SIKKIM OBSERVER         Feb 25, 2012

Sikkimese youths to fight for rights of ‘Sikkim Subjects’

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Feb 24: The ‘Sikkim Subjects’ issue is back on the political agenda in the State.

It is not political parties nor politicians that has brought back this issue in the public domain. It is the Sikkimese youths under the leadership of Nawin Kiran Pradhan which has, though reluctantly, reopened the chapter on the controversial issue of ‘Sikkim Subjects.’

The initiative came from Pradhan and his colleagues in the All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA) during a press conference held here on Monday.

Pradhan, who is the President of the Association, said the organization has pledged itself to the Sikkimese people to do justice to it and fight for the rights and interests of the ‘Sikkim Subjects’ who became Indian citizens when the former kingdom was incorporated in the Indian Union in 1975.

Pradhan said the Constitution as well as the Supreme Court have protected the special status of Sikkim and the Sikkimese people and he intends to go ahead to restore the democratic and constitutional rights of the Sikkimese people.

Pradhan said non-Sikkimese have encroached upon the rights of the Sikkimese in the past several decades and urged the concerned authorities to give top priority to these issues.

Several political parties in the State had earlier raised several contentious issues related to ‘Sikkim Subjects’ but failed to take the matter to its logical conclusion. “They are involved vote-bank politics and are not concerned about the interest of the Sikkimese people,” said an observer.

Hills optimism after PM-Mamata meet

Darjeeling, Feb 24: With Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee setting the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) ball in motion in Delhi, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) heaved a sigh of relief. A GJM team led by GJM President Bimal Gurung will be departing for Delhi in a day or two to hold talks with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram.

Banerjee on Wednesday met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and apprised him of the delay in the formation of the GTA (an autonomous administrative mechanism for the Darjeeling Hills) which according to her would lead to "further confusion," The Hindustan Times reported.

Following the meeting with the PM, Banerjee held a press conference in Delhi in which she stated "I told the Prime Minister that seven months have passed since the signing of the GTA Memorandum of Agreement and that the state government has completed its part. There is unnecessary delay by the centre in sending the GTA Bill (which has been passed by the West Bengal Assembly,) for the President’s assent. Darjeeling is peaceful. Further delay will cause confusion. The Prime Minister has assured me that in the next two days the Centre will clear the pending processes."

The GTA Bill at present in under inter-ministerial consultation. "We welcome the initiative taken by the chief minister and the assurances of the Prime Minister. This has been long overdue. Finally the Government has set itself a deadline. We expect the CM to bring some good tidings during her visit to Darjeeling" remarked Harka Bahadur Chettri, GJM Spokesperson, the report said.

The CM is slated to visit the Hills on February 29. Mamata is likely to declare the tentative date for GTA elections in Darjeeling feel political observers. Both the Chief Minister and the GJM would like to witness an early GTA. While an early GTA- projected as a solution to the Gorkha impasse would definitely seal Mamata's claim to a speedy resolution of this complex issue.

Gurung along with General Secretary Roshan Giri and Chettri will be camping in Delhi for the next few days. "We will be meeting Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on February 27 or 28^th," stated Giri.

Provide LPGs in border areas: Lok Sabha MP

Gangtok, Feb 24: While urging the Indian Oil Corporation Limited authorities to give top priority to providing LPG connections in border areas of North Sikkim, Sikkim’s lone Lok Sabha MP PD Rai has urged all commercial and industrial units in the State to use to use 19 Kg commercial LPG instead of using the normal LPG cylinders.

Rai’s appeal is in response to a high-level delegation of the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) led by Chief Manager (Operations), Siliguri, which called on him earlier this week.

 The delegation informed Rai that the production of the Indane Gas at Bagey Khola has been made to 300 MT as compared to 100 MT in the previous year. The IOCL has plans to appoint dealers in remote places in the State such as Chungthang, Mangshila, Phensong, Dentam and Soreong in north and west districts.

Rai urged IOC to accord top priority to release immediately the pending requisition of LPG connections under ICDS Centres (Aaganwadi Project) and Border Area Development Programme in North Sikkim, which are pending for quite some time.

The delegation also brought to the notice that most of the commercial and industrial units in Sikkim are still not using 19 Kg commercial cylinders in their hotels and projects, which is mandatory as per norms.

The proposal of IOCL to bring LPG bulk in bigger bullet to Mazitar Plant has been appreciated by Rai and assured that he will be take up the issue with the concerned department.

 Rai urged all commercial and industrial units in the State to strictly use 19 Kg commercial LPG for their projects, which are available at any point of time from any distributors of IOCL in Sikkim.

These units should discourage bringing these cylinders from outside the State, Rai said.

Tashiding hydel project: profit over people

By Tseten Tashi Bhutia

Gangtok, Feb 24: The hills of Yuksam and Tashiding in West Sikkim are alive with the sounds of villagers voicing their protest against the upcoming 97 MW Tashiding Hydro Electric Project (HEP). The Protest Rally organised by Platform For Joint Action Against 99MW Ting-Ting, 97MW Tashiding and 96MW Lethang HEPs, which saw the participation of people from all over Sikkim on February 13,  2012 in Gyalshing, headquarters of West District, has provided the much-needed moral support to the villagers of project area in West Sikkim.

The upcoming 97MW Tashiding Hydro-Electric Project, being constructed by M/s Shiga Energy Pvt. Ltd, will damage surrounding mountain resources and affect livelihoods of hundred of villages. Environmentalists believe that this run-of-the- river scheme that divert Rathongchu river through mountain tunnels in Tashiding are damaging the fragile geology in an area that has already experienced the wrath of severe earthquake on September 18 last year.

Even though the High Powered Committee appointed by the State Government to examine the issues of 99MWTing-Ting, 97MW Tashiding and 96MW Lethang HEPs is yet to submit its report on 97MW Tashiding HEP the Government has already abandoned two projects viz. 99MW Ting-Ting and 96MW Lethang HEPs.

 The M/s Shiga Energy Pvt. Ltd is hell bent on implementing the 97MW Tashiding project. Its tunneling activities have endangered the lives of local residents of the area. There is a widespread apprehension about the way the company is  using explosives to blast the fragile mountains.  M/s Shiga Energy Pvt. Ltd  seems to be concerned only with the investment it has already made on 97MW Tashiding HEP.

The vested interest group of M/s Shiga Energy Pvt.Ltd, while seeing the mounting people’s protest against their Tashiding HEP, is using another means to achieve its end. Its drive for profit has put the morality and ethics at back seat.  At the behest of such vested interest group of M/s Shiga Energy Pvt.Ltd some so-called ‘local’ workers engaged in the Tashiding HEP have come out strongly in support of the Tashiding HEP saying that abandoning the project would render them jobless. M/s Shiga Energy Pvt. Ltd. should stop misguiding our innocent workers there at its site.

The so-called workers of M/s Shiga Engergy Pvt Ltd must take note of the fact that the Sikkimese people have joined this movement being spearheaded by Platform for Joint Actions spontaneously because they have learnt from their experiences of September 18 Earthquake.  The Teesta Urja’s Project at Chungthang in North Sikkim has already taught them a lesson. Now it is known to everyone in Sikkim that because of the deep tunneling work undertaken by Teesta Urja in the fragile and tectonically active rock of the Chungthang region killed so many people in North Sikkim when earthquake took place.   

   The Sikkimese people do not want to witness a Chungthang being repeated at Gyalshing-Tashiding and Yuksam area when the next quakes rattle their fragile mountains. The lives of people are more important than the jobs of few hundred people being engaged by M/s Shiga Energy Pvt.Ltd. The Platform for Joint Actions shall not sacrifice its movement intended to save the lives of generation-next Sikkimese simply because it will cost the jobs of few people! (Tseten Tashi Bhutia is Convenor, Platform for Joint Actions)

 Editorial

“BLACK MONEY”

India Largest Depositors in Swiss Banks

It is now fairly clear that Indians are the largest depositors in banks abroad. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has upheld what WikiLeaks said before on this issue. According to the CBI Director AP Singh an estimated $500 billion (nearly Rs 24.5 lakh crore) of illegal money has been stashed by Indian in tax havens. Singh also revealed that the “largest depositors in Swiss Banks are also reported to be Indians.” The CBI Director made this statement during the inaugural function of first interpol global programme on anti-corruption and asset recovery. Singh said that lack of political will in the leading tax haven states to part with the information because they are aware of the extent to which their economies have become "geared to this flow of illegal capitals from the poorer countries."

Around this time last year, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said there was more Indian money in Swiss banks than any other nationality, sparking off renewed demands from the Opposition for disclosure of the names of account holders and bringing back black money. Assange disclosed that he was being offered a swap deal for handing over the details of Swiss banks and their secret account holders list. He revealed this when asked when the information will come out as people across India have been waiting to know. As yet the ‘Black Money’ issue raised by the BJP and religious leaders in India is yet to become a major political agenda of the Opposition.

‘SIKKIM SUBJECTS’

The Numbers Game Is Almost Over

Bonafide Sikkimese, who were referred to as ‘Sikkim Subjects’ during the pre-merger era in Sikkim, feel let down by the political leadership in the State, whose main preoccupation in the past three and half decades seems to be to remain in power at whatever the cost. Politicians who raise touchy issues that concern ‘Sikkim Subjects’ have their ulterior motive; they do not have the interest of bonafide Sikkimese at heart. Thirty two years have gone by since the reserved seats of the Sikkimese Nepalese in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly were illegally and undemocratically abolished.

No one raises the seat reservation issue anymore: while the majority community’s leadership feels that the Nepalese will be in the majority for all times to come and, therefore, reservation is unnecessary, the leaders of the minority Bhutia-Lepchas will not raise the issue for fear of being misunderstood and victimized. Nepal is a clear example of which way the winds are blowing. The ethnic Nepalese in Nepal are already outnumbered by the politically and economically more powerful madhesis. And yet the Sikkimese Nepalese leadership in Sikkim has not learnt its lesson. If future generations of Sikkimese do not wish to become refugees in their own homeland it is time to wake up and do something before it is too late.

SIKKIM People & Places

SIKKIM: In the lap of nature

V GUHAN

Who says rain plays spoilsport? At least, not in the hills. I am wiped out after an arduous journey of 16 hours.

I am in Sikkim, the darling child of Mother Nature. The place is Pemayangste, a nondescript forested village near Pelling, a beautiful spot in the state. My hotel overlooks the Sangalila range. Kangchenjunga can be seen at the farthest. In moments, a fine drizzle begins to veil the hills and the entire surroundings.  Heaven’s sprinkle has acted like a wiper:  the entire snow-capped mountain range  can be viewed in all its glory. The rain has pulled the curtain over the hills, which until then were cloaked in mist.

Outside the hotel, a short path leads to an arch, beckoning one toward the Pemayangste Monastery, which means the ‘Perfect Sublime Lotus’. It is one of the celebrated, oldest and most important monasteries of Nyingmapa Order of Buddhism in Sikkim. Built in the 17th century at an altitude of 2085 m, this Gompa is encircled by the haunting beauty of Kangchenjunga and its retinue of peaks.

A chamber with a big and colourful prayer wheel is tucked away in a corner.  The complex teems with yellow flags. It is a three-storeyed structure wherein the main hall has aesthetically painted doors and windows depicting Tibetan designs. The walls are adorned with traditional frescoes depicting tantric Buddhist themes. The main statue of Padmasambhava is seen in a dreadful form with multiple heads and arms. The monastery’s main attraction is the wooden replica of Zangdok Palri, the celestial abode of Padmasambhava. Intricately sculpted by a single monk, it is said to have taken five years  to complete.

A brisk half hour walk just below the monastery leads to a palace, now in ruins. Commendably maintained and preserved by ASI, with encouraging signages on the winding track (prodding the fatigued visitor to move on)and manicured lawns around the ruins, this site takes the pride of place in the history of Sikkim. Rabdentse, acknowledged as the second capital of Sikkim (after Yuksom), was abandoned at the end of 18th century due to the incursion of Nepalese armies and was shifted to Tumlong.

With the passing of time, Rabdentse was desolated and the ravages of time have turned the royal capital into ruins. The chortens around the palace have, however, stood the test of time.

On the following day, I resorted to the usual sightseeing. I had a look at the Singshore Bridge, an engineering marvel which spans across a deep gorge, connecting two hills. A visit was also paid to Khecheopalri Lake, one that is revered by Hindus and Buddhists for its magical healing powers. And of course, I experienced the symbiotic effect of light and sound at the Kanchenjunga Falls, where the water cascades down snowy peaks. (Deccan Herald)

SIKKIM OBSERVER Feb 18, 2012

New anti-Cong, anti-BJP front may include SDF

Kolkata, Feb 17: After the Lokpal Bill and FDI in retail, the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has become the latest common rallying point for some UPA and opposition parties.

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, whose Trinamool Congress is one of the biggest partners in the UPA, has joined CMs of opposition-ruled states to flag down the NCTC, The Hindustan Times reported.

A section in the group of non-Congress CMs opposed to NCTC claimed it could be the beginning of a pressure group of regional parties. TDP's Chandrababu Naidu has already backed them.

Top sources in the camp said talks were on to rope in the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and NCP in the protests against NCTC. The NCP has so far backed the Congress, the report said Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik said there was "need for a new transparent, corruption-free and secular front".

The SDF, which presently supports the Congress at the Centre,  has, however, not reacted on the proposal.

A senior leader of his party, BJD, said: "This is going to be a platform of non-BJP, non-Congress parties that are strong in their regions. The message we want to send out is that the bigger parties cannot ignore regional outfits and their state governments".

With pressure mounting on NCTC, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said in Kolkata: "We will have to take notice of their observation and the government will take appropriate action."

While the Congress leadership has ruled out the threat of a new front, BJP chief ministers have lent support to the cause.

Banerjee's opposition to NCTC comes ahead of her February 22 meeting with PM Manmohan Singh after she alleged that the home ministry was delaying clearance of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Act.

BJP takes on Sikkim Manipal University, files RTI

Gangtok, Feb 17: President of Bharatiya Janta Party, Sikkim unit Padam Chettri has filed an Right To Information (RTI) application with the State Information Commissioner seeking “criteria” under which the State Government gave license to the Sikkim Manipal University (SMU).

In his letter to the Commissioner, Chettri said he had filed an RTI application with the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Departments of the State Government but failed to obtain information on the subject from the concerned authority.

“I consider the denial of information regarding Sikkim Manipal University as an attempt by the SPIO to protect and defend the SMU”, which has “violated the law and I regard the SPIO as an accomplice of SMU in committing crime by SMU in Sikkim,” Chettri said in his application.

Briefing reporters here Chettri said his party has given the SMU till March 5 to furnish the relevant information.

42^nd All India Police Science Congress

Press indulging in “yellow journalism”, RTI “misused”: Chamling

“Review of security scenario” need of the hour

Gangtok, Feb 17: In the just-concluded 42^nd All India Police Science Congress here this week, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, said the meeting was an opportune time to “review risk factor and security scenario” in the State, which is strategically placed between Asia’s two giants.

He said until very recently “national security” was largely seen from the point of “threats from external forces and the internal disturbance caused by terrorism, insurgency etc.”

 “However, in recent times national security is also seen in the context of declining law and order and crime situations that lead to economic instability in a country. Strategically our key challenge lies in the area of people, technology, actionable intelligence and finance,” the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister pointed out that “trans-national crimes such as human trafficking, drugs and arms and import of counterfeit currency make it imperative to have cross border collaborative actions with partner agencies both within and outside the country.”

Referring to community policing, the Chief Minister said, “I would like to touch a little on community policing. It is not a new concept and I am sure most of you have made contributions towards police community partnership. The face of policing around the world is constantly changing and we need to meet the expectations of the community.” He added, “I take pride to state that Sikkim has seen the lowest crime rates and the Sikkim Police has maintained excellent police-public partnership.”

The Chief Minister had a dig at the Press during the conference. He alleged that a section of the local media was indulging in “yellow journalism.”

“Ethics of journalism should be fully implemented as the Press fraternity is equally responsible and answerable to the people and for the smooth functioning of a democratic State and the Country,” Chamling said.

He went on to allege that in “the name of democracy, they (Press) are acting in a most irresponsible manner with the malafide intention to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in the State and called for “strict implementation of cyber laws.”

Chamling also alleged that the Right to Information Act is also being “misused” in the State by “vested interests.”

“We should work hard to protect our precious Karma Kagyu lineage”

The 14^th Gyalwang Shamarpa, one of the three Regents of Rumtek Monastery, Sikkim, has made a fervent public appeal on the “Karmapa controversy” and of the need to preserve the sanctity of the Karma Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism. The Press Statement by Shamar Rinpoche is reproduced herebelow:

Recently, I released a statement about the many accusations directed towards me regarding my position on the Karmapa Controversy over the years. Since then, I have received a lot of feedback from devotees. One of the requests I have been receiving most often has been for me to reveal who the other person was that had been involved in the forging of Situ Rinpoche’s fake prediction letter.

This information will not be disclosed. I will say that I feel certain that the person who offered their suggestions to Situ Rinpoche in this regard did not have any bad intentions. It is the habit of many old fashioned Tibetans to behave hypocritically. Of course, later, there were some other negative influences on Situ Rinpoche who helped to shape the outcome of the controversy, though by now I believe any sensible person should already know who these people are. In any case, the person who was alluded to in my recent statement was, at most, guilty of being old fashioned and had no intent on doing any harm to myself or the lineage.

Another question I have been asked since the release of my last statement was why, “out of compassion”, did I give in so easily to the requests of Tulku Ugyen. What does that mean? Tulku Ugyen was my guru, from whom I received the entire Rinchen Terzod (The Treasury of the Nyingma Termas). He was over eighty years old at the time. He felt it was very important that I receive this transmission and he worked day and night passing it on to me. How could I disappoint him?

As far as Ugyen Thinley is concerned, I understood from the beginning that it would not be fruitful to protest. China wanted to recognize Ugyen Thinley as a Karmapa and enthrone him in Tsurphu. Tsurphu is in China, not India. With China being as powerful as they are, I was paralyzed to stop it. Moreover, His Holiness Dalai Lama had already given his acknowledgment, and as everyone knows His Holiness the Dalai Lama is one of the most powerful spiritual leaders in the world. So, though it was very bad for the Karma Kagyu tradition, my objection at that time would be akin to the barking of a dog. I felt that we should instead work hard to protect our precious lineage, and that this was the only solution at the time.

I knew then that the majority of people wanted to believe in Ugyen Thinly as the Karmapa, for the very reasons mentioned above. However, it was very important to enthrone the traditionally recognized Karmapa, so as to support the preservation of our unique Karma Kagyu lineage.

I understood very well that what was good for the Karma Kagyu tradition would not be very good for me as an individual under these circumstances. Yet, I sacrificed myself for the greater good in order to protect the lineage. The reason I chose to sacrifice myself was that I had already by that time taken on the role of leadership, in accord with my position as the Shamarpa. How could I ignore something so important in order to save myself from any hardship? I took this responsibility seriously, as is my duty. I tried to be a bulldozer, in order to build up the strength of the genuine Karma Kagyu tradition.

According to the power of my position and the wishes I had made, our achievements were great. The main reason for this is due to the genuine support of all the well-wishers for the Karmapa and His lineage. I am so grateful to these people who chose to support the truth in spite of their own disadvantages. It is for this reason as well that I went along with Tulku Ugyen’s requests at that time and then went on to fulfill my duty as the Shamarpa.

There are so many monks, nuns and lay people who are suffering due to the damage done to our Karma Kagyu tradition. They all trust and rely on me as their only savior. If it were not for the suffering of these people and their undying trust in me to remedy the situation, I may have done things differently. However, how could I ignore them? Among the high levels of society to the normal civilians, the monks’ community and the general lay community, so many suffered from the damage done to our lineage, especially those in the administration of the late 16th Karmapa. This was evidenced in the recent letter sent to His Holiness Dalai Lama in May of 2011 from the monks of the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre in Sikkim.

I hope this statement sheds some light onto the reasons behind my decisions made over the years and allows for more understanding of the circumstances that surrounded them.

Sincerely,

Shamar Rinpoche

February 5th, 2012

Speaker for people-centric policing with a human touch

Gangtok, Feb 17: Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly K.T.Gyaltshen stressed the need for a people-centric policing with a human touch to make Indian police more effective that will lead to positive results, transparency and accountability in the whole system.    

   Addressing the valedictory function of the 42nd All India Police Congress in Gangtok this afternoon,  Gyaltsen said the police force must be efficient, highly trained and skillful to intervene and counter the modern-day crimes which are technologically abetted and aided, according to a PIB release.    

    Stressing the need for modernization of the police infrastructure, the Speaker said there must exist a total discipline among the force accompanied by quality leadership, team work, mutual respect, understanding and commitment.

  Claiming that Sikkim is the most peaceful state in the country, Gyaltsen said the Chamling government has been able to provide to its people peace, security and opportunities which are the basic objectives of democracy.

Addressing the valedictory function, Director General of the Bureau of the Police Reforms and Development ( BPR&D)  Vikram Srivastava  said key resolutions arrived at  during the meet included issues relating to police reforms, performs appraisal in police, comprehensive training policy, E-policing, emerging trends in cyber security monitoring and police investigation.

Director General of Sikkim Police Jasbir Singh in his brief speech said themes during the conference including police reforms, changing technology, cyber crimes and means to ensure integrity were developed, probed and resolutions framed. He said Sikkim police is working towards improving its capabilities and developing its intuitions, describing the 42nd police congress as a learning experience.

Sikkim Tourism unveils new eco-tourism policy

Japan to fund North Sikkim villages

New Delhi, Feb 17: Sikkim Tourism with the help of the newly- constituted Eco-Tourism Directorate of Sikkim has come out with a comprehensive policy to promote environment friendly tourism in the state.

The new Eco-Tourism Policy of the State, which was released on January 26, 2012, envisages de-congesting the capital city, Gangtok, and improve dispersal of tourists to other parts of the State which are either virgin from a tourism perspective or not much explored by tourists so far.

"The mandate of the new policy is to de-congest Gangtok. Sikkim has much more to offer than just Gangtok," an official of the Directorate said.

As part of the new plan, the State Eco-tourism Directorate has identified ten villages around Kanchenjunga Sanctuary to be developed as model villages for promoting tourism. These ten villages have been zeroed in from a list of 40 villages identified initially.

According to the official, the selection has been done taking into consideration almost nine prerequisites, such as accessibility, stakeholders' interest, scenic attraction of the place, culture, etc. The villages thus identified include Dzongu, an original Lepcha village, Lachung, Lachen, Okharey, etc. Each village is being developed on a specific theme, the official informed, like water, culture, art and craft, etc.

The whole development project, including the capacity building exercise of the stakeholders, are being funded by Japan International Co-op Agency (JICA). The project is expected to be completed over the next five years.

Adhoc employees to call off strike

Gangtok, Feb 17: The All Sikkim Departments Adhoc Staff Group (ASDASG) has decided to calloff its 21-day-long indefinite strike from today.

A spokesman of the group said the strike will be resumed after the health condition of its President Sonam Jigme Sherpa improves.

The strikers, including Sherpa, met the HRD Minister NK Pradhan here today to hold talks, according to informed sources.

Due to his deteriorating health condition Sherpa is likely to be hospitalized here. A large number of teaching and non-teaching employees have been supporting the strike since it was launched here at the DC office premises on January 29.

SC directs Sikkim govt to help women fight sexual harassment

Gangtok, Feb 17: Senior advocate and social activist Doma T. Bhutia is hopeful that the State Government will follow the recent Supreme Court’s order on formation of complain committee in order to curb sexual harassment against women in the State.

Briefing reporters here recently, Doma said the apex court, taking note of a writ petition filed by a woman, directed the State to form a complaint committee. The court had asked the State to form this committee in 1997 but till date no such committee has been formed, Doma said.

As per the directions of the apex court, Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso recently filed an affidavit detailing steps taken by State Government for formation of the committee.

As per the apex court’s guidelines, the employer is required to include a rule in the company a code of conduct for preventing sexual harassment.

Organizations also must establish complaint committees that are headed by women.

The concerned authorities are also expected to initiate disciplinary actions against offenders and safeguard the interests of the victim.

Female employees are also entitled to be made aware of their rights.

Doma said that there are many women employees in private companies who are facing sexual harassment but due the fear of termination they never complain against the accused.

Editorial

COMMUNITY POLICING

Service With A Smile

In a democracy the men and women in uniform who are interacting with the people on a daily basis ought to know that they are there to help the public, not harass them. Too often police personnel feel that it is their right to clamp down heavily on those who fail to obey them. What we require is friendly but firm policing. Unfortunately, this is not the case and too often those who look after law and order are viewed with fear and apprehension.

Both the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, and Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, K T Gyaltsen, urged the Police to perform their with a “human touch” keeping in view matters regarding “community policing” while addressing an all-India conference on Police Congress. Sikkim Police must take credit for the general law and order situation in the State as compared to neighbouring areas. The efficient manner in which the traffic in Gangtok is managed is something to be proud of. However, we still have a long way to go in performing our duties with a human touch. 

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN      Feb 15, 2012

Nepal PM to inaugurate Global Bihar summit

Patna, Feb 14: The Global Bihar Summit 2012, which is scheduled to explore and discuss new strategies for the State's development, will be inaugurated here on February 17 by Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.

 Bhattarai, who is scheduled to arrive here on February 17, will lead a 17-member delegation of his country for the three-day summit, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister S K Modi said, PTI reported.

About 1,000 delegates from India and abroad are expected to participate in the summit. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, RBI Governor D Subba Rao, British economist Nicholas Stern, Lord Meghnad Desai, industrialist Kumar Manglam Birla, lyricist Javed Akhtar and film maker Prakash Jha would be among the participants, Modi said.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and  former Japan PM Kan Naoto are also expected to be present during the function.

He said objective of the summit is to explore the potential areas Bihar's progress. The summit is be jointly organised by Bihar Foundation, Institute for Human Development and Asian Development Research Institute.

Tibet protesters arrested in US amid China visit

Himalayan News Network

Washington, Feb 14: Police on Monday arrested activists who unfurled a banner reading, "Tibet Will be Free," on a major Washington bridge during a closely watched visit by China's leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping.

Officers briefly took four people into custody after they rappelled down the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which connects Virginia with central Washington's National Mall, to hang the banner, police said.

The four -- two of whom were taken by a police boat as they dangled down the side of the bridge over the Potomac River -- were arrested on charges of trespassing, US Park Police spokesman Sergeant David Schlosser said, AFP reported.

The activists from the group Students for a Free Tibet said that they were later released after being issued citations with fines of about $250 each for trespassing and disorderly conduct.

"I wanted to send a message to Xi Jinping, and also to the Tibetan people that we stand in solidarity with them," said one of the four, Tenzin Jigme.

Culture, adventure package draw UK tourists to Bhutan

T. Dem

Thimphu, Feb 14: Latest yearly tourism figures for Bhutan show a significant increase in the number of UK visitors to the country in 2011 compared to those of 2010.

37,481 international visitors entered Bhutan in 2011, representing a 38% increase from the 27,196 in 2010. Of those 2,795 were British compared to 1,772 from the previous year – an increase of 1,023, according to reports.

COMO Hotels and Resorts, which owns Uma Paro, the first luxury hotel to open in the country in 2004, also saw an increase in UK and international visitors with many staying at the property for a longer length of time than before.  Of the back of this increased demand, COMO will be opening a sister lodge, Uma Punakha in September 2012, to enable guests to enjoy greater cultural and physical adventure within the country.

The hotel is situated on a hillside in the lush Punakha Valley, a five-hour drive from Paro.  The intimate, 11-room lodge will offer the option of a two-centre stay with COMO and provide even more reasons to explore the beautiful centre and east of the country

Much of the growth in tourism to Bhutan can be attributed to the attractiveness of the country for adventure and culture including trekking, mountain biking, archery, yoga and even spa.  One tour operator which has been sending more UK travellers to Bhutan is Ampersand Travel. 

Its founder James Jayasundera said: “The combination of better quality hotels and more exciting possibilities for adventure has led to this increase in numbers.  Bhutan is becoming more accessible yet retains its air of mystery and strong cultural heritage which has always been very attractive to Ampersand customers.”

Ten Tibetan journalists jailed in China

Hill Media Network

Lhasa, Feb 14: As the Chinese authorities continue to ban access to journalists attempting to report on the situation inside Tibet, a global annual census on imprisoned journalists conducted by a leading international NGO promoting press freedom reveals that 10 out of 27 known journalists imprisoned in China are Tibetans. Six are Uyghurs.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in its December 2011 Prison Census on China said that Tibetans and Uyghurs form the bulk of journalists jailed in China, adding this unfortunate trend dates back to the widespread 2008 and 2009 protests in Tibet and East Turkestan (Chinese: Xinjiang) respectively.

The ten imprisoned Tibetan journalists are documentary filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen (sentenced to 6 years since December 28, 2009, detained in March 26, 2008); Kunchok Tsephel Gopey Tsang, online writer for Tibetan cultural issues website, Chomei (15 years since November 2009, detained in February 26, 2009); Kunga Tsayang aka Gangyi, political essayist, photographer and environmental activist (5 years since November 2010, detained inMarch 17, 2009); Tashi Rabten, writer /publisher of Shar Dungri magazine (4 years since 2 June 2011, detained since April 6, 2010); Dokru Tsultrim, the twice-detained monk writer forKhawai Tsesok journal (formal charges undisclosed); Jolep Dawa, writer and editor of Durab Kyi Nga magazine (3 years since October 2011, detained in October 1, 2010); Choepa Lugyal aka Meycheh, freelance writer for Shar Dungri magazine (formal charges and wherabouts are unknown, detained in October 19, 2011).

The writer and editor Jangtse Donkho aka Nyen and his fellow writer for Shar Dungrimagazine Buddha were detained since June-July 2010. Both were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment subjected to hard labor since October 2010 while another writer for Shar Dungri, Kalsang Jinpa aka Garmi who was arrested along with Nyen and Buddha was sentenced to 3 years in October 2010. In January 2011, the three were imprisoned subjected to hard labor in Mianyang jail near Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

Nepali Congress for talks on federalism

Kathmandu, Feb 14: Nepali Congress (NC) lawmakers and Central Working Committee (CWC) members have urged the party leadership to take the lead to settle differences seen over federal structure under the new statute.

During a joint meeting of the party´s CWC members and lawmakers organized by its Central Policy Orientation Academy last week, the NC leaders argued that the party should hold negotiations with various other parties and ethnic organizations to persuade them over the NC´s position, The Republica reported.

The meeting comes against the background of the State Restructuring Commission (SRC) submitting two separate reports to the government on federal state structure.

Addressing the meeting, NC CWC member and lawmaker Gagan Thapa argued that the NC cannot afford to remain a back-bencher and only react to the federal models floated by others.

“We have already agreed to go for federalism. We now have a situation where we in the Nepali Congress can ourselves develop a single federal state model through consensus,” he said.

He also suggested to the party leadership to start negotiations with other political parties and various ethnic organizations advocating ethnicity-based federal states to bring them around to the NC´s position.

NC lawmaker Uma Kanta Chaudhary asked the party to take a clear position on Madhes.

“The Nepali Congress has a popular base in Madhes. Our party would benefit hugely in the next election if it took a clear position on the federal state agenda in Madhes,” CWC member Jiwan Pariyar quoted Chaudhary as saying. Chaudhary added that the Madhesi people are in favor of a separate Madhes federal state.

Hostel for JK students in Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 14: In order to mitigate the difficulty of students from Jammu and Kashmir in finding appropriate accommodation in Delhi during their studies, the Jammu and Kashmir Government last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) to provide accommodation to 400 students from Jammu and Kashmir at PG, Graduate and School level in JMI.

 The MoU was signed by the Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Tanveer Jahan, on behalf of the State Government and Registrar JMI, S. M. Sajjad and Union Joint Secretary (K), Ministry of Home Affairs, K. Skandan in presence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for Home Affairs, P. Chidambaram, Union Education Secretary and Vice Chancellor JMI.

 The Government of Jammu and Kashmir will release a sum of Rs 16.22 crore to JMI in installments to finance the construction of hostel building, including appropriate furniture and fixtures in JMI Campus, to enable JMI to provide accommodation to 400 students from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The amount so released by Jammu and Kashmir shall be reimbursed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The land for the hostel will be provided by the JMI within its campus.

 The project will be completed within 24 months from the date of commencement of  construction. The 400 students from Jammu and Kashmir to be accommodated in the hostel will only be those admitted to the JMI University and its affiliated schools and for that purpose the concerned Hostel Committee of JMI shall include a representative from the Jammu and Kashmir State Government (Education Department) while allotting hostel accommodation to the students.

Opposition wrath

Will Nepal go the Sikkim way?    

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai’s ‘Lendhup Remark’ wherein he threatened possible merger either with India or China if Nepal failed to become a vibrant bridge between the two countries has drawn expected criticism from selected opposition.

Not all in the opposition bench in Nepal differ with Prime Minister Bhattarai for obvious reasons. May be Nehru is their political guru.

Bhattarai the other day in an interaction with his preferred group of journalists while deriding at Nepal’s unifier King Prithivi Narayan Shah had claimed that “If we fail to come out from the buffer state mentality, there looms largely a threat of either merging with India or China.”

The Nepali Congress chief-whip Laxman Ghimire and United Marxist Leninists’ reliable ‘US contact’ Bhim Rawal criticized India trained Nepal’s Prime Minister Baburam for making the irresponsible remark. Both Ghimire and Rawal were speaking at the parliament.

Mr. Ghimire seeking immediate clarification from the Prime Minister said, “The Prime Minister should appear in the parliament and provide immediate clarifications for his irresponsible remarks.”

Prime Minister Bhattarai’s akin to ‘Lendhup remarks’, claim experts, have come at a time when a section of critics suspect that the birth of the Unified Maoists Party, the decade long rebellion, India forced anti-national 12 Points Agreement, declaration of the republican order, chaos thereafter and eventually Baburam becoming the country’s prime minister---series of events make it clear that the country is headings towards possible disintegration or merger with India. Could be? Full circle of People’s War.

The US government’s reliable communist contact in Nepal, Mr. Rawal also came down heavily upon the Prime Minister for his anti-national remarks.

Said Rawal, “During his India visit, the Prime Minister had claimed that he "gambled" in Delhi while signing the BIPPA with India. Now, he is talking about ‘merger of the nation-state," Rawal said.

To recall, Lendhup (Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa – the first Chief Minister of Sikkim) assisted Madame Gandhi for Independent and Sovereign Sikkim's merger into the Indian Union. Later Lendhup died an unsung death. (Telegraph Nepal)

Editorial

SACRED SIKKIM

Don’t Repeat Mistakes

The scrapping of two controversial hydroelectric projects in West Sikkim by the Sikkim Government recently follows a statewide agitation by social organisations, whose main opposition to these projects are based on religious and historical grounds. Traditionally, West Sikkim is regarded as a sacred place for Sikkimese Buddhism. Most of the important and ancient monasteries in Sikkim are located in this region, which has been blessed by many religious leaders of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche himself lived and meditated in the various sacred caves in this district when he visited the former kingdom in the 8^th century. Sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destinations such as Tashiding, Pamayangtse and Khechoepelri Lake draw many pilgrims from far and wide every year.

Nearly four hundred years after the coming of Sikkim’s ancestor Khye Bumsa the first Sikkimese monarch, Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal, was installed as the ruler (Chogyal) at Norbugang in Yuksam in West Sikkim in 1642. The minority Bhutia-Lepchas, who  reluctantly accepted Sikkim’s merger with India, still want to preserve their ancient cultural heritage within the framework of the Indian Constitution. The Chamling Government is likely to also scrap the Tashiding hydel project as per the wishes of the people. Hopefully, future governments will not repeat the same mistakes. It is politically and financially unwise to go ahead with projects that are not in the best interest of the people.

“Muivah has failed to keep his promise to the people of Nagaland”

ULFA chief Paresh Barua guns at NSCN’s Thuinglang Muivah for disintegrating insurgent movements in Northeast

Riding close on the heels of the first ever formal peace talks between United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)’s pro talk faction and the Centre, the Commander-in-chief of the banned outfit Paresh Barua, who leads the anti-talk camp, has hit out at his one-time ‘close friend’, General Secretary of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac Muivah) (NSCN-IM), Thuinglang Muivah accusing him of disintegrating the Northeast insurgent movements by siding with the Indian Government and, thereby, failing to keep his promise made to the people of Nagaland.

The NSCN(IM) has been involved in a peace parley with New Delhi since 1997. Union Home Ministry insiders have confirmed to TEHELKA that a new settlement of the long-continuing Naga conflict will be achieved before Christmas. In such a scenario a snub from Paresh Barua will leave Muivah and his team in utter discomfort.

“Muivah is responsible for the disintegration of Northeast insurgent struggle for sovereignty. The Government for long has been taking advantage of the discord among various outfits of the region. Way back in 1985, ULFA has proposed to NSCN (IM) general secretary Th.Muivah to initiate a unity move among Northeast rebel groups since ULFA feared that Government will try to divide and encourage fratricidal killings. But Muivah sided with the Government of India. Thus Muivah has failed to keep his promise to the people of Nagaland,” reads the statement issued by Arunoday Dohutia, press secretary of Paresh Barua led anti-talk faction of ULFA.

The statement further referred to the 10 October incident where there was a huge gun battle between the NSCN (IM) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) in Manipur. The Barua faction feels Muivah’s decision to go alone and not unite the various rebel outfits of Northeast had dealt a blow to the survival of the underground insurgent movements in the region and, in the process, he has betrayed other rebel outfits and people of Northeast.

Independent watchers feel that by issuing such statements the anti-talk faction of ULFA is making a mistake. “The problem of division among various rebel groups in the Northeast is nothing new. It has been there because of high assertions of ethnicity that reduced the ground for the outfits to come closer. The Indian State has always been able to take advantage of this situation, thus by making such statement Paresh Barua is falling into the same trap which he accuses Muivah of falling into,” explained Subir Bhaumik, Editor, Seven Sisters Post.

Between 1985 and 1990 ULFA’s cadres were baptised in terror by the NSCN. They used to share camps in the head quarters of undivided NSCN in Kesan Chanlam on the other side of the Indo-Myanmar border across from Nagaland. After NSCN got divided, the military wing of ULFA under Barua’s leadership has maintained close ties with both the factions. “We have come to know from surrendered ULFA cadres that once Paresh was fond of Muivah but friction developed between the two outfits after Paresh became close to the rival faction of Khaplang-led NSCN-IM. ULFA and NSCN once got engaged in a gun fight over control of a corridor in NC hills,” a senior military intelligence officer said. NSCN(IM) top leader Anthony Shimray, who was in charge of the outfits arms procurement, was hand-in-gloves with Barua before his arrest in Nepal. (Tehelka) 

Bangladeshis refuse to be Sikkim of India

India has alerted its army to extend all sorts of assistance to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid if another attempt was made to remove her from power. The Bangladeshi army spokesman disclosed recently that a coup against the government planned by religious elements within the military was recently foiled without giving specific dates.

According to reports, published in the Indian media, Indian army bases near Bangladesh’s border have been asked to remain alert and there have been regular contacts with country’s embassy in New Delhi to forestall any attempt to dislodge the government. The reports of the Indian actions and concerns over an internal matter have further infuriated the proud Bangladeshis who have centuries-old history of not accepting hegemony of others and they do not want their country to become another Sikkim of India.

In 2009, two months after Hasina Wajid took office after general elections, Bangladeshi border guards mutinied and many serving army officers were killed. That shows the strong resentment among the armed forces over incumbent government’s close relation with India and underlines tension between the government and elements in the military that have lingered since the mutiny in 2009.

India wants its hegemony over Bangladesh and dictates its terms to get concessions and policies of its liking implemented by the sitting Government in Dhaka in return for support in the creation of the country in 1971. This is not acceptable to the people and they oppose any move of the government that gives the impression of surrendering to Indian dictation.

There are border and other disputes between the two countries but the long running water discord is of serious concern for Bangladeshis who want the government to control its political itching and take stand against Indian abuses. But the problem is that India has its own long-term designs and the ongoing tussle reflects that all is not well in India’s relations with Bangladesh. In the present international scenario, every state and its people want relations with other countries on equal basis and one fears that more India will interfere and assert in Bangladeshi affairs, more the resistance would be.(Pakistan Observer)

Sikkim not controversial: Gautam

Filmmaker Goutam Ghosh recently claimed that Satyajit Ray’s documentary “Sikkim” had been unjustifiably banned since 1975.

The DVD of the documentary created to portray its namesake, produced by the Royal family of a sovereign Sikkim in 1971 and banned by the Indian Government till 2010, was finally launched by Angel Digital in Kolkata last month.

While occupying the podium during the event Ghosh said, “The documentary was about the sovereign state of Sikkim before India annexed it, so perhaps there were political reasons but I still cannot justify the banning of this film as it contains no infuriating or controversial footage.”

“People had a great curiosity about this film as it was made by the legendary director Satyajit Ray and it is great that they will finally get to see it,” he remarked.

Fellow filmmaker and Satyajit Ray’s son Sandip Ray shared a few anecdotes from his experiences during a shooting trip to Sikkim with his father while affirming to the notion that “Sikkim portrays only the flora and fauna of the land. It only shows the beautiful landscape and I assure you that there are no controversial footages.”

Ray revealed that obtaining a decent print had been a hassle as the owner of the original negative Hope Cooke, the wife of the then Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, could not be contacted.

“It is really lucky that a print of this film was found with one of my father’s old friend and distributor in London because the original negative is no longer available,” Ray remarked.

“Some parts of the movie have been restored and though the original quality of colour was really great, this print is viewable and at least people will get the opportunity to see this,” he said.

Ray urged the distributors to produce compilations of his father’s other short films as this is the high time for their release.

“It would be great if the short films of my father are released because I believe the people are ready to see them now and so I request the producers to do something about it,” Ray said. (India Blooms News Service)

Left Front for Central intervention in Darjeeling

Kolkata, Feb 14: The Left Front is approaching the Centre to urge it to take steps to arrest the deteriorating political situation in Darjeeling in the wake of various pro-Gorkhaland groups taking out rallies in the Hill town in support of a separate Gorkhaland.

“Darjeeling is among the many issues where the State Government has failed to bring a solution,” State Opposition leader, Suryakanto Mishra said on Monday adding that he would reach the Central Government “seeking its immediate intervention before the situation spins out of control,” a national daily reported.

Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the Gorkha Janmutki Morcha, had on Sunday taken out huge processions in Darjeeling in support of a separate State. The rally came close on the heels of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s meeting with the GJM leadership where she assured them of quick commissioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration accord.

The tripartite accord signed by the State, Centre and the GJM in July 2011stipulates carving out of an autonomous zone comprising three Hill sub-divisions of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong, apart from the Dooars and Terrain area in the foothills and contiguous Plains inhabited by the adivasis and Bengalis. A high-powered committee led by (retd) Justice Sabyasachi Sen is looking into the territory aspect of the treaty amid protests from the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad and the local Bengalis.

“The treaty should have been implemented by the end of January, ie within six months of its signing. But it seems that the Government is not sincere about its implementation which makes the creation of a separate Gorkhaland all the more necessary,” said IM Pakhrin a senior GJM leader, wondering “how far the Hills can wait for the GTA to happen.”

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties in Darjeeling have already come under an umbrella to take on the GJMM forcing Gurung to press for quick implementation of GTA.   

JAC rally in Sikkim to protest Tashiding hydel project

Gangtok, Feb 14: The Joint Action Committee, a common platform to protest hydel power projects in Sikkim, organized a rally on Monday in West Sikkim demanding the scrapping of the third hydel power project Tashiding by the State Government.

The rally follows the scrapping of two hydel projects, Lethang and Ting Ting on Rathong Chu river in West Sikkim, considered sacred by Buddhists in Sikkim.

Thousands participated in the rally at the district headquarters of Geyzing, according to Nawin Kiran Pradhan, President of All Sikkim Educated Self Educated and Unemployed Association.

Pradhan said that the association has welcomed the historic decisions of the state government in scrapping Lethang and Ting Ting hydel projects. “If the state government does not accept our demands we will start a mass agitation,” said Pradhan.

Darjeeling ropeway reopens after more than 8 years

Darjeeling, Feb 14: The Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway in Darjeeling was reopened for the public this week after more than 8-year freeze.

The Ropeway is a joint venture by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation and Conveyor and Ropeway Services (CRS).

A major tourist attraction, the services had been closed down following a fatal accident on October 19, 2003 which had resulted in the death of 4 passengers and had critically injured 11.

With demands of the reopening of the Ropeway from different quarters,  Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had assured that it would be functional from October 2011 (Durga Pujas). However, owing to technical hitches the deadline could not be met.

Following a thorough survey by the Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (India) Limited (Mecon), this Central Government undertaking had furnished a list of technical recommendations, including modern safety features.

10 gondolas will undertake the 2km run between Singamari, adjacent to the St Joseph's School, North Point, on the outskirts of the Darjeeling town at 6,500ft to Tukvar tea garden at 6,000ft.

The ropeway was started in 1968 by the forest development department and comprised only a single car which ran one way. Later, it was upgraded to 16 cars and went to and fro from North Point to Singla Bazar, 8 km away.

Fight Maoist propaganda in Northeast: Pillai

P. Ghosh

Guwahati, Feb 14:  Former Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai on Monday urged political parties and NGOs in Assam to counter Maoist propaganda at the grassroots level.

 Pillai also said the Army's role in counter-insurgency operations in the northeast could be reduced provided the State Governments were willing to upgrade their police forces.

“The subtle campaign of the Maoists to portray themselves as champions of the underdog and protector of the deprived is but a part of their larger campaign to seize political power through an armed struggle. And Assam needs to learn from the experiences of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha and nip it in the bud,” he said, while delivering the keynote address at a two-day seminar organised by the Centre for Development and Peace Studies (CDPS) here, a regional daily reported.

Describing Manipur as “perhaps the most problematic state in the North East as no genuine dialogue has yet taken place with the insurgent groups,” he said the disconnect between the State government and the Government of India on how to tackle the security situation and the consequent social and economic fallout “is more worrying.”

Presently a Distinguished Fellow of the Delhi-based Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Pillai alleged that the State police force in Manipur had become “politicised” and “highly dysfunctional.”

“The contours of peace in Manipur are still not clear. At present, this is hostage to the ongoing peace process with the Nagas. The government and the people of Manipur will have to be consulted and made a party to in the final settlement, which as Government of India has repeatedly stressed, respects the territorial integrity of Manipur and of other States in the northeast,” he said.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said proper utilisation of natural resources and generating employment opportunities were the keys to sustaining peace in Assam and the other north-eastern States. He, however, asserted that the Maoists would never be successful in Assam. Mr. Gogoi also said that he saw no difference between the Maoists and various insurgent groups of the region.

British Deputy High Commissioner to Eastern India, Sanjay Wadvani, said that the North East had tremendous economic potential and, in the current climate with many radical groups preferring dialogue to settle disputes, the moment seems opportune to build peace in the region and give a new vigour to development.

Sikkim Observer Feb 11, 2012

Mamata pits GJM against Centre on GTA delay

Siliguri, Feb 11: In a shrewd move Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today averted a possible attack from Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and set the fuming Darjeeling outfit against the Central Government for the delay in implementation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) accord.

The Chief Minister, who was meeting a GJM delegation led by Roshan Giri and Harka Bahadur Chetri not only managed to convince the hill leaders that the delay was not on account of the Writers’ Buildings but the Central Government, but also empathised with the delegation for the political pressure they had to handle in the hills on account of the non-implementation of the accord.

“We have communicated our concerns to the Chief Minister and she has told us that she would take it up with the Centre when she visits Delhi later this month,” a visibly satisfied Giri said quickly reminding the March 27 deadline for the implementation of the accord set by GJM chief Bimal Gurung “stands.” Gurung had earlier warned he would tear off and burn the copy of the treaty if the deadline was not met by the Government.

“The GJM leaders have valid concerns about the delay in the implementation of the GTA accord but here I must say that the State Government is not responsible for the delay as it has done its work,” Banerjee said adding the Centre had sought certain clarifications which had already been sent by the State Government and “now it is for them to do the rest.”

The Chief Minister said she had “sought the appointment of the Prime Minister either on 23rd or 24th of February and if I get the appointment I would certainly press for quick implementation of the accord.” The Chief Minister said she would return to Darjeeling on February 27.

Guv urged to protect civil rights

Gangtok, Feb 10: The Joint Action Committee, ‘Common Platform’ yesterday submitted a memorandum to Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh urging him to safeguard fundamental civil rights of citizens in the State.

The appeal to the Governor comes after the recent incident in Singtam in South Sikkim, where two members of the

All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association were assaulted while distributing pamphlets protesting against implementation of hydel power projects in West Sikkim.

The Association President Nawin Kiran Pradhan said freedom of speech and expression were part of fundamental democratic rights guaranteed under the Constitution and urged the Governor to safeguard these rights. He said if these rights were suppressed peace in the State would be disturbed.

 “We welcome the decision of the state government of the closure of the two hydro-electric projects 99 MW Ting Ting HEP, 96 MW Lethang HEP being undertaken in Yuksom, Tashiding Constituency in West Sikkim in public interest with immediate effect,” said  JAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia at a press briefing. Bhutia also requested the State Government to scrap the Tashiding hydel project in West Sikkim.

Bhutia body to felicitate CM on closure of hydel projects

Gangtok, Feb 10: The State Government has ordered the scrapping of two controversial hydel projects in West Sikkim: 99 MW Ting Ting and 96 MW Lethang hydro electric projects.

The closure of these projects came through a notification from the Home Department, Government of Sikkim, vide number 12/Home/2012 dated 08.02.2012.

The National Sikkimese Bhutia Orgnisation (NASB0), which is one of the social organizations agitating against projects on historical and religious grounds, has welcomed the closure of these projects and has thanked all those responsible for opposing these projects.

The Organisation said it would felicitate Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for the “historic decision”. It has also urged the State Government to scrap the Tashiding hydro electric project in West Sikkim.

 Sikkim press body expresses concern over Kalimpong media threat

 Gangtok, Feb 10: The Sikkim Federation of Working Journalist (SFWJ) has expressed its concern over the growing fear psychosis that has compelled the electronic news channel in Kalimpong to shutdown.

Media reports of  on the shutdown episode indicate unfavorable situation cropping in around Kalimpong for the safety and secure working environment of the Fourth Estate, Prabin Khaling, the Federation’s Vice-President said in a Press release.

  The Federation is likely to seek the immediate attention of the district administration to ensure the fundamental freedom of the media and the people at large, Khaling said.

“We express solidarity with the aggrieved Press circle in Kalimpong” and intend to “bring the state of affairs at present in Kalimpong to the notice of the Press Council of India,” Khaling said.

The Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) and Journalist Club of Sikkim (JCS) have also raised their voice against those who are threatening the media in neighbouring Kalimpong.

“The media fraternity of Sikkim is sad with this incident and records its solidarity with the mediapersons of Kalimpong,” PCS President Bhim Rawat said in a statement.

Survey for Sevoke-Sikkim rail track approved

Kolkata, Feb 10: The controversial broad gauge railway track, proposed between Sevoke in Darjeeling and Rangpo in Sikkim, has been given a survey approval.

To be conducted by the state forest department, the survey will precede the laying of the track that will run through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Once the survey is complete, the report will be sent to the Union environment ministry that will revert back to the state forest department with its feedback, The Times of India reported.

It will be followed by an environment impact assessment (EIA) that will decide whether the project will receive a go-ahead. This was decided at a meeting of the State Wildlife Board on Monday.

Editorial

CONG HOPEFUL

UP Poll Prospects

The Congress party is going all-out to regain the confidence of voters in the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh. But despite predictions of a better performance by the Congress in the Assembly elections the grand old party needs to tie up with the Samajwadi Party (SP) to form the next government. According to predictions, SP is likely retain the lead in winning most of the seats in the 403-seat Assembly followed by Mayawati’s BSP. Rahul Gandhi’s statement that the party would “go it alone” in UP and that it “is in coalition only with the poor,” is mere rhetoric as his party will find it almost impossible to form a majority on its own.

Both the SP and Congress are heavily banking on the Muslim community, which comprise 18% of the population. The Mayawati government is clearly on the back foot, with a deteriorating law and order situation and opposition parties going on the offensive. The Congress is in a campaign mode seeking to build on its surprisingly strong showing in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, with Rahul Gandhi himself resorting to agitational politics, and his pointsman Digvijaya Singh assiduously wooing the Muslim community.

KATHMANDU KALEIDOSCOPE
Politics And The Common Man

Despite the ever-changing political scenario and unfailing load sheddings, coupled with constant traffic jams and the increasing inflow of rural people into the streets of Kathmandu, this ancient city never fails to dazzle and fascinate its constant flow of visitors. Shopping at foreign tourist-dominated area of Thamel, Darbar Marg and some of the city’s many shopping malls is not only fun but interesting, too.

Kathmandu’s heritage sites are everywhere and one can do your purchases as well as visit the many pilgrimage centers  and heritage sites as you move around. Tourism and pilgrimage go together in the overcrowded streets and this is the beauty of the city. The Swoyambhunath stupa overlooking the city and perhaps the largest stupa in the world in Boudha receive constant flow of Buddhist devotees from all across the Himalaya. Politicians ought to give the Nepalese a break. Streets need to be cleaned, power restored, supply of cooking gas and petrol increased and more importantly there should be enough supply of safe drinking water. These are the needs of the common man even as politicians struggle to draft a new constitution while bickering over its federal structure.

Tibet has a friend in the USA: US Congressman

Dharamsala, Feb 10: The United States is likely to urge its Ambassador Gary Locke to raise China’s “repressive policies” in Tibet with the Chinese government.

In a statement on the recent self-immolations of Tibetans in Tibet, US Congressman Frank Wolf said “The stakes are high in Tibet and the Chinese government knows it.  They are tightening their grip on the region.”

He said, “I have urged U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke to raise the government’s repressive policies in Tibet with senior Chinese party officials and publicly use his platform to make it clear to the Tibetan people that they have a friend in the United States of America.”

“I stand in solidarity with all of the friends of Tibet who today have gathered in Washington, D.C. and in cities around the globe to testify to the deepening crisis in Tibet and find common cause with the suffering people of Tibet.

You are rightly holding vigil outside of the Chinese embassy for it is the Chinese government’s brutal and repressive policies which are the source of this human rights crisis.”

Wolf said, “The free world has been horrified by the string of self-immolations of Tibetans over the last year, including several monks and nuns.  These peace-loving Tibetans have set themselves aflame in desperation at the abuses suffered by their people at the hands of the Chinese government.”

Japan funds for Sikkim quake

Gangtok, Feb 10: The Sikkim forest department will receive Rs 13.12 crore from a Japanese government agency to rebuild the infrastructure damaged in last year’s devastating earthquake.

The amount has been sanctioned by the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) that is funding a project to ensure alternative livelihood for people living on forest fringes in Sikkim, according to a national daily.

The release of the amount was announced by JICA representative Vineet Sarin during a review of the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) here last week. The Rs 330.57 crore project is being executed by the forest department.

“The JICA is extremely sad about what happened in Sikkim on September 18. Although the release of Rs 13.12 crore was not in the original project, it is something which the JICA has offered to the forest department. There has been a lot of destruction and the JICA would like to support the department in whatever way possible within the parameters of the project to restore the damaged infrastructure,” said Sarin.

Farmers undergo training on organic farming in Namchi

Gangtok, Feb 10: An orientation-cum-training programme based on Internal Control System for wider and successful effect of Sikkim Organic Mission was held at the conference hall of District Administrative Centre, Namchi, South Sikkim, yesterday and today.

This two-day workshop was organized by the MR Morarka GDC Rural Research Foundation (Jaipur) in collaboration with Food Supply, Agriculture, Horticulture & Cash Crop Development Department, an IPR release said.

The objective of this programme is to train the field supervisors, panchayat members and local farmers and equip them for successful and efficient implementation of the Sikkim Organic Mission in the rural areas. They were provided with training and information based on documentation of organic farming by the resource persons and officials of the department and Morarka Foundation.

Under this programme, the field supervisors have been selected from the State Livelihood Schools who have undergone three months training in certificate course of Agricultural Management.

Lachen says no to mineral water bottles

Gangtok, Feb 10:  On the occasion of World Wetlands Day on February 2, the Lachen Dzumsa consisting of the Pipons, Gyambos, Chultimpa (representative of Lamas), along with the public of Lachen has decided to ban mineral water bottles in the village of Lachen and higher areas from the upcoming tourist season.

This decision has been made as an initiative for conservation of the holy lake of Gurudongmar situated at 5,183 metres, which over the years has been growing as a tourist destination in the State. The lake area is a biodiversity hotspot, The Assam Tribune reported.

Receiving more than 15,000 visitors annually in the form of pilgrims and tourists, one of the major threats to the holy lake is from garbage disposal.

This was clearly indicated during the cleanliness campaign organised jointly by WWF-India and Lachen Tourism Development Committee in collaboration with the Lachen Dzumsa around the lake side, on the occasion of World Environment Day last year. Thirty big sacks of tins, and plastics of which a large part was mineral water bottles were collected during the drive, the report said.

Understanding the need for having a proper garbage management and regulation process in place, Lachen Dzumsa, with assistance from LTDC and WWF, will develop a strategy for monitoring of the garbage that goes up to the lake, and ensuring that it is brought back to Lachen. A proposal for construction of a garbage segregation chamber at Lachen is also in the pipeline.

Tourists will be sensitised on the matter so that they come to realise that natural mountain water is safer and healthier than those packaged and sold in plastic bottles. With the decision, Lachen becomes the first village in Sikkim to ban the use and sale of bottled water.

The model will look into possibility of complete ban on the use of bottled water in Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake with promotion of filtered water for the tourists at these villages.

Ashit Rai to represent Sikkim at editors meet

Gangtok, Feb 10: Ashit Rai, editor of Sikkim Mail, an English daily, will represent the State at the All India Editors Conference on Social Issue at Poducherry on Feb 10-11.

The conference will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni and the Union Minister for Rural Development, Jairam Ramesh, a PIB release said.

The Conference will enable editors to get a detailed background of the government’s  policies and programmes in the area of social and economic development and provide a platform for interaction with ministers and senior officers. The conference will also provide an opportunity to the government to get feedback from journalist specializing on these issues.

Sikkim/People & Places

Rattled Heritage: Sikkim’s Monasteries after the Quake

By CHETAN RAJ SHRESTHA

For a week after the Sept. 18 earthquake, many towns in Sikkim were cut off from the outside world. The roads slowly became passable and as they did, photographs and video clips began to circulate. Rumors traveled too, especially that the major monasteries – Pemayangtse, Dubdi, Tashiding and Ringhim – were barely standing and that some of the smaller monasteries in Khechiperi and Hongdi (Pawo Hungri)  had been obliterated.

The truth has proven more reassuring. There was damage, but not outright destruction. However, it is clear that the monasteries, chief items in Sikkim’s meager architectural heritage, were the hardest hit buildings in the quake.

After the earthquake, the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department undertook a survey in Sikkim’s four districts. I visited some monasteries alone, some with local officials, and was given information on others. I also assisted with a report summarizing these assessments that covered 121 religious and cultural properties.

Some trends were apparent. Recent concrete and brick monasteries fared well unless poorly constructed. The older stone and mud monasteries, some of which date back to the early 1700s, were badly affected. Walls had collapsed completely, roofs detached from walls and internal murals were scarred by cracks. A gradual analysis identified four main reasons for the damages: local intensity of the quake, soil subsidence, shoddy construction and age.

Much of the damage was done by two forces – intensity and subsidence. The quake’s magnitude was 6.8, but distributed unequally in Sikkim. In the north, where it was most severe, reinforced concrete monasteries in Chungthang and Lachung were rattled enough to be declared unstable. Subsidence has the greatest potential for long-term danger. The earthquake could be seen as a 35-second repositioning of the mountains and even now reports are coming in of monasteries, such as Ralang in South Sikkim, where cracks are still widening.

What will happen during the monsoon season, when rainwater pours into a loosened mountainside, should but has not caused apprehension among the authorities and the monks.

Proportionately speaking, amateur construction appears to have contributed little to the general damage. But in terms of what it indicates and presages, it is the most worrying. In recent decades, nearly all the monasteries have been constructed or repaired by the monks themselves. “Contract lamas,’’ as they are called, are common in Sikkim. They propose projects, are paid and execute the work in between their religious duties, or sometimes at their expense. The government, anxious to please a powerful constituency, does not interfere.

Some contract lamas are perhaps thinking, with some wistfulness, of the central government’s pledge to “reconstruct’’ Sikkim with a special focus on its monasteries. This relief package is by now mythically generous. Its largesse fluctuates between 2.5 billion rupees (about $49 million) and 10 billion rupees (about $199 million) . But nothing has arrived until now; four months after the quake.

The monks will determine whether the older monasteries, so crucial to an understanding of Sikkim’s architectural history, will be restored or torn down and rebuilt. They will have to choose between demolition and conservation, with persuasions from both sides. Chawang and Hee Gyathang in North Sikkim are two monasteries whose committees have chosen to restore the masonry buildings which were damaged on September 18.

Stone masonry monasteries were the hardest hit, suffering all the effects of a crippling accident in old age. Loose stones, weak mortar and decaying wood members contributed to an overall frailty. But physical evidence and oral records testify that they were regularly rebuilt after disasters like the January 1934 Great Bihar earthquake and the June 1897 Great Assam earthquake, both of which affected Sikkim.

When rebuilding happens now, though, convenience is often the deciding factor. The obvious inflictions on the stone facades of the older monasteries – broken walls, collapsed altars – are contrasted with the relative health of the concrete monasteries and presented as proof of the older monasteries’ weakness. That some of them have stood for a few centuries means little.

A century is an eon in Sikkim. Indians sometimes seem to shrug while treating their relics with cheerful disregard; they contend there is a surfeit of history in India. But Sikkim lacks that dubious luxury. Here, mythical history is abundant, recorded history is recent and tangible heritage is scarce.

Sikkim was annexed into the Indian union in 1975, an act commonly called the “merger.’’ It brought Sikkim statehood and with it, regular and substantial funds from the central government. Most of the newer monasteries date from after 1975, either constructed on new land or to replace older structures.

The Buddhist scriptures do not provide guidelines for concrete constructions, and it is uncertain where the contract lamas acquired their knowledge. Inspections after the quake revealed absurdly bad building practices – beams larger than their supporting columns, improperly cured concrete, inadequate reinforcement. The older masonry monasteries were almost always built by the monks and laity, but they used materials – timber, stone, thatch – that they were familiar with. It is their unfamiliarity with concrete that opens the way for amateur construction and material corruption.

The monks’ fondness for concrete led them to dismantle much of their own heritage over the past two decades. The new monasteries are often built on the site of the previous structures for the opposing reasons of sanctity – the footprint of the existing monastery is itself considered holy – and convenience – the debris is often cannibalized to abet new construction.

This insensitivity is not limited to Sikkim. Tawang, a 400-year-old monastery in Arunachal Pradesh state and the largest one in India, has only one original building. The Dalai Lama reportedly admonished the monks of the ancient Dhankar Monastery, in Himachal Pradesh state, asking them to conserve rather than rebuild, a directive they heeded. His Holiness ought to turn his disapproving gaze eastwards.

Part of the present ugliness in monastic construction may have a bitter root. Sikkim has historically looked up to Tibet for political and religious guidance. After the closure of the Tibet border in 1962 following the Indo-China war, the artery between Sikkim and its cultural heart was severed, and it was isolated from discourses in monastery conservation. There is a nascent admiration for Bhutan, which shares Sikkim’s paucity of heritage items but which has shrewdly managed a sensitive conservation of its monastic heritage.

Competition is common among monasteries in Sikkim. In an attempt to upstage each other, some institutions have replaced stone with bricks, mud with cement, timber with marble. Where marble cannot be obtained, they prefer bathroom tiles, the more luridly colored the better.

If desire is the cause of suffering, as Buddhism holds, how much sadness must there be in the smaller monasteries in Sikkim, which aspire to the opulence achieved by the larger ones? It shows the monks as distressingly human, tormented by the same impulses that beset the laity.

(Chetan Raj Shrestha is an architect currently practising in Sikkim. He specializes in conservation architecture and writes in his spare time: The New York Times)