HILLS CELEBRATE ‘GORKHALAND ACCORD’

SIKKIM OBSERVER    July 23, 2011

HILLS CELEBRATE ‘GORKHALAND ACCORD’

We can now say that we are from Gorkhaland: Bimal Gurung

Darjeeling, July 22: Thousands of Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) supporters took part in a rally here yesterday to celebrate the signing of the Darjeeling tripartite agreement on the creation of the autonomous development council Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) in West Bengal.

The march, that saw participants dressed in colourful traditional attire dancing to music, started from Darjeeling railway station and ended at Darjeeling four-point crossing.

Supporters from Kalimpong , Kurseong and Mirik also attended the procession.

"It's a historic occasion . There are lots of development avenues in the GTA with huge financial package. We will have peace and development that we were deprived of so long," said a middle-aged woman fluttering the GJM flag, reported a national daily.

School bands from Kalimpong and Darjeeling led the procession. Gurung played to the gallery dancing with wife Asha and party leaders at the 'hawa ghar' and distributed 'laddoos'.

"We will prove our detractors and emerge successful in our endeavor," Gurung said while explaining the necessity of accepting the GTA. "We request the Opposition parties not to create obstacles for two and half years and let us work. You (oppositions) must also appreciate the good work we do," said Gurung and asked them to be a part of a constructive criticism system instead of opposing for the sake of it.

Referring to Mamata Banerjee , Gurung said, "She is a political leader and so sometimes she has to say things because of political compulsions . But do not get her wrong." Countering the Bengal CM's assertion that Bengal will not be divided, Gurung pointed out that the word Gorkhaland in GTA was proof that the Union and state government had accepted the demand for a separate state. "We can now say that we are from Gorkhaland. The government accepting Gorkhaland in the GTA nomenclature proves that," he remarked.

A tripartite agreement on the trouble-torn Darjeeling hills in north West Bengal was signed on Monday between the GJM and the state and central governments, triggering euphoria in the hills.

Morcha leader Roshan Giri said rallies will be organised in Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik July 28, Aug 1 and 3, respectively, to celebrate the signing of the accord.

Chamling has failed to keep promises: Bhandari

‘GTA a stepping stone for Gorkhaland State’

Gangtok, July 22: Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee President NB Bhandari alleged that Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has failed to keep his promises made to the people.

He also pointed out that Chamling’s current village-to-village tour of the State is a total failure as people are disallowed from meeting the Chief Minister and placing their grievances.

Before Chamling took over power from Bhandari in 1994 his main promises to the people were to reduce rampant corruption, end one-man rule, restore freedom and democracy and preserve communal harmony in the State.

Briefing the media during a party meeting here on Tuesday, Bhandari minced no words in rejecting Chamling’s offer to rename the Government Degree College at Tadong after him.

Reacting to Chamling’s offer made last week on Bhanu Jayanti day, Bhandari said, “I am still alive and I and not accepting the offer.” He added, “Naming of roads and colleges” are done as “memorial” for those who have passed away.

Bhandari alleged that central government schemes were not benefiting the people in the State. He said the panchayats were not working for the people and were too engrossed in seeking favours from the government.

The former chief minister, who has backed the formation of the Gorkhaland state, sees the signing of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) as a stepping stone for Gorkhaland State.

The Congress chief congratulated the UPA government, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) for creation of the GTA.

BJP team to visit Sikkim University campus in Yangang

Gangtok, July 22: While seeking an early solution to the controversy surrounding Sikkim University (SU), the State unit of the BJP has decided to make an on-the-spot inspection of the proposed site of the university in Yangang, south Sikkim.

The proposed visit to the SU campus in Yangang follows allegations made by ruling party leaders, particularly Lok Sabha MP PD Rai and former MP and party spokesperson Bhim Dahal, on the function of the SU under its Vice-Chancellor Mahendra P. Lama.

BJP State chief has also been requested by some landowners in Yangang to raise the issue of illegal and unjust acquisition of their land for the university.

State BJP chief  Padam Chettri said after visiting Yangang the party will submit its report to the central party authorities and demand immediate intervention.

SC rejects Dinakaran plea against Forum assistance in probe

New Delhi, July 22: The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected Sikkim high court Chief Justice P.D. Dinakaran’s fresh petition challenging the impeachment inquiry committee’s order allowing a private organisation to participate in the probe proceedings while the Rajya Sabha chairman inducted a new member in the probe panel in place of advocate P.P. Rao.

A bench of Justices G.S. Singhvi and C.K. Prasad rejected Justice Dinakaran’s petition against the order of the inquiry committee, headed by Justice Aftab Alam of the top court, allowing Forum for Judicial Accountability (FJA) to assist the panel in probing the corruption charges against him.

The Judges Inquiry Committee (JIC) headed by Justice Aftab Alam of apex court is probing charges in pursuance of the notice of motion for impeachment initiated against Justice Dinakaran by Rajya Sabha members.

The other two members of three member JIC are Karnataka High Court Chief Justice J.S. Khehar and G. Madan Gopal of Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies.

The committee had allowed FJA’s Chennai-based advocate R. Vaigai to assist its counsel Udai Lalit in the probe proceedings as the petition for the impeachment motion was initiated by FJA and the entire material against alleged corruption by Justice Dinakaran and amassing of huge assets in Tamil Nadu by him was also collected by the organisation.

Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari inducted Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Contemporary Studies’ director G. Mohan Gopal as a new member of the inquiry committee to replace Supreme Court advocate P.P. Rao, whose recusal was earlier allowed by the top court after Justice Dinakaran had levelled the charge of “bias” against him.

The top court in its July 5 order had made it clear that raking up of such issues by Justice Dinakaran “belatedly” was nothing but a “delaying tactic” as he raised them only after receiving the notice from the panel on March 16, accompanied with the chargesheet even though the committee had been functioning for past 10 months.

Why Sikkim University is unable to start campus in Yangang

Sikkim University has not been able to start setting up its permanent campus in the State because of delay in transfer of land.

Begun with the goal of making it an education hub for the whole of Southeast Asia, the varsity has been functioning from 15 rented buildings in Gangtok since July 2007.

All its plans of having a world-class campus with a central school, advanced research facilities, a library and hospital facilities for staff and students have been hanging fire because 300 acres have yet to be handed over by the state government.

In 2007, a human resource development ministry committee had selected a site near Yangang in South Sikkim, for the campus. Under provisions of the Sikkim University Act, the land has to be provided free to the varsity by the hosting state.

However, in August that year, the Sikkim government requested the university to cough up Rs 15 crore as it would have to spend Rs 30 crore to acquire the plot from some 86 landowners. The varsity forwarded the request to the HRD ministry.

In April 2009, the ministry paid the university Rs 15 crore in two instalments to facilitate the land acquisition process. The money was then forwarded to the state government, which compensated the landowners but did not serve them notices to vacate the land.

Between April and June 2010, the varsity received four letters from the state asking it to take over the land. But whenever its team went to formalise the takeover, it found that none of the landowners had vacated their plots.

Sources said the varsity authorities had decided to take over the land only when there were “no encumbrances in the process”.

Irked by the unending delay, the varsity’s executive council sought the ministry’s intervention in November 2010 and also urged it to consider relocating the campus if the handover does not happen by March this year.

“The House (executive council) resolved that the matter be taken up by the ministry of HRD immediately with the government of Sikkim,” the November 3 resolution said.

“The ministry is also requested to consider other options, including relocation of the university, if the land is not handed over to the university during the current financial year (2010-11).”

According to the sources, the state government had not thought it necessary to serve formal notices on the compensated landowners. It had expected them to leave by default and the university to handle those who did not.

In one case the authorities in Sikkim were informed of the illegal manner in which land (about nearly 100 acres) was acquired from an influential family (whose ancestors include Sikkim’s former Prime Minister and a Rai Bahadur) in Yangang for the university. The affected parties are likely to approach the court on this matter if the concerned authorities try to take away the land belonging to minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribal land forcefully.

Other reports said the state proposed to hand over the land only after roads were built, which would mean another four-five years. (Sikkim Observer Feb 7, 2011)

Editorial

DARJEELING ACCORD

Stepping Stone To Statehood

While extracting maximum advantage from the present autonomous set-up the leadership of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) hopes to carry on with its struggle for statehood. This indication which came a day after the signing of the tripartite accord on formation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) from the Morcha leadership is reflective of its stand on the statehood issue even before the historic pact was signed. Reiterating the stand adopted by Morcha chief Bimal Gurung Nepali leaders of the region, including former Sikkim Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, said the interim administration is a “stepping stone” to statehood. Morcha leader Roshan Giri pointed out that Gurung did not sign the pact as he wants to carry on with the statehood issue.

The previous Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council led by Subash Ghising failed mainly because of the autocratic manner in which the Council was run. Added to this was the Gorkha people’s hidden grievance that Ghising had betrayed them on the statehood issue. This led to revival of the hill people’s original demand – creation of the state of Gorkhaland. Even if the present system with more power and autonomy works or not the Gorkha people in the near future will definitely raise the statehood issue. If the GTA functions in a democratic manner while ushering in an era of peace, political stability and economic proseperity it will give the Gorkha leadership more reasons to aim higher and demand creation of Gorkhaland state which the authorities will find it difficult to refuse. If it does not there will be those outside and within the political elite to raise a banner of revolt and renew the demand for statehood. However, it makes a lot of difference to the common people in the hills and Darjeeling’s global image as ‘Queen of the Hills’ in India if the GTA is governed well. The Morcha leadership, therefore, needs to be more cautious and vigilant.

Gorkhaland’ has not been compromised: GJM

Bimal Gurung will soon lead Gorkhaland movement: Giri

Siliguri, July 22: A day after signing the tripartite agreement, Gorkha Janamukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung addressed a public meeting at Sukna on Tuesday where he assured the hill people that his party had not dropped its demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.

Gurung also sought to allay the fears of a section of Gorkhas over the uncertainty on the inclusion of Dooars and Terai region in the new Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), a national daily reported.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said on Monday that “Bengal will not be divided”. But Gurung on Tuesday said her statement was “made out of political compulsions”. Many in the hills said Tuesday’s public rally was the beginning of a new phase of movement for separate statehood.

“When children cry, mothers try to appease them by saying so many things. It was such a statement, and nothing much should be read into it. Politics was being played over the agreement at home and Mamata Banerjee had to keep that in mind while making the statement,” said Gurung.

He also said the new boundary demarcation would soon start in the Dooars and Terai, where the GJM had demanded a total of 196 and 199 mouzas respectively. He directed all Gorkhas to put up GJM flags atop their houses before the survey begins. “All Gorkha homes should have this identity mark,” he said.

The GJM leadership had to hurriedly convene the meeting at Sukna on Tuesday, at the same venue where the tripartite agreement was signed on Monday, as a large section of the hill people were unhappy and complained they were kept in the dark about the details of the agreement.

Gurung said it was only on the assurance that Dooars and Terai region would be included in the GTA that the GJM signed the agreement. He said the CM had admitted that “injustice has been done to the Gorkhas”, Gurung said Banerjee had assured justice. “Her words are honest and sincere,” he said.

Gurung’s deputy Roshan Giri also explained the tripartite agreement at length to the people in an apparent bid to convince them that it was not a compromise on their Gorkhaland demand.

“Bimal Gurung did not sign the agreement because he wants to take forward the agitation for a separate state of Gorkhaland and launch a full-fledged movement soon,” said Giri, who signed the tripartite agreement on Monday.

Tso-Lhamu declared highest lake in India

Gangtok, July 22: Tso-Lhamu lake, located over 18,000 feet above sea level in Lachen in North Sikkim, has been declared the highest lake in the country after a survey conducted by the central government.

The Wetland Atlas, prepared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, has stated that Tso-Lhamu is the highest lake in the country and the sixth highest lake in the world, state Tourism Minister Bhim Dhungel said here recently.

Located near the Indo-Tibet border at Donkyala pass Tso-Lhamu is the source of the Teesta, Sikkim’s biggest river. Teesta joins the Lachung Chu (river) at Chungthang in North Sikkim and finally the Rangeet near Kalimpong in West Bengal.

French firm to set up hydro projects in Tashiding, Dikchu

New Delhi, July 22: French power equipment maker Alstom on Monday said it has bagged Rs 270 crore contracts for setting up three hydropower projects in India.

The first contract has been signed with Shiga Energy Pvt Ltd for the 97 MW Tashiding hydroelectric project in West Sikkim district on the Rathang Chu river. The second contract has been signed with NSL Tidong Power Generation Pvt Ltd for the Tidong 1 hydroelectric project in Kinnaur District in Himachal Pradesh, consisting of two 50 MW units. The third contract has been signed with Haridwar Infrastructure Pvt Ltd for the Dikchu hydroelectric project on the river Dikchu, a tributary of Teesta River in East Sikkim, for a 96 MW plant.

"With these contracts, Alstom will be able to support the government's initiative in developing the power industry as a whole and hydro in particular as part of its commitment to reduce carbon emissions," Alstom Projects India Ltd managing director and vice chairman Francois Carpentier said.

These three contracts follow a major contract won by Alstom with Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) to install the 1,000 MW Tehri variable speed pumped storage hydro power plant in Uttarakhand. Alstom projects currently under execution include the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower hydroelectric power plant in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, India’s largest hydro project.

GTA first step towards formation of separate State: GJM

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN      July 20, 2011

GTA first step towards formation of separate State: GJM

There will be no division of Bengal: Mamata

Siliguri, July 19: While Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made it very clear on the day the Gorkhaland tripartite agreement was signed here on Monday that there would be no division of West Bengal, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) said creation of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is a stepping stone for formation of Gorkhaland state in the near future.

A day after the pact was signed Morcha chief Bimal Gurung told his supporters that he has not dropped the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state.

"GTA was born during the seventh round of tripartite meeting and the CPM government had given its consent. At that time it was called Gorkha Autonomous Authority (GAA). But the important thing is that the CPM did not have the heart to give us anything that the Trinamool Congress has," Gurung said.

Referring to Mamata’s statement that Darjeeling was the “heart of Bengal” and would always be a part of the State, Gurung said, “She was under political pressure to say Bengal would not be divided.”

 "We have to let her (Mamata) work because one cannot repair the wrongs of 34 years in an instant. People should also have patience as the process for implementing the GTA will take some time but we must show the government that we (Gorkhas) can run an administration," Gurung said.

“There will be no division of Bengal. Darjeeling is not outside West Bengal. It is the heart of West Bengal. We will stay together,” Mamata told audiences comprising primarily of Gorkhaland supporters during the signing of the accord.

 Morcha MLA from Kalimpong and party spokesperson sided with Gurung when he said, "We are happy with the agreement. But we consider this as a major step towards our ultimate goal of getting a separate state.”

He also pointed out that “it is clearly written in the agreement that we are not giving up our separate statehood demand."

"We appreciate the announcements about common developmental activities. But those hardly address the main reason behind all our movements. It is the question of identity of Gorkha community. That can only be fulfilled by formation of a separate state," Chhetri said.

“We are not going back on the earlier demand of a separate Gorkha state. In fact the agreement for GTA has a separate clause recognising the demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland, signifying that we are not going back on our earlier demand,” said Roshan Giri, Morcha general secretary.

Obama meets Dalai Lama at White House, assures support on China-Tibet dialogue

Arvind Sharma

Dharamsala, July 19: US President Barack Obama received His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the White House on Saturday, and "encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that produces positive results for China and Tibetans".

“The President reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan people throughout the world," a statement of the White House said after the meeting.

"He underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China."

The President commended the Dalai Lama’s commitment to nonviolence and dialogue with China and his pursuit of the “Middle Way” approach. Reiterating the U.S. policy that Tibet is a part of the People’s Republic of China and the United States does not support independence for Tibet, the President stressed that he encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that produces results would be positive for China and Tibetans.

"The Dalai Lama stated that he is not seeking independence for Tibet and hopes that dialogue between his representatives and the Chinese government can soon resume,” the statement noted.

On his return to the hotel after the meeting, His Holiness gave a brief reaction to some media personnel waiting there. His Holiness said that President Obama showed concern about basic human values, human rights and freedom. Naturally, His Holiness added, he showed genuine concern about suffering in Tibet and also other places. It was wonderful, he added.

The Dalai Lama’s Special Envoy Kasur Lodi Gyari, Representative Kasur Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, and Secretary Tenzin N. Taklha accompanied His Holiness to the White House.

Beijing to pursue tough line on Tibet

Beijing, July 19: Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping vowed on Tuesday to crack down on separatist forces led by the Dalai Lama, suggesting that China's heir apparent to the presidency will not ease Beijing's hardline stance toward the region.

Xi, who is widely expected to become president in 2013, made the remarks in his first major speech on the subject, just days after the exiled Dalai Lama leader met U.S. President Barack Obama in Washington, angering China, Reuters reported.

"(We) should thoroughly fight against separatist activities by the Dalai clique by firmly relying on all ethnic groups ... and completely smash any plot to destroy stability in Tibet and jeopardize national unity," Xi said in front of Lhasa's Potala Palace, the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama.

"The extraordinary development of Tibet over the past 60 years points to an irrefutable truth: without the Chinese Communist Party, there would have been no new China, no new Tibet," Xi said, at an event to mark 60 years since Tibet's "peaceful liberation."

Beijing has repeatedly accused the Dalai Lama of being a violent separatist.

The Nobel Peace prize laureate denies seeking independence for Tibet, saying he wants a peaceful transition to true autonomy for the remote Himalayan region, which China has ruled with an iron fist since 1950, when Chinese troops marched in.

China has put Tibetan capital Lhasa under tight security over the past few weeks, according to exiled Tibetan groups, and has also banned foreign tourists, nervous of attempts to disturb government celebrations marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party.

Editorial

DAM THREAT

Take Warning Seriously

Mega hydel projects across the Himalaya may be a constant source of revenue and kickbacks for governments and politicians but they also endanger the fragile environment and ecology of the region while also uprooting the people, particularly the indigenous and tribal people, from their ancestral homeland. Politicians, aided by government officials and corporate houses, never fail to seek shelter under the name of ‘democracy and development’ while exploiting the natural resources and misleading the people for their vested interests. What happens to the inhabitants of the land is least of their concerns even as they make great promises of their economic prospects.

The authorities sadly take fleeting note of predictable disasters only when they encounter disasters – man-made or natural – such as the terrorist attacks in Mumbai last week. Now that the Intelligence Bureau (IB), the country’s premier intelligence watchdog, has warned of a possible terrorist attack on Bhakra Nangal dam, one of the largest dams in the country which lie on Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border, the authorities need to sit up, take note and do something concrete. The IB report projected the threat in the context of a growing feeling in Pakistan about India depriving it of its fair share of water. The IB report said the Bhakra Dam figures prominently on their target list due to its economic importance and potential for large-scale damage downstream. Mega hydel projects in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh are also a potential threat to the country’s security interests in the sensitive and strategic region.

Hills Celebrate Historic Darjeeling Pact

 A NEW BEGINNING IN GORKHALAND TERRITORY

Plains outfits oppose accord, call bandh

Siliguri, July 19: The historic tripartite agreement for the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) was on Monday signed to resolve the vexed Darjeeling problem amidst protests and bandhs in the Terai and Dooars areas.

The agreement was signed by West Bengal Home Secretary G D Gautama, Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary K K Pathak and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha General Secretary Roshan Giri at the Pintail village, about 8 km from Siliguri.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and GJM chief Bimal Gurung and the Bharatiya Janata Party MP from Darjeeling Jaswant Singh were present at the accord-signing ceremony, among others.

Describing the occasion as 'historic,' Chidambaram said the Centre and the state government would fully back the GTA.

"Both the Government of West Bengal and the Government of India will stand by you and hold your hand. The task before you is stupendous. There will be many hurdles, but there is no hurdle that cannot be solved through dialogue, determination and spirit of give and take," the home minister said.

Pointing out that the area under the GTA jurisdiction had a pluralistic society, Chidambaram said, "There will be many races, different languages, different cultures. But we are one people. The new administration must respect the plurality of the region."

Chidambaram added: “Today I stand witness to a historic event, when years of strife have come to an end due to the wisdom and sagacity of two people: Mamata Banerjee and Bimal Gurung. Today is the day when we put all the suffering behind us. Today marks the beginning of the GTA. Today marks pariborton — change for a better tomorrow.”

Chidambaram cautioned Gurung that the task before him was stupendous: “You have to rebuild brick by brick, and the Centre and the state government will be by your side. Here is an opportunity to show that you can govern and deliver.”

    Categorically ruling out any division of West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the new accord gives maximum autonomy to the hill people and would function within the constitutional framework and within West Bengal.

The Amra Bangali, Jana Jagaran and Jaja Chetana, backed by the Adivasi Bikash Parishad, have called a 48-hour bandh in the Terai and Dooars in the plains area against the signing of the pact.

As per the accord, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration will have 59 departments with a board of 50 elected and 5 state-nominated members. It is scheduled to have its first election in six months. A Bill for this will be moved in the Assembly and, on adoption, it will be sent to the President for assent.

Several hills Opposition parties such as AIGL and CPRM issued statements opposing the new agreement and accused the Morcha leadership of betrayal on the statehood issue.   

A day after the historic tripartite agreement Morcha leaders reiterated the fact that they are not going back on their demand for a separate state.

However, during the signing of the pact Mamata declared: “Bengal will not be separated and Darjeeling will smile inside the state. There will be no division of Bengal (Bangla bhag hochchhe na). Darjeeling is not outside West Bengal. It is the heart of West Bengal. We will stay together.”

 “Right now, we will concentrate on the GTA, the election process and selections to the jurisdictional committee. That in no way means we are ignoring the ultimate creation of Gorkhaland,” Morcha General Secretary Roshan Giri said.

That the GTA is a success for the GJM, is proven by the fact that celebrations continued unabated in Darjeeling, while Siliguri and surrounding regions remained paralysed for the second consecutive day on the back of the 48 hour bandh called by anti-Gorkhaland organisations in the foothills of the Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai.

   Slogans such as 'Mamata Banerjee zindabad,' 'Bimal Gurung zindabad,' and 'we want Gorkhaland,' by Morcha supporters were heard during the signing of the accord.

 Baptist World Alliance supports Naga peace process

Rev Wati honoured for peace & unity efforts

Dimapur, July 19: The Naga Hoho and Ao Student Conference (AKM) have

congratulated  Dr Rev Wati Aier, Principal, Oriental Theological Seminary, Dimapur, and Convenor Forum for Naga Reconciliation on  winning the prestigious Baptist World Alliance 2011 Denton and Janice Lotz Human Rights Award.

A Hoho press statement said, “His work in the Naga political issue has been tremendous, a man who has dedicated his life for peace and unity in his motherland.”

The AKM described Wati as a man of “exemplary courage and dedication”, who sowed the seed of Naga Reconciliation.

Wati received the award at Kuala Lapur, Malaysia on July 9. He now joins the likes of former US President and Nobel Peace Laurete Jimmy Carter who was the first recipient of the award in 1995.

Wati spent almost 20 years trying to bring the warring groups to the negotiating table. The FNR, formed in 2008, convened more than 60 meetings of the various Naga factions in the peace process.

What is more significant is that in a historic resolution, the general council meeting of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) held at Kuala Lumpur from July 4 to 9, affirmed support to the long-protracted Naga issue and the ongoing Naga reconciliation process initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR).

With the affirmation, a total of 120 nations federating with BWA would now make it their focus to advocate the Naga issue to all corners of the world through prayers.

The Peace Commission of the Division of Freedom and Justice for the BWA has also endorsed the 'Journey of Common Hope' for Naga reconciliation.

The FNR convener, Rev Wati Aier, who also attended the 2011 Baptist World Alliance meet, told mediapersons here that the resolution of the BWA with support from 120 nations is historic, of great significance and a huge blessing. "It is very important that the Naga people and leaders, both underground and over-ground, understand the significance of the BWA resolution," he said, expressing hope that Naga leaders would take this support seriously.

The BWA also affirmed the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) and its leadership, which has courageously supported the reconciliation process in calling Baptist brothers and sisters to be reconciled with one another and to adopt non-violent methods in pursuit of their goals.

The regional bodies of BWA under which 120 nations coalesce include All Africa Baptist Fellowship, Asia Pacific Baptist Federation, Caribbean Baptist Fellowship, European Baptist Federation, Union of Baptist in Latin America and North American Baptist Fellowship.

On the home front, the FNR said there is no gap in the Journey of Common Hope and the reconciliation process as feared by many in the backdrop of the split in the Khaplang group into NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) and NSCN(K) and the recent spurt of violence.

India halts US missions to find WWII dead

Missing plane wreckage lies in disputed territory of Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, July 19: Following some good yarns over the past few years about the Indiana Jones-style discoveries of the wreckage of fighter planes and bombers downed going "over the Hump" to join the battle against the Japanese in the Burma theater of World War II, India has reportedly put an end to US missions to recover its war dead from the jungles of the Northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.

While missions were carried out by the US in the past to recover remains of aviators who perished in plane crashes while flying over the ‘hump’ to deliver supplies for allied forces fighting the Japanese in China, all missions to Arunachal have been halted for the past two years, the Indian Express reports.

More than 500 US warplanes are believed to be missing while flying in the China, India and Burma theatre during the world war, the paper said. In Arunachal alone, estimates put the number of missing Americans at over 400.

The paper said that the US embassy had made requests to conduct at least two more missions last year, but canceled them this year after India refused to grant permission for the expeditions.  The Indian Express speculated that India's ongoing border dispute with China in Arunachal Pradesh was the reason for the change in policy. 

GORKHALAND TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION

SIKKIM OBSERVER    July 16, 2011

GORKHALAND

 TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION

Tripartite pact to be signed on July 18

Darjeeling, July 15:The long-standing impasse in the Darjeeling Hills is heading towards a resolution on Monday (July 18) when the Centre, the West Bengal government and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) will sign a tripartite agreement for the

formation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

This autonomous authority for the Darjeeling Hills will replace the existing Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. The agreement will be signed in presence of Union home minister P. Chidambaram and chief minister Mamata Banerjee at Pintel village near Sukna, instead of Darjeeling town — which was Ms Banerjee’s original plan, due to rains and inclement weather.

Announcing this on Friday, the chief minister said: “The tripartite agreement will be signed on July 18. The Union home minister will come for this. Due to the bad weather, three-hour long journey to Darjeeling may not be possible, the agreement will be signed at Sukna, which also falls under the jurisdiction of Darjeeling. I have asked the chief secretary to also invite the Leader of the Opposition for the programme.”

Notable among those who will be present during the function are Darjeeling Lok Sabha MP Jaswant Singh and the Morcha’s three MLAs – Trilok Dewan, Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Rohit Sharma. William Chapramari, the Morcha-backed independent MLA from Kalchini will also be present during the occasion, Morcha General Secretary Roshan Giri said.

Referring to anti-Gorkhaland agitations in the plains of North Bengal, Mamata said, “Don’t attach much importance to nomenclature. It is nothing more than just few words. Some mischievous people are trying to play politics with this.”

However, Giri said, “We are happy with the inclusion of ‘Gorkhaland’ in the name of the new hill council.”

The bandh called by several organisations in North Bengal this week is aimed at opposing the use of the word ‘Gorkhaland’ in the new administrative set-up and likely inclusion of Gorkha-dominated areas in the Dooars in the GTA.

Sikkim Liberation Party calls for regional parties’ meet on common front

Observer News Service

Gangtok, July 15: In its first major move to unite the Sikkimese under one banner to fight against vested interests in the State the recently-formed Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) has called for a meeting of regional political parties and social organisations here on Sunday.

Notable among those invited for this crucial meet to form a common platform of pro-Sikkim-Sikkimese forces in the State are Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP), Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRPP), Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and All Sikkim Self-Employed and Unemployed Association.

The Sikkim United (SU), a new political outfit floated by some intellectuals in 2008, which has also been invited for the meet, will not participate in the deliberations.

In a letter to SLP chief Duk Nath Nepal, a representative of the SU said the organization is “non-existent” and cannot take part in Sunday’s meeting.

Nepal, who played a significant role in backing pro-democracy forces in early 1990s led by Pawan Chamling, says people are disenchanted with the present dispensation and are looking for “change”.

“If like-minded people come together we can fulfill the aspirations of the people,” Nepal told Sikkim Observer.

‘SU’ CONTROVERSY

I’m clean, Lama tells Rai

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, July 15: Reacting to Lok Sabha MP PD Rai’s allegations against him, Sikkim University Vice-Chancellor Mahendra P Lama said he was clean and that his institution’s functioning was open for public scrutiny.

Lama said the Sikkim University is a “non-political national institution” established to transform the quality of higher education in the State.

The university functions in a transparent manner and as per the norms laid down by a Act of the Parliament, Lama said while adding that the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s allegations against him was “unfortunate, regrettable and malicious.”

Rai and former Lok Sabha MP and SDF spokesperson last week not only accused Lama of being inefficient, political and uncooperative but also alleged that he was the “root cause” of all problems faced by the university.

Stop interfering in SU affairs, Upreti tells SDF

Observer News Service

Gangtok, July 15: Former Education Minister and senior Congress leader KN Upreti has urged the State Government and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front not to interfere in the functioning of the Sikkim University and allow it to function independently.

Lending his voice to the SU land acquisition controversy, Upreti, while reacting to press statements made by ruling party MP PD Rai on the issue, said in a press statement that delay in land acquisition of the SU at Yangang, south Sikkim, is due to “ego clash” between Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and SU Vice-Chancellor Mahendra P. Lama.

Referring to Rai’s statement that only “sycophants” would be made SU VC, Upreti said such remarks were “distasteful” and “irresponsible.”

The Congress leader said the ruling elite cannot “dictate terms” to the SU and “interfere in its administration every now and then.”

Central universities such as the SU should be “allowed to function independently and their independent character should not be diluted,” Upreti said.

The former minister also revealed that establishment of a Central University in the State was initiated when he was the Education (now HRD) Minister during the NB Bhandari-led Sikkim Sangram Parishad government (1985-1994)

Prince Charmling woos reluctant Bhandari

Jigme N Kazi

Gangtok, July 15: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s gracious gestures towards his arch political rival, former chief minister and chief of the Congress unit in the State, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, will certainly lead to many speculations.

During a function on Bhanu Jayanti celebrations in Geyzing, west district, on Wednesday, Chamling openly acknowledged Bhandari’s contribution towards inclusion of Nepali language in the 8^th schedule of the Constitution of India.

For Chamling to give credit to Bhandari for constitutional recognition of Nepali language on an important day for Nepalese in general makes one, particularly the critics of both men, very suspicious of the real motive behind the act.

Some would be led to believe that Chamling was being large-hearted and magnanimous on a historic day when Nepalese all over the world remember the contribution made by Bhanubhakta Acharya towards development of Nepali language and literature.

But when Chamling goes even further and openly expresses his desire during the public function to name the Degree College at Tadong, below Gangtok, as Nar Bahadur Bhandari College then those who are suspicious and speculative have some basis to feel doubtful about Chamling’s growing softness towards Bhandari or vice-versa.

“If Bhandari gives his consent we will name the college after him,” said Chamling in his public address during the function.

Those who witnessed the two together at the opening of the Mayfair Resort near Gangtok two years back in June 2009 say that the two were actually having a political affair at the resort which once was Bhandari’s residence.

Dissidents within Bhandari’s Congress party openly point out that the former chief minister is going soft on the present chief minister on the corruption issue. They say the CBI investigation on corruption charges against Chamling & Co, initiated by Congress leaders, is given a quiet burial by Bhandari & Co.

All said and done Chamling still considers Bhandari to be his main rival. The Congress chief is shrewd enough to realize that if he gets flawed by Chamling’s constant wooing he would be committing political suicide. At best he can extract maximum advantage from Chamling’s overtures without tarnishing his own image. But is he capable of doing this?

Editorial

BHANUBHAKTA  ACHARYA

Pen Mightier Than Sword

Nepalese owe much to the ruling Shah Dynasty of Nepal for unifying the country into one political entity in 1769. However, Nepal’s influence in the region began to wane at the time of British intervention in Himalayan affairs in the beginning of the 19^th century. The Anglo-Nepalese war in 1814 led to the signing of the Treaty of Segauli in 1816, which resulted in loss of much of Nepal’s territory acquired during the Shah dynasty. During the 104 years’ rule of the Ranas, which began three decades after the Treaty, the kings of the Shah dynasty were reduced to being titular heads. Even when the anti-Rana movement in Nepal succeeded in installing King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah to the throne in 1950-51 the monarch remained a figurehead as the popular demand of the people favoured democracy. Nepal’s experiment with constitutional monarchy ended in May 2008 when the Maoist communist-dominated Parliament put an end to the 240-year-old Shah Dynasty founded by Nepal’s first king Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1769.

     Inspired by the simple act of a grass-cutter, Bhanubhakta, regarded as Nepal’s first poet, firmly resolved to do something worthwhile with his life. “My life is worthless if the memory of my existence fades away,” he said in one of his poems. His devotion and determination to do something real and lasting for the people led him to translate the great epic Ramayana from Sanskrit into Nepali language. Born to a Brahmin family in 1814 in Tanahu district in Nepal, Bhanubhakta received an excellent home education with a strong leaning towards Hinduism from his grandfather. Till Bhanubhakta appeared in Nepal’s literary landscape Sanskrit dominated most of the written texts of South Asia and its influence was particularly strong in Nepal. Brahmins were the teachers, scholars and priests of the society by virtue of their caste and education. Their education was Sanskrit-oriented since most religious texts of the Hindu religion were in that language.    

    Through the Nepali version of the Ramayana the poet Bhanubhakta killed two birds with one stone; he not only introduced Hinduism to the common man but also successfully unified the Nepalese, many of whom had their own dialects and practised shamanism, as one social entity. Those who read the Ramayana in Nepali graduated to studying other holy scriptures of Hinduism - "Upanishads" and "Vedas." Thus Nepali language and the Hindu religion aided the ruling class in Nepal to build a solid foundation of Nepalese identity and unity. The Shah Dynasty in Nepal, which founded the Hindu Kingdom and expanded its territory through the power of the sword, is no more; nevertheless, the might of Bhanubhakta Acharya’s pen will live on and on.

SDF targets Sikkim University VC

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     July 13, 2011

SDF targets  Sikkim University VC

“Lama root cause of all controversies”

Himalayan News Network

Gangtok, July 12: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s (SDF) Lok Sabha MP, P D Rai, has accused the Sikkim University Vice-Chanceller, Mahendra P. Lama, of failing to work in cooperation with the State Government in the speedy completion of the university campus in Yangang, south Sikkim.

Briefing reporters here last week, Rai and former Sikkim Lok Sabha MP and SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal said the delay in transfer of university campus land in Yangang is mainly due to failure of the authorities to meet the rehabilitation demands of the land oustees.

“The process of rehabilitating 57 families is yet to be completed. The oustees will not vacate until they are rehabilitated,” Rai said.

The two SDF leaders are also not too happy about non-involvement of Sikkimese in the University’s academic and governing council. The two have also taken a serious view of Lama’s alleged delaying tactics to allow a B. Ed College in Soreng and a degree college in Geyzing, west Sikkim, to get affiliation.

“Has he come to stop or bring education in Sikkim? Is he for the growth of students or to put obstacles in every path?” questioned Rai.

The two not only accused Lama of behaving more like a politician than an educationist, but have also questioned the manner in which the University spent Rs 1.3 crore in the admission process this year. They alleged that out of the total of 225 students who got admission into the University only 25 students are from Sikkim.

Reacting to the allegations, Lama said he was merely “stating the facts” when commenting on the slow pace of land transfer at the University campus.

“We are stating the facts of these two issues and we don’t want to enter into any controversies,” Lama said while also referring to allegations that he was delaying the affiliation process. 

“The norms for affiliation are clear and we have to go by the UGC norms. We communicated these requirements with the State authorities and they were nil on these norms,” Lama added.

Referring to his frequent visits abroad and outside the State, Lama said, “They should be happy that whenever I go to Delhi or abroad, I am promoting Sikkim along with the university free of cost. These questions are beyond the purview of those who are asking such questions.”

Lama was clearly reacting to Rai, who is close to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who alleged: “The VC has failed to build the institution as you need to spend a lot of time to nurture a brand new institution but he spends most of his time touring foreign countries and works with a political agenda which is evident from the speeches he gives in the neighbouring region.” Rai added, “He spends around 90 days only in a year in the university.”

Observers said Lama, who hails from Darjeeling, has fallen out with Chamling, who initially patronized him. Chamling is originally from Yangang and is keen to develop his native village. About 300 acres of land has been acquired for the university in Yangang.

     Meanwhile, Rai and Dahal in yet another press conference held here on Monday said Lama was the “root cause” of all controversies at the university.

They also accused the Opposition of making “anti-people” and “politically-motivated” statements on the SU controversy.

CONG, BJP JOINS SIKKIM UNIVERSITY CONTROVERSY

Rahul Gandhi wants update on SU: Bhandari

Gangtok, July 12: It is not only the Chamling Government which has focused its attention on the alleged lapses at Sikkim University the Opposition, too, has joined the tirade against the authorities on slow pace of construction work at the university campus.

According to former Chief Minister and SPCC President N B Bhandari, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has sought the party’s report on Sikkim University. Bhandari said the spat between Lama and the ruling party was “unfortunate.”

While Vinod Chettri, President of the Congress party’s students’ wing, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), has been asked to submit a report on the controversy shrouding the university, State Youth Congress leader Avinash Yakha, who is from Yangang, is likely to lead a delegation of youths to New Delhi to brief the party high command on the issue.

Meanwhile, Sikkim BJP President Padam Chettri in a press statement said the present stalement at the university reflected the Chamling Government’s incompetence and lack of concern for the student community.

Chettri said the central party leadership is likely to seek President Pratibha Devi’s intervention to resolve all contentious matters of the university.

Dissident ruling party leader and former MLA, Bhoj Raj Rai, who is a close confidant of former minister and SDF MLA PS Tamang, looked upon by many as the chief-minister-in-waiting, in a press statement said the Chamling Government is not at all serious about providing land to the university in Yangang and thereby causing unnecessary delay in completion of the university campus.

editorial

BIG DAMS

Concern Over Brahamaputra

The new Chinese anti-drought project, which envisages the diversion of the Brahmaputra to the arid Xinjiang region, is raising serious concern in India and Bangladesh. Although Beijing has assured that there will be no negative impact on the ecosystem in the central basin or downstream of the river, the two countries instead fear for the people who live along its course.

China had already announced a first project concerning the construction of a dam on the Tsangpo (the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra), with a view to creating the world's largest hydroelectric plant with a capacity of 510MW. But this new plan is causing concern in India and Bangladesh. Some Indian satellites have photographed the construction of several dams along the tributaries of the river. According to some experts, the very minor deviation of these courses will slow the flow of the Brahmaputra, causing damage to local populations as in the case of dams on the Mekong.

The Brahmaputra, one Asia’s major rivers, has its source in south-western Tibet. Nearly 3 thousand kilometers long, it winds its way through the Himalayas, and then through India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam) to Bangladesh where it flows into the Bay of Bengal. India and China, therefore, has the shared responsibility to act wisely and tread cautiously in dealing with Brahmaputra.

Fifth Schedule safeguards Darjeeling hill people

          The Gorkhaland shadow boxing is proved a sham and farce, peculiar but normal to politicians of the day. The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leadership has accepted a setup within Bengal, outside the “safeguard” of the Fifth Schedule - Article 244(1). The Fifth and Sixth Schedules seems to be the only two legality for new state formation conspicuously inserted in 36 numbers, “Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas”, phrased in Govt. of India Act 1935 and Order 1936.    

    The important feature of 1935 Act was to indicate E&PEA as distinct areas outside the administrative reforms, thereby governed as if the territories were outside British India under the Chief Commissionership as Scheduled Districts (Local Laws Extent Act) 1874. The 1873 Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (Inner Line Permit) was restricted to non-Regulated areas to protect the areas, now removed since 1990. Why?

The Stafford Cripps Mission 24 March 1946 British aimed to discuss and finalize plans for transfer of power from British Raj to Indian leadership. Before independence, in a statement on 16th May 1946, “the Cabinet Mission reiterated need for special attention of the Constituent Assembly to these excluded and partially excluded areas and tribal areas while drafting the new Constitution of India.”  In the draft Constitution 1946-48 the E&PEA were transferred into Fifth Schedule -Article 244 (1) and Sixth Schedule - Article 242(2) and Art. 275 (1) with their safeguards intact forwarded by A.V.Thakkar Sub Committee 1947 deliberating on “Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas (other than Assam)”.

   Darjeeling District as Partially Excluded Area “was felt safeguards were necessary in the interest of the hill people.”  In West Bengal 1952-56 “under Rule 4 (1) of the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution” Tribes Advisory Council was formed. The State has denied the ‘hill peoples’ safeguard. (Kayteepee)

Draft pact on Gorkhaland Territorial Administration signed

Tripartite meet to be held soon

Himalayan News Network

Darjeeling, July 12: The West Bengal government and the Gorkha Janamukti Morcha on Friday signed on a draft of an Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), which was forwarded to the Centre to lay the grounds for a tripartite meeting to be held either in Delhi or Darjeeling soon.

According to the agreement, signed by Home Secretary G D Gautama and GJM general secretary Roshan Giri, the new administrative body will be known as the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

West Bengal chief secretary Samar Ghosh said they have sent the MoA to the Centre which will study it and take a decision about holding the tripartite meeting. "The chief minister wants the tripartite meeting to be held in Darjeeling. She also wants the Centre to hold the tripartite meeting as early as possible," Ghosh said.

The State government has requested the Centre for holding tripartite talks to put a seal on the final memorandum of agreement at the earliest, preferably on July 12 or 13.

 “We forwarded the draft of the MoA and the papers of the financial package to Delhi. The Centre will scrutinise the draft and offer the financial package,” Ghosh added.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration will not have any legislative power and won’t be authorised to collect taxes, according to the Chief Secretary. “But it will be authorised to collect levy from the tea gardens,” he added.

The sensitive territory issue of the GJM has been referred to a nine-member joint verification committee, which will submit a report before the elections are held in the hills this year.

A Bill will be moved in the State Assembly after the signing of the memorandum of agreement. The Board of administrators set up for the Darjeeling hills will run the administration till elections to the new body are held.

 “The outstanding areas of dispute have been settled,” Giri said after a meeting with the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary.

He was accompanied by a senior member of the Studies Forum from Darjeeling, L. B. Pariyar.

 “The tripartite meeting to finalise the memorandum will be held within seven to 10 days,” Giri added.

INTERVIEW/Jonathan Glancey

‘Most Nagas do not want the Indian state of Nagaland’

One of India’s smallest states is also among its biggest conundrums. With a history as chequered and intriguing as its topography, Nagaland is a bewildering mosaic of social and geopolitical complexities. In his book Nagaland: A Journey to India’s Forgotten Frontier, British journalist Jonathan Glancey tries to take a closer look at Nagaland. He shares his findings with Harsh Kabra:

cut out the black portion, pix one col

Q: Why a book on Nagaland?

A: Because Nagaland is such a forgotten corner of the world. It isn’t at all well known even in India, and it is much misunderstood. I had known about the Naga Hills from childhood. For me, at that stage of life, and as someone with a great love for India, this was a Secret Garden or Lost Kingdom, a land from a Kipling story. As I grew up, I remained curious. When I finally went to Nagaland in the early 1980s, I had the opportunity - not as a journalist - to tell the story of a people and a place that deserve recognition. I have been astonished by how little people in India know about Nagaland and its extraordinary history. Here, aside from a fascinating people with a rich culture, is a land that has been a junction box for political ambitions that have shaped the world. This is where the Japanese nearly invaded India in 1944. This is where China might have invaded in 1962. For any number of reasons, Nagaland matters.

Q: Didn’t you come across varying, even contradictory, narratives of history?

A: I would say that the vast majority of Naga people want independence from India. Being forced into Indian citizenship when the state of Nagaland was created in 1963 only strengthened the resolve of most Nagas. From then on, to fight for Nagalim - the dream of a greater Nagaland embracing all Naga tribes across state and international borders - meant being a subversive or traitor. This has not gone down well with Naga people. Of course, there are those who do well working with the federal government and in modern business, and these people - a small minority - do have a less intransigent view of where Nagaland stands in relation to India.

Q: What is at the root of the Naga scepticism towards India?

A: Nagas were promised their freedom by Mahatma Gandhi. This offer was revoked, and brutally so as events proved, by Jawaharlal Nehru and his successors. So there is a lack of trust. Nagas come from a very different background and culture. They still want their own country, much, perhaps, as the Irish did when ruled by Britain.

Q: Isn’t Nagaland more at peace now with its current identity?

A: Nagas are very happy with the idea of being Nagas; their attachment to their beautiful hills is profound. India cannot truly understand Nagaland because most Nagas do not want the Indian state of Nagaland. If more Indians were able or willing to travel through Nagaland, I think they would understand. After all, Indians worked hard for their independence. They, of all people, should understand the dream of an independent Nagaland.

Q: Can modern India’s economic might counterpoise the Naga desire for independence?

A: The desire for independence is deep-rooted. The Look East policy, driving economic development into Nagaland and the northeast generally, has helped many people in a matter-of-fact way. Yet, whenever I speak with Naga people, no matter how seemingly integrated into modern Indian life and even the global economy, I hear a longing for an independent Nagalim. And, as Nagas, whether villagers or professors in North America, told me, Nagaland is not for sale.(Times of India)

Amazing Nepal: Natural & Cultural diversity

Yangchen Namgyal

Nepal may be passing through a long phase of political instability but the richness of the country’s natural and cultural diversity is the former Hindu kingdom’s main strength and a source of economic sustainability of the people.

For the ordinary Nepali people who live in the countryside it does not matter who rules or misrules in Kathmandu. They continue with their traditional farming and trading activities which is a constant source of their revenue. Despite two decades of political instability and bloody revolution of the Maoists tourists still continue to flow in giving the people an opportunity to increase their earning.

Its majestic snow-peaked mountains, rugged terrains, deep valleys, and the fertile terai region, coupled with renowned pilgrimage centres for both Hindus and Buddhists, give Nepal an edge over other Himalayan region as far as the tourism sector is concerned.

Added to these natural attractions is the ethnic diversity of its people who still have a simple lifestyle like their ancestors. The fear is that the invasion of ‘progress’ in all its diversity may deprive ordinary Nepalese of their rich and unique cultural heritage.