Sikkim Solidarity Forum begins signature campaign for Gorkhaland

SIKKIM OBSERVER PAGE 1 March 26, 2011

Sikkim Solidarity Forum begins signature campaign for Gorkhaland

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, March25: The Sikkim Solidarity Forum for Gorkhaland (SSFG) has begun its signature campaign to press the demand for creation of Gorkhaland state in north Bengal.

The signature campaign began here on Monday during a press briefing by Forum leaders led by its Chief Convenor Bharat Basnett.

Some senior members of the local media were the first to endorse the Gorkhaland movement in the State with their signatures.

The Forum intends to collect one lac signatures within a month and submit it to Central leaders along with a memorandum on April 26 next month, Basnett said. This day marks the date when Sikkim joined the Indian Union in 1975, added.

The memorandum, along with the signatures, will be submitted to President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and leaders of national parties.

During its public meeting held in Pakyong, east Sikkim, on Wednesday Basnett alleged that the Nepali leadership in Sikkim had completely failed to meet the hopes and aspirations of the Sikkimese people for a united Sikkim with its unique and distinct identity intact.

Forum’s CC Shengderpa also addressed the media briefing and the public gathering.

DISSOLVE ASSEMBLY, HOLD FRESH POLLS: BHOJ RAJ RAI

Feudalistic elements & dictators running SDF: Golay

Subba denies role in Singling incident

Observer News Service

Gangtok, March 25: While denying that he had any hand in the recent Singling incident in west Sikkim where a supporter of dissident ruling party MLA P S Tamang was injured, Road and Bridges Minister RB Subba alleged that Tamang (Golay) was creating rift within the ruling party because he was not given ministership after the Assembly polls in 2009.

Briefing the media, Subba said he was not involved in Singling incident on March 18. He said the law should take its course regarding the incident.

The Minister said he was on door-to-door tour of the area for development work when the incident took place in which his vehicle was damaged and Golay’s supporter Rajen Tamang and his supporter Jiwan Gurung were injured in the clash that took place.

After the Singling incident Golay resigned from chairmanship of the State Commerce and Industries Development Board in “protest”.

In his resignation letter submitted to Chief Secrertary TT Dorji, the former Minister said the residents of the State were not safe and did not enjoy “democratic rights.”

He said, “Today, the people of Sikkim have lost their faith on the SDF party” and accused the party of “trying to retain its support base through threats.” He added that “only feudalistic elements and dictators have their say in the party.”

Reacting to the ruling party’s demand that Golay should resign from the Assembly, Golay’s lieutenant Bhoj Raj Rai, former MLA, said he and Golay are ready to contest the polls if the SDF dissolves the Assembly and hold fresh elections.

Upreti & Co expelled from Cong for anti-party activities

Observer News Service

Gangtok, March 25: After a prolonged war of attrition between the two Congress leaders, SPCC chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari and his deputy K N Upreti, the latter has finally be expelled from the party for anti-party activities.

The decision was taken during a party meeting held here today. The meeting, chaired by Bhandari, was attended by members of the Pradesh Congress Committee, District Congress Committee, frontal organisations and party supporters, according to a  release by Kunga Nima Lepcha, the party spokesperson.

Besides Upreti others who have been expelled from the primary membership of the party for four years are Phuchung Bhutia, Bharat Basnett, Avinash Yakha, Arun Rai, Laxuman Gurung and Nima Wangchuk  Bhutia.

The expulsion came after show cause notices were served on Upreti and others.

Dissidence within the party surfaced during the party’s recent elections of the SPCC chief. Both sides have accused each other of siding with ruling party chief and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling much against the interest of the Congress and the people in general.

Gurung opts for intellectuals to contest Assembly polls

Observer News Network

Darjeeling, March 25: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) has fielded three prominent intellectuals to contest the three Assembly seats in the hills.

Former Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh, Trilok Dewan, has been given the prestigious Darjeeling seat.

Another prominent intellectual Harka Bahadur Chhetri, also the Morcha’s spokesperson, will contest from Kalimpong.

The Morcha has allotted the Kurseong seat to Rohit Sharma, who is the head of Commerce Department of Kurseong College.

Dewan (65), a retired IAS officer is a member of the Morcha’s Study Forum who participated in the tripartite talks.

While Chhetri, a doctorate holder in botany, teaches science at Kalimpong’s St. George’s School, Sharma, a member of the Morcha’s central committee, is an associate professor in Kurseong College.

The decision to field its own candidates for the Assembly polls, scheduled for April 18, came subsequent to the Morcha-initiated all-party meeting on Wednesday followed by Morcha’s central committee meeting over by party president Bimal Gurung.

Gurung said the earlier decision to field “consensus candidates” was dropped as party supporters wanted to field its own candidates.

“By participating in the elections, we are not backtracking on our demand for Gorkhaland. We will raise it in the Assembly and in the Parliament,’’ Chhetri said.

Tibetan Parliament-in-exile accepts Dalai Lama’s decision to step down

Dharamsala, March 25: The Tibetan Parliament-in-exile has accepted the Dalai Lama’s decision to retire from the role of temporal leader of the Tibetan people.

The Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile, Samdhong Rinpoche, made this announcement today on the last day of the Budget session in the House.

The acceptance of the Dalai Lama’s decision to step down from political power by the House will lead to the amendment of the Tibetan Constitution, which is likely to be done during the special session of the Parliament in May this year, according to a resolution of the House passed here today.

The amendment committee will give its report by April 11 and then the Cabinet will discuss the issue with the Dalai Lama before it is placed before the House in May.

The proposed amendment intends to hand over the executive power of the Dalai Lama to Ganden Phodrang, the name given to the exiled government, will also be changed to Central Tibetan Administration of Tibet.

Ganden Phodrang refers to the institution of the Dalai Lama. Since the Dalai Lama is the political and administrative head of the Tibetan Government-in-exile, it was named as Ganden Phodrang.

Corruption charges slapped on Sikkim High Court Chief Justice

Observer News Service

New Delhi, March 24: Sixteen charges of corruption and irregularities have been slapped by a Rajya Sabha constituted panel against Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court Justice P D Dinakaran, who is facing impeachment proceedings in Parliament.

The committee comprising Supreme Court Justice Aftab Alam, Karnataka High

Court Justice K S Khehar and eminent jurist P P Roy issued the chargesheet to Dinakaran on March 16 and has sought his response by April 9, PTI reported.

The charges against him included possession of wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income, illegal encroachment on public property and land belonging to Dalits and other weaker sections, five Tamil Nadu Housing Board plots in favour of wife and two daughters, benami transactions, acquiring and possessing agricultural holdings beyond the ceiling fixed by the TN Land Reforms Act 1961, destruction of evidence, undervaluation of sale agreements, evasion of stamp duty and illegal constructions.

   This apart, Justice Dinakaran has been accused of resorting to irregular and dishonest administrative actions by fixing rosters of judges to facilitate dishonest judicial decisions while he was the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. He is also accused of adopting illegal transfers of judges and appointments of staff, the report added.

Justice Dinakaran was recommended for appointment as a Supreme Court judge in August 2009 but the move was stalled following the allegations against him.

The motion for Dinakaran's removal was admitted in the Rajya Sabha on December 17, 2009 following which Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari constituted the panel to probe the allegations.

While slapping charges against Dinakaran, the panel took into consideration various material furnished by the Income Tax department and Tamil Nadu government to justify the allegations against him.

Once the charges are proved before the inquiry committee, the motion for his removal will have to be passed in the Rajya Sabha. Once passed by a two-third majority in the  Upper House, it will go to the Lok Sabha.

The motion has to be adopted by both the Houses of Parliament in the same session, failing which, it will fall.

Once the motion for removing Justice Dinakaran is passed by Parliament, it will be sent for the approval of the President, who will take the final decision on the matter.

Eminent lawyer Prashant Bhushan, however, expressed more optimism. “It is a good development as Justice Dinakaran has been charged with serious misconduct and offence. He will have a tough time in defending himself as the panel has done a lot of investigations before filing the chargesheet,” he said.

EDITORIAL

OPEN CHALLENGE

Golay Plays Democracy Card

By resigning from the chairmanship of the State Commerce and Industries Development Board as a mark of “protest” against one of the Ministers in the Chamling Cabinet for the assault of one of his supporters, the four-time MLA and former minister, Prem Singh Tamang, who is popularly known to the locals as “Golay”, has now come out openly against the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front chief and Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. Ever since the Assembly polls in 2004 Golay has been a thorn in his (Chamling) flesh. When Chamling tried to get rid of him by asking him to leave his home constituency of Chakung in west Sikkim and contest from West Pendam constituency in east Sikkim Golay revolted and forced Chamling to change his decision and allow him to contest from Chakung. In the last Assembly polls Chamling got rid of almost all SDF heavyweights but gave Golay a ticket from Burtuk near Gangtok in east Sikkim. All thought – and Chamling’s inner circle hoped – that Golay would lose but he returned to the Assembly for the fourth consecutive term.

After the polls Chamling did not include Golay in the Cabinet but left him on the sideline. In the past few years after SDF came back to power for the fourth consecutive term Golay gradually created his own space in Sikkim politics so much so that he nows has a substantial support in the rural area. His open admission that there is no democracy in Sikkim this week following brutal attack on one of his supporters is surely a challenge to Chamling, who has never failed to reiterate his democratic credentials. Golay has virtually accused Chamling of being a ‘dictator’, an accusation that Chamling once leveled against one of his arch political rival – Nar Bahadur Bhandari, former chief minister and President of the State’s Congress unit – when he led a pro-democracy movement in  early ’90s.  As the Opposition is gradually becoming united on charges of corruption and dictatorial rule against the Chief Minister the people, including SDF supporters, are more than happy that Golay has finally come out openly against the man who has ruled Sikkim for nearly 17 years at a stretch.

HISTORIC DECISION From Theocracy To Democracy

Himalayan Guardian March 23, 2011

EDITORIAL

HISTORIC DECISION

From Theocracy To Democracy

The Dalai Lama’s decision to bid adieu to his role as the temporal leader of the Tibetans cannot and should not be taken lightly. It has indeed political, religious and historical implications. Songtsen Gampo (569-650), the first Chogyal (dharmaraj) of Tibet who was regarded as an incarnation of Avalokiteshwara, ruled the country wielding secular and religious power. In the 8^th century, Chogyal (king) Trisong Detsen, who ruled Tibet from 755 until 797, established Buddhism in Tibet with the help of Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche). From around mid-13^th century, the Sakya tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, ruled Tibet under the patronage of Mongol rulers. Their hegemony over Tibet lasted well over a century until 1358 when central Tibet came under the control of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

The rise of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism led to Lobsang Gyatso, the Great Fifth Dalai Lama (1617-1682), exercising effective political control over central Tibet. It was the 5^th Dalai Lama who established the Potala Palace in Lhasa as his seat of power and unified Tibet. Since then Tibet was ruled by succeeding  Dalai Lamas from the Potala until the Communist takeover of the country in 1959, leading to the 14^th Dalai Lama Tenzing Gyatso taking refuge in India. Even during the 50-year period of his exile in India the Dalai Lama headed the exiled Tibetan Government from Dharamsala as its spiritual and temporal leader.

The Dalai Lama’s recent decision to hand over temporal leadership of the Tibetans to the elected representatives of the people, viewed from the historical perspective, is both a revolutionary and historic act. He is not only saying that the Tibetans should now embrace democracy but also wants them to think seriously on separation of the political and religious spheres in governance of the Tibetan people which has been in existence for centuries. The Tibetans, whose life revolves around religion, will understandably take a longer time to view things from the Dalai Lama’s perspective. However, if they still have faith in their revered guru they should follow his path and embrace his decision even it is difficult for them to understand at this stage the political vision that the Dalai Lama has for Tibet and the Tibetan people.

Tibetans vote to elect new prime minister-in-exile

 Arvind Sharma

Dharamsala, March 22: Thousands of Tibetans across the world on Sunday voted to elect the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, an exercise that may usher in a transition in the community's leadership following the Dalai Lama's "flat refusal" to reconsider his decision to retire as its political head.

"As many as 83,399 exiled Tibetan settled in India, Nepal, Bhutan, the United States, European countries, Australia, Japan, Russia and other countries were eligible to exercise their franchise to elect the Prime minister and 43 members of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile," Jamphel Choesang, chief election commissioner, said.

He said Tibetans across the globe took active interest in participating in the elections and expressed happiness at the "peaceful" conduct of polls.

The one-day election aroused great interest this time, as it would be for the first time that an elected prime minister would function as democratic head sans possible active guidance of the 75-year-old Dalai Lama.

The five-year tenure of the prime minister would be significant as it could mark a transition from "one-man leadership" of the Dalai Lama to a democratically elected government of exiled Tibetans.

The Dalai Lama, a Nobel peace prize winner, has been both the spiritual and the political head of the Tibetan government-in-exile which he had founded after fleeing to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule in Tibet.

"The regional election commissions will send their compiled documents to the head office in Dharamsala before 15 April. After receiving all the documents, the head office will compile the final declaration," Choesang said, adding that the results would be announced on April 27.

The three candidates in the fray for the post of the prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, which is known as 'Kalon Tripa' in Tibetan language, are -- Lobsang Sangay, Tenzin Namgyal Tethong and Tashi Wangdi.

Lobsang Sangay is a senior fellow of Harvard Law School, whereas Tenzin Namgyal Tethong is a diplomat also settled in the US. Tashi Wangdi was the Dalai Lama's representative in Brussels, New York and New Delhi.

Tibetan officials maintain that the main contest was between the US-based candidates Sangay and Namgyal. Sangay had emerged as the front-runner during the October 3, 2010 primary poll for nomination of prime ministerial candidates.

Sangay, 43, got the maximum number of 22,489 votes while Namgyal got the second highest of 12,319 votes in the primary elections that recorded 61 per cent polling.

The votes polled in Nepal and Bhutan were not counted in the primary round. "More than 1,000 votes could not be counted as 18 ballot boxes were seized by the Nepal police at polling booths in Kathmandu," Tibetan officials said, adding it had been done apparently under the Chinese pressure.

"Similarly, the Bhutanese government had ordered Tibetan authorities there not to send the ballot papers to the election commission in Dharamsala and 613 votes cast in Bhutan had also remained uncounted," they said.

The incumbent Prime Minister-in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche had become the first elected prime minister for a five-year term in September 2001 after the Dalai Lama called for a directly elected political leader of the exiled Tibetans. At that time, there was only one candidate in the fray. Rinpoche was re-elected in 2006.

There are more than 140,000 exiled Tibetans and over one lakh are settled in different parts of India.

The Dalai Lama had ruled out reconsidering his decision to quit as the political head of the community despite a plea by the Tibetan parliament-in-exile.

He returned the resolution passed by Tibetan parliament-in-exile, asking him to reconsider his decision and made it clear that he was firm on his "well thought of decision" to hand over power to a democratically elected leader, Joint Secretary at the Dalai Lama's office Tenzin Taklha, had said.

"Now, a decision on this important matter should be delayed no longer and all the necessary amendments to the Charter and other related regulations should be made during this session of parliament so that I am completely relieved of formal authority," the Dalai Lama had said in the message.

Gorkhaland Forum begins signature campaign

Gangtok, March 22: The recently-formed Sikkim Solidarity Forum for Gorkhaland (SSFG) is likely to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil on April 26 next month urging for speedy formation of Gorkhaland State in neighbouring Darjeeling.

The memorandum will be backed by about one lac signatories, Forum’s Chief Convenor Bharat Basnett said. The signature campaign began here yesterday during a press briefing by Forum leaders, including Basnett and CC Shengderpa.

The memorandum will also be submitted to UPA chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and leaders of national parties, Basnett said.

He said there will be no peace in Sikkim if people of Darjeeling continue to live in distress and without a homeland of their own.

Darjeeling continues to suffer even after 64 years of India’s independence, Basnett said while adding that even drinking water continues to be a big problem for the people.

While urging the people of Sikkim to support the Gorkhaland ground on “humanitarian ground”, Basnett said the West Bengal Government has paid scant regard to the 1200 Gorkhas who died for Gorkhaland.

Alleging that “there is no law and order” in West Bengal, Basnett said nothing is done about the slaughter of Gorkha leaders such as C K Pradhan, Rudra Pradhan and Madan Tamang.

Mamata promises peace in Darjeeling after polls

Darjeeling, March 22: The Trinamool Congress has promised to bring peace back to Darjeeling within 100 days if it forms the government after the ensuing Assembly polls in April-May.

However, this will not be at the cost of a divided Bengal, according to the party’s election manifesto released in Kolkata on Monday.

“Trinamool Congress does not want division of Bengal. In order to build cordial relationship between the residents of hills and plains we would take effective steps within 100 days of government formation to bring back peace and tranquillity,” said the manifesto released by party chief Mamata Banerjee.

“Trinamool Congress doesn't believe in the atrocities that are being carried out in the name of joint forces operation. Only developmental work and human face can bring back peace in the area and solve the problem,” said the manifesto.

The party, in its manifesto, has given special emphasis on large-scale industrial investments, agriculture, minority and backward communities’ welfare, tourism, education and healthcare infrastructure.

The Trinamool manifesto has made it clear the party does not support the joint forces’ operations in Jungalmahal and promises to resolve the problem of the area through peaceful means. It also promises peace in Darjeeling hills within 100 days of its coming to power, without dividing Bengal.

In the supplementary provided with the manifesto, the party has mentioned that within the first 200 days of its coming to power, the party will focus on employment generation and industrial revival, with special emphasis on micro, small and medium industries (MSMEs).

 During the first 200 days, 17 clusters will be converted into world-class centers of excellence, it says. The manifesto proposes to develop a host of industries in the strife-torn regions of the State. The party also proposes to re-start and re-model the closed public sector enterprises and attract large private investments in sectors like engineering, steel, tea, jute, textiles, mining, power and food processing.

Ghising makes the first move, fields 3 candidates for Assembly polls

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, March 22: Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) supremo Subash Ghisingh has taken the initiative and fielded three candidates from his party to contest the ensuing Assembly polls.

The party’s candidate from Kalimpong is Prakash Dahal, a former nominated councilor of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC).

Bhim Subba, a retired Naik of the 11 Gorkha Rifles and a former extension officer of the DGHC’s social education department in Sukhiapokhri, has been nominated for Darjeeling.

Pemu Chhetri, a 41-year-old housewife from Garidhura, has replaced sitting GNLF MLA Shanta Chhetri in Kurseong.

The GNLF and CPM were not invited to a meeting called by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha recently to field consensus candidates for the three Assembly constituencies in the hills.

The party’s demand for 6^th Schedule status for the hills is likely to be the main issue for the polls, sources said.

The names of the party’s candidates were declared during a press conference held by Ghising in Jalpaiguri, where he resides, today. In the last Assembly polls the GNLF had won all the three seats in the hills. Ghising is all set to return to the hills to campaign for his party.

Morcha sources said names of consensus candidates will be announced by March 24-25 after the meeting of its central committee.

There is no democracy in Sikkim, dictators running SDF: Golay

Gangtok, March 22: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s dissident leader and former minister P S Tamang (Golay) has now come out openly against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

 Reacting against the recent Singling (west Sikkim) incident, where one of his supporters was brutally assaulted by supporters of Roads and Bridges Minister T B Subba, Golay said the people in the State were not only unsafe but also did not enjoy “democratic rights”.

In protest against the prevailing situation in the State Golay has resigned as Chairman of the State Commerce and Industries Development Board. In his resignation letter to Chief Secretary TT Dorji, the former minister said “public life” and “public properties” in the State were not safe as the people were deprived of their “democratic rights.”

In a press release after the Singling incident, Golay, while demanding Subba’s resignation from the Cabinet and Assembly, said, “Today, the people of Sikkim have lost their faith on the SDF party. The party is trying to retain its support base through threats and only the feudalistic elements and dictators have their say in the party.”

The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has strongly condemned the use of physical intimidation and violent tactics adopted by the ruling party Minister in the Singling incident.

Party President Biraj Adhikari said the ruling party is responsible for erosion of “democratic values” in the State. While demanding Subba’s resignation the SNPP has asked for “free and fair investigation” into the Singling incident.

Supporting Golay is AD Subba, President of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRPP), who has sought for Governor BP Singh’s intervention.

India faces danger from China: BJP

P. Ghosh

Guwahati, March 22: Senior BJP leader Rajnath Singh yesterday said India was facing great danger from within and outside with China claiming Arunachal Pradesh was a part of it while infiltrators were creating trouble.

"China is claiming that Arunachal Pradesh is theirs when it is a part of India. They issue stapled visas to people from Arunachal," Singh said while speaking at a party meeting.

"India should also tell China that it would issue stapled visas to people coming from Tibet to India. But India does not have the courage to do so," added Singh.

Charging the Congress-led central government of being "weak" and criticising the foreign minister of failing to oppose China's diversion of the Brahmaputra, he said, "when in power, the BJP will put diplomatic pressure against the diversion and have an international water treaty".

Mountain Retreat at TASHIDING

Yangchen Namgyal

Located just below Dhakar (white rock) Tashiding near the Tashiding Monastery in west Sikkim is the newly-constructed ‘Tsamkham’ (retreat house), where His Holiness the Dalai Lama spent three days in retreat during his recent visit to Sikkim in December 2010. This mountain retreat centre in Tashiding is the most sacred spot for Buddhists in Sikkim and has been blessed by eminent lamas such as the Dalai Lama and His Holiness the Sakya Trizin.

One of the chortens (stupa) above the tsamkham houses the relics of the late Jamyang Khentse Rinpoche, an outstanding master of Tibetan Buddhism who sought refuge in Sikkim after he fled Tibet before the Chinese takeover in 1959.  The relics of Sikkim’s 12^th Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, whose long and heroic fight for Sikkim and the Sikkimese in the seventies, are also placed in one of the stupas.

For those looking for solitude in a quiet and peaceful mountain side Tashiding is definitely a place worth visiting. The Buddhist Guest House near the monastery is an ideal place to rest, relax and reflect. There is also a monastery-run guest rooms in the same premises.

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.

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?