HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN Vol 1 No 19 Page1 July 27, 2011

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Vol 1 No 19       Page1 July 27, 2011

Prachanda finally agrees to power-sharing

Baburam in PM-in-waiting

RP Sharma

Kathmandu, July 26: Under pressure from most of his deputies, Maoist chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has finally agreed to loosen his grip over the party and share power. On Monday, the Maoist central committee approved Prachanda’s political document that advocates division of responsibilities and shifting of party focus on peace and constitution drafting. 

As part of the deal, Prachanda will continue to retain the parliamentary party leadership while vice-chairman Baburam Bhattarai would get the prime minister’s post when the party gets a chance to head the government.

Another deputy Mohan Baidya will head the party’s disciplinary department besides handling his existing responsibility of organization. General Secretry Ram Bahadur Thapa will head the military wing.

On Sunday the party had recalled most ministers in the present government to replace them with a team headed by Vice Chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who will be the new Deputy PM and Home Minister.

The move to recall ministers is already witnessing opposition from Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal and opposition Nepali Congress. Maoists have threatened to pull out of the coalition if the new ministers are now sworn in.

Prachanda was forced to give up his singular control over the party after Baidya, Bhattarai, Shrestha and Thapa combined forces demanding more responsibilities.

Tibetan PM to take oath on August 8

Arvind Sharma

Dharamsala, July 26: The newly-elected Prime Minister (Kalon Tripa) of the Tibetan exiled government, Lobsang Sangay, 43, will take oath of office on August 8.

The oath taking ceremony will be held at the central courtyard of the Tsuglagkhang, opposite the Office of the Dalai Lama a MecLeoadganj, near Dharamsala, which is the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile.

He will be administered oath of office by Ngawang Phelgyal, the Chief Justice Commissioner. The function among others will also be graced by the Dalai Lama.

The new Prime Minister will be the first to take charge of the office after the Tibetan Parliament amended its Charter to divest the Dalai Lama of his political role and transfer his functions to the Parliament.

Sangay will succeed Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, a close confidante of the Dalai Lama.

Sangay had received his early education at Tibetan Refugee High School at Darjeeling and did his LL.B from Delhi University. Later he got Fulbright Fellowship to Harvard Law School.

Centre’s silence on stapled visa issue to Arunachalese “disheartening”

Himalayan News Network

Itanagar, July 26: The Centre’s reluctance to send a clear message to Beijing on the stapled visa issue has not been well received by those participating in international sporting events from Arunachal Pradesh.

Referring to China's issuing stapled visas repeatedly to Arunachal Pradesh sportspersons and preventing them from representing India in international events,

Chombay Kee, president of Yuva Arunachal (YA), an Ngo in the State, said

 "While China's diplomatic move and visa regime for Arunachal people deserve condemnation, the silence of New Delhi is equally disheartening."

Kee's statement comes in the wake of the Chinese embassy's issuing stapled visas to a team of karatekas from the State recently. The team on its way to Quanghou City in Fujjian province of China were prevented by Indian immigration officials from boarding their flight at the IGI airport in New Delhi for possessing stapled visas issued by the Chinese embassy.

"The central leaders are yet to react even after five people from Arunachal, including three karatekas, were prevented by the immigration officers at IG International Airport, New Delhi from flying to China on July 19 to take part in the 11th Asian Karateka-do Championship," he said.

Earlier this year, two sportsmen from Arunachal were given such stapled travel documents that prevented them from boarding a flight to Beijing. Indian Weightlifting Federation's joint secretary Abraham K Techi and a weightlifter of the State had to miss a tournament in China because immigration officials at New Delhi's IGI Airport turned them away because of the stapled visas.

Bhutan’s ‘Gross National Happiness’ on UN agenda

T. Dem

Thimphu, July 26: The General Assembly of the United Nations last week added Bhutan's model of Gross National Happiness (GNH) on its agenda to see whether it can be used as a development indicator.

In a non-binding resolution, the UN body called on member states to draw up their own measures of happiness based on Bhutan’s GNH principle, Asianews reported. The goal is to measure economics not only in terms of production and per capita revenue but also in terms of people’s sense of satisfaction.

Bhutanese Ambassador to the United Nations Lhatu Wangchuk said, “Our initial idea was to bring the concept of happiness to the consciousness of the UN membership . . . because we know that GDP indicators are inadequate to address human needs.”

He admitted some were sceptical when Bhutan started lobbying for the resolution 10 months ago. But ultimately it won 66 co-sponsors, including the UK.

The idea is based on Bhutan's model of GNH, or Gross National Happiness, which measures quality of life by trying to strike a balance between the material and the spiritual.

Created in 1972, by then 16-year old King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, GNH is based on four pillars: the promotion of sustainable development, preservation and promotion of cultural values, conservation of the natural environment, and establishment of good governance.

According to Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Y Thinley, “There may be cultural and such other conditions that make the pursuit of happiness relevant only to certain sections of the human society.”

“Our endeavour will have to be to prove and convince that it is, in fact, relevant to every human being and for every country, and that it is the most worthy pursuit for human society,” he added.

Thinley said that for centuries economic models have been based on human greed that led countries to focus on profit, ownership and consumption.

Nepal urged to respect rights of Tibetan women refugees

RP Sharma

Kathmandu, July 26: Nepal has been urged to treat Tibetan refugees with respect and dignity.

In a recent report on conditions of Tibetan refugees in Nepal, the Tibetan Women Association has urged the Nepal Government to protect the rights of women, end arbitrary arrests and stop deportation of Tibetan refugees back to Tibet.

These demands were placed before the recent 49th session of the United Nations Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), according to the Association President, Dolkar Lhamo Kirti.

“Past reports submitted in 1997 and 2003 by the Government of Nepal have lacked any mention of refugees or internally displaced people,” Kirti said. “The report submitted by Nepal this year makes slight mention of refugee women in Nepal, but does not reference the plight of Tibetan women,” she added.

TWA wants Nepal to “fully implement the provisions of CEDAW, ensuring that the stipulations therein are translated into appropriate legislation to effectively protect the rights of women in member countries.”

Tibet film ‘Passport Photos’ screened at international film festivals

Produced by Black Coffee Productions and Think Tibet productions ‘Passport Photos’ is a 15- minute documentary film that features a collection of conversations with young, suave and urban Tibetans with a shared name ‘Tenzin’. The film recognizes them by the prefix ‘Tenzin’. 

Set against the image backdrop of the Tibetan passport of Tsepon Wangchuk Deden Shakabpa, which was discovered in Nepal in 2003, those involved, all Tenzins, engage in a friendly banter about their lives, aspirations, dreams and essentially their experiences as an exile born and bred refugee. 

The film ‘Passport Photos’ competed against 300 other short documentary films to avail its exclusive screenings at the International Film Festivals. Having completed its post-production work in 2010, the film was first premiered at the IBN Arabi Film Festival in Murcia, Spain on January 31, 2011.

 Following the rave reviews and critics’ thumps-up for this niche film, it was screened at seven other 2011 International Film Festival in countries such as Laos, Canada and Italy.

The film explains through the prism of short interviews, that there is a generation of Tibetans raised in exile who have been given the name ‘Tenzin’ by the Dalai Lama; however, the non-Tibetans often fail to see that ‘Tenzin’ is part of a name and that it’s only part of a story.

Think Tibet was founded in 2007 and is a non-governmental organization without political or religious affiliation and overtures. The team is resolutely committed to being a catalyst for change. We believe in the Gandhi saying “we must be the change that one wishes to see” in society.(thinktibet)

Humans lived in Ladakh 3,000 years ago

Jammu, July 26: Ladakh, one of the world's highest cold desert, had early humans more than 3,000 years ago, a new government survey has found, denying the claims that no early humans could have borne the harsh conditions of the region. It is for the first time that evidence of early human existence has been found in upper Himalayan region, where winter temperature falls to upto minus 30 degree Celsius.

In first week of July, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and Jammu University found hearths used by early humans on the bank of Wakka river in Ladakh valley for fire.

"These were mostly transit camps where fire was lit to cook food and to escape from harsh winters," said R K Ganjoo, professor of Geologoy at Jammu University.

The university with ASI are implemented a Central government project for finding traces of early

humans in Kargil and Ladakh after similar discoveries were made in neighbouring Tibet and Hindukush in Pakistan in 2009.

During survey of Ladakh valley, Ganjoo and S B Ota regional director of ASI office in Bhopal discovered number of hearths built by cutting natural slopes of the mountains about 3,000 to 4,000 years ago.

"Early man occupied the valley and exploited the slopes to settle down and carry out its routine activities under the large rock falls. Most interesting is that flat blocks of limestone was used by early men as floor around the fire placed," says a paper on their findings.

Sample archeological sites have been sent to investigate the type of wood used for burning the fire and remains of the food materials consumed by the early men.

"The investigation will help us to find the exact time and more about early humans in Ladakh region," Ganjoo said.

Earlier humans have been tracked back to two million years in Africa and in India the latest studies indicate presence of humans of stone age in the Attarapakkan region in now Tamil Nadu about 1.5 million years ago.

But so far presence of early humans was not discovered in cold desert region of Himalayas.

Editorial

INDIAN GORKHAS

Identity Issue Continues

Will creation of Gorkhaland state in North Bengal fulfill the aspirations of Indian Gorkhas/Nepalese? The Assam Gorkha Students’ Union’s rejection of  the recently-formed  Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) on the basis that it caters to ‘development’ of Darjeeling Gorkhas and fails to satisfy the demand for recognition of the ‘national identity’ of Gorkhas in India calls for a rethink on the subject of ‘politics of identity.’ The demand for inclusion of Nepali language in the 8^th Schedule of the Constitution was chiefly motivated by the desire to seek constitutional recognition of the distinct identity of Indian Nepalese. However, even after nearly two decades since the inclusion of Nepali in the 8th Schedule of the constitution (in 1992) there seems to be a visible feeling that Indian Nepalese/Gorkhas are sill facing an identity problem.

While politicians, whose prime activity is to win votes and come to power, will surely rake up diverse issues, including identity, there is a growing need for Indian Gorkha intellectuals to publicly debate on the subject with a view to reaching a lasting solution on the identity question. Will a Gorkhaland state in North Bengal solve the identity problems of the Gorkhas living in the rest of the country? Even if Darjeeling and Sikkim, where Nepalese/Gorkhas are in the majority, were to merge some day will it end the ‘identity crisis’ faced by Gorkhas living in Northeast and other hill states in northern India? Nepalese are gradually but surely being displaced – economically, politically and population-wise – by people from the plains in Nepal itself. Will the Nepalese/Gorkhas of Sikkim, Darjeeling and Assam be able to reverse the trend, particularly when we are part of India, where people are allowed to move around freely? What will happen to the identity problem when Nepalese in these places are reduced to a microscopic minority in the near future? These are hard facts that people in this part of the region will be forced to face in the coming days.

Its time for peace & prosperity in Darjeeling hills

Ethnic Gorkhas get more autonomy in Indian state

NIRMALA GEORGE

The government of the Indian State of West Bengal signed an agreement Monday (July 18) offering greater autonomy to ethnic Gorkhas in hopes of ending their often violent agitation for a homeland in the Himalayan foothills.

The agreement was negotiated by the newly elected government in West Bengal with the main Gorkha organization, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, or Gorkha Peoples' Freedom Front.

Gorkha nationalist leader Roshan Giri has said they have not abandoned the demand for a separate homeland but would wait for recommendations from a committee set up under the accord.

India's Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram attended the ceremony to mark the signing of the accord in the hill town of Sukna, about 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal.

Tens of thousands of Gorkhas cheered and applauded as the deal was signed by representatives of the three sides.

"You have our fullest support to build a great future," Chidambaram told the cheering crowds in Sukna.

The agreement envisions a hill council with elected representatives, a committee that will determine what Gorkha-dominated areas will be represented and the transfer of land records to the newly created administrative authority. The Gorkhaland administration will have full control over agriculture, tourism and public health.

Members of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha welcomed the creation of the hill council but said the struggle for a seperate state would continue.

"This is a turning point in our movement and not a permanent settlement," said P. Arjun, a GJM leader. "The separate state issue is not a closed chapter."

In the 1980s, the Gorkhas led a violent insurgency leading to the deaths of some 1,200 people. Their means have been more peaceful since. Experts say the agreement could bring development to the Darjeeling region famed for its tea gardens.

"Once peace returns, people will see the impact of the agreement," said Sanjoy Hazarika, head of the Center for North East Studies, a New Delhi-based think tank.

Darjeeling, a popular tourist and educational hub in India's northeast, had lost its sheen due to unrest fueled by frequent strikes by separatist groups.

"If calm prevails, tourists should return," he said.

India has 28 states and seven federally administered regions but there are growing demands for smaller states to be carved out of the larger ones.

Several parts of India - the Telengana region in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh, the Bundelkhand region in the central state of Madhya Pradesh and Vidarbha in the western state of Maharashtra - also face similar movements for new states. So far there have been no moves by the government to create separate states there.

India's Gorkha community is from the same ethnic group as the Gurkhas in Nepal, best known for the regiments in the Indian and British armies. (The Herald)

Darjeeling tribals to demand seat reservation in GTA

Kalimpong, July 26: The scheduled tribe communities in Darjeeling hills are likely to press the demand for seat reservation for their communities in the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

While the Darjeeling District Tribal Association President, SL Paljor, has taken the initiative to seek tribal representation in the GTA, the Kalimpong-based United Tribal Welfare Forum (UTWF), too, is likely to press for seat reservation in the GTA for the tribals, according to a source close to the Forum.

The Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Forum (ILTF), which is the political arm of the Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (ILTA), will also seek seat reservation for the Lepchas, indigenous tribals of Darjeeling, in the GTA.

ILTF President Paul Simick said seat reservation in the GTA is “vital to the existence of the Lepcha tribe.” He said the Lepchas were totally ignored by the DGHC and the State Government.

Apart from the Lepchas, the Bhutias, Sherpas, Tamangs and Limbus form a sizable part of the scheduled tribes community in Darjeeling.

Referring to the demand, a prominent intellectual from Kalimpong said there is no provision for tribal reservation in the GTA. He added there is a move to include all Gorkhas of Darjeeling in the list of Scheduled Tribes.

Ghising may challenge Darjeeling accord in court

C. Tamang

Jalpaiguri, July 26: Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) chief and former Darjeeling Gorkho Hill Council (DHHC) chairperson Subash Ghising is likely to challenge the signing of the tripartite accord, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

This indication came when some journalists tried to contact him here recently to know his views on the GTA.

Ghising refused to meet the press stating that he would meet the media only after studying the agreement.

However, his aide said the GNLF supremo has raised questions on the legality of the new deal.

"He wanted to know how the Centre and the state could enter into a new agreement without scrapping the 2005 deal. He might approach the court with a plea to invalidate today's deal. The GNLF chief has also decided to write to the state and the Centre, reminding them of the 2005 agreement and seeking clarification from their ends," reported a national daily quoting a source close to Ghisingh.

The Ghising was a signatory to a tripartite agreement in 2005 to grant autonomy to the Darjeeling hills under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. During the recent Assembly poll campaign Ghising reiterated his demand for 6^th Schedule status for Darjeeling.

While the people of the Darjeeling hills are hoping that the accord and the GTA will bring development to their poverty-ridden region and end the agitations that have disrupted their lives, many fear the protests have been merely put on pause and that the movement for a separate state will gather momentum again soon.

Salient features of Darjeeling tripartite agreement

The following are the salient features of the 16 page tripartite Memorandum of Agreement on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration signed by the Centre, the West Bengal Government and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha on July 18, 2011:

— The Government of India, the Government of West Bengal and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, keeping on record the GJM demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland, agree to form an autonomous body -- the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration -- through direct elections.

— Although the GJM was keen that the elected House of the Territorial Administration be called ‘Assembly,’ the Centre and the State Government persuaded the outfit to settle for ’Sabha.’ (Both the governments wanted to avoid creating an impression that the new autonomous body was being granted symbol of statehood such as an Assembly.)

— The Morcha had demanded that the House be headed by a Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Instead, it has been decided that a chairman and deputy chairman will conduct the business of the House.

— As per the agreement, the GTA Sabha shall constitute of 45 elected members and five to be nominated by the Governor to give representations to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Minority Communities.

— The MPs, MLAs and chairpersons of municipalities shall be ex-officio members of the GTA Sabha.

 -- The term of the Sabha will be for five years.

— The Government of India and the Government of West Bengal will provide all assistance to the GTA for all-out development of the region.

— The Government of India will provide financial assistance of Rs 200 crore per annum for three years for projects to develop socio-economic infrastructure in the GTA over and above the normal plan assistance to the state of West Bengal.

— The GTA, once established, will take up the issues of grant of incentives, subsidies, waiver of taxes and tariff and other benefits as appropriate to the region’s backwardness.

— A three-tier panchayat will be constituted in GTA region.

— The GJM agrees to ensure that peace and normalcy will be nominated in the region.

— A review will be done by the state government of all the cases registered against persons involved in the GJM agitation.

— Steps will be taken in the light of the review not to proceed with the prosecution of all cases except those charged with murder.

— Release of persons in custody will follow the withdrawal of cases.

— The youth in the GTA region will be considered for recruitment in the Police, Army and the Para-Military forces subject to their suitability.

— Regarding the demand for granting Tribal Status to the Gorkhas except Scheduled Castes, the GJM or any organisation representing the Gorkhas will make an application to the Backward Classes Welfare Department of the state government.

— After examination by the department the matter will be referred to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.

— Recommendations already submitted to the National Commission will be followed up by the State Government.

— The Government of India will consider granting ST status to all Gorkhas except the Scheduled Castes.

— There will be 59 departments in the new arrangement.

— These include the Tauzi Department to look after the tea gardens, the department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Information and Cultural Affairs, School Education, Land and Land Reforms, PHE, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.

— The earlier DGHC had 32 departments.

— The list of 17 projects to be undertaken by the GTA includes establishment of multi-speciality hospitals, tourism and hospitality management institutes, colleges, college of nursing, a Gorkha House in New Delhi, institutes for research and development of Nepali language, food and agro-processing complexes and cold storages and development of IT industries.

— The list of 14 projects which the GTA can take up with approval of the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal include establishment of a Central Institute of Technology, a Central University, a National Institute of Technology including IT and Biotechnology and a tea auction centre.

— The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway will be revitalised for boosting the tourism sector.

— The trade route from Kalimpong to Tibet, via Jelep-La will be revived.

— An industrial zone will be created in an area of at least 1,000 acre in the plains under the proposed GTA area.

— With regard to the transfer of forests, including reserved forests, it was agreed that the State Government will make a reference to the Central government on the issue of Reserved Forests. However, all offices catering to unreserved forests under the jurisdiction of GTA would also be transferred to GTA.

— In regard to the regularisation of all ad-hoc, casual and daily wage workers of the DGHC, regularisation by way of outright absorption is not feasible due to current legal position as enunciated by the Supreme Court.

— However, those employees who have put in 10 years of continued service would be guided by the state Finance Department's order of April 23, 2010.

— After several rounds of tripartite meetings at the ministerial and officials' levels, the GJM, while not dropping their demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland, has agreed to the setting up of an autonomous body empowered with administrative, financial and executive powers.

— The GTA will be formed through direct elections. Its area shall comprise Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong.

— Both the Government of India and Government of West Bengal have repeatedly emphasised for keeping the region as an integral part of the state of West Bengal

— In regard to transfer of the additional areas of Siliguri, Terai and Dooars to the new body, a high-power committee will be formed.

— The Committee will submit its report preferably within six months of its constitution. Work for the committee will run parallel to the electoral process which will be based on the existing area delimitation.

— However, the empowering statute will have a provision to transfer of additional areas in Siliguri, Terai and Dooars that may be agreed upon, based on recommendation of the committee.

— The objective of the agreement is to establish an autonomous self-governing body to administer the region so that socio-economic infrastructural, educational, cultural and linguistic development is expedited and the ethnic ideas of the Gorkhas established.

Alert in Assam over ULFA strike threat

P.Ghosh

Guwahati, July 26: The Assam government sounded a maximum security alert last Friday after reports that a faction of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) led by commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah was planning a massive strike in the state ahead of Independence Day August 15.

Intelligence inputs claim that Baruah has planned a series of major strikes with help from the Manipur-based People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Maoists, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said.

Rebels in insurgency-hit Assam, the largest among the seven northeastern states, have for years been boycotting India's Independence Day and Republic Day (Jan 26) celebrations to protest New Delhi's rule over the vast region rich in oil, tea and timber.

More than 30 rebel armies operate in the northeastern states, their demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination.

Baruah leads some 200 ULFA hardliners unwilling to talk truce with New Delhi despite most leaders and cadres of the banned outfit standing by chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa to tread the peace path.

“Intelligence inputs have revealed Paresh Baruah is planning terror attacks across Assam with help from PLA, Maoists and some other extremist groups of the Northeast,” Gogoi said last Friday afternoon.

Gogoi criticized Baruah for carrying on with armed rebellion when most of his colleagues have decided to give peace a chance. “We hope he sees the writings on the wall and shuns violence. He should feel the pulse of the people who want peace,” he said.

The Assam government believes Baruah is operating from the China-Myanmar border. “He is holed up in northern Myanmar but keeps moving around. A number of extremist groups of the Northeast have their bases in that region too,” Gogoi said.

According to Gogoi, peace discussions between the Centre and the pro-talks Ulfa leaders were imminent following a green signal from New Delhi. “The talks will be held directly between the two parties,” he said. “The Ulfa is expected to submit its charter of demands in the first round of talks. The government would then weigh the demands.”

Sikkim’s indigenous tribes oppose hydel projects

Gangtok, July 26: The minority indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha tribals who have always unsuccessfully struggled to preserve their distinct cultural heritage ever since their country’s forceful takeover by its protecting power in the guise of ushering democracy in 1975 has sent a clear signal to the authorities, including the State Government, that they are against multi-crore mega hydel projects in the State.

No one, including the area MLA and Power Minister Sonam Gyatso Lepcha, turned up for yesterday’s public hearing of the Teesta Stage IV 520 MW hydro electric project in Dzongu in North Sikkim.

“The locals boycotted the public hearing held at Namprikdang as they against against hydel projects in Dzongu,” said D. Lepcha, a local resident near the dam sight.

North District Collector SK Pradhan, who is the chairman of the public hearing panel, was forced to postpone the meeting as around 300 chairs arranged for the hearing remained empty.

“It is notice that there is no representatives of the actual land owners for the project and there is also no attendance of panchayats or the area MLA,” said Pradhan.

The project is being implemented by the NHPC.

Much the same fate hangs for hydel projects in the remote tribal villages of Lachen and Lachung, which are inhabited largely by tribals of pure Bhutia stock.

“We remain firmly opposed to hydel projects in Lachen,” said R. Namgyal Lachenpa, a villager from Lachen.

Meanwhile, the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has petitioned Governor BP Singh seeking his intervention to stop two hydel projects in West Sikkim – 96 MW Ting Ting project and 97 MW Tashiding project – on religious and historical grounds.

SIBLAC and Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), two non-political organisations of the minority Bhutia-Lepchas of the State, while opposing the projects, had appealed to the affected parties to boycott public hearing of the Dzongu hydel project.

“We are opposing the proposed hydel projects on our sacred Rathong Chu as the holy river is sacred to Sikkimese Buddhism,” said SIBLAC Convenor and former minister Tseten Tashi Bhutia.

 In a memorandum dispatched to President Pratibha Patil today, the National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), while opposing hydel projects on Rathong Chu river in Tashiding, urged the President to “review” Sikkim’s “annexation” with a view to making suitable “arrangements” for the survival of the indigenous people in the State.

“Sikkim was annexed with the great Indian Union in 1975 wherein, the Government of India assured the Sikkimese people of all sorts of protection and preservation of its lineage, tradition and culture,” the memorandum said.

Meanwhile, 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 near Dzongu in East Sikkim, for a 96 MW plant.

Assam Gorkhas feel betrayed by GJM

‘GTA is about development, not identity’

Guwahati, July 26: The All Assam Gorkha Students’ Union has expressed it displeasure over the signing of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) by Gorkha leaders of Darjeeling.

In a press statement the AAGSU said the Gorkhas of Assam felt “left out” from the accord as the GTA is mainly about ‘development’ of Darjeeling and does not concern the ‘identity’ of Indian Gorkhas.

“AAGSU is of the opinion that Gorkhaland is not about Darjeeling Hills only, it is

about identity and ethnicity of the Gorkhas of this nation. It is not only about the piece of land in the North Bengal region but about emotional and political identity amongst population of the nation,” the Union’s publicity secretary (Jr)  Kamal Pradhan said.

He added that the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which signed the agreement on behalf of Darjeeling Gorkhas, had betrayed the Gorkhas of Assam as it failed to fulfill promises made to them.

Pradhan pointed out that the Morcha had earlier promised Special Protected Class (SPC) to safeguard the identity of the Gorkhas of Northeast region.

 He said the “formation Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) has no connection to the Gorkhas of Assam and Northeast and it is merely about road, water, education, safety, socio-political and economic development of Darjeeling,” Pradhan said.

He added, “The agreement nowhere mentions anything about Gorkhas of nation besides Darjeeling hills even 40% of the national Gorkha population who resides in Assam and Northeast does not find a place in it and have been left out which is matter for huge displeasure for supporting the Gorkhaland movement from these region and we do not refrain from condemning the act of keeping us in total darkness on clauses of GTA.”

While welcoming the Centre and West Bengal Government’s initiative on development of North Bengal, AAGSU publicity secretary Nanda Kirati Dewan, said the struggle for recognition of “national identity of Gorkhas across India must continue.”

INTERVIEW Sunil Chhettri

“Football clubs should be run professionally”

THOUGH India is not a major football power, when it comes to talent, the country never has had a dearth of it. Baichung Bhutia was once considered the torch-bearer of Indian football and the baton has passed on to  SUNIL CHHETRI.

The 26-year-old striker created history last year when he became the first Indian to play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) with Kansas City Wizards.

A member of India’s victorious AFC Challenge Cup team in 2008, Chhetri has come a long way in being the No.1 player of the country. Doha Stadium Plus caught up with the diminutive striker, who scored India’s opening goal in the recent friendly against Qatar at Al Sadd Stadium.

Question: This is your second visit to Qatar in six months. How much has life changed for you ever since the Asian Cup?

Answer: Well, a lot of things have changed in Indian football over the last six months. We’ve a new coach in Armando Colaco who’s got a different technique from his predecessor (Bob Houghton). And we’ve a new team to boot, with a lot of youngsters coming in. As a team, we’re coming up and we’ve no major injury concerns as of now.

Q: Are your preparations for the World Cup qualifiers right on track?

A: So far, it’s been going steadily. We’ve this important match against the UAE coming up on Saturday. The week-long camp here in Qatar and the victory over them has put us in the right frame of mind. It was very challenging to train under these conditions, but we needed it badly as the conditions in Al Ain are going to be similar to the one we had here.

Q: You’ve been used to partnering Bhutia up front for a long time. Now you’ve got a new set of strikers. How do you see the transition of your role as the senior pro?

A: The first thing is I trust these youngsters to the hilt. I’ve immense faith in the ability of players like Jeje Lalpeklua and Jewel Raja. Of course, you can’t compare them with Bhutia, who, I think, is one of the best players the country has ever produced. But with seniors like Renedy Singh, N P Pradeep, Abhishek Yadav and Deepak Mondal no longer there, it’s a good chance for these youngsters to showcase their talent on the big stage and I’m sure they’ll come good. They’ve got the talent and attitude to succeed at the highest level.

Q: Talking about the Indian domestic scene, Jagatjit Cotton & Textile Mills (JCT) FC have followed Mahindra United into oblivion. What ails the club system?

A: Well, there’re a lot of difficulties. To start with, when you form a club, you need to spend a lot. Then, there’s the issue regarding television prime time slots and other marketing things. I feel for the owners really. I don’t know how it’s going to change, but people who launch the clubs should be motivated enough to run it professionally.

Q: You were a part of the JCT bandwagon once. How do you react to its closure?

A: It was one of the saddest days for football in our country. I learned a lot during my stint in JCT. It’s one of the clubs which has the knack of producing talented players, like Baljit Singh and Gurjinder Singh to name a few. I’m at a loss of words to describe their closure. In fact, it was the only club from North India in the I-League.

Q: Your experience of playing in the MLS…

A: It was a different kind of experience. It taught me a lot of new things. New culture, different team atmosphere. I did my best to gel with the team. The transfer window had closed by the time I came back after the Asian Cup. So I had to leave. I’m looking for some other offers since the one with Benfica didn’t materialise.

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.