Tibetans prayers flags flutter from Goa beach for Japan victims

Tibetans prayers flags flutter from Goa beach for Japan victims

Sikkim-made Tibetan lungta (wind-horse)) prayer flags, which were placed along the Vagator beach in Goa on March 10 to mark the 52 anniversary of Tibetan Uprising, will carry the message of peace and harmony to all sentient beings, including the people of Japan and the victims of the recent earthquake-tsunami-nuclear disaster in that country.

 

Prayers flags at Vagator beach in Goa.

For those not used to it, Tibetan sacred music can be a rather rattling experience. No gentle sounds of running water and flutes calm the mind, and no pleasant melodies by stringed instruments lull the soul.

When the robed Tibetan monks began their chants for Japan on Vagator beach on Friday, it was with an intense, low guttural growl. With little by way of musical accompaniment except cymbals and the piercing Dungchen horns, it was only the monks' formidable vocal cords that provided an aurally magical and transcendental experience for the few hundred gathered around.

In the distance, much like William Wordsworth's Daffodils, the Lungta flags were fluttering and dancing in the breeze. Illuminated by bulbs in painted black bottles at their bases, they stretched in a never-ending line, along a spiral path into the lofty hills beyond.

The six hundred vertical flags, named after a mythical Tibetan horse that carries prayers from earth to the high heavens, represent the six million people of Tibet. In the midst of the serenity, many an individual seeking solitude meditated to the flapping sound and the cool sea breeze that surrounded it.

Then, in the lit up area on green and red carpets, the monks started dancing. If the singing ones wore a bright yellow Shamu hat, the Cham dancers wore an elaborately coloured and crafted costume with a black hat. The twirling dance, somewhat reminiscent of the Sufi dervishes of the middle-east, is an annual ritual to exorcise evil, and is rarely seen outside a few, inaccessible Buddhist monasteries in the upper realms of the Himalayas.

Beyond the dances and the flags, a full-blown Tibetan cultural festival was in progress; locals as well as tourists made a beeline for the stalls selling necklaces, pendants, cuisine and the famous Tibetan singing bowls. Many of the stalls had chants playing, and interested foreigners browsed through, holding them on their palms and testing their tones.

The Tibetan vendors, known by reputation to be a largely honest bunch, resorted to no annoying sales gimmicks and peacefully demonstrated the utility of their wares to any inquisitive soul that cared to wander by.

The installation and festival were conceptualized by artist Subodh Kerkar when he visited Sikkim in 2009. "I saw the flags on the mountains, and was immediately struck by their beauty, simplicity and peaceful nature," he told TOI near the Lungtas on the beach. He then decided to install them in Goa by the sea.

"Then, last month, I met His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who blessed the project and asked me to have it on March 10, which is the 52nd anniversary of the Tibetan revolution", he adds.

Kerkar then contacted the Tibetan community in Goa and asked them to be part of the project, in what is probably the first time an effort has been made to assimilate Goa's Tibetans into the community.

A firm believer in the Tibetan cause, Kerkar got the flags shipped in from Sikkim, and dyed them at his studio at Pilerne. Up in the Himalayas, the flags symbolize the carrying of blessings to all beings; as the flags age, the Tibetans install new flags alongside the old, a metaphor of life moving on and always being replaced by the new.

Here in Goa, Kerkar says it symbolizes the ocean praying for the freedom of snow, referring to Tibet's troubled relationship with China and its freedom struggle.

"The Tibetans sell jewellery, but lack the most important jewel of all-freedom", he trails off. The Lungtas will stand on Vagator beach till March 17. (Times of India)

BJP to approach SC after Delhi High Court gives clean chit to Chamling on dual citizenship issue

PROTECT INDIA’S ONLY ‘GORKHA CM’: BIMAL GURUNG

Observer News Service

Gangtok, March 18: The State unit of the BJP has decided to take the dual citizenship  issue against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling  to the Supreme Court after  the Delhi High Court  on Tuesday rejected the petition filed against him.

The decision to approach the apex court has taken during a party meeting held in New Delhi this week, sources said.

Delhi High Court on Tuesday rejected a petition filed against Chamling questioning his Indian citizenship.

Justice S. Muralidhar said: 'This Court finds substance in the contention of Sikkim Chief Minister that the complaint, dated June 9, 2008, was made by the petitioner for gaining political mileage.'

'For a person active in politics in Sikkim, and presumably a public figure, the petitioner was expected to act responsibly in activating the legal processes. The documents forming the basis of the petitioner's complaint questioning the Indian citizenship of Chamling were inherently unreliable,' said the court verdict.

The case was filed in June 2008 by president of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Sikkim unit Padam Chettri. The BJP chief alleged that Chamling was holding citizenship of India and Nepal.

Meanwhile, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief, Bimal Gurung, who was here this week, welcomed the High Court’s verdict. He said Chamling was the only “Gorkha Chief Minister in the country” and urged all Gorkhas to protect him.

EDITORIAL

NEPALI  LEADERSHIP

Regaining Minority Confidence

Unlike before the political leadership in Sikkim dominated by the majority Nepalese as far as the need to preserve the former kingdom’s distinct identity within the Union is changing. Young and experienced Nepali leaders in the Opposition have been constantly harping on the need to preserve the ‘special status’ of the ‘Sikkimese’ who belong to the three ethnic communities (Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese). The recent focus on the rights and interests of the ‘Sikkim Subjects’ on subjects such as ‘pink card’, ‘residential certificate’ etc is an indication of what lies ahead for Sikkim. The support for creation of ‘Gorkhaland’ state in neighbouring Darjeeling is not just a moral support extended to the Gorkhas in North Bengal; it is also a message from the Sikkimese people that they are opposed to Sikkim-Darjeeling merger demand and determined to preserve Sikkim’s distinct identity.

In the past three and half decades the minority Buddhist Bhutia-Lepcha tribals in Sikkim have looked up to the Sikkimese Nepalese for leadership. By and large, the minority Bhutia-Lepchas, who have given all-out support to all the four Nepali chief ministers, including Pawan Kumar Chamling, ever since 1979 are disappointed and disillusioned with the way things are. They trust no one now. The majority community is split into pieces and the minorities are directionless. This is a dangerous trend in Sikkim politics where ‘one man rule’ seems to be the order of the day. Even the majority Sikkimese Nepalese are a disillusioned lot and are faced with a leadership crisis. In the light of this dilemma an indepth rethinking is the need of the hour for the Sikkimese people.

'Blood Brotherhood' brings chamling, gurung together

SIKKIM OBSERVER PAGE 1 March 5, 2011

‘BLOOD BROTHERHOOD’ BRINGS CHAMLING, BIMAL TOGETHER

Gangtok, March 4: The two Nepali/Gorkha leaders met here on March 2 after a gap of more than three years. At the meeting, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), Bimal Gurung, revealed that while he and his colleagues were invited by the Chief Minister, Pawan Kumar Chamling,  he had come to Sikkim to strengthen the ties of “brotherhood.”

The Morcha chief, who is leading an agitation in neighbouring Darjeeling for creation of a new state of Gorkhaland for the Indian Gorkhas, said the meeting was just a “courtesy call.”

The two-hour meeting took place at the Chief Minister’s official residence here at Mintokgang.

The 11-member delegation included Morcha General Secretary Roshan Giri, party spokesperson Harka Bahadur Chhetri, and Central Committee Member Binay Tamang.

The visit follows formation of the Sikkim unit of the Morcha and the setting up of a Sikkim solidarity forum for Gorkhaland by several opposition party leaders in the State.

The meeting and the present pro-Gorkhaland activities in the State is motivated chiefly by the call of Gorkha/Nepali ‘brotherhood.’

After the meeting Gurung told reporters that he and his colleagues came here to preserve their “brotherhood tie.” Chhetri added, “We share blood relationship with the people of Sikkim.”

Cong to hold “Gangtok Gherao” rally against corruption on March 13

Gangtok, March 4: Former Chief Minister and State unit Congress party President Nar Bahadur Bhandari has threatened to stage a “Gangtok Gherao” protest rally in the capital on March 13 to put more pressure on the Centre to speed up corruption cases against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

The rally, to be organized by the Congress party, is aimed at seeking immediate CBI probe into alleged corrupt practices of the Chief Minister and his colleagues, Bhandari said during  a seminar near Ranipul last week.

Bhandari alleged that the Chamling Government in the last 17 years encouraged massive influx of outsiders leading to rise in unemployment among the youth. He appealed to the youth to come forward and join the rally, which will begin at Tadong on March 13.

He said the party high command had recently appealed to all party workers to stage an anti-corruption movement in the country.

State Congress leaders recently submitted “enough materials” to the CBI against Chamling and his colleagues on the corruption charges.

SDF CELEBRATES 19^TH ANNIVERSARY

Gangtok, March 4: Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front President Pawan Chamling said Sikkim made tremendous progress in developmental works ever since his party came to power in 1994.

Addressing a public meeting at Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi in south Sikkim today, Chamling said his government’s focus on development of rural areas has placed Sikkim on top of the nation’s development indexes.

A large number of people, including former ministers, turned up for celebrations of the party’s 19^th anniversary.

Realizing the increasing dissatisfaction of the people towards non-employment of locals by the private sector, the Chief Minister warned that he would take to the streets if companies, including power project developers, continue ignoring the people’s grievances.

The SDF, founded on March 4, 1993, came to power after the Assembly polls in December 1994. The toppling of the Bhandari Government by ruling Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP) dissidents in May 1994 led to formation of a Congress Government in the State led by S M Limboo which lasted for six months till the November 1994 Assembly elections.

The SDF has been in power in the State since December 1994. This is Chamling’s fourth term as the Chief Minister. Though the SDF made the OBCs as its main vote-bank most people supported Chamling to fight against the increasing corruption, communalism and the autocratic ways of the N B Bhandari-led SSP which ruled the State for nearly fifteen years since 1979.

Justice Verma attacks former CJI

New Delhi, Mar 5:  Former Chief Justice of India J S Verma has questioned the continuance of  former chief justice of India K G Balakrishnan as NHRC Chairman when his predecessor was not  appointed to that post because he faced allegations of corruption.

"See the somersault. (Y.K.) Sabharwal was not considered fit for NHRC chairmanship. Now Balakrishnan is holding the post. The nature of allegations against Sabharwal was much the same," Justice Verma said at a seminar on Judicial Conduct and Accountability Bill, PTI reported.

He said both of them were facing identical allegations that their kith and kin made assets during their tenure as CJI and in such cases rule of law has the answer that "if the material on record are sufficient to give rise to suspicion why can an FIR not be filed against them".

Justice Verma said the allegations of corruption against the former CJIs have brought the entire institution under suspicion.

"Unless the few persons, facing allegations, are cleared or are punished, if proved guilty, the entire community would be questioned," he said.

Justice Balakrishnan has been facing criticism over allegations that members of his family have amassed wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income while he was the CJI.

Former Sikkim Express editor RK Singhal passes away

Suresh K. Pramar

New Delhi, March 4: A tragedy has struck and has taken away our beloved “Singhal Sahab” away from us. He passed away March 3rd, 2011, at home surrounded by his family and friends

Rajendra Kumar Singhal was born on 12th December 1941 in Saharanpur, UP, the son of Jyoti Prasad and Parvati Devi Singhal. He was affectionately known as Singhal Sahab among his friends and “Chotay” among his family.  

His passion for journalism made him leave his home town Saharanpur in search of expressive freedom. He arrived in Chandigarh and then proceeded to Delhi to enrich publications like The Pioneer and Statesman. He however finally found his home in UNI (United news of India) and stayed there till his retirement ion 2002 at the age of 60.

Among many of his achievements, he launched Sikkim State’sfirst English newspaper, Sikkim Express, in 1976. When the information boards of the newspaper were being put in Gangtok, people came and asked whether that is the name of new bus service to Jalpaiguri

He also published Newsesnse, the only publication of its kind that provided us with the news of the people who made the news.

When he moved to Vasundhra, Ghaziabad, he started another publication Trans Hindon Times. This provided an insight to the people about the happenings in the newly -developed township.   

Whoever met Singhal ended up becoming his fan. He had an amazing skill of establishing “the connection” with all type of people regardless of their age and background

He was a great friend to have and a thorough gentleman.

In recent years, his skills with paper and scissors made him an instant favourite with kids who started emulating his model of paper recycle for making great looking cards and other paper artifacts.

He was 70 and is survived by his wife Madhu, son Ashutosh, daughter-in-law Priya and grandson Adi

He has left a hole in our lives that can never be filled and we will always miss him and his hearty laughs, which he never shied away from

His body was cremated at the Hindon river crematorium. Several senior journalists and dignitaries attended the cremation.

Only Centre Can Decide on 

‘Gorkhaland’

Sonam Wangdi

The Sikkim unit of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha was formed in Gangtok on February 13, 2011. Roshan Giri, General Secretary of Morcha, who was present during the inauguration of the unit, urged the people of Sikkim to support the statehood demand. “We are deprived of proper educational facilities, lacks social and political status as compared to Sikkim but so far the issue of identity crisis for Indian Gorkhas is concerned, Sikkimese must have realized the same at some juncture. We are not here to interfere in the internal political matters of the Sikkim State, but to certain more solidarity for the ongoing separate statehood agitation as in the other parts of the nation,” Giri said.

Replying to a question, Giri said: “Now when the GJM has already announced relaxation for Sikkim during strikes, it becomes the duty of WB police department to provide adequate safety and security for these vehicles as to prevent more loss from further on”. Giri also declared: “Interim set up was supposed to be a ladder for separate state, but we rejected it realizing that the hill people are on for Gorkhaland rather than (interim) set up”.

 Jyoti Rai, an executive member of the Sikkim unit, informed the inaugural meeting: “Our problem is our face. Unless we succeed in forming our own statehood, we would be treated as foreigners as now. Though Sikkim had all the necessary amenities to ensure more productivity as compared to the Darjeeling hills, the problem of identity crisis affects the people of here, too. We require support from Sikkim as to show more solidarity towards Gorkhaland demand and nothing else”.    

Candle light protest rally

On February 14, 2011, a large number of people participated in a candle light protest rally organized by the Sikkim Nagrik Samaj in the heart of Gangtok town to show solidarity with the people who sacrificed their lives at the altar of Gorkhaland. It may be noted that the Central Reserve Police Force opened fire on February 8, 2011 at Sipchu, Jalpaiguri, leading to the death of Morcha supporters: Bimla Rai, Vicky Lama, and Neeta Khawas. 

N B Bhandari, President, Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee, condemned the “suppressive politics” of the West Bengal Government and said that “CBI inquiry should be done not only on the recent deaths but on all the deaths that had occurred since 1980.”

Independent India has retained all the repressive regulations and oppressive organizations of Imperial India such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Ordinance 1942, and the Crown Representative Police Force, etc. Against the background of the second world war, [1939-45], the CRPF was constituted in 1939 and the Force was trained to suppress ruthlessly any movement, such as freedom, in the British empire. In Independent India, it metamorphosed itself  into the Central Reserve Police Force,  which is used for maintaining ‘law and order’ which is exemplified in Sipchu, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal,  where, as stated above,  it reportedly gunned down three ‘innocent’ and ‘peaceful’ Gorkhaland protagonists on 8 February, 2011.

Darjeeling and Dooars

The British machination and “forged deed” dated 1 February, 1835 led to Darjeeling becoming a territory of the East India Company subject to India’s annual payment of a subvention to the Chogyal of Sikkim. The British paid the compensation for Darjeeling land till their departure in 1947.

Independent India also paid an amount of Rupees three hundred thousand till Sikkim became a part of India. On 25 March, 1968, Ongden Lepcha, Member of the Sikkim Council suggested in the Council that “the amount of treaty payment should be increased in view of the devaluation of the rupee and also the income of Darjeeling for which the treaty payment is being made. He also expressed the view that one-third revenue of Darjeeling should have been allotted to Sikkim”. [Proceedings of the Sikkim Council, 20th to 29th March, 1968].

The Dooars region was wrested from Bhutan in 1865. The British Government of India however had to pay annually a sum of rupees fifty thousand to the Bhutan government since 1865. In 1910, the amount was increased to rupees one hundred thousand. Independent India enhanced the amount to rupees five lakhs with effect from the tenth day of January, 1950. The amount is still being paid by the Government of India to the Bhutan Government.

State Assembly Resolution

   The areas covered by the proposed Gorkhaland, de jure, belong to India on the basis of payment made to the original owners -   Sikkim and Bhutan.  India did not have to make any payment for any other areas annexed to the British empire. Therefore, the convention of the State Legislature approving of a resolution for alienation of its part is not applicable in the case of Darjeeling and Dooars areas, since they did not belong to West Bengal.

Only the Central Government can decide whether they should form a separate State or they shall be merged with either Assam or Bihar or Sikkim, or continue as a part of West Bengal, or made a Union Territory or ggiven any other status in the national interest.

Moreover, K C Rao, demanding the Telengana State, ridiculed the need for a resolution of Andhra Assembly and pointed to Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, where the Centre sends its statehood proposal to the President who in turn forwards it to the concerned Assembly for its opinion. According to Rao, “This opinion is not binding on the Centre. This has been made clear by the largest ever Constitution Bench comprising 17 Judges on the issue of a resolution when Gujarat was carved out of Maharashtra” [The Statesman, Siliguri, 18 Dec., 2009]

Uttarkhand Pradesh

Never before 1980 had the people of Darjeeling asked for a separate State of Gorkhaland during the last 111 years  -  from 1907 to 2011

       The only occasion when the demand for a separate State was articulated was on  October 30, 1949, when  “the Important Persons and Representatives” from Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Sikkim and Jalpaiguri  met in a conference at Darjeeling and demanded the creation of a separate province called Uttarkhand Pradesh, consisting of the four territories. “Important Persons and Representatives from Sikkim were Sri Singhbir Tiwari and Sri Khargabahadur Bhenden, members of Praja Sammelan”. [History of All-India Gurkha League, 1943-1949, Edited by Bhai Nahar Singh and Kirpal Singh, Nirmal Publishers, New Delhi, 1987,  Pages 85-95, (UP)].

On 15 December, 1949, in reply to Pundit Thakur Dass Bhargava, Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Deputy Prime Minister, informed the British-created  Constituent Assembly of India that the British Dominion Government of India had not received any representation for the constitution of the Darjeeling area of the West Bengal Province into a separate hill province but he had seen Press reports of some such activities. The Sardar added: “Government of India consider this move as unreal, misconceived and harmful to national interests. Government of India is determined not to give any quarter to any agitation for the formation of any such Province and will not allow the solidarity of the country to be disturbed by such mischievous moves”. [UP, Page 94.]   

Darjeeling and Kalimpong in 1973 agitation

           During the 1973-5 agitation, the people of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong    had rendered exemplary help to the people of Sikkim in their struggle for “democracy in Sikkim”. Now they naturally and justifiably expect requite with the opening of the Gorkha Jan Mukti Unit in Sikkim and want the people of Sikkim to provide assistance in their uprising for “democracy in the State of Gorkhaland”.

           Sunanda K Datta-Ray in his book,  Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim, wrote : “There was also a stiffening of politically articulate Nepalese from Darjeeling and Kalimpong who were foreigners in Sikkim. Deo Prakash Rai, secretary of the All-India Gorkha League, called a meeting in Darjeeling’s Chowkbazaar to pledge solidarity with the SNC and demand New Delhi’s instant intervention. So did Tarak Kumar Karki, a local minor functionary of India’s Samyukta Socialist Party, who claimed that 5,000 people had attended his rally. ‘Many people have come from Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong’, he boasted in Gangtok. Roop Narain Dahal, secretary of a Gorkha League faction in Kalimpong and Kazi’s legal adviser, was equally busy. So were Khatiwada’s Marxist friends. They were all illegal infiltrators, but they increased numbers and lent political purpose to an exercise that took the Sikkim government by surprise”. [Page 173]

                ‘Kazi’ means Lhendup Dorjee Kazi, who was the President of  SNC or Sikkim National Congress, with the  election symbol of ‘Bow and Arrow’. He was elected as a member of the Sikkim Council from the General Constituency in the January 1973 general election. LB Basnet, author and former Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Assembly,  writes:  “The Sikkim National Congress under the leadership of Kazi Lhendup Dorji had been the Government of India’s greatest ally, for the Kazi, while professedly practicing nationalism, was so blatantly pro-Indian that in Sikkim political circles he was known as the agent of the Government of India”.[Sikkim: Page 176-7] 

Himalayan Observer, Kalimpong  February 8, 1982, Page 14 records: I [Basu Dev Basnet, Editor, since deceased] was one of the witnesses to the April 4 firing at Ranipool. When the whole contingent of Sikkim Guards, former Chogyal’s militia, was marching to Ranipool. I saw innocent unarmed non-violent people of Sikkim running away from the scene. When I reached Kalimpong I contacted leaders of the town. Under the chairmanship of late N B Gurung, a public meeting was addressed from Damber chowk and I and late K B Lopchan spoke explaining the need for support to the struggling people of Sikkim. We drafted a resolution and sent a telegram to Smt. Indira Gandhi which was worded “For democracy, socialism and secularism please intervene in Sikkim”. I also saw youth leader Kathiwara running about everywhere in Sikkim with some 303 rifles. And when NK Subedi and SK Rai wept bitterly in the dead of night at Chakung house in Kalimpong imploring us to help them fight the Sikkim Guard I went to Hathighisa near Naxalbari to obtain some arms from Nepali Congrees cache which was obtained from Bangladesh. When I reached Hathighisa it was past midnight. Today BP Koirala, who is criticizing the merger of Sikkim with India, invited Subedi and SK Rai to visit Benaras where he was then staying, and we were prepared to take up arms for the people which you call are the downtrodden. Thanks, the Govt. of India intervened, the army patrolled the streets and the Sikkim Guards returned to barracks”.

Nar Bahadur Khatiwara, was then a Congress youth leader. Chakung House was the residence of L D Kazi in Kalimpong. 303 rifles belonging to Sikkim police were “looted during the agitation” in South and West Districts. [BS Das: The Sikkim Saga, Page 16]

EDITORIAL

WINDS OF CHANGE

Asia Awaits Arab Spring

Thanks to technology, the world in split seconds has witnessed the winds of change blowing across the entire Arab world as dictators are forced to flee by virtue of a popular uprising where youths played a major role. These uprisings will hopefully be the spark that starts a real Arab Spring and brings an increase in political freedoms to other countries in the region. Cairo represents the long-awaited Arab Spring, when, like the 1989 revolutions in Eastern Europe, democracy would bloom as authoritarian regime crumbled.

Change must come to Asia, too. Authoritarian and corrupt regimes in China and India are acutely aware of the growing restlessness among the common people. Recent events in India show how the establishment in the sub-continent are looting the nation. The nation is shell-shocked to witness how its judges, generals, journalists, politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen are hand-in-glove in making deals on the quiet and taking the people for a long ride. The winds of change must sweep across the Pamirs, the Himalaya and into the Tibetan plateau, through China and into South East Asia. If the dictators in Egypt and Libya can be overthrown by ‘people power’ why should the military junta in Burma carry on its business as usual for so long?

North East Democratic Front

SIKKIM OBSERVER  Feb 26, 2011

North East Democratic Front likely to be formed on March 18

Observer News Service

Aizawl, Feb 25: The North East Democratic Front (NEDF), a new platform floated by several major regional parties of the north east last week, is likely to be form in Guwahati on March 18, according to former Mizoram chief minister and President of Mizo National Front (MNF).

“Around 30 leaders of the regional parties from the north-eastern region formed the forum on Sunday last at the residence of former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma,” he said adding that the formation of the forum was mooted in a meeting between himself,  Sangma and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphu Rio.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling also joined the three leaders in forming the forum along with other regional parties in all the States, Zoramthanga at a party meeting here.

He said that the NEDF was formed with objectives to unitedly put pressure on the Centre on common issues of the NE region.

He added that the official launch of the new forum would be held on March 18 in Guwahati.

The decision to form ‘North Eastern Democratic Front’ was taken at a meeting attended by NCP leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker P.A. Sangma, AGP leader and former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, NPF chief and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, SDF president and Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling.

The meeting, also attended by representatives of Trinamool Congress, Manipur People’s Party and  Mizo National Front, decided to contest elections, wherever possible, jointly and fight for issues concerning the North-East together, sources said.

The North-East states together have a strength of 25 MPs in the Lok Sabha, out of which 14 are from Assam.

BJP demands Assembly seat reservation for Limbus, Tamangs

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, Feb 25: The Assembly seat reservation issue has once again been revived with the State unit of the BJP demanding reservation of seats for the Limbu and Tamang communities who were declared tribals in 2002.

While briefing the media here last Friday, Sikkim unit BJP President Padam Chettri said if the 2011 census fails to find out the population of the Limbus and Tamangs in the State the two communities may not get seat reservation in the Assembly till 2026, when it would be almost too late.

According to Chettri, the 2011 census does not have any provision to collect data regard the population of the two tribal communities.

Chettri criticized the Chamling Government for its failure to provide Assembly seat reservation for the two communities.

 As per the population figure of the two communities worked out by the BJP the LTs, whose is about 15%, deserve at least five seats, Chettri said.

The Sikkim Limboo-Tamang Tribal Forum had earlier claimed that the population of the two communities was 17% and demanded 10 Assembly seats.

  The Sikkim Limbu Tamang Joint Action Committee had also demanded 8 seats for the two communities. (see edit on page2)

EDITORIAL

NEW EQUATION

‘Tribal Govt’ in Sikkim

The ideal government in the former kingdom of Sikkim would be a ‘Sikkimese Government’ formed by the three ethnic communities (Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese) and supported by the old business community. Earlier, this was not an impossible task to achieve but it now appears to be just a dream. One notable scribe last year at a seminar said, “I have accepted the death of my dream.” Most Sikkimese had given up their hope more than a decade back when the Chamling Government drifted along without any sense of purpose and direction. Things have remained much the same if not worse.

Today, the political leadership of Sikkim, dominated by the Nepalese, does not address the Assembly seat issue in real seriousness. If it at all raises the issue it is with a motive – to stabilize their vote-bank. The division of the Sikkimese Nepalese into various categories – caste, class and tribals – seems to have put an end to Sikkimese unity. The minority Bhutia-Lepchas, even if they wish, can no longer raise the issue of Sikkimese unity and identity when the majority ethnic Nepalese are divided and directionless.

Though no one dares to openly float this idea the next government is likely to be a ‘tribal government’ led by a tribal. The Bhutia-Lepchas, including the Sangha, have 13 seats and only a few more seats are needed to form the government. Even if the Limbu-Tamang tribals fail to obtain seat reservation in the near future their elected representatives can join the BLs to form the government. If Pawan Chamling was able to form an ‘OBC government’ in 1994 aided by the BLs it is not impossible to form a ‘tribal government’ in 2014 led by P S Tamang, the dissident ruling party leader and legislator. Already Tamang (Golay) has a sizable backing among all communities. The State’s upper-caste Nepalese (Newar, Bahun and Chettri), who had a greater say during the Bhandari Government (1979-1994), must make the right moves at the right time.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Vol 20 No 1, Jan 29, 2011

EDITORIAL

‘REPUBLIC’ IN TURMOIL

Groping In Darkness

Nepal’s Constituent Assembly was to frame a new Constitution for the country by May 2010. Framing of the new Constitution for the former Hindu Kingdom was the top priority of the Nepalese Parliament. Unfortunately, seven months have elapsed and there is still no visible sign that this objective would be achieved at a given time-frame. The three main parties – the Maoists, UML and Nepali Congress – are totally responsible for this sad state of affairs.

The recent withdrawal of Nepali Congress candidate, Ram Chandra Poudel, from the country’s prime ministerial election is a welcome move but in the first place he should not have been allowed to take part in the seven-month-long futile exercise that witnessed the unprecedented failure of the Parliament to elect the prime minister for the 16^th time. Even now there is no guarantee that a new man would be elected to head the government next week.

Nepalese leadership may agree on a ‘consensus government’ but the ground reality is that it is not too clear about who should lead it. The Maoists have the largest number of MPs in the Parliament and logically they should be allowed to head the government. It is for the Maoists to choose its own man for the top job. Nepalese leaders must realize that it would be very difficult to secure two-thirds majority for adoption of the new Constitution, particularly when small parties are playing a dominant role in shaping Nepal’s future. A practical approach needs to be made in the present political imbroglio to ensure that Nepal swiftly embraces the democratic process, which, hopefully, will lead to speedy economic development.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Vol 20 No 1, Jan 22, 2011

EDITORIAL

UNDER PRESSURE

Chamling Raises Gorkhaland Issue

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s support for statehood demand by Gorkhas in neighbouring Darjeeling comes at a time when he himself is faced with a pressing political situation in the State. Sikkim Opposition’s tirade against Chamling for doing away with the special status that bonafide Sikkimese, who were earlier known as ‘Sikkim Subjects’, enjoyed under the Constitution (Art 371F) by deciding to issue ‘Pink Idenity Card’ to  bonafide Sikkimese and Residential Certificate to others who were settled in Sikkim before April 26, 1975,when Sikkim was merged with India, comes at a time when the Chief Minister is faced with a multi-crore corruption charges leveled by the Congress leadership in Sikkim.

Nepali/Gorkha leaders in India never fail to play the Nepali/Gorkhali card when they are in trouble. Perhaps Chamling is trying to do the same when he raised the statehood issue for Gorkhas in India in the Assembly this week. If the going gets tough Chamling may even pass a resolution on Gorkhaland in the Sikkim Assembly. He is capable of doing this and much more. Unfortunately for Chamling, it is not just a bunch of ‘frustrated’ politicians who are tired of the growing corruption and mis-governance in the State; the people are fed up and want change.

No one is going to believe that the proposed Patra Commission will nail the corrupt in the State. The State unit of the BJP, which has demanded CBI probe into corruption charges against Chamling, has rightly pointed out that the objective of the Commission is to shield the corrupt and not to expose them. Which government would form a commission of enquiry to probe into its misdeeds? The anti-Chamling campaign, which focuses on rampant corruption, restoration of freedom, democracy and rule of law in Sikkim, is gaining momentum even as the Opposition is united under the banner of ‘Sikkim Subject Bachao Committee.’

NEW AWAKENING

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN VOL 1 No 14 Page 1 March 2, 2011

EDITORIAL

NEW AWAKENING

Future of Gorkhas in India

The formation of the Sikkim unit of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) last month comes at a time when Gorkha leaders in neighbouring Darjeeling, which was once a part of Sikkim, have pitched their stand on the statehood issue of Gorkhaland. While the political leadership of Sikkim, dominated by the Nepalese, have supported the statehood demand the Morcha’s Sikkim unit’s role on creation of a new state for the Indian Gorkhas is likely to add a new dimension to the issue. However, to achieve the desired objectives much depends on the credibility and effectiveness of the leadership of the Sikkim unit.

Already, the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) is quite active in Sikkim and have been able to create a general awareness of the plight of the Gorkhas in India and the need to have their own state. The Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), too, had its Sikkim unit which is now almost defunct. Darjeeling’s Gorkha Rashtriya Congress (GRC),whose prime objective is unification of Darjeeling with Sikkim, has also been eying the Nepali population in Sikkim to support its demand. Presently, the Sikkimese Nepalese leadership may be against the unification demand and only supporting the statehood demand; but ultimately when Gorkhas/Nepalese residing in the region find themselves overwhelmed by the gradual influx from the plains they are likely to join hands to chalk out a common future.

PRACHANDA CALLS FOR PEOPLE’S FINAL REVOLT TO END NEPAL CRISIS

R P Sharma

Kathmandu, March 1: Maoists supremo Prachanda on Sunday called on his cadres to make "final preparations" for a people's revolt aimed at putting a swift end to the political stalemate in the former Hindu kingdom.

His call comes amid a power struggle to take control of key ministry of Nepal's new communist government led by Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, chairman of CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal – United Marxist-Leninist).

Prachanda, the chairman of Unified CPN (Maoist), called upon all factory workers affiliated to the Maoist party to make "final preparations" for launching the people's revolt.

He said all factories, industries and hotels across the country will be turned into barracks to ensure the success of the people's revolt the party is planning to launch.

Those who believe that the Maoists will not wage any people's revolt and think that it is just a bluff will soon get a rude shock, he warned.

Addressing a national conference of a workers' organisation affiliated to Maoist, All Nepal Trade Union Federation (Revolutionary), on the outskirts of the capital, he said the Maoists will not tolerate any attempt to sabotage the peace process and drafting of the new constitution as also to bring about a radical transformation in the country.

Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, who was elected by lawmakers after more than seven months of stalemate and 17 attempts on February 3, has been unable to complete his cabinet formation, amid disagreement over a power-sharing deal with the Maoists, with whose support he won the election.

The two main allies - CPN-UML and the Maoists - have failed to arrive at an understanding over the distribution of key portfolios. UCPN-Maoist, the largest party in the House, is demanding important portfolios, including the home ministry.

The Maoists have been pressing for the implementation of the seven point deal, which reportedly includes provisions like sharing the Prime Ministerial post between Khanal and Prachanda on rotational basis and forming separate unit in Nepal Army after the integration of the former Maoist combatants with the military.

The Maoists have threatened to withdraw support to the Khanal-led government in case their demand is not fulfilled, which is causing delay in expansion of the cabinet.

PM  to look into Karmapa controversy

Gangtok, March 1: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has assured a Buddhist delegation that he would personally look into the matter of Karmapa Ugyen Trinley Dorje and review the entire case which was highlighted by the national media recently.

A Buddhist delegation called on the Prime Minister on Saturday to discuss the problems facing the Karmapa., PTI reported.

A press release issued by the leader of the Joint Action Committee of Buddhist Organisations of Sikkim, Kunzang Sherab, said that the Prime Minister reassured the delegation that “he fully understood the sentiments of the Buddhists” and promised that as soon as the Budget session was over he would personally look into the matter and review the entire case.

The delegation comprised Lok Sabha MP PD Rai, former MP and Union Minister from Ladakh, P. Namgyal, former member of the National Commission of Scheduled Tribes, Lama Lobzang, and former Sikkim MP and Ambassador, Karma Topden.

They also submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister requesting him to “look into all the problems that the Karmapa was facing and allow him to visit Sikkim”.

The Centre on February 16 is understood to have given a clean chit to the Karmapa in the case relating to the huge foreign currency haul from his house in Dharamsala, saying the money had come in the form of donations and offerings by devotees.

Karen people sign human rights petition against Burma

Ethnic leaders in Nepal threaten to boycott census

Himalayan News Network

Kathmandu, March 1: The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities(NFIN) has threatened to boycott Census 2011 if the government fails to include participation of ethnic minorities in the census process and ‘mistakes’ in the enumeration relating to their identity relating to language and religion are not addressed.

“We want at least 38 percent enumerators from indigenous communities and mistakes related to language, religion, ethnicity and caste corrected in the questionnaire,” said Ang Kaji Sherpa, General Secretary of the Federation.

 “The CBS has not addressed our concerns. We believe there is still time for correction. If our call is ignored, we will boycott the census,” he added.

 Sherpas has demanded that census enumerators should be recruited from indigenous communities in proportion to their population.

The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) is all set to begin Census 2011 from May 15 in two phases. The second phase is set for June 17-27.

Controversy over changing of flag, emblem of Ladakh Council

L. Verma

Srinagar, March 1: Adoption of a new emblem and flag by the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh, has snowballed into a major political controversy with the ruling  National Conference and  the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) describing it “mischief” and “unfortunate”.

The National Conference leader, Mustafa Kamal minced no words to take on the Congress for playing “mischief” with the State and his party (NC), saying; “They (Congress) still are on the path of playing mischief and letting us (NC) down as they have done in the past on several crucial occasions.”

“It was the mischief when this Hill Development Council was created in 1995 and now changing the emblem is yet another mischief. They (LHDC leaders) have almost declared the area as a separate region of J&K,” Kamal remarked.

The LAHDC, in a unanimous resolution passed last week, adopted the symbol with the Ashoka Pillar which almost resembles the national emblem. The Council is already using a separate flag.

Reacting to the issue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said his government will take a decision after examining the matter.

"We are examining the issue. After all, it is a local municipality. Even the Srinagar municipality has a different emblem. We will examine the manner and take a decision," Omar said.

 The PDP has described the move to discard the State emblem by LAHDC as “unfortunate.”

 “The LAHDC decision is very unfortunate. If BJP or Ladakh Union Territory Front has adopted the resolution it could be understood as they have their own agendas. Since the decision was made by the Council controlled by the Congress, which always advocates integrity of the State, it is most regrettable.” PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said.

"PDP will fight any attempt to dilute the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under the Constitution. Leh is part of the State. The emblem controversy is unfortunate," Mufti added.

 “Nobody is undermining the state flag or emblem. They had already a logo and they have just changed it,” Minister for Tourism, Nawang Rigzin Jora, who is a Congress leader, from Leh said.

 The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it would fully endorse the demand of Ladakh people for Union Territory. “We fully support the people of Ladakh on their demand for Union Territory status to Ladakh region,” BJP MLA, Ashok Khajuria said.

National emblem is our logo:LAHDC

Jammu, March 1: In a development of far reaching consequence, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has discarded the state flag and adopted the national emblem -effectively distancing itself from the state's emblems and separatist politics.

Jammu and Kashmir has its own flag and emblem. The State secretariat both here and at Srinagar hoists two flags - the national tricolour and the State flag - while the ministers also use the two flags on their cars.

The Indian state symbol of Ashoka pillar with three visible lions has been adopted as the council's official logo. The LAHDC passed a resolution earlier this week, adopting the new emblem in which the rising sun and mountains provide a background to the Ashoka pillar.

"The national emblem of our country is now our logo. The council has already adopted it and we are now giving it final touches to ensure that it represents Ladakh's administrative set-up," said Congress leader and LAHDC councilor Tsewang Rigzin, who had moved the resolution for a new logo.

Rigzin, who is also a journalist, said that inclusion of the national emblem as the hill council's logo indicates that the LAHDC exists under a government act.

"It was the need of the hour to ensure that people in the outside world come to know that the hill council is a unique political dispensation for people of Ladakh," Rigzin said.

The 32-member  Council also passed a resolution for inclusion of Bodhi language in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution without any opposition.

“Home is where the struggle is”

TENZIN TSUNDUE

Indians call me 'ching chong', the Chinese arrested me when I walked into Tibet, beat me up in jail and threw me out and said 'Get out of here, you bloody Indian.' Who am I? I am born and brought up in India and speak four Indian languages, love Bollywood, have more Indian friends than those of my tribe. Who am I?

My identity card is called Registration Certificate. It says you are a foreigner, and your nationality is Tibetan. But for India there is no Tibet, it's only China, although we have Indo-Tibetan Border Police. Legally, no one is a refugee in India, there's no refugee law prevalent here, but India is home to the largest number of refugees, from Parsis to Burmese, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankan Tamils and Tibetans. My friend, Sopa, from our refugee camp in Kollegal, Karnataka, fought in the Kargil War. Two soldiers on either side of him were shot in their heads, and when the survivors were being decorated in Delhi, Indian soldiers were photographed with the President, while medals for Tibetans were pinned by an officer in the top floor room.

Rooms. We love rooms, bigger the better. That's what we live in, because home is a sacred dream reserved for some distant future, but, inevitably coming, because our Dalai Lama says so. Even our exile government staff live in rooms. When her boyfriend moves in, they set up a kitchen against one of the walls. Other walls are for books, clothes, a TV set and of course a door and a window. When she gets pregnant it becomes home, and then we all join the house-warming party. Our rooms are decorated with protest slogans and photos of bullet-ridden martyrs. We live in India, but our hearts are in Tibet. We are neither here nor there.

I grew up imagining homeland, a glorious return, but realize home is here where the struggle is. The struggle is the home. Tibetans make an annual pilgrimage. It's not to Bodh Gaya or Banares, it's to the local police station to seek an extension to stay in India for another year, a must for all Tibetans above 18, whether you came from Tibet in 1959, are born in India, or a celebrity escapee from Tibet in recent years. No exception. No one is above the law. Show your face and get the privilege.

Lobsang got a job as a waiter in Sweden. Excited, he packed for a two-year stint. At the last moment, just before his flight, the Delhi emigration officer said he has no clearance from the local police station. At 2 am, he had masala chai for 60 rupees at the airport and came back to Dharamsala.

Go anywhere, be a tourist in Kerala or Rajasthan, pretend that you are a native in the North East.We were promised a dreamland from childhood. Our people in Tibet fight Chinese guns with their prayers and militant hope to change Chinese minds with Buddhism. As an activist, I try Gandhi. Dalai Lama is too complicated; I keep my guru in my heart, but work with Gandhi from my head.

In 2008, when protests against the Beijing Olympics raged in India, I was arrested in Kullu. The reason? I hadn't registered my departure from Dharamsala. I was locked up for 11 days, with extended detention for 14 days in Dharamsala, watched over by two policemen.

Now even the Commonwealth Games are over, the World Cup is here, and still I have to appear for court cases the police have no interest in pursuing. After the recent high court ruling, Tibetans born in India are eligible for Indian citizenship. My Indian university friend recently pleaded with me to get rid of all my court cases and legal hassles. I said: "I am Indian, perhaps more Indian than you. Why do I need a certificate?" (The writer is a Tibetan poet and activist – Times of India)

Gurung firm on inclusion of Dooars

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, March 1: The political impasse in the hills of Darjeeling when the spring tourism season is about to begin has got the people worried again.

In his public meeting in Kumani on February 27 the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supremo Bimal Gurung may have stated that he would put on hold an embargo on the despatch of the first flush of Darjeeling tea from the Dooars but the deadline set for this is only March 6.

The party chief pointed out that the proposed embargo is aimed at improving the welfare of tea workers. Gurung wants the labourers’ daily wage to go up to Rs 120 to Rs 150 from the present Rs 67.

He wants the wage hike by March 6. “If that doesn’t happen, we will stop the despatch from the next day,” said Gurung.

Gurung has also overruled his party’s student wing decision calling for boycott of classes by students to support the statehood demand. The party now wants the students and teachers to wear black armband as a mark of protest.

The more worrying factor for the public is Gurung’s adamant stand on inclusion of the Gorkha-dominated portion of Dooars and Terai in the territory of the proposed Gorkhaland state.

 “Bengal is thinking that I will go to the hills after today’s meeting, but I will not leave this place until a decision on the inclusion of the Dooars and Terai is taken,” Gurung said and added, “I got a call from Delhi today, and they were talking about some declaration so that the territory issue can be taken up after the Assembly elections. I have said no to such a declaration. I will only agree if a clear stand is taken on the territory issue before the elections.”

Ethnically I’m a Tibetan-Burmese: Tripura king

S. Deki

Bangalore, March 1: Kirit Pradyot Deb Barman, the king of Tripura, last week admitted that though he was an indigenous tribe of Tripura ethnically he was of Tibetan-Burmese origin. “Ethnically I am a Tibetan-Burmese,” the king said.

This admission came during a function at the St. Joseph College of Arts and Science organized by a northeast and Tibetan students’ forum. Barman was the chief guest for mini-international cultural and food festival held at the college campus where at least 3,000 people had gathered.

The college has around 1000 north eastern students and one hundred Tibetan students.

"I am often questioned by many people that how I admitted such a huge number of north east people, and I told them that north east is not a one State, there are many states. Students from north east studying here belong to different tribes and communities consisting of eight states and 150 tribal languages," the college Principal, Dr. (Fr.) Ambrose Pinto Sj said.

He added, "Tibet, of course is different. There is no Tibetan state as yet. People of Tibet are rootless and homeless. It is necessary to provide them the support they need to create a home as they struggle."

Tashi Phuntsok, the chief representative of Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), was among the distinguished guests at the function.

Maharaja Kirit Pradyot Deb Barman Manikya Bahadur, also known as P.B.K Manikya (born July 4, 1978) is the current king of the Royal House of Tripura. He succeeded to the throne of Tripura on November 27, 2006.

He is not only the Chairman of the Royal Heritage Hotel, Editor of The Northeast Today magazine, but also a member of the Indian National Congress.

The Tripura Dynasty is said to be  the second oldest in the world from a single straight line, the present king being the 186th. Only the Mikado Dynasty from Japan have an older lineage.

“The ‘Greater Nepal’ demand will become a movement one day”

PHANINDRA NEPAL, President of the Unified Nepal National Front (UNNF) and  a strong advocate of the ‘Greater Nepal’ concept, believes that the Nepalese people will one day turn the theory into a movement.

Nepal, who is also the author of two books: “The ABC of Greater Nepal” and “Nepal-Tista to Sutlej”, says grant of Nepali citizenship to “Indian migrants” will lead to a situation where the Nepalese will become a minority in their own homeland, leading to “Nepal becoming Bhutan first and Sikkim later.”

Question: You had been advocating the theory of “Greater Nepal” for a long time in the past? Has the theory died a premature death? What sort of response have you received from Nepali intellectuals during your campaign?

Nepal: My association with the “Greater Nepal” movement is more than a decade and a half long. I can tell you that “Greater Nepal” was not a matter of discussion in the past, now it has become a major issue in the country’s national politics. Thus there is no point in saying that the theory has died a premature death. This issue will continue to survive as long as Nepal does not get its lost territory back because of the Sugauli Treaty (signed between East India Company and Nepal on December 2, 1815)

I can also assure you that Nepali politics that is presently divided will one day be united in favour of “Greater Nepal”. It is also true that each and every Nepali share the pain deep inside their hearts because of the Sugauli Treaty.

We are trying to move ahead with the motive of transforming the demand for “Greater Nepal” into a movement.

It is for sure that the Indian side fears the movement for “Greater Nepal” originating from Nepali soil. This has indeed become a matter of headache for them. They fear that one day this movement may get international attention. If we get our lost territories back, Nepal’s eastern periphery can extend up to Bhutan and Bangladesh. This implies that the Indian-controlled eastern states will finally detach themselves from the Indian Union.

Q:  Media reports say that India has been constantly encroaching land belonging to Nepal in different parts of the country. However, the political parties, radical communists included, do not utter a single word in favour of their own country? How do you take their silence?

Nepal: The frequent media reports that the Indian side is encroaching upon our land are not at all fabricated. In reality, the Indian side has been exceeding all the limits and there is not a single adjoining district in Nepal that has not faced continuous Indian encroachment.

More perplexing is the response from the Nepali side. The silence exhibited by the political parties and the so-called Maoist revolutionaries is indeed surprising.

The Suguali Treaty became null and void right on 14th August 1947. Had we been smart enough to get back the lands that we lost through the treaty of Sugauli on August 14-15, 1947, the entire lost lands (including Darjeeling) would have been in our possession since then. But we failed.

Q: Many academics in Kathmandu see the influence of India in Nepal’s internal affairs and that too in a brazen manner. Do you see such influence in Nepali politics by India or  is it just a rumour only?

 Nepal: There is not only the Indian influence in Nepali politics but there is clearly an intervening Indian role in our internal matters.

Sometimes I also feel that India is not to be totally blamed for this. We have several examples of our own leadership publicly admitting its Indian leanings. They are merely pawns in the hands of foreigners. Until and unless we have leaders like “Mir Jaffar and Lhendup Dorje”(Sikkim’s first chief minister), Nepal will remain  as an Indian colony or at best a Protectorate.

We need such leadership that is more responsible to its own citizens and the country. Nepalese leadership should fear the wrath of its own people rather than fearing India.

Unless our leaders gets rid of the mindset that without India’s blessings they cannot acquire influential positions in Nepal India will continue to influence, interfere and intervene in our politics.