HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday June 19-25, 2013  

GOLAY TO LEAD ‘SKM’ FROM NEXT MONTH

PS Golay (pix: sikkimnow)

Gangtok, June 18: Rebel ruling party legislator PS Tamang (Golay), who floated his Sikkim Krantikari Morcha on February 4 this year, will finally come out in the open and head the party next month.

This was stated by SKM Working President Bharati Sharma during a public meeting of the party in Yangang, South Sikkim, yesterday.

Sharma said Golay will formally take over the party in July and continue with its parivartan (change) campaign. She said the mass support that SKM was receiving all over the State shows that people want change.

Sharma accused the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, which has been ruling the State for 20 years, of dividing the people and ensuring that wealth was kept in the hands of a handful of pro-ruling party people.

The demand for Golay to come out in the open to lead his party has grown, particularly after former chief minister NB Bhandari revived his party, Sikkim Sangram Parishad, recently. Bhandari said he wants to join hands with Golay and other opposition leaders to bring opposition unity in the State to take on Chief Minister Pawan Chamling-led ruling party.

India welcomes election announcement in Nepal

Nepal PM Khil Raj Regmi

Kathmandu, June 18: India has welcomed the announcement of the Constituent Assembly elections in Nepal on November 19, saying that the polls will "usher in an era of peace, stability, progress and prosperity" in the country.

"We warmly welcome the announcement of election date by Nepal government as it reflects collective desires of the Nepalese people," said a statement from the Indian Embassy here.

"We are confident that elections will enable the finalisation of a new constitution and usher in an era of peace, stability, progress and prosperity in Nepal," the statement said, PTI reported.

Earlier, US had welcomed the announcement mentioning that they have been encouraging the Government of Nepal to take this important step after the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly in May last year.

"We welcome the announcement by the Council of Ministers in Nepal that Constituent Assembly elections will take place on November 19, 2013," Jennifer R Paski, spokesperson for the US Department of State said.

With the formation of the election government led by Chief Justice of Nepal, Khil Raj Regmi in March, the political parties had earlier tentatively agreed to conduct the elections in June or by December this year.

Parties hope Kashmir issue to be raised during PM visit

Srinagar, Jun 18: High expectations are riding on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Jammu and Kashmir later this month, with mainstream political parties hoping that he will initiate steps to address the internal and external dimensions of the Kashmir issue.

"We hope that the Prime Minister's visit will focus on the peace process in the broadest sense. We hope it is not just at the localised level but a dialogue is initiated with the separatists as well as Pakistan," chief spokesman of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Naeem Akhtar said.

The Prime Minister, along with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on June 25 to inaugurate the railway link connecting Kashmir in north of Pir Panjal Mountain range to Banihal town on the south. This section is vital for linking Kashmir with rest of the country through the ambitious rail project started 10 years ago, PTI reported.

Akhtar said the PDP is hoping that J&K-specific confidence building measures between India and Pakistan will be taken to next level as the recent elections in the neighbouring country have ended the period of uncertainty there.

Ruling National Conference said although the PM's visit was for inaugurating development projects in the state, the party was hopeful that Singh will initiate steps from Kashmir for resolution of the problems of the state.

"Now that there is a change of guard in Pakistan, we hope that the Prime Minister initiates from Kashmir steps for resolution of Kashmir issue," Tanvir Sadiq, NC leader and political secretary to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said.

State Secretary of CPI(M) Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said Singh should at least send a message to the people of Kashmir that justice will be done on all fronts.

"We expect that the least the Prime Minister can do is to assure the people of the state that various recommendations of the working groups set up by him will be implemented," Tarigami said.

The recommendations that Tarigami wants to be implemented include return of power projects to Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing the cross-LOC movement and good governance.

The separatist camp has so far shown no interest in the Prime Minister's visit except for JKLF which has called for a shutdown the day Singh lands in Kashmir.

Editorial

SIKKIM SURPRISES

Politicians Are On The Move

As the Sikkim Assembly elections draws nearer there will be many surprises in store for the people who are longing for change. The former kingdom which has largely been ruled by two men – Nar Bahadur Bhandari and Pawan Kumar Chamling – since 1979 desperately needs a change to its political leadership. And yet despite the desire for change the opposition is still not able to get its house in order. While Bhandari after the SSP’s has stated that his state-wide tour would begin only after the monsoon, the newly-formed Sikkim Krantikari Morcha leader PS Golay is yet to leave the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front to lead his party.

Meanwhile, expelled SKM leader Avinash Yakha has alleged that the SKM has no plan and policies for Sikkim’s future. Another youth leader Nawin Pradhan has quit the unemployed youth association which was critical of the State Government and is likely to join the ruling party. While some Congress functionaries have quit the party to join Bhandari’s Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP) there are those who will not leave the party mainly to obtain its ticket to contest the next Assembly elections due early next year. And as cash flows fast and freely from the top there will be more surprises in store for the Sikkimese people before, during and after the next polls.

Govt project may defile Kabi-Lungtsok sanctity: Lepcha body

Gangtok, June 18: The Sikkim Lepcha Association (Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum) and Lepcha Youth Association (Ong Shezum) have expressed their apprehension over the State Government’s proposed project at the historic site of Kabi-Lungtsok, where an eternal bloodbrotherhood was sworn between the Lepchas and Bhutias in the 13^th century.

During its meeting held here yesterday, members of the two associations “felt that the concerned department involved, should have initially interacted with the concerned community and the stake holders to avoid the said apprehension arising at the present, among the members of the lepcha community,” a release of the Tarjum said.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of Tarjum President Sonam Dupden and Shezum President Ongden Tshering Lepcha on the issue of development and beautification of the historic site, “felt that though the said project for preservation of the centuries old historical and religious spot at Kabi Lungchok, was needed,  but at the same time that they had strong ‘apprehension’ against the said project, in regards to the sanctity of the sacred and the said religious place, which had been a century old place of worship and devotion among the Lepchas of Sikkim and the world.”

“The house also felt that such heavy funded project would surely jeopardize the age old historical & the religious sanctity of Kabi Lungchok,” the release added. The meeting urged the authorities for “an appropriate and immediate solution to the said problem.”

Darjeeling Lepchas to honour Mamata

Siliguri, June 18: Right when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee finds her friendship with Gorkhas in Darjeeling hills under uncertainty, Lepchas, another major hilly community, has come forward to support her. Though not known how solid or how long this support can go in long run, but it can definitely give TMC a strength to bargain in the hills with Gorkha activists now.

"We will confer the title - 'KINGTSOOM DAARMIT,' MEANING 'Queen of prosperity,' to her on the next 2nd September 2013 at Siliguri," said L. S. Tamchang, President Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (ILTA). ILTA is the umbrella body for around 1.5 lakh lepcha population in West Bengal out of which, over 90% resides in Darjeeling hills and contribute a significant role in the hills politics, The Economic Times reported.

ILTA has decide to celebrate 2nd September 2013 as the 2nd anniversary of 'formation' of Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board(MLLDB), a body, announced by the CM on the same date at state assembly, to be formed to work for the Lepchas development.

"This was the first time, with formation of MLLDB, this Government has given us true recognition as well as a feeling of freedom. We are thankful for that," said Tamchang. He was the leader of Lepcha delegation in many recent meets with the CM.

But, interestingly, the very formation of MLLDB is STILL under thick cloud. After the assembly announcement in 2011, it took two years for the state to mentioned about the plan of formation of this in a gazette notification. As it is mentioned in the notification, MLLDB shall be registered under West Bengal Society Registration Act XXVI of 1961.

"We have applied for the registration, but yet to receive the certificate. Naturally, the body is not yet formed officially," accepted Bhupendra Lepcha, Secretary and spokesman of ILTA. He also accepted that any society, just registered under societies registration act, cannot be a big autonomous body that can enjoy major financial grant from Government to carry on large scale development work. Moreover, an elected autonomous body Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is working in the hills. Leaders of neither the Lepchas nor TMC could clarify how they thought the MLLDB could work there avoiding conflict with GTA.

"Now since Gorkhas are not as happy as they were with the CM earlier on various issues, this extended helping hands of Lepcha leaders, somehow arranged by the CM, may give TMC significant electoral benefit in next panchayat or 2014 Lok Sabha election in the hills. But, this may erode harmony between the two hilly communities, Gorkhas and Lepchas, which will be a great loss in long run," said political observers.

Manipur Assembly for implementation of ILP

Locals being outnumbered by ‘outsiders’

Imphal, June 18: The Manipur Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously resolved to urge the Centre to extend the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873 or inner line permit (ILP) system in the state.

The resolution was moved by Congress MLA R K Anand who emphasised the need to amend the Constitution for extension of the regulation in the state in view of the increasing number of people coming from other states to Manipur, PTI reported.

Speaking during the discussion, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh expressed the need to detect foreign nationals who have entered the state for manual work without valid documents and appealed to NGOs to help authorities in this.

The government, he said, is prepared to send an all party delegation to Delhi to meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and other central leaders for extension of BEFR to the state by amending the constitution suitably.

Regarding the ongoing agitation by various social organisations for implementation of inner line permit (ILP) system in the state, he appealed to all not to resort to violence.

Opposition leader I Ibohalbi (Trinamool Congress), senior opposition member L Ibomcha (Nationalist Congress Party) and some other senior members also spoke on the issue.

Later, the house unanimously resolved to urge the central government to extend the BEFR 1873 in the state and requested the speaker to convey the resolution to the centre.

Official sources said various social organisations including students bodies have been organising sit-ins and other forms of agitation FOR over a month to press for the implementation of ILP.

The social organisations claim that the number of people coming to Manipur from other states far outnumber the total tribal population in it.

Tibet issue: NCP urges Centre, Arunachal Pradesh govt to review China policy

Itanagar, June 18: The Arunachal Pradesh unit of NCP has urged both the Centre and State Government to review the policy towards China and support the Tibetan cause.

Describing the violations of basic human rights of the Tibetans by the Chinese authorities, especially in matters of culture and religion, and aggressive marginalization of the Tibetans through economic imperialism and exploitation of its huge water and mineral resources as extremely upsetting, the party urged to the leadership to realize the gravity of the Tibetan problems and start an early review of India's approach towards China, PTI reported.

"The innumerable instances of self-immolation in various pockets of Tibet and the growing unrest amongst Buddhist monks throughout the globe are matters of international concern and speak volume of the grave situation," party state unit president Kahfa Bengia said on Sunday.

"The greatest foreign policy blunder committed by the Centre was accepting Tibet and their problems as internal issues of China. This sort of soft, timid and ambiguous approach by India led to Chinese Aggression in 1962," he said.

To begin a change in paradigm shift in policies, the Centre should not only support the Tibetan cause internationally, but also allow the voices within the nation, particularly of Arunachal, who are the worst victims of Chinese occupation to ventilate their concerns for Tibetan refugees in India, as well as those in Tibet, he said.

The spontaneous formation of Tibet Support Group (TSG) with participation of prominent leaders like R K Khrimey, Anok Wangsa, Kabak Tacho and many others, including leaders from various political parties in the state, extending their unconditional support to Tibetan cause is a welcome beginning, Bengia said.

The Arunachalis living in border pockets of Taksing, Limeking, Singha, Geling, Monigong, Charli, Damin, Mago and Thimbu among others are leading a wretched life with no facilities of pakka road, electricity, telecommunication, healthcare and modern educational amenities, essential commodities only because of fear psychosis of the policy makers of Indian mainstream of another Chinese aggression, he added.

Mother releases daughter’s book in Shillong

The Bookmark Sahaki offers book lovers of Shillong a cosy little space for book release events. Authors of different genres have come and read bits and pieces of what they consider to be the gems of their creative expressions.

This time the author is US-based Nina Harkness who has her roots in Shillong. The release function was quite an extraordinary experience. Nina’s mother, Bluebell Wason Marbaniang, founder of Step by Step School, proudly released her daughter’s book.

Nina said, “This book is for you Mum.” What a poignant moment it was! And yes the book is a fiction, Nina says, but hints that it is also strikingly close to real life events.

As Nina read about the protagonist Ramona’s tryst with a fur stole brought to their bungalow by one of those roving Pathans, Kong Bluebell rummaged into a plastic bag, took out the stole and wore it.

Nina Harkness – Neena Wason in school – was my classmate and batch of ’72. Her mother Mrs. Bluebell Wason was my teacher and I continue to keep in touch with  her two brothers – Brij and Robin – also from Mt. Hermon School, Darjeeling: Editor. (right)

“It’s over fifty years old and I paid quite a royal sum for it even at the time. It cost Rs 400,” she narrated with pride and joy.

Kong Bluebell was dressed in a Bhutanese ‘Baku’ since the novel is set amidst the hills of North Bengal, now a strife torn region but once the favourite haunt of tea planters and managers.

When asked what inspired her to write A Sahib’s Daughter, Nina said she had penned down her thoughts since 1986 and the plot was all figured out but she did not have the time to actually complete her manuscript.

“I wanted to dedicate the book to my parents but when my father died two years ago and I had not progressed beyond the first few chapters, I decided that I was going to complete the book at least for my mother,” Nina said her eyes welling with tears.

She wrote the book in two months flat producing 76,000 words. A Sahib’s Daughter, published by Tollymoore Publishing, USA was released in the USA in 2011. The book has already won rave reviews from established authors like Barbara Miller and Jean Bricknell.

A resident of Naples, Florida, Nina Harkness lives and works there. She has two children, a son who works for the US Government and daughter who just graduated from law school.

“The publishers showed me several cover designs but most of them looked like adverts for Lipton or Brooke Bond tea. Finally my daughter, Laura Harkness said she would give it a try. It has come out so well. The cover shows a young lady who is about to venture into the beckoning mountains,” Nina explained.

A Sahib’s Daughter takes readers on an intriguing journey as three generations of women grapple with secrets, scandal and passions of the heart during the post-Raj Indian era.

Nina weaves her story around the life and times of the great era of the Tea Planters and Managers and their imposing lifestyles with a retinue of servants and cooks to cater to their every need.

This was an era of change as well because the colonists now opted to marry Indian women whom they would earlier romance with and leave behind with a brood, that had no father to call their own.

The book also ventures into the intricate psyche of the Anglo Indians of the time and their worldview which was unattainably British (firangi) yet pragmatically Indian.

In the 60′s and 70′s Anglo- Indians were often torn between these two complex worlds and struggled to straddle the two.

A Sahib’s Daughter will soon be available in paperback at the Bookmark Sahaki. Currently it is also available through Junglee.com and Amazon.com. (The Shillong Times)

ENVIRONMENT

CRESTED KINGFISHER in the streets of Gangtok!

Minla Zangmu and Usha Lachungpa

In a strange recurrence of events, just like the Kalij Pheasant rescued from New Market MG Road, Gangtok On April 19, 2013, in less than two months, on June 16, 2013, at 1:30 pm we were once again called by Shakti Singh Choudhary, Deputy Mayor of Gangtok, regarding a bird rescued near Star Cinema Hall, New Market, MG Marg.

On arrival the bird was identified as a Crested Kingfisher, Megaceryl lugubris, most likely a female on account of pale rufous colouring on the undersides of the wings. On examination, the bird was found uninjured, but severely stressed and dehydrated.

 This beautiful Kingfisher locally called “JALEWA” (Nepali) was immediately transferred to a stress free environment to recover and be released back into its natural riverine habitat.

 The occurrence of this bird on New Market MG Road Gangtok is highly unusual, considering that the nearest river where it should normally be found is in the lower altitudes of Sikkim, for example, Nimtar and below. Definitely not in the middle of a bustling busy urban area! Just like the Kalij Pheasant that was rescued in the same area some time back, this bird is also a long way from home and in the most unlikely of places.

 We are grateful that Shaktiji and like-minded people were on site at both times to rescue the birds.  Now it is up to all to see that we have no such recurrences in the future.