Cong delegation meet Guv on SU land dispute

SIKKIM OBSERVER July 30, 2011

Cong delegation meet Guv on SU land dispute

Pay adequate compensation to landowners:SNPP

Observer News Service

Gangtok, July 29: Former Chief Minister and Sikkim Congress President Nar Bahadur Bhandari has sought Governor BP Singh’s intervention to sort out the growing controversy on Sikkim University’s land acquisition issue.

In a memorandum submitted to the Governor here on Wednesday, the former Chief Minister has urged Singh to initiative action against the State Government for its failure to provide land to Sikkim University in Yangang, South Sikkim.

SPCC sources said the Governor, who met the Congress delegation led by Bhandari, said he would meet the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and SU Vice-Chancellor Mahindra P. Lama to resolve the land issue of the SU.

Meanwhile, the Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has expressed its concern on the SU land dispute.

In a press statement, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari said, “It is ridiculous that after so many years the land has not been handed over, despite having received the full payment, and is an indicator regarding the government’s apathy towards the future of the younger generation of Sikkimese students.”

He added, “It is also brings to focus the flawed and outright illegal policies the ruling SDF government has been following regarding the alienation of land in Sikkim.”

Adhikari further added, “The SNPP condemns the fact that the Government has gone out of its way, quashing every protection offered by Article 371F, and sold away a large amount of lands to unscrupulous companies in the past, but has not been able to settle land for a University as yet, thereby playing with the future of students in the state.”

The SNPP has demanded that the government take immediate action to hand over the land to the University, with proper compensation to the land owners, at the earliest.

“The compensation to the land holders should be at par with the highest compensation amount given to any individual whose lands were acquired for the scores of power, pharmaceuticals and other industries in the recent past,” the release said.

Reports indicate that landowners in Yangang are unwilling to handover their land to the SU unless the government tells them to do so. They also said they would vacate the land only  after their demands are met.

The lost kingdom: A Kandell in the wind

T. Namgyal

Gangtok, July 29: Photographer Alice S Kandell captured vivid scenes of people and places of the former Himalayan Kingdom of Sikkim during her visits to the hidden land between 1965-1971.

Sikkim received global media coverage during this period when the kingdom was ruled by Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal and his dazzling American wife Hope (Cooke) Namgyal.

At least 300 of Kandell’s “extraordinary photographs” were donated to the US Library of Congress in 2010 “to encourage worldwide access”. The webcast from this program, "A Tour of the Lost Kingdom: Sikkim," can be viewed online.

Kandell, Cooke’s college friend, became a frequent visitor to the small, mountainous kingdom and, at the Chogyal’s request, embarked on a project to document the Buddhist way of life in Sikkim.

While travelling extensively through the country, Kandell went high in the mountains to meet farmers and traders and photograph their families and homes. She visited monasteries and attended religious ceremonies with monks and lamas, captivated by the music, masks and dances. She captured formal and informal scenes with the royal family in Gangtok, as well as artisans with their crafts, children in schools and the mountainous landscape, a report said.

"I tried to use my camera to communicate the warmth and openness of the people of Sikkim. I wanted to capture the beauty that is everywhere," Kandell said.

Prince Palden Namgyal of Sikkim, who lives in New York, said "Dr. Kandell’s collection of photographs represents a rare and valuable snapshot of an era that many young Sikkimese have very little knowledge of today. The pictures are not only beautiful but represent an important historical record of our family. More importantly, they capture the culture, tradition and daily life of a far simpler and more innocent time. We are very grateful to the Library of Congress for preserving Dr. Kandell’s collection and making it accessible to all."

Sikkim’s indigenous tribals raise ‘merger issue’ to oppose hydro power projects

WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR

Jigme N Kazi

Gangtok, July 29: 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 last week’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 hydel projects in Dzongu,” said D. Lepcha, a local resident near the dam site.

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, heavily opposed by the tribals, 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, 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.

EDITORIAL

CONGRESS DITHERS

UPA Falters On Anti-Corruption Drive

The Union Cabinet’s approval of a “weak” Lokpal Bill and Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa’s decision to step down on alleged charges of corruption are twin issues that will place the UPA Government in a tight position during the ensuing Monsoon session of the Parliament. The BJP top brass has admitted that BSY’s continuance in office after the Lokayukta report was out in the public domain would weaken the party’s fight against corruption. With civil society expressing their disappointment with the Lokpal Bill the BJP is now in a position to be more aggressive with the Congress party and the UPA Government to crackdown on corruption in high places. The party has already demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister for their alleged involvement in the 2G scam. The revelation of former telecom minister A. Raja on the 2G scam is making things more difficult for the Congress-led UPA Government.

Social activist Anna Hazare’s decision to go on indefinite hunger strike from August 16 next month to raise the pitch against corruption in high places will surely go a long way in galvanizing public sentiment against corruption and the UPA, which now appears to be on a backfoot on the corruption issue, will surely feel the heat in the days and months to come. Congress leaders, whose recent statements that the enactment of the Lokpal Bill should be left to legislators while discouraging civil society to keep away from such activities, now stand fully exposed as the Lokpal Bill now appears to be an ineffective tool to tackle the rampant corruption that is eating into the nation’s heart.

CBI submits report to AP High Court on Jagan Reddy’s assets

SC turns down Jagan’s plea, allows HC probe

Observer News Service

New Delhi, July 29: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday submitted findings of a preliminary inquiry into the assets of businessman-politician Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which had ordered the probe to determine if sufficient grounds existed for a full investigation of allegations that he amassed wealth disproportionate to his income.

On 12 July, the High Court ordered the preliminary inquiry after P. Shankar Rao, a minister in the Congress state government, alleged in two letters that Reddy possessed assets disproportionate to his income. Similar petitions were filed by some leaders of the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The court treated Rao’s letters as public interest litigation (PIL) and asked CBI to file a report in two weeks. Executives of around 23 companies that invested in business entities linked to Reddy were interrogated by CBI, India’s premier investigating agency, in the preliminary probe. The agency also sought information from the revenue, income-tax, mining and industries departments.

Jagan Mohan Reddy, son of late Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, resigned from the Lok Sabha seat and the Congress party in November last year and floated the YSR Congress Party recently.

Relations between him and the Congress soured following his father’s death in a September 2009 helicopter crash.

Reddy, who publishes Telugu newspaper Sakshi (Witness) and runs a television channel of the same name, tried to stall the preliminary inquiry by moving the Supreme Court, which refused to interfere in the probe.

On Friday, a bench comprised of justices Dalveer Bhandari and Deepak Verma said the High Court had the power to ask for an inquiry and if there was no merit in the allegations, the court could dismiss the matter.

The complaints allege that Jagan acquired assets worth hundreds of crores of rupees from various companies and individuals as a quid-pro-quo for the land allotted and licences granted to them at cheaper prices for various activities when his father  was chief minister between 2004 and 2009.

They had further alleged many companies received undue benefit through questionable methods from the state government.

Majority of Jagan's assets are in the form of bonds and shares in various private firms, including Bharati Cements and Sandur Power Project company.

Jagan is believed to have a substantial stake in the 1200 MW Teesta Stage III hydro electric project in Chungthang, North Sikkim, being executed by M/s Teesta Urja Limited. (see page 4 for full report).

BJP heat on health dept on items supplied

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, July 29: The Sikkim unit of the BJP has accused the State Health Department of procuring “substandard equipments and chemicals” from M/s Mittal Trading Company and Brothers.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary and the Secretary, Health Care, Human Services and Family Welfare Department, Govt. of Sikkim, BJP President Padam Chettri has demanded immediate probe into the alleged substandard equipment and chemicals supplied to the Health Department in the past 15-20 years.

During the party’s recent visit to the local STNM Hospital, district and sub-divisional hospitals, PHC and PHSC “it was found that most of the equipments were lying idle. One of the reasons for this could be substandard of equipments, and chemicals supplied.”

“It is also understood that the rate at which equipments and chemicals supplied is sometimes more than 400% higher than the actual price,” the letter said.

The BJP has threatened to approach “appropriate forum” if the firm is not “blacklisted” and “further supply” from it stopped.

PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW People Have A Right To Know

TEESTA UPRISING: GREED vs FEAR

In the light of the re-emergence of anti-hydro power project campaign in the tiny Himalayan State, Sikkim Observer makes public the following information for public debate and discussion.

Sikkim may re-award cancelled MoUs for hydropower projects

VENUGOPAL PILLAI

Re-awarding of cancelled agreements for hydropower projects is an option that Sikkim government is pursuing, Pema Wangchen, Secretary, Energy & Power Department, Government of Sikkim, told Projectmonitor.

Over the past two months, Sikkim has cancelled 11 agreements that it had entered with private sector entities to develop hydropower projects under concession agreements. Wangchem, however, said that the state government was awaiting legal opinion as one of the affected private companies, Madhya Bharat Power Corporation, had moved the Sikkim High Court challenging the abrogation of its 96-mw Rongnichu power project.

Several private sector companies have shown interest in developing hydropower projects but the final decision can be taken only when the court verdict in the Rongnichu case is delivered, Wangchen explained.

Over the past few years, Sikkim had signed agreements for developing 27 hydropower projects aggregating 5,527 mw, most of which were scheduled to commission within the 11th Plan period (before March 2012). Explaining the rationale for cancelling the agreements, Wangchen said that most of them were cancelled due to extremely slow progress from private developers. In many of the cases, leave alone construction work, even detailed project reports were not prepared, he said. Four projects were cancelled due to environmental reasons, and in response to agitation by local group Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT). The projects so withdrawn are Ringpi (90 mw), Rukel (33 mw), Rangyong (117 mw) and Lingza (120 mw). The first two projects were, however, not yet awarded to any company, Wangchen said.

The 11 cancelled projects involved a total power capacity of 732 mw, and as such, are expected to have an adverse impact on Sikkim's 11th Plan capacity addition programme. Wangchen, however, maintained that the remaining projects were progressing well and that during the 11th Plan at least 2,000 mw of new capacity was expected to materialise. Most of the capacity would be from the 1,200-mw Teesta (Stage III) project in North Sikkim district that is being developed by Teesta Urja Ltd. Besides Teesta III, a "few more" projects would be commissioned in the ongoing Plan period, Wangchen said, without elaborating. Construction on Teesta-III, in which the Sikkim government also holds equity, began in June this year.

Hyderabad-based Gati Infrastructure also began work on its 99-mw Chujachen hydropower project in East Sikkim district in June last year. The project is scheduled for commissioning in 2010. Interestingly, agreements for two other projects of the same promoter—Bhasmey (32 mw) and Sada Mangder (71 mw)—were cancelled due to slow progress. A spokesperson of Hyderabad-based Himagiri Hydro Energy Pvt. Ltd also confirmed to Projectmonitor that work on its 300-mw Panan project in North Sikkim had begun.

The tiny hilly state got a major boost when Central hydropower major NHPC Ltd commissioned the 3x170-mw Teesta (Stage V) project in March this year. All the three units are now operational at full load, Ram Swarup, a senior project official of NHPC in Sikkim, told Projectmonitor.

NHPC also operates the 60-mw Rangit hydropower project and is today the single largest contributor to Sikkim's power availability. NHPC is also implementing the Teesta (Stage IV) hydropower project in North Sikkim district. A.K. Chaudhari, Chief Engineering (Teesta IV), NHPC, told Projectmonitor that the detailed project report was ready but construction work had yet to begin. He also said that the envisaged capacity had been revised upwards from the earlier 495 mw to 520 mw (four units of 130 mw).

Projectmonitor's efforts to contact most of the promoters of the cancelled projects were unyielding. However, a spokesperson of Orissa-headquartered Coastal Projects Pvt. Ltd that was awarded the 40-mw Rateychu-Bakchachu project in North Sikkim district said that the project was in a "nascent stage" and admitted that the DPR was not yet ready. By original timelines, the same was expected by March last year.

Sikkim State Power Development Corporation, the state government-owned power generation company, currently has only 37 mw of operational power capacity. Of this, 32 mw comes from hydropower projects (including micro projects) and two diesel-fired power plants aggregating 7 mw. NHPC has 570 mw of capacity coming from Rangit (60 mw) and Teesta-Stage V (510 mw). Thanks to Teesta-V from which Sikkim gets 12 per cent of the power generated, power availability in the hilly state has vastly improved. In the first quarter of 2008-09, total power generated in Sikkim was 479.45 Gwh compared with a meagre 95.31 Gwh in the same quarter of 2007-08. [Projectmonitor, August 4-10, 2008 - weepingsikkim.blogspot.com]

"Only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten."
Cree Prophecy

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Ms CHUKIE TOPDEN - 26th November, 1954 -6th April, 2009

A Social and Environmental activist, Member of SAFE (Sikkim Association for Environment), and a dear friend of Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT). She never feared to speak the truth to save Sikkim from the dangers of Environmental degradation and against mega hydel projects threatening our landscape. She will always be remembered and respected for her dedication in highlighting the most pertinent environment and social problems that all Sikkimese people face in these times and in the days to come.

Teesta Urja’s Chungthang hydel project

Teesta Urja Limited is seemingly on track to achieve the accelerated commissioning of schedule of March 2012 for commissioning all the six 200 MW units of the 1,200 MW Teesta Hydro Electric Project (HEP) Stage-III, in the North Sikkim district of Sikkim.

While as per the original schedule, only the first three units were slated to be commissioned in the 2011-12 fiscal, leaving the remaining units for 2012-13,  the optimistic project developer is entertaining high hopes of putting the entire project on the bus bar within the 11th Plan.

Importantly, around 11.3 km of head race tunnel (HRT) excavation work has already been wrapped up, out of the total 13.816 km. Besides, 94% tail race tunnel (TRT) excavation is completed, while excavation of diversion tunnel, flushing tunnel heading and all the access tunnels have also been completed.

The 1,200 MW HEP involves construction of a 60 m high Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam (CFRD), near the village Chungthang, 400 m downstream of the confluence of the rivers Lachen Chu and Lachung Chu, and a 13.32 km long horse-shoe shaped HRT, with a diameter of 7.5 m for discharge of 175 cumecs of water. The project would include an underground power house for housing six shaft pelton wheel turbines of 200 MW capacity, each. The project, upon completion, is expected to generate 5,183 Giga-watt hour (GWh) of energy per year, assuming 90% performance levels. The project cost is estimated to be around Rs 5,705.55 crore.

TUL, a special-purpose-vehicle (SPV) floated for implementation of the HEP, was awarded the project, on a build-own-operate-transfer (BOOT) basis, by the Government of Sikkim, which holds 26% of the equity of the company. TUL would be responsible for operating and maintaining the project for a period of 35 years subsequent to commissioning. (December 28, 2010)

Poor track record of Athena at Teesta III project in Sikkim

Athena Power Company that has been given the right to develop the massive 1750 MW Demwe Lower project in Arunachal Pradesh has a poor track record going by the records. The same company which is one of the debutants in power sector is developing the 1200 MW Teesta III hydropower project in Sikkim.

Teesta III Hydropower project: This 1200 MW project is being executed in Sikkim by M/s Teesta Urja Limited. Teesta Urja Ltd is also an Athena Group company. The Expert Appraiisal Committee (EAC) for the River Valley and hydropower projects of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, in its minutes for the April 21, 2009 meeting notes with reference to the Teesta III project, “It was seen during the field visit that the excavated materials are dumped on the slope of the Teesta River without constructing the retaining wall. There was every possibility of the excavated material going down in the river with heavy rain, as the rainy season has already started.” Such dumping of the excavated material is in complete violation of the Environment Protection Act and also the conditions of clearance given to the project. The EAC response was totaly inadequate, “The committee directed the project authorities to carry out the construction of retaining walls immediately at all muck disposal sites, before the actual construction takes place.”

    Moreover in December 2008, the Central Electricity Authority of Govt of India observed that Teesta Urja had made serious deviations from the approved DPR (detailed Project Report) for the 1200 Mega Watts Teesta III project and this was brought to the notice of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydro electric projects of Ministry of Environment and Forests on January 1, 2009 by civil society groups. This issue was discussed in the April 21, 2009 EAC meeting and the minutes note, “changes adopted by Teesta Urja contravene environmental clearance accorded on 3rd August, 2006, as per the recommendations made by the EAC and the project was issued environmental clearance with a condition that:- In case of change in the scope of the project, project would require a fresh appraisal”.

The Carrying Capacity Study of Teesta Basin in Sikkim by Centre for Inter Disciplinary Studies of Mountain & Hill Environment (CISMHE), notes that Chungthang, the location of the Teesta III project is one of the areas where high diversity of mammals, birds and reptiles is found. Further, the conclusion of the CISMHE study (page 80-81) is unequivocal, “Looking at the number of species of studied taxa and endemic exclusive and endangered species of studied taxa, Zone III is very sensitive and if the development project (stage-III) is executed in this zone (1800-2800 m, Temperate broadleaf forest, near Chungthang), an irreversible ecological damage is expected with respect to biological environs.” The report further says (page 210), the project would lead to loss of biological “wealth which is unique to this region”. Shockingly, the EIA of the project found no wildlife in the project area. It is clear that the EIA of the project was of very poor quality.

It is clear that the Athena, which otherwise has no experience of building large hydro projects, has very poor track record at the only place where it is building a mega hydro project. Such a company cannot be trusted with the biggest private hydro project of the country so far, that too in a pristine area and a state where a private project of any magnitude is yet to be taken up.(www.arunachaltimes.com)

Chamling lays foundation stone of 1200 MW Teesta Stage III power project in Chungthang

Chungthang, June 15: The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, has welcomed and appreciated the decision of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) to withdraw their indefinite hunger strike. He was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the 1200 MW Teesta Stage III hydro electric project here today.

While stating that the main aim of the State Government is to bring about economic and infrastructure development through hydel power plants, the Chief Minister said the Panan hydro electric power project in Dzongu would not be scrapped. “The other four projects located in Dzongu, which was supposed to be implemented, stands scrapped,” he said.   

   Speaking on the Teesta Stage III project, Mr. Chamling said that a two-storied building would be constructed for those people whose land has been acquired by the government for the power project here. “The project on completion would supply 12% free power to the State Government for the first 15 years and 15% free thereafter. Full ownership would be transferred to the government after 35 years, which would significantly contribute towards GDP revenues and overall development of the State,” Mr. Chamling said.

He further said that the power project will bring in economic boom for the people.

The Chief Minister also urged the promoters of Teesta Stage III to cater to all the demands of the local people, which include the construction of a Community Center, maintenance of roads, school repair, construction of monasteries, drinking water supply and the construction a statue of Guru Padmasambhava.

Stressing on the point that stopping on-going work at hydel projects even for a day means a loss Rs 500 crore, the CM said that the local people would get 80 % job placement facilities as per the guidelines given by the State Government. On the occasion, Mr. Chamling also made an announcement to rename Lingdong Secondary School as Sonam Chyoda Secondary school in memory of the late MLA from Dzongu.

The 1200 MW project has been awarded to the consortium of promoters led by M/s Athena Projects Private Limited under the joint sector with the State Government under BOOT (build, own, operate and transfer) basis for a period of 35 years. Athena Projects in turn formed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)-Teesta Urja Ltd- for the implementation for this project. The Teesta III is the largest power project in the State.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Teesta Urja Private Limited, YN Apparao while placing the technical detail of the project. Stating the project as totally environment friendly, Mr. Apparao said there would be two underground desilting cambers of size 285X16mX21.2m each to exclude silt particles above 0.20 mm. “There will be 60m high concerted faced rock fill dam, two numbers, 11.0 m finished diameter tunnels, one intake tunnel, two desiliting chambers, headrace tunnel, two pressure shafts, underground power house complex, tailrace tunnel and pothead yard,” he informed. The project has received all the statutory clearances from the concerned authorities, he added.

At the end of the programme, the people of North Sikkim felicitated the Chief Minister. The Area MLA, Lachen Mangshila, Hissey Lachungpa and MLA, Dzongu, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha also addressed the gathering. (Sikkim Express June, 2008)

Sikkim OBSERVER

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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.