GORKHALAND RESOLUTION

SIKKIM OBSERVER   Vol 20 No 16 Page 1 April 2 2011

GORKHALAND RESOLUTION: CHEERS IN SIKKIM, DARJEELING; FEARS IN BENGAL

Gorkhas to felicitate Chamling; resolution ‘unconstitutional’ & against ‘Parliamentary norms’: WB Govt; no division of Bengal, says Trinamool

Observer News Service

Gangtok, April 1: The passing of a resolution in the Sikkim Assembly demanding creation of a separate State of Gorkhaland has been cheered by the people of Darjeeling and Sikkim but received a thumbs-down from neighbouring West Bengal.

It is significant to note that the resolution was passed three weeks after Gorkha Janmukti Morcha President Bimal Gurung met Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in Gangtok and a few weeks before Assembly polls in West Bengal, where the Morcha has fielded three candidates from Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.

The resolution will surely go in favour of Morcha candidates whose main issue for the polls is Gorkhaland.

In a statement after the passing of what has been described as a “historic” event favouring Gorkhaland, the Morcha chief said he was “overwhelmed” by the unanimous resolution of the Assembly, whose 32 legislators belong to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which has been in power since 1994.

“I am overwhelmed with intense happiness on hearing that the legislative assembly of Sikkim state has unanimously passed a resolution supporting the demands for the creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland,” Gurung said in his letter to Chamling.

“I have no words to express the gratitude of all Gorkhas for your wholehearted support and initiative to give the much needed recognition to our demand,” Gurung added.

“Sikkim is the real owner of Darjeeling because it was a part and parcel of Sikkim before the Britishers came. And we are happy that at last they have taken a stand in our favour. Now we are even ready to be part of that state rather than staying with Bengal, because it has not done anything for us. We will now tell the Centre to consider the resolution,” Harka Bahadur Chhetri, Morcha spokesman, told a national daily.

The Morcha has decided to felicitate Chamling for passing the resolution, according to the party’s spokesman Benoy Tamang.

While Sikkim and Darjeeling celebrate their permanent bond of friendship and brotherhood as reflected in the resolution leaders of West Bengal have responded negatively against Chamling’s latest move on Gorkhaland.

West Bengal Assembly Speaker Hasim Abdul Halim termed the passing of the resolution by Sikkim Assembly supporing creation of Gorkhaland “unfortunate” and not in tune with Parliamentary norms and tradition.

“I cannot call it unconstitutional but it is against Parliamentary norms,’’ Halim said in a report in the Indian Express.

Ashok Bhattacharya, West Bengal’s Minister for Urban Development, said the passing of the resolution was “unconstitutional.”

The Trinamool Congress also condemned the move and said the Sikkim Assembly, by passing the resolution, violated parliamentary norms and vitiated federal spirit.

 “The Sikkim Assembly has no business to pass a resolution regarding an area under West Bengal. We are very much against any further division of Bengal,” said Saugata Roy, senior Trinamool leader and Union Minister of State for Urban Development, the Express reported.

The Sikkim Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution in favour of the creation of Gorkhaland, saying the separate state was a “genuine and legitimate” demand of the people of Darjeeling hills.

“The people of Darjeeling have been demanding Gorkhaland state…. The demand of the people of Darjeeling for formation of state is genuine, legitimate, legally justified and within the parameters of the Constitution of India. The Central Government may kindly consider the legitimate demands of the people of Darjeeling for statehood and take necessary steps as required under the Constitution,” reads the resolution.

Chamling said Gorkhaland was the “ultimate and permanent solution to ensure peace, security and development of Sikkim and the region and free movement on National Highway 31A”.

“Our government has given peace, communal harmony and security to the state and its people… In this peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the state, disturbances with no signs of normalcy and decrease taking place for so many years in the neighbouring areas of Darjeeling in West Bengal affecting our lifeline National Highway 31A clearly indicates that only a permanent solution is the remedy,” said the Chief Minister while moving the motion.

Meanwhile, a four-member central committee of the Morcha led by its General Secretary Roshan Giri met Chamling here on Thursday to convey the party’s appreciation and gratitude to Chamling for passing the resolution.

The team has also invited Chamling to Darjeeling to felicitate him for his support on the statehood issue.

Assembly passes resolution on IT exemption for ‘left out’ persons

Observer News Service

Gangtok, April 1: The Sikkim Assembly resolution demanding exemption of payment of income tax under the Income Tax Act 1961 has been welcomed by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s Byapari Morcha.

Morcha’s General Secretary Shanker Agarwal said the resolution was “historic” and has been welcomed by the people, according to a press release of the Morcha.

The resolution passed in the Budget session of the Assembly last week was proposed by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and seconded by ruling party’s Gangtok MLA Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia.

The resolution seeks  IT exemption for “left out” categories of persons having agricultural land in rural areas, business community who have permanently settled in Sikkim prior to 1961 and those who were in government service before December 1969  and who are permanently settled in Sikkim.

The resolution says names of the above category of people were “left out” from the Sikkim Subject Register and were thus deprived of their rights on IT exemption.

As of now the ‘Sikkim Subjects’, whose names are in the Sikkim Subject Register, are enjoying IT exemption. The Chamling Government wants the same rights to be enjoyed by old settlers of Sikkim who have been “left out” from the Register for various reasons.

   It may be noted that the Government wants tax exemption not only for members of the old business community majority of whom are plainspeople but also for farmers and government servants who have settled in Sikkim before 1961 and 1969.

According to official sources, of the 6 lac residents in the State less than half are ‘Sikkim Subjects’ who belong to the three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.

Bhutia-Lepchas to oppose Assembly seat reduction, ready to defend political rights

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, April 1: The minority Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepcha tribals in the State feel betrayed by the Sikkim Assembly’s bid to reduce seats reserved for the two communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

This indication came after the Assembly on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution in the Budget session seeking increase of seats in the Assembly from 32 to 40, according to a press release of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC).

A meeting of the Committee chaired by its President Tseten Tashi Bhutia here on Wednesday expressed “anger and disappointment” over the “nature of the resolution” passed by the Assembly, a press release by the Committee’s General Secretary PT Lepcha said.

The two indigenous communities who were made scheduled tribes in 1978, three years after the controversial merger in 1975, are convinced that increase of seats in the Assembly  to 40 without increase of 12 seats reserved for them would lead to the dilution of their political rights and distinct identity safeguarded by Article 371F of the Constitution.

Presently, of the 32 seats 12 are reserved for the Bhutia-Lepchas, one for Sangha, two for Scheduled Castes (who are Nepalese) leaving 17 seats in the general category.

The minority Bhutia-Lepchas feel betrayed by the Chamling Government’s latest move to dilute the political rights of their community, the release said.

The resolution not only violates the “terms of Sikkim’s merger” but is also against national interest, the release said and added that the Bhutia-Lepchas would fight “tooth and nail” against the mischievous “designs” of anti-Bhutia-Lepcha elements.

“If need be, the Bhutia-Lepchas are ready to come down to streets,” SIBLAC warned. (

Bhutia body condemns Guv’s stand on Bhutia-Lepcha rights

Observer News Service

Gangtok, April 1: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organization (NASBO 371F), a non-political organization of the State’s ethnic Bhutias, has strongly condemned Governor B P Singh’s recent statement in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on the political rights of the minority indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha tribals of the State.

In a press statement NASBO said the Governor’s address in the House on March 23 regarding increase of Assembly seats is against the minority community.

During its general meeting held here NASBO has not only rejected the Governor’s intention to erode the political rights of the Bhutia-Lepcha tribals but said that it was “unfortunate” that the Had of the State should openly carry out an “anti-Bhutia-Lepcha agenda” in the House.

The organization’s demand that there be proportionate increase in the seats reserved for the Bhutia-Lepchas in the House if ever there is an increase of seats in the Assembly has been ignored, NASBO said in a Press release.

NASBO has also noted the failure of the 13 Bhutia-Lepcha representatives in the House to defend the rights of the minority community.

CAG report indicts Govt on power project implementation in Sikkim

Observer News Service

Gangtok, April 1: The annual report of Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) on management of State finances has come down heavily on the State Government on the manner in which hydel project works are being carried out in the State.

The report said the State Government awarded project works to private parties at “throwaway charges” leading to neglect of “environmental issues”, loss in revenue and lack of development in the local area concerned.

Briefing the media here on Tuesday after the report was placed before the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, the Accountant General of Sikkim, Dinesh Bhagata, said even though the State Government had not framed any Public Private Partnership (PPP) policy for the State, the Government opened the power sector to private developers.

“The State Government commenced award of hydro power projects to Independent Power Producers (IPP) without working out any effective modality and finalizing any plan or policy,” the CAG report said.

“Unplanned execution” at “throwaway charges” and “lack of monitoring mechanism in implementation of the power projects resulted in unfruitful expenditure of Rs 8.96 crore beside cost overrun of Rs 7.73 crore, blockage of funds Rs 14.53 crore and irregular diversion of project funds of Rs 16.17 crore,” the report said.

The most startling revelations on power projects in the State in the CAG report is imposition of upfront premium on private developers at a meager rate of Rs 10,000 per MW. This has led to loss of revenue ranging between Rs 60.08 crore to Rs 279.87 crore.

Worse is the fact that the State lost precious revenue ranging from Rs 2,514.49 crore to 2,622.76 crore per year due to imposition of penalty at an “abysmal low rate” of Rs 10,000 per MW per month for delay of commissioning of projects by private developers.

“Non-implementation of specific condition in the agreements drawn with 16 private developers for regular contribution towards local area development led to loss of Rs 245.20 crore annually,” the report revealed.

The report also said award of two power projects to Gati Infrastructures Ltd, a private developer, in November 2003 at a comparatively low rate of 12 per cent royalty for the entire agreement period, led to a potential loss of Rs 143.50 crore per annum from the 16^th year of operation onwards.

Referring to environmental issues during implementation of power projects, the report said “Adequate steps to safeguard the environment viz. catchment area treatment plans, protection and preservation of reverine fishes etc. had not been taken during implementation of hydro power projects” in the State. (also see edit on page 2)

Two-day Sikkim Bandh on April 4-5

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, April 1: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s labour wing, the All Sikkim Democratic Labour Front (ASDLF), has called a 48-hour bandh in the State from 6 am on April 4 (Monday).

Briefing the media, Front’s Vice-President BM Ramudamu and General Secretary Norzang Lepcha said the bandh has been called to pressurize the concerned authorities for 100% employment for locals in central government offices, PSUs and business establishments in the State.

The Front said the bandh has been called in view of the failure of these units to comply with repeated requests made on employment of locals.

While tourist vehicles will not be allowed to ply during the two-day bandh, essential services such as ambulance, fire services, army, BRO etc will be exempted from the bandh.

EDITORIAL

CAG REPORT

Indictment And The Ground Reality

Despite claims made by the State Government on the State’s development the latest annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is quite a strong indictment of the performance of various departments. What is most worrisome is that in many areas the report has observed that schemes are being implemented without any policy and planning. For instance, in the Sikkim Public Works Department (Roads and Bridges) “unrestrained” and “indiscriminate” sanctioning of projects without availability of funds under “non-existence policy” has led to loss of Rs 341.22 crore to the State exchequer. The most astounding disclosure was that Sikkim has one contractor for every 26 citizens. This would mean that the State, which has a population of 6 lacs, can boast of at least 23,000 contractors! It is an open secret that contract work go to only a handful of ruling party supporters leaving 99.99% of the  so-called “contractors” to be satisfied with “pack money”, a term used as bribe money paid to a host of bidders to step aside to enable  the chosen few to grab the job.

Added to these irregularities is CAG’s disclosure that the “monotoring mechanism” to evaluate implementation and impact of various schemes was not only “inadequate” but “data” to assess even major flagship schemes funded by the Central Government was not  readily available. While brifing the local media after the CAG report was submitted to the State Assembly CAG authorities said the department depends much on the media and the Opposition to bring the important issues highlighted in the report in the public domain. This indeed is a tall expectation considering how independent journalists and newspapers can be wonover or browbeated if they exercise their freedom beyond the laxman rekha. Opposition parties and leaders, too, face the same heat. Under the law, courts can also take note of CAG report on its own (suo moto) and initiate action against the culprits. But in small States like Sikkim Judges also come under great pressure if they choose to strictly follow the law and exercise the independence of the Judiciary. The ground reality is that this year’s CAG report will be another of those rituals in our system where reports, including important ones, are placed before the people and then forgotten.

16^th Karmapa’s  Rumtek residence in total disrepair

K. Tenzing

Visitors to the world-renowned seat-in-exile (Dharma Chakra Centre – commonly known as ‘Rumtek Monastery’) of the 16^th Karmapa who passed away in Chicago on November 5, 1981, do not take much notice of the small two-storeyed structure located behind the main monastery and on the right side of the shedra (monastic college) .

This is because the structure which was once the residence of His Holiness the 16^th Gyalwa Karmapa Rangjung Rigpe Dorje is in a dilapidated condition. The paintings on the walls have almost disappeared and the windows are almost falling off or are held by old and rusted corrugated metal sheets (chadar).

If you happen to take a closer look inside from the windows the articles, including furniture, on the ground floor are in terrible condition. A 1986 calendar hung on the wall reminded visitors that the house has been unused for a long time.

When asked why the house has been abandoned a young monk who is a student of the monastery’s Nalanda University for Higher Buddhist Studies (shedra) said. “There is a case” and so no one has been allowed to enter the house which is locked.

Near the residence where there used to be a small sanctuary for birds (the Karmapa was fond of birds) is now occupied by army personnel who have been manning the monastery complex ever since the Karmapa controversy surfaced in early 1990s.

Apart from this the Karmapa’s residence the rest of the structures in the monastery complex are quite well maintained. The question which comes to one’s mind is plain and simple: is this the way to honour a highly respected religious figure of Tibetan Buddhism and the Head of the Kargyu lineage who sought refuge in Sikkim after Communist China’s takeover of his country? Who is responsible for this sad state of affairs and why has the concerned authorities not done anything about it for so long?

Followers of the tulkus of the 16^th Karmapa in particular who want the early return of the Karmapa to Rumtek (East Sikkim) ought to take a second look at the house of the one who lived in Sikkim and blessed the people for more than two decades and do something about it at the earliest.

ON MY OWN

Jigme N Kazi

Preservation of Sikkim’s cultural heritage begins at Tsuklakhang

Charity, they say, begins at home. This also applies to preservation of one’s culture. A quiet and yet very impressive beginning is being made at the Tsuklakhang monastery in Gangtok towards preservation of Sikkim’s rich and unique cultural heritage.

“Our culture springs from our Buddhist heritage. It is the basis of all Sikkimese culture to flourish,” says Hope Leezum, daughter of the late Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, the 12^th King of the former kingdom of Sikkim.

Sikkim was a Buddhist kingdom ruled by the Chogyals of the Namgyal Dynasty for more than 300 years. But before the advent of the Namgyal Dynasty in 1642 the ancestors of the Namgyal Dynasty virtually ruled the region, which was much bigger than the present area, for more than 400 years after a blood brotherhood treaty between the Lepchas and Bhutias in the 13^th century.

Those who have not visited the Palace area where the monastery is located should pay a visit at the earliest. The entire premises of the monastery has got an impressive facelift. The recently-constructed buildings housing about 100 Sikkimese monks are beautifully painted, the lawn is kept clean with flowers and plants well-arranged, the outer and part of the inner portions of the monastery have also been repainted. And there is also a newly-made open resthouse built in traditional Sikkimese style – simple and yet elegant – at the back of the monastery.

If one is more perceptive one would also notice the long pole at the centre of the courtyard in front of the monastery holding a huge square-shaped lungta (windhorse) prayer flag. The only eye-sore in the area is the new building painted in dark gray. Hopefully, this building, too, will get a new-look soon to match the surrounding area.

And yet the most impressive of the Tsuklakhang Trust’s recent initiative is the restoration work of old and rare murals inside the walls of the two-storeyed monastery. Here Andre Alexander from Germany and Anca Nicolaescu, a Romania from Paris, aided by three artisans from Ladakh, are making concerted efforts to restore the mural paintings that dates back to 1920s.

Andre, who is Chairman of Tibet Heritage Fund and Leh Old Town Initiative, says he will spend about a year in Sikkim at the Tsuklakhang  for the restoration work. His colleague Anca, a painting conservator, hopes to train locals in the art of cultural preservation vis-à-vis restoration of mural paintings.

Tibet Heritage Fund (THF), an international non-profit organization registered in Germany, has been consultant to UNESCO and other international organizations for projects across Asia ranging from sustainable development of towns and settlements, housing and water/sanitation work, to cultural exchange projects, academic research and vocational training.

THF was also involved in relief work after the Yushu earthquake and the Ladakh flashflood. It also participated in the recovery of a 10th century Buddhist stone carving, the design and construction of a museum for Ladakh, restoration of a 14th century monastery in Amdo, and the restoration of a 13th century temple in Ladakh.

“The idea is that once they (Andre and Anca) leave Sikkim after completing the project locals who are trained under them should be able to shoulder the responsibility of doing similar restoration work under their guidance,” says Hope Leezum (she is locally referred to as Semla (Princess) and her full name is Hope Leezum Namgyal Tobden).

Technically, there are three main steps for restoration of mural paintings at the Tsuklakhang: 1. Remove the soot from the paintings with soap. 2. Remove the transparent yellowish-coloured varnish coating from the painting with white spirit or alcohol. 3. Repaint the portion which have been erased.

Briefing the media, who were also keen to learn the art, Andre says “mineral paint” was used to paint the murals which not only depicted gods and goddesses of the Buddhist world but also local deities. Small areas of the wall which have fallen down will be replaced by “mud plaster’, says Andre, who has worked on similar projects, including restoration works where construction work is involved.

During his stay in Ladakh (15 years and Lhasa (7 years) Andre worked on projects such as restoration of Jokhang temple in Lhasa, restoration of the 9^th century Meru Nyingba monastery in Lhasa and 14^th century murals and buildings in Ladakh.

Sikkim’s Tsuklakhang Trust was formed by Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal, who is still undergoing retreats in the Himalaya, in 1982 with the objective of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Sikkim, which was ruled by the Chogyals (dharmaraj) since 1642 under the Namgyal Dynasty.

The mural paintings at the Tsuklakhang was carried out in the 1920s under the guidance of Tharing Rinpoche (Jigdal Pao),  son of Gyalmo (Maharani) Yishey Dolma from her first husband Lhasey Kusho, explains Hope Leezum. No repainting has been carried out after the original painting which is said to be one of the finest in the entire Himalayan belt and comparable to the best in Tibet.

In fact, the 9^th Panchen Lama had deputed his Lharipa to supervise the mural paintings at the Tsuklakhang, the Royal Chapel where the Chogyals were consecrated, during the reign of Sikkim’s 11^th Chogyal Tashi Namgyal, whose long rule (1914-1963) saw many progressive developments in Sikkim.

In fact, Sir Tashi Namgyal was fortunate to regain the Chogyal’s power earlier usurped by the British Raj’s first Political Officer Claude White, who ruled Sikkim with a bunch of anti-Sikkim elements from around 1887 to around 1918. White’s main agenda in Sikkim was to ensure that Sikkim became a British Protectorate to enable Great Britain to have easy access to Tibet and finally to China through Sikkim for its imperialistic designs in Asia.

Both Andre and Anca, who live among the lamas in the monastery premises, are working on a voluntary basis. “We welcome local volunteers for the job. Just doing the work is our chog (spiritual practice),” says Hope Leezum, who is a representative of the Palace in the Trust. She hopes the Trust’s “merit project” will inspire all Sikkimese to be proud of their cultural heritage and get involved in Sikkim’s cultural revival.

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.