decision if it wants independence or not. Tibet has to decide on that, but we support them".

He added: "If Tibet was a part of China, then the entire world knows the place by the country's name and not a region. If someone is from Himachal, Uttarakhand or any other place like Manipur, Nagaland or Kerala, then no one says he is from Kerala, but they say he is from India. ".

China has ruled Tibet with an iron fist since Communist troops marched into Tibet in 1950. It claims its rule has bought much needed development to a poor and backward region.

An estimated 80,000 Tibetans along with their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, had arrived in India in 1959 after an unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese rule.

Govt urged to reconstruct Sikkim’s first monastery in Yuksam

Gangtok, Oct 23: Dubdi gompa, the former Himalayan kingdom’s first monastery, needs to be reconstructed after it was damaged in last month’s earthquake that rocked Sikkim.

The Duchi Committee of the monastery has urged the State Government to immediately undertake reconstruction of the ancient monastery on the same spot “with RCC structure” and with “modern technical skills” to neutralize  “earthquake effect in future” keeping in view of the State being in an earthquake prone zone.  

In its letter to West District Collector, the Duchi has asked for adequate measures for safeguard of the monastery’s various treasures. Presently, volunteers of Yuksam village are keeping a watch over the monastery.

“The September 18, 2011 earthquake has sustained major damages to the Monastery while the entire structure itself is in the verge of total collapse now. All the sacred and precious dharma treasures (Terma) of ancient times that uphold the Sikkimese dharma lineage and tradition is exposed open with every threat to theft or missing,” the letter said.

The monastery is located on a hilltop above Yuksam, West Sikkim. Yuksam was the first capital of Sikkim when Sikkim’s first Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal was consecrated by three lamas in 1642.

Congress leaders’ ultimatum on ‘discrimination’ of cash distribution to quake victims

Gangtok, Oct 23: Senior Congress leader and former minister KN Upreti has threatened to take the matter to the Governor and Central leaders if the State Government continues to discriminate in the distribution of earthquake relief funds and materials.

Not content with issuing Press statements on the matter, Upreti and some Congress leaders have approached the East District Collector and urged him to “conduct re-survey and re-assessment of the damage” caused by the September 18^th earthquake.

In their letter to the DC, Congress leaders said relief measures have to be taken in a fair manner so that the victims are not discriminated on grounds of political affiliation. They have pointed out that during their tour in certain parts of the State relief funds were being distributed by panchayat members belonging to the ruling party and no representatives of the State Government were present during the distribution.

The Congress leaders said if the authorities fail to follow concrete guidelines for cash distribution to earthquake victims they would have “no alternative but to take up the matter with HE the Governor and also the Central Government in the interest and for the justice of the victims of earthquake,” the letter signed by Upreti, Phuchung Bhutia, Arun Rai, Avinash Yakha, Laxuman Gurung and Nima Wangchuk Bhutia said.

Puja for quake victims at Lheuntse monastery in Mangalbarey

Mangalbarey (West Sikkim), Oct 23: A three day Shapten-Pooja was performed at Lheuntse Goompa at Mangalbarey, West Sikkim, last week.

 Sponsored by the villagers and devotees, the shapten was performed by over 20 monks of the monastery to pray for the victims of last month’s earthquake, to appease the deities and the denjong soongmas (Sikkim’s guardian deities) and also to pray for non- occurrence of such severe seismic shocks in the future.

The Lheuntse Goompa, a branch of Pemiongchi Monastery, was established in 1850. The monastery, which was reconstructed 30 years ago, was spared severe damages.

NGOR GOMPA/50^th Anniversary Celebrations

“The Sikkimese people must continue to preserve the rich and unique cultural heritage of Sikkim”

His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, supreme head of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, spoke at length on the need to preserve Sikkim’s rich natural and cultural heritage during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Sa-Ngor Chotsog Centre (Ngor Gompa) in Gangtok on October 19, 2011.Highlights of his address:

Sikkim and Sakya tradition

It was indeed 50 years ago that, in the wake of our flight from Tibet and the dissolution of the Buddha Dharma in our country, a fervent aspiration was formed that its seed might be sown in the blessed land of Sikkim, in order to preserve and promote its precious teachings. This dream was soon brought to fruition when the Khyentzong family, Yab Tenpo Namgyal and Yab Tsering Wangchuk Barphung, generously offered the shelter of their warehouse in Gangtok, which led to the founding, in 1961, of the Sa-Ngor Chotsog Centre by His Eminence Luding Kenchen Rinpoche, 75th Supreme Head of the Ngor sub-school of the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. Attracting the numerous Sakyapa monks whom recent events had scattered throughout Sikkim, Ngor Gompa provided these with a dwelling and the opportunity to recreate an effective monastic community, thus becoming the cradle of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism in exile.

Luding Khenchen

Among all those who contributed to the growth of the Sa-Ngor Chotsog Centre, one person distinguishes himself eminently: Luding Khenchen Dorje Chang. It was together with Luding Khenchen Dorje Chang that, shortly after our arrival in India, we first envisioned the establishment of a monastery in Sikkim, which would be the main seat of the Sakya School there, and which would be maintained under our direct supervision. Ever since that moment, Luding Khenchen Dorje Chang took it upon himself to oversee its creation, and its evolution into a fully functioning monastic institution.

Chogyal of Sikkim

Sa-Ngor Chotsok Centre also owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the late Chogyal Chenpo Palden Thondup Namgyal who, in 1972, magnanimously donated the land where the current monastery now stands. A strong bond has existed between the Namgyals of Sikkim and the Khöns of Tibet for several hundreds of years, ever since Khye Bumsa of the Minyak House, an ancestor of the Namgyal family, built the four main pillars of the Sakya Monastery in Tibet. These ties were extended when, in the 14th century, the first Namgyal followed a divine revelation advising him to go to Sikkim, and five generations later, Phuntsok Namgyal was consecrated as the first Chogyal of Sikkim by three Tibetan lamas. This kinship has endured through the centuries until recent times, with the Namgyal family offering their unflagging support to the Sakya School during its exile in Sikkim.

Khenpo Lodro Zangpo

Another driving force behind the flourishing of Sa-Ngor Gompa was its first abbot, Khenpo Lodro Zangpo, who bore full responsibility for its management when, in the early sixties, circumstances forced His Eminence Luding Khenchen Rinpoche to move to another part of India. Khenpo Lodro Zangpo remained for 12 years in charge of Ngor Gompa at the Khyentzong house, during which time he also made a significant academic contribution to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. A great scholar and teacher, as well as an accomplished practitioner, Khenpo Lodro Zangpo was a true Bodhisattva. He dedicated his every moment to the welfare of others and to the promotion of the Holy Dharma, and he spared no effort in ensuring that Ngor Gompa fulfill its destiny as a centre of religious learning and activity. That the monastery is what it has become today is in large part due to him.

Kunga Yonten Hochotsang

Special acknowledgement is also owed to Kunga Yonten Hotchotsang, founding member and director of Ngor Gompa. Kunga Yonten’s devotion to the Sakya School and the unmitigated dedication of his extensive energies and capabilities to the successful functioning of Ngor Gompa, have been and continue to be of consummate value to the monastery. Not least among his numerous accomplishments, was his participation in the launching in Mahayana Buddhist countries of a UNESCO project dedicated to the Revival and Survival of Buddhist Arts and Skills, in which Ngor Gompa contributed by sharing its expertise in the vital skill of woodblock carving, thus enriching the resources in all Buddhist countries for carrying out the reproduction of sacred texts.

Local community

Throughout the half century of its existence, Ngor Gompa has been blessed with the support of its community. From its very beginnings, not only Sakyapas, but also the community at large has proven to be its lifeblood. It is thanks to their openhandedness that the building of the monastery was made possible, that its monks’ needs were taken care of and that, crucially, the Ngor Gompa Tsechen Samten Ling Retreat Centre was built and inaugurated by Luding Khenchen Dorje Chang in 2002. Ngor Gompa is now well on its way to becoming a full-fledged monastic institution. With the ritualistic aspect taken care of by the temple, and the meditation component covered by the Retreat Centre, all that is needed now is a third vital feature, a Centre of Philosophical Studies, in order to give Ngor Gompa full status as a comprehensive monastic establishment. There is every hope that auspicious circumstances will continue to bless the monastery and that, through the dedication of its management staff and the largesse of its benefactors, this commendable aim will also come to completion.

Khenzong family

It would prove impossible to name here all those who participated in one way or another to the progress of the monastery, but we are especially indebted to all those volunteers, especially government employees, who physically participated in the construction of the monastery, selflessly giving their time and effort, and even sometimes covering great distances to make their way to the building site. We are extremely grateful to all those who donated funds, materials and food, as well as to all the well-wishers who offered their moral support. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Khyentzong family who, beyond offering the temple accommodation in the early years, have continued to be an unfailing source of support, in particular Chum Dorje Wangmo.

Last, but certainly not least, the Sa-Gnor Tsochok Centre owes its very existence to the kindness and hospitality of the state government and people of Sikkim. We are deeply indebted to the constant and unwavering welcome and support that have been extended to us ever since our arrival in 1959. The loss of our own homeland was to a huge degree alleviated by the boon of finding a home in a land with which we feel close kindred.

Namgyal Dynasty

Sikkim’s historical ties with the Sakya tradition in Tibet is known to many who are aware of the matrimonial connection between the Sakya Heiriarch and the ancestors of Sikkim’s Namgyal Dynasty in the 13th century. It was Jowo Khye-Bumsa, a scion of the Minyak House in eastern Tibet, who help build the Sakya monastery in central Tibet. Because of this Khye-Bumsa was given the Sakya Hierarch’s daughter in marriage. Khye-Bumsa and his family left Tibet and settled in Sikkim and became the ancestors of the ruling dynasty in Sikkim.

 It was my special privilege to spend some time in Lachen when I left Tibet following Chinese occupation of my homeland. This was in 1959 and I was just 14 years old. I fondly remember learning English from Jowo Kelzang, a notable Lachenpa from Lachen. 

Preserve natural & cultural heritage

  I have come here this time when the entire State has been going through a traumatic experience following the devastating earthquake on 19th September last month. I truly hope that the prayers and pujas that are being held during my visit at Ngor Gompa and elsewhere in many of the monasteries, temples, mosques and churches will help those who were killed in the earthquake and who have suffered much. While we cannot avert natural disasters caused by earthquakes we also have a duty to preserve our ecology and natural environment to ensure that we minimize damages and destructions caused by such calamities.

  Sikkim has a very special place in Tibetan Buddhism. That Sikkim is no more ruled by the Chogyals, who were looked upon as Dharmaraj, should not change the people’s love and concern for Sikkim and its people. Changes in the political system of a place should not affect the people’s faith in themselves and for their homeland. Each generation of Sikkimese must and should continue to preserve the rich and unique cultural heritage of this place.

Sikkim is home to several cultures and spiritual traditions, and the kindness and tolerance that prevails throughout its land serves as a shining model of a harmonious society for a world that is increasingly troubled by racial and religious divisions.

Spiritual tourism

Honourable Chief Minister, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the invaluable work that you have achieved in the administration of your state, in particular your endeavour to cultivate and promote its sacred character and opening pathways for spiritual tourism.

Since the first time that I came to Sikkim in 1956, I have had the good fortune to return on a few occasions and, on each subsequent trip, I have marveled at the progress that had been achieved here. This present stay, however, has made a particularly deep impression on me, particularly with my visits to the Guru Rinpoche statues at Namchi and at Buddha Park. These are outstanding works of religious craftsmanship, and will bring innumerable blessings to the people of Sikkim and to all the pilgrims that they will attract. I rejoice in the proposal of a Chen Rezig statue being built in the western part of the state and one of a Sleeping Buddha in the North.

I understand, Honourable Chief Minister, that these projects are in the larger part your initiatives, and I commend you on the vision and dynamism with which you are carrying out these undertakings as well as all the other responsibilities of your office. I sincerely wish that all your enterprises be crowned with complete and undiluted success.

Himalayan Guardian  Oct 19, 2011

BHUTAN’S ROYAL COUPLE DAZZLES THE WORLD

Prince Charming marries childhood sweetheart

Punakha (Bhutan), Oct 18: The fifth Dragon King came down from his golden throne to place a silk crown upon the head of his bride. Monks chanted in celebration and she took her seat beside him on Thursday, as the new queen of the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan.

After a simple yet spectacular wedding, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema on Friday began a historical journey from this ancient city of Punakha to capital Thimphu as thousands of people lined up the road and gave a rousing welcome to the Royal Couple.

The couple got married on Thursday in a traditional Buddhist ceremony at an imposing monastic fortress in this city located between two rivers and Wangchuck crowned his childhood sweetheart Pema, who was educated in India, thus proclaiming her as the ‘Queen of the Kingdom of Bhutan.’(SEE PAGE 8 …full story)

Sakya Trizin performs Fire Puja for quake victims

Hill Media Network

Gangtok, Oct 18: His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, who is here on a month-long visit, performed jensek (fire puja – yajna) for victims of last month’s devastating earthquake here at Ngor Gompa yesterday

The fire puja is being performed for peace and purification of the departed souls. Though the exact number of those who died in the September 18 quake in the State fall below 70-75, there are reports that more than 100 died in the tragic incident. North Sikkim was the epicenter of the 6.9 magnitude quake that hit the region.

His Holiness, along with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, will grace Ngor Gompa’s function here tomorrow to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the monastery, which was established in Gangtok in 1961.

After his arrival here last Sunday, His Holiness, Gyalyum Chenmo, and His Eminence Khen Rinpoche paid a short visit to south Sikkim last week, where he visited Samdruptse (Namchi), Tibetan Settlement (Ravangla) and Gyaltsab Rinpoche’s gompa in Ralong.

China inching closer in Arunachal

Himalayan News Network

New Delhi, Oct 18: That China has intensified focus on Arunachal Pradesh - or so-called south Tibet - is becoming increasingly clear, with the People's Liberation Army crossing the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern sector more frequently than ever.

The PLA has also increased forays by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the West and East Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Top government sources said in the other part of the eastern LAC - Sikkim, especially the Nathu La area - there had been no intrusion since 78 transgressions in 2008, Hindustan Times reported.

But in north Arunachal, the PLA is not even allowing the locals to cross the Dichu river that marks the border between India and China to come to India for trade, a centuries-old tradition.

A part of the Dichu - a tributary of the Lohit - is disputed by the two countries.

There were 90 intrusions, including 13 PLA patrols, so far this year against 88 (12 PLA patrols) in 2010 and another 123 (six PLA patrols) the previous year.

Although the Indian army has begun focusing on the area this year, it is yet to send any patrol to the area to mark its presence.

Dalai Lama hits out at China, says it is built on lies

Himalayan News Network

Dharamsala, Oct 18: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has hit out at China saying it is built on lies and its officials are hypocrites. The Dalai Lama was speaking via videophone after visa problems prevented him from joining Archbishop Desmond Tutu's birthday celebrations in South Africa. He was to be travelling there to celebrate Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 80th birthday.

For more than an hour, two old friends brought together by technology, giggled and teased one another, as they exchanged views on politics and spirituality. During the exchange, Archbishop Desmond Tutu asked the Dalai Lama why the global giant and South Africa's main trade partner, China, feared his fellow Nobel peace laureate so much, tibetnews reported.

In his answers, the Dalai Lama, who was sitting in a room decorated with orchids and silk hangings in his home in exile in India, was playful at first.

He said communist propaganda portrayed him as a ''demon,'' an answer which drew laughter from Tutu and others watching him on a video screen at the University of the Western Cape, near Cape Town.

The encounter was streamed live on the Internet, but not broadcast by South African state television as had been expected.

The Dalai Lama spoke about communist officials and those in other totalitarian systems: "In a communist, totalitarian system, and not only communist but many totalitarian systems, hypocrisy, telling lies, has unfortunately become part of their lives. So, you see someone who tells the truth, honestly, truthfully, transparently, those people who carry hypocrites are a way of life, then feel uncomfortable."

The Dalai Lama added that the Chinese people should be able to hear his views and judge for themselves. "Censorship is immoral," he said. He also called for legal reforms in China. "The Chinese judiciary system must raise themselves up to international law standards," he said.

So far South African officials have denied that they stalled the Dalai Lama's visa, because of pressure from China. They said the visa process was delayed by problems with the timing and completeness of the application. But officials from the offices of Tutu and the Dalai Lama have denied the application was late or incomplete.

India, Nepal push for closer ties as Beijing watches

RP Sharma

Kathmandu, Oct 18: Nepal’s newly-elected PM Baburam Bhattarai will visit India from October 20 to 23 on his maiden official outing after becoming PM six weeks ago. His visit comes at time when New Delhi is concerned over growing Chinese influence over the Himalayan Kingodm’s politics.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had met his Nepalese counterpart Bhattarai on the sidelines of the 66th session of the UNGA in September and invite him to India.

Bhattarai who was sworn in late August had been in news for making statements like Nepal is no longer a buffer state between India and China. He had said, Nepal would act as a “friendship bridge” between India and China rather than just being a “buffer state” between the two giant neighbours.

The two sides will discuss a host of issues of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

India shares a porous border with the Himalyan Nation and New Delhi calls the cooperation on issues of mutual security concerns relating to the open border a "hallmark" of its relations with Nepal.

Nepalese side has assured at various levels that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India. There are streamlined bilateral mechanisms to address all issues concerning security, including cross-border crime, and establishing effective communication links between and along the bordering districts to further facilitate the exchange of information.

Nepal wants to conclude a power trade agreement with India, which, the Nepal government believes, will open the door to power investors. Reports said power development agreements of over seven projects have been delayed for more than a year.

Rahul dances to Bhutanese tune

T. Dem

Thimphu, Oct 18: The only guest at a private ceremony hosted by the Royal Bhutan Army for the royal family and government leaders was Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi accompanied the royal family to a public celebration in Thimphu’s main stadium. There, tens of thousands of people spent seven hours watching musical and dance performances as the royal couple wound through the crowd shaking hands.

As the event ended, Gandhi joined the royal family, along with all the day’s performers, in dancing a traditional Bhutanese folk dance on the stadium’s soccer pitch. The elder king showed Mr. Gandhi the proper moves and led him around in another display of the comfort and closeness the Bhutanese royals feel with their people, Wall Street Journal reported.

Though thousands of people were on the field, Gandhi was easy to find in his distinctive white kurta and black jacket.

After the dance ended, Gandhi and several other members of India’s delegation stood chatting with the Bhutanese royal family for several minutes. Dancers gathered around them in a circle but gave them space to speak privately.

Of course, India wasn’t the only country with official representation at the wedding. Ambassadors from 25 other countries were also there. And they danced in the big stadium, too.

Panel recommends genuine autonomy for JK

L. Verma

New Delhi, Oct 18:  The three-member interlocutors’ panel on Jammu and Kashmir -- journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, academic Radha Kumar and former civil servant M M Ansari -- on Wednesday submitted a report to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, suggesting a “roadmap” to address the Kashmir issue.

It is learnt that while avoiding the "pre-1952 status" phraseology, the report advocated for ensuring a "meaningful autonomy" for Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources informed that the report is said to have recommended the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Disturbed Areas Act from the state.

The report is said to have suggested developmental councils for all the three regions of the state -- Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh -- and devolution of powers to the sub-regions. In addition, the report has recommended massive economic package to address the huge unemployment and infrastructure development in the state.

Announced exactly a year ago, the team of three interlocutors completed their report within the time-frame of one year given by the government.

The interlocutors visited various parts of the valley and met a cross section of people to understand their view points.

The interlocutors' panel had met nearly 700 delegations during the past one year. The interlocutors claim that in the report they have taken into account both mainstream and off-stream opinions. The report has also put on record the perceptions of the people the team had interacted with during the past one year and even the views of the separatists, who refused to interact with them.

Darjeeling gears up for booming tourist season

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, Oct 18: Despite last month’s massive earthquake that hit the region tourism is gradually picking up in the hills.

The signing of the much-awaited tripartite deal in the formation of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) on July 18 and subsequent focus on development of Darjeeling by the Mamata Government is gradually leading to what many see it as a booming tourist season this winter.

Because of the devastating impact of the earthquake in neighbouring Sikkim, where major tourist hotspots such as Yumthang, Gurudongmar and Tsangu in north and east Sikkim have been cut-off or roads badly damanged, a large number of tourists have been diverted to Darjeeling.

 “For the last three and half years, hotel occupancy has been 60-65 per cent of capacity. Now there is 100 per cent occupancy and bookings for 5-6 per cent additional rooms,” said Raj Basu, chairman of Eastern Himalayan Travel and Tours Operating Association, a national daily reported.

During her visit to the region, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a master plan for tourism development. The bounty included Rs 10 crore for beautification of Darjeeling Mall and renovation of Planters’ Club, Gymkhana Club and the church as well as a tea festival from December 20 to January 5.

Kalimpong school battered by 9/18 quake

Dr. Graham’s Homes forced to suspend classes

Hill Media Network

Kalimpong, Oct 19: The September 18’s earthquake has caused extensive damage to the 111-year-old Dr. Graham’s Homes, forcing authorities of the premier educational institution in the hill town to suspend classes from nursery to Class VIII till October 10.

The quake has damaged 19 of the 22 cottages that house the co-ed school’s 900-odd boarders. Some classrooms, too, have developed cracks. The Katherine Memorial Chapel and the Steele Memorial Centre, the school’s infirmary, have also developed multiple cracks.

Seven of the 19 damaged cottages have been evacuated. “We have accommodated the boarders from the seven cottages in other cottages and the KG section,” headmaster S.L. Banerjee said.

Most of the damaged cottages are over 100 years old.

Spread over 500 acres, the school, founded in 1900 by Scottish missionary Dr John A. Graham, also has a workshop, a bakery, three playgrounds, a swimming pool and a farm.

The headmaster said some of the 11 staff quarters, including his, had suffered structural damage. The school has a student strength of 1,460, of whom 920 are boarders.

A retired UK teacher falls in love with Darjeeling, a school is born

Hill Media Network

London, Oct 18: A retired Whitby Community College (UK) teacher has raised over £90,000 to establish a school for disadvantaged children in India.

Former deputy head Helen Jones (69) travelled around India in 2002 and fell in love with the Darjeeling region, in the foothills of the Himalayas.

After this life-changing trip, she would return to the region several times, travelling with a young guide called Bijoy and his family.

Upon seeing children walking miles to school each morning, Mrs Jones had the idea to set up a charity, named School Aid India.

The Grosmont resident said: “It was Bijoy’s wife Rachana who really made it work.

“She emailed that she had found a suitable building and we agreed that I would set up a charity in the UK and Rachana would become director of the school.”

Mrs Jones confessed to being horrified when she first saw the building, a semi-derelict hovel, but Bijoy and his team knocked it into shape and Roseberry School, Darjeeling, opened its doors in March 2007.

“There was such a demand for places that they ran out of space after only one year,” she added, “so we had to launch an appeal for funds to build an extension.

“We had no idea where all the money would come from, but after only three years we reached our target of £50,000.

“All kinds of people have been amazingly generous, it is very humbling, but there are a lot of people in the UK who want to help folk worse off than they are, even in these difficult times.”

Although it has been a huge challenge, Mrs Jones insisted: “My reward is to see the eager shining faces of children at the school, and to know that we really are changing lives for the better.

“One of the reasons for our success in fund-raising is that donors can see where their money is going because I regularly bring back photos and reports on progress.”

A new four storey building is currently under construction, and five new classrooms will hopefully be ready by the start of the new school year in March, but Mrs Jones added: “We haven’t got enough funds to finish the fourth storey at this stage, but we hope to get enough fairly soon.

“The dank old storerooms being used for lessons at the moment are awful, and outdoor assemblies are difficult during the monsoon.”

The school had a major scare in September when a huge earthquake struck the region, the first for over 35 years.

Miraculously nobody was hurt and only the old building suffered some minor damage.

School Aid India’s next event is an open day at the Hazlewood Tearooms in Grosmont on Sunday 30 October.

“Sue and John, the owners, have always been very supportive of our work,” said Mrs Jones, “they donate their takings on the open day, and there will be photos of Roseberry School, and a stall selling Indian gifts.”

(For more information visit www.schoolaidindia.org.)

EDITORIAL

STILWELL ROAD

Implement Look East Policy

   Both India’s North-East and China’s South-West are underdeveloped. The key to accelerate economic development in this region is to allow its people, who share many things in common, to mingle with each other and encourage trade and tourism to flourish. India’s Look East Policy would be meaningless if it fails to allow this to happen. The surest and fastest way towards economic regeneration in the region, though infested by hostile insurgent groups, is to open the historic Stilwell Road, formerly known as Ledo Road. Major portion of this route passes through Burma, which is gradually opening up. 

  This historic road used to connect India’s Northeast with China’s Southwest through Burma in the Second World War. Most Northeast governments are in favour of opening this route and have urged the Centre to act speedily on the issue. China, too, has taken a positive view on the subject. However, New Delhi, despite its occasional symbolic gestures on opening the road, has not taken any concrete stand on the issue. This may be due to its security concerns in the vulnerable Northeast region, where many insurgent groups still have not given up their sovereignty demand.

  Apart from India, China and Burma regional cooperation among the South Asian nations also stand to benefit if the road is opened and hence there is an immediate need to redress the issue rather than deferring it. New Delhi can begin to do this by taking a fresh look on the problems and prospects of the Northeast region. There is much justification for the Northeast people being alienated from the Indian mainstream. Instead of encouraging real economic development in the region New Delhi seems satisfied by pouring more money to the Northeast through corruption politicians, who in turn plough back some of the central funds as kickbacks to central leaders. This must stop or India will forever be stuck in the mud.

Sikkim Observer Oct 15, 2011

A ROYAL WEDDING IN DRUK YUL

King Jigme crowns Queen Pema

Hill Media Network

Punakha, Bhutan, Oct 14:  Bhutan's 31-year-old king married a student 10 years his junior on Thursday in a colourful ceremony showcasing the rich Buddhist culture of one of the world's most remote and insular countries.

Amid clouds of incense and chanting monks, the hugely popular King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck crowned his queen at the end of a series of rituals in the 17th-century fortified monastery chosen for the occasion, AFP reported.

After a brief purification ceremony to start, they walked hand-in-hand and smiling to the inner sanctum of the monastery where an hour of blessings, prostrations and prayers culminated in the queen taking the throne.

The "Dragon King", an Oxford graduate who came to power in 2008 at the start of democracy in Bhutan, married Jetsun Pema, the daughter of an airline pilot widely admired for her beauty and her impact on the love-struck monarch.

"She's very sweet and caring and she loves children," one of the king's cousins who studied with the queen, Yiwang Pindarica, told AFP after the marriage. "I'm sure she will help the king fulfil his duties."

Proceedings were beamed live across the country of 700,000 people and signaled the start of three days of joyful celebrations, with dancing, singing and drinking in towns and villages.

Bhutan banned foreign television until 1999 and is the only nation in the world whose government pursues "Gross National Happiness" for its people instead of economic growth.

"You can be sure that our happiness is increasing," joked Karma Tshiteem, the head of the Gross National Happiness Commission, which vets government policy.

After the ceremony, the new queen and her husband, the fifth in a line of hereditary rulers who have reigned for the last 100 years, was due to greet crowds of well-wishers at a public celebration.

"From the day the king announced his wedding we have been excited," lawmaker Jagar Dorji told AFP as he arrived at the monastery, set at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mist-shrouded hills.

"This marriage assures the continuity of the royal family."

Pema, who often looked nervous as the heavily symbolic ceremony unfolded, wore an elaborately weaved outfit of gold, red and black.

She smiled anxiously as she received the crown. Her husband struggled to secure the embroidered headpiece which slipped off her hair several times before finally staying put.

Later the couple posed for photos, holding hands in front of the assembled media.

Security was tight around the monastery, with phone networks jammed and police enforcing strict controls on vehicles in a wide area.

The king, who is known to invite his subjects round for tea, had requested a simple and traditional ceremony. No foreign VIPs or fellow royals were among the assembled dignitaries and friends of the couple.

My dream is to turn Darjeeling into Switzerland: Mamata

Observer News Service

Darjeeling, Oct 14: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said while her government was willing to provide all support to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for developmental activities, “we are not ready to part with Darjeeling.

This is her visit to Darjeeling after a tripartite agreement, paving the way for the setting up of the GTA, was signed on July 18.

Speaking at a function here on Tuesday, Mamata said hill and plains people should live and work together for their development.

Responding to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s demand for a special package of Rs 1000 crore relief and rehabilitation for the recent earthquake victims, Mamata said she would seek an additional Rs 500 crore from the Centre for rebuilding Darjeeling after the earthquake.

The Chief Minister also announced sops and grants for various projects, including school education and road repairs. A spot assistance of Rs 20 crore for house-building was announced during her visit.

"The CM is like our mother. We are like her children. We can make demands of her," GJM chief Bimal Gurung had said.

"If Kashmir is the heaven of India, Darjeeling is the heaven of Bengal," she said amid cheers. "Just having the heart and love does not help, work has to be done for those you love for their betterment. Darjeeling will be a healthy and wealthy baby, and jobs will be provided so that people don't have to go outside. This will help realize my dream of turning it into a Switzerland."

House damage compensation payment to end on Oct 15: Kharel

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: The State Government is expected to complete the process of giving compensation to victims whose houses were damaged in last month’s earthquake by October 15, according to Relief Commissioner BK Kharel.

Kharel said on Tuesday that 70 per cent of those who had sought relief for house damages have been compensated.

He added the total amount claimed by people who suffered house damages was about Rs 50 crore.

Disbursement of compensation is being carried out by government officials, who are aided by MLAs and panchayats.

Meanwhile, about Rs 61 crore relief materials have been distributed all across the State, according to ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).

The SDF has strongly condemned Opposition Congress party’s allegation that the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund was being misused.

A 9-member central damage assessment team led by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shambhu Singh,visited earthquake affected areas in West Sikkim district, official sources said.

The team mainly assessed the damage caused to houses, roads, water and power supply structures besides agriculture and livestock.

CM for technical stability on Tashiling Secretariat

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has asked the Mines and Geology Department to submit a geo technical stability report on Tashiling Secretariat, the State’s main government offices, which houses the chief minister and ministers’ offices, within a week to find out the feasibility of constructing the new secretariat at the same premises.

The secretariat is likely to be removed somewhere else if the present premises is found unsuitable, according to an official release.

This decision follows the inspection of the area carried out here today by the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso and heads of departments.

After the Secretariat building, located above the bazaar, was damaged during last month’s devastating earthquake which rocked the entire State on September 18, it has not been used and offices functioned from other places in the capital.

The final decision on the new Secretariat will be taken only after thorough study of the Geo Technical Stability Report of the present Tashiling Secretariat complex land, the Chief Minister said.

The new Secretariat will be retrofitted, earthquake proof, well equipped from security point of view with emergency exits.

Khangchendzonga may strike back again

Jigme N Kazi WITHOUT  FEAR OR FAVOUR

Sikkim need not be raped again and again to meet India’s energy needs. It has paid enough to secure India’s frontiers in the eastern Himalaya.

If India wants to exploit its hydropower potential to meet its requirements it should look somewhere else, not Sikkim. The Sikkimese people have sacrificed their freedom and sovereignty to meet India’s security concerns. This is not a lie; it is the truth that has been  kept out of the public domain by the establishment, which unfortunately includes a section of the national media.

Why was the Government of India so quick in announcing a Rs 1000 earthquake relief package for Sikkim when the State authorities were still fumbling over how much was actually damaged by the devastating September 18 (6.8 on Richter scale) earthquake? Did Central leaders rush to Sikkim after the quake reflect their concern for the welfare of the people or the companies that are incharge of hydropower projects in North Sikkim?

While affected areas of Lachen, Lachung and Dzongu, which are largely inhabited by indigenous minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals in North Sikkim, were totally ignored at the initial stage, civil and army authorities’ main focus was Chungthang, Pagong and Suffu in North Sikkim.

There’s no doubt that these areas were the worst affected as almost all those who died in the 9/18 quake were hydro project workers, including officials, of 1200 MW Stage III Teesta Hydro Project, the biggest hydro project in the State.  This controversial project is being carried out by M/s Teesta Urja Project of the Athena Group of companies.

The haste and the highly objectionable manner in which the State Government, in collaboration with the Central Government, brokered a deal with Teesta Urja is known to many. Despite tremendous local opposition, including the longest hunger strike in the State, to these projects the authorities paid a deaf ear and went ahead with the projects.

Power-brokers, who first pretended to side with the Lepcha-dominated Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) in opposing hydro projects in Dzongu, helped to negotiate a deal between anti-dam activists and the State Government in 2008, leading to calling off the protest.

If you take a careful look around, those, including the so-called anti-dam activists who benefited from this deal, now find a place in the establishment’s administrative and business setup. Nobody reports on these things for fear of incurring the wrath of the powers-that-be. However, many people are aware of the hidden agenda of these power-brokers and how they function. And, as usual, life goes on and construction of mega hydro projects, too, continues.

The court of law ought to take a suo motto cognizance of reports that reveal the involvement of influential persons, including politicians and government officials, in mega hydro projects in Sikkim. It is said that Jagan Reddy, son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy, who was killed in a chopper crash, is one of the main shareholders in the Teesta Urja project. Who are the others?

Most of the Rs 1000 central earthquake relief funds will surely go towards repair and construction of road network in the State and it is expected that a large amount of this would be spent on the Toong-Pagong-Chungthang’s North Sikkim Highway, where power construction works are underway.

Sikkim lies on the seismic zone and experts have already given their views against mega dams in the region. What is the use of asking the experts to again dish out the same thing again and again? The authorities are buying time and mischievously mollifying the victims with money-power and vague assurances. They will eventually carry out their grand design to finish Sikkim. But in the process they would have achieved their hidden agenda – making a fast buck in the name of development and tapping hydro power potential.

When enough is still not enough the only thing that will put a final end to human greed in this part of the mountain is another big shake-up that will place everyone and everything in the Teesta River and into the  Indian Ocean.

Remember this well: Mangan, the headquarters of North Sikkim, was not the epicenter of the 9/18 earthquake; the epicenter was Khangchendzonga, the abode of the Guardian Deities of Sikkim. Most conscious Sikkimese who have helplessly fought against vested interests in preserving Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage are convinced that their yulha-zhibda (country gods) have come to their rescue at the right time. Men’s extremity is indeed god’s opportunity.

 I have said this before and wish to repeat it: whom the gods wish to destroy they first make them mad. To this let me add: fools rush where angels fear to tread. Let them, who fail to heed the warning, go ahead in their mad rush towards self-destruction.

Sakya Trizin to hold Fire Puja on Oct 17 for quake victims

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head of Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, will perform a special Fire Puja (Tibetan: Jensek, Sanskrit: Yajna) here on October 17 for the victims of the recent earthquake in the State which killed more than 100 and caused extensive damages all over the State.

The Sakya Trizin, who arrived here on Sunday, met Chief Minister Pawan Chamling here on Monday along with his wife Gyalyum Chenmo and His Eminence Thartse Khen Rinpoche, the head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakyapa tradition.

During the meeting, His Holiness, who has already donated Rs one lakh for relief fund, expressed his deep shock and concern over the loss of lives and damages caused during the deadly September 18 quake. North Sikkim was the epicenter of the 6.8 magnitude quake.

At Samdruptse on Tuesday, His Holiness was received by the Sangha MLA Phitook Tshering and Dungzing Rinpoche of Serdup Monastery.  Among those who received him at Samdruptse were the representatives of Alley Monastery, Ngadak Monastery, Tamang Gompa and the Gram Panchayats  and local devotees. 

His Holiness performed Trusol Rabney of the statue of Guru Rinpoche. During his brief visit at Samdruptse he bestowed Manjushri Lung (oral transmission) to the public in the temple, according to Sagnor Chotsog Centre Director Kunga Y. Hochotsang.  

In Ravangla, His Holiness was received at Mani Chokhorling Monastery by former Minister and Adviser to the Ecclesiastical Department and Buddha Park Committee D D Bhutia.  At Chokhorling Monastery, the Dorji Lopon of the monastery offered Mandal Tenzhug to His Holiness.  As requested by the Monastery Committee, His Holiness bestowed Vajrakilaya oral transmission (Dorji Phurpa Lung). He later visited the Buddha Park Complex, where he gave private audiences and spent the night at the complex.

On Wednesday, His Holiness visited Tibetan Army Camp and Sakya Lelung Monastery, where he was received by Nyakton Rinpoche and the local devotees.  His Holiness bestowed Manjushri empowerment and blessed the site for the construction of Nyakton monastery. His Holiness also visited Ravangla Tibetan Settlement and gave long life empowerment and Chenrizig (Avalokitesvara) Lung/ transmission and phowa to the public, as requested.

At the Ralong Kargyu monastery (Palchen Chokhorling Monastery), His Holiness will bestow the Drimed Nam Nyi empowerment. This monastery belongs to His Eminence Goshir Gyalsthab Rinpoche, one of the three Regents of the world-renowned Rumtek monastery in east Sikkim.

During his month-long stay in the former Buddhist kingdom, His Holiness will give teachings and bestow initiations here at Ngor Gompa, where he is staying.

Ngor Gompa, established in the capital in the early 1960s at the Khenzong House premises, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and His Holiness’s visit here is in connection with the celebratory functions organized by the Centre.

Distribution of relief funds discriminatory: Upreti

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: Senior Congress leader KN Upreti has alleged that distribution of earthquake relief funds to quake victims in the State is discriminatory.

Upreti said relief funds are being distributed by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Ministers, MLAs and members of the panchayat who belong to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front.

“The cash relief is being distributed not by the Govt. agencies after proper assessment of the damages but is being distributed directly” by elected members of the SDF, Upreti said in a press statement.

Upreti expressed serious concern over “discretionary grant” without “verification” of extent of damaged caused.

“There is allegation that even “Dasain Kharcha” were distributed from the relief fund,” Upreti said. “Victims are discriminated on the basis of party affiliation and proximity to concerned MLA’S/Panchayats,” he added.

Upreti said during a meeting of party supporters it was decided that the party would approach  Governor BP Singh and also file a petition under RTI to seek information on sources and utilization of relief funds.

Royal honeymoon in Rajasthan

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: The Bhutanese royal couple - King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Jetsun Pema – has chosen Rajasthan for their honeymoon.

The couple is expected arrive in Rajasthan on October 23. They will stay there till November 1. The Bhutanese royals will take a trip across Rajasthan on a special train arranged by the Indian government, India Today reported.

The young monarch shares a deep bond with India and Pema, too, studied at Lawrence School, Sanawar, in Himachal Pradesh and at St Joseph's Convent in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

Following his meetings with the political leadership, including the PM, key ministers and senior officials on October 24, the royal delegation will leave for Rajasthan the next day via the special train. It is likely that the train will be designed on the lines of the famous Palace on Wheels.

Tashi Delek for royal Bhutanese couple from Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 14: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organization (NASBO 371 F)  and Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), two organisations representing the indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha communities in Sikkim, have extended their greetings and good wishes to the Bhutanese King and Queen on their wedding on behalf of the “people of Sikkim.”

“On this 17th day of the eight Sikkimese Month of Iron Rabbit Year, corresponding to October 13, 2011, the people of Sikkim and this organization congratulate You, the Dorji Sem Kuden, illustrious grand-daughter of our beloved His Majesty the 9th Miwang Denjong Chogyal Sir Thutob Namgyal, on the auspicious occasion of the Royal Wedding of His Majesty the 5th Drug Gyalpo Miwang Jigme Khesar Nampar Gyalwai Wangchuk with Ashe Jetsun Pema La,” stated a message by SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia.

“On this occasion, we also profoundly remember the Late Denjong Sem Kuden Rani Chuni Wangmo, “Anyola”. We pray Mahaguru Padmasambhava to bless the Royal Couple, the Dorji Sem Kuden and the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan with His eternal protection and blessings,” the message added.

The message by NASBO President Sonam Kaleon said, “On this 17th day of the eight Sikkimese Month of Iron Rabbit Year, corresponding to October 13, 2011, the people of Sikkim and this organization congratulate Your Royal Majesty, the 5th Drug Gyalpo Miwang Jigme Khesar Nampar Gyalwai Wangchuk and Ashe Jetsun Pema La on Your  auspicious wedding. We pray Mahaguru Padmasambhava to bless the Royal couple and the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan with His eternal protection and blessings.”

The wishes of the two Sikkimese organisations reflect the close geographical, historical and cultural bonds between the former Kingdom of Sikkim with Bhutan.

Editorial

ANNA VS DIGVIJAY

“Change the colour of your glasses”

Anna Hazare has rightly hit back at Congress leader Digvijay Singh saying the charge of RSS support to his anti-corruption campaign was an attempt to defame him. He also ruled out joining politics or becoming a Presidential candidate. “I neither have the capacity nor the desire to become the President of India and wonder why the Congress and the BJP were talking in the air,” is how Hazare reacted to suggestions that he be made the next President. The political establishment always want to place uncomfortable persons on a pedestal to buy their silence.

Singh, who  never ceases to see RSS stamp on Team Anna or Team Ramdev, got a stern warning from Anna this time:  “I know very well that people throw stones only at those trees which bear fruits. People see the world in the colour of the glasses they wear. I think that the colour of your spectacle is wrong and you should change it,” he said in his letter to the Congress leader. The Gandhian has sought to puncture the points raised by Singh in his two letters in which the Congress general secretary had claimed that the RSS was backing Hazare's Lokpal campaign and that he was surrounded by associates who were anti-Congress.

ADVANTAGE BJP

Advani as Prime Minister

Despite denials by a section of the party leadership senior BJP leader Uma Bharti, who is well known for her straightforwardness, has now openly stated that LK Advani is the “most capable person” to lead the country as Prime Minister. Though the 84-year-old former deputy prime minister has judiciously maintained that his current nationwide yatra was not intended to project him as his party’s prime ministerial candidate, many people believe that his anti-corruption campaign is designed to unseat the Congress-led UPA Government in the next general elections, making him the frontrunner for the top job.

With corruption being a major issue for the polls and with Advani himself declaring that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was heading the most corrupt government in post-independent India, there is no doubt that many in the BJP and its supporters and sympathizers see Advani as the prime-minister-in-waiting. With Congress leaders fumbling over the corruption issue and many of UPA’s leading non-Congress politicians behind bars the country has no option but to seek an alternative to the Congress-led government in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. As of now, the BJP appears to have a slight edge over other parties to make a comeback at the Centre.