Himalayan Guardian  Oct 19, 2011

BHUTAN’S ROYAL COUPLE DAZZLES THE WORLD

Prince Charming marries childhood sweetheart

Punakha (Bhutan), Oct 18: The fifth Dragon King came down from his golden throne to place a silk crown upon the head of his bride. Monks chanted in celebration and she took her seat beside him on Thursday, as the new queen of the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan.

After a simple yet spectacular wedding, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema on Friday began a historical journey from this ancient city of Punakha to capital Thimphu as thousands of people lined up the road and gave a rousing welcome to the Royal Couple.

The couple got married on Thursday in a traditional Buddhist ceremony at an imposing monastic fortress in this city located between two rivers and Wangchuck crowned his childhood sweetheart Pema, who was educated in India, thus proclaiming her as the ‘Queen of the Kingdom of Bhutan.’(SEE PAGE 8 …full story)

Sakya Trizin performs Fire Puja for quake victims

Hill Media Network

Gangtok, Oct 18: His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head of the Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, who is here on a month-long visit, performed jensek (fire puja – yajna) for victims of last month’s devastating earthquake here at Ngor Gompa yesterday

The fire puja is being performed for peace and purification of the departed souls. Though the exact number of those who died in the September 18 quake in the State fall below 70-75, there are reports that more than 100 died in the tragic incident. North Sikkim was the epicenter of the 6.9 magnitude quake that hit the region.

His Holiness, along with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, will grace Ngor Gompa’s function here tomorrow to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the monastery, which was established in Gangtok in 1961.

After his arrival here last Sunday, His Holiness, Gyalyum Chenmo, and His Eminence Khen Rinpoche paid a short visit to south Sikkim last week, where he visited Samdruptse (Namchi), Tibetan Settlement (Ravangla) and Gyaltsab Rinpoche’s gompa in Ralong.

China inching closer in Arunachal

Himalayan News Network

New Delhi, Oct 18: That China has intensified focus on Arunachal Pradesh - or so-called south Tibet - is becoming increasingly clear, with the People's Liberation Army crossing the perceived Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the eastern sector more frequently than ever.

The PLA has also increased forays by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the West and East Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Top government sources said in the other part of the eastern LAC - Sikkim, especially the Nathu La area - there had been no intrusion since 78 transgressions in 2008, Hindustan Times reported.

But in north Arunachal, the PLA is not even allowing the locals to cross the Dichu river that marks the border between India and China to come to India for trade, a centuries-old tradition.

A part of the Dichu - a tributary of the Lohit - is disputed by the two countries.

There were 90 intrusions, including 13 PLA patrols, so far this year against 88 (12 PLA patrols) in 2010 and another 123 (six PLA patrols) the previous year.

Although the Indian army has begun focusing on the area this year, it is yet to send any patrol to the area to mark its presence.

Dalai Lama hits out at China, says it is built on lies

Himalayan News Network

Dharamsala, Oct 18: Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama has hit out at China saying it is built on lies and its officials are hypocrites. The Dalai Lama was speaking via videophone after visa problems prevented him from joining Archbishop Desmond Tutu's birthday celebrations in South Africa. He was to be travelling there to celebrate Archbishop Desmond Tutu's 80th birthday.

For more than an hour, two old friends brought together by technology, giggled and teased one another, as they exchanged views on politics and spirituality. During the exchange, Archbishop Desmond Tutu asked the Dalai Lama why the global giant and South Africa's main trade partner, China, feared his fellow Nobel peace laureate so much, tibetnews reported.

In his answers, the Dalai Lama, who was sitting in a room decorated with orchids and silk hangings in his home in exile in India, was playful at first.

He said communist propaganda portrayed him as a ''demon,'' an answer which drew laughter from Tutu and others watching him on a video screen at the University of the Western Cape, near Cape Town.

The encounter was streamed live on the Internet, but not broadcast by South African state television as had been expected.

The Dalai Lama spoke about communist officials and those in other totalitarian systems: "In a communist, totalitarian system, and not only communist but many totalitarian systems, hypocrisy, telling lies, has unfortunately become part of their lives. So, you see someone who tells the truth, honestly, truthfully, transparently, those people who carry hypocrites are a way of life, then feel uncomfortable."

The Dalai Lama added that the Chinese people should be able to hear his views and judge for themselves. "Censorship is immoral," he said. He also called for legal reforms in China. "The Chinese judiciary system must raise themselves up to international law standards," he said.

So far South African officials have denied that they stalled the Dalai Lama's visa, because of pressure from China. They said the visa process was delayed by problems with the timing and completeness of the application. But officials from the offices of Tutu and the Dalai Lama have denied the application was late or incomplete.

India, Nepal push for closer ties as Beijing watches

RP Sharma

Kathmandu, Oct 18: Nepal’s newly-elected PM Baburam Bhattarai will visit India from October 20 to 23 on his maiden official outing after becoming PM six weeks ago. His visit comes at time when New Delhi is concerned over growing Chinese influence over the Himalayan Kingodm’s politics.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had met his Nepalese counterpart Bhattarai on the sidelines of the 66th session of the UNGA in September and invite him to India.

Bhattarai who was sworn in late August had been in news for making statements like Nepal is no longer a buffer state between India and China. He had said, Nepal would act as a “friendship bridge” between India and China rather than just being a “buffer state” between the two giant neighbours.

The two sides will discuss a host of issues of mutual interest and ways to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

India shares a porous border with the Himalyan Nation and New Delhi calls the cooperation on issues of mutual security concerns relating to the open border a "hallmark" of its relations with Nepal.

Nepalese side has assured at various levels that it would not allow its territory to be used for any activity against India. There are streamlined bilateral mechanisms to address all issues concerning security, including cross-border crime, and establishing effective communication links between and along the bordering districts to further facilitate the exchange of information.

Nepal wants to conclude a power trade agreement with India, which, the Nepal government believes, will open the door to power investors. Reports said power development agreements of over seven projects have been delayed for more than a year.

Rahul dances to Bhutanese tune

T. Dem

Thimphu, Oct 18: The only guest at a private ceremony hosted by the Royal Bhutan Army for the royal family and government leaders was Rahul Gandhi.

Gandhi accompanied the royal family to a public celebration in Thimphu’s main stadium. There, tens of thousands of people spent seven hours watching musical and dance performances as the royal couple wound through the crowd shaking hands.

As the event ended, Gandhi joined the royal family, along with all the day’s performers, in dancing a traditional Bhutanese folk dance on the stadium’s soccer pitch. The elder king showed Mr. Gandhi the proper moves and led him around in another display of the comfort and closeness the Bhutanese royals feel with their people, Wall Street Journal reported.

Though thousands of people were on the field, Gandhi was easy to find in his distinctive white kurta and black jacket.

After the dance ended, Gandhi and several other members of India’s delegation stood chatting with the Bhutanese royal family for several minutes. Dancers gathered around them in a circle but gave them space to speak privately.

Of course, India wasn’t the only country with official representation at the wedding. Ambassadors from 25 other countries were also there. And they danced in the big stadium, too.

Panel recommends genuine autonomy for JK

L. Verma

New Delhi, Oct 18:  The three-member interlocutors’ panel on Jammu and Kashmir -- journalist Dilip Padgaonkar, academic Radha Kumar and former civil servant M M Ansari -- on Wednesday submitted a report to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, suggesting a “roadmap” to address the Kashmir issue.

It is learnt that while avoiding the "pre-1952 status" phraseology, the report advocated for ensuring a "meaningful autonomy" for Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources informed that the report is said to have recommended the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Disturbed Areas Act from the state.

The report is said to have suggested developmental councils for all the three regions of the state -- Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh -- and devolution of powers to the sub-regions. In addition, the report has recommended massive economic package to address the huge unemployment and infrastructure development in the state.

Announced exactly a year ago, the team of three interlocutors completed their report within the time-frame of one year given by the government.

The interlocutors visited various parts of the valley and met a cross section of people to understand their view points.

The interlocutors' panel had met nearly 700 delegations during the past one year. The interlocutors claim that in the report they have taken into account both mainstream and off-stream opinions. The report has also put on record the perceptions of the people the team had interacted with during the past one year and even the views of the separatists, who refused to interact with them.

Darjeeling gears up for booming tourist season

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, Oct 18: Despite last month’s massive earthquake that hit the region tourism is gradually picking up in the hills.

The signing of the much-awaited tripartite deal in the formation of Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) on July 18 and subsequent focus on development of Darjeeling by the Mamata Government is gradually leading to what many see it as a booming tourist season this winter.

Because of the devastating impact of the earthquake in neighbouring Sikkim, where major tourist hotspots such as Yumthang, Gurudongmar and Tsangu in north and east Sikkim have been cut-off or roads badly damanged, a large number of tourists have been diverted to Darjeeling.

 “For the last three and half years, hotel occupancy has been 60-65 per cent of capacity. Now there is 100 per cent occupancy and bookings for 5-6 per cent additional rooms,” said Raj Basu, chairman of Eastern Himalayan Travel and Tours Operating Association, a national daily reported.

During her visit to the region, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a master plan for tourism development. The bounty included Rs 10 crore for beautification of Darjeeling Mall and renovation of Planters’ Club, Gymkhana Club and the church as well as a tea festival from December 20 to January 5.

Kalimpong school battered by 9/18 quake

Dr. Graham’s Homes forced to suspend classes

Hill Media Network

Kalimpong, Oct 19: The September 18’s earthquake has caused extensive damage to the 111-year-old Dr. Graham’s Homes, forcing authorities of the premier educational institution in the hill town to suspend classes from nursery to Class VIII till October 10.

The quake has damaged 19 of the 22 cottages that house the co-ed school’s 900-odd boarders. Some classrooms, too, have developed cracks. The Katherine Memorial Chapel and the Steele Memorial Centre, the school’s infirmary, have also developed multiple cracks.

Seven of the 19 damaged cottages have been evacuated. “We have accommodated the boarders from the seven cottages in other cottages and the KG section,” headmaster S.L. Banerjee said.

Most of the damaged cottages are over 100 years old.

Spread over 500 acres, the school, founded in 1900 by Scottish missionary Dr John A. Graham, also has a workshop, a bakery, three playgrounds, a swimming pool and a farm.

The headmaster said some of the 11 staff quarters, including his, had suffered structural damage. The school has a student strength of 1,460, of whom 920 are boarders.

A retired UK teacher falls in love with Darjeeling, a school is born

Hill Media Network

London, Oct 18: A retired Whitby Community College (UK) teacher has raised over £90,000 to establish a school for disadvantaged children in India.

Former deputy head Helen Jones (69) travelled around India in 2002 and fell in love with the Darjeeling region, in the foothills of the Himalayas.

After this life-changing trip, she would return to the region several times, travelling with a young guide called Bijoy and his family.

Upon seeing children walking miles to school each morning, Mrs Jones had the idea to set up a charity, named School Aid India.

The Grosmont resident said: “It was Bijoy’s wife Rachana who really made it work.

“She emailed that she had found a suitable building and we agreed that I would set up a charity in the UK and Rachana would become director of the school.”

Mrs Jones confessed to being horrified when she first saw the building, a semi-derelict hovel, but Bijoy and his team knocked it into shape and Roseberry School, Darjeeling, opened its doors in March 2007.

“There was such a demand for places that they ran out of space after only one year,” she added, “so we had to launch an appeal for funds to build an extension.

“We had no idea where all the money would come from, but after only three years we reached our target of £50,000.

“All kinds of people have been amazingly generous, it is very humbling, but there are a lot of people in the UK who want to help folk worse off than they are, even in these difficult times.”

Although it has been a huge challenge, Mrs Jones insisted: “My reward is to see the eager shining faces of children at the school, and to know that we really are changing lives for the better.

“One of the reasons for our success in fund-raising is that donors can see where their money is going because I regularly bring back photos and reports on progress.”

A new four storey building is currently under construction, and five new classrooms will hopefully be ready by the start of the new school year in March, but Mrs Jones added: “We haven’t got enough funds to finish the fourth storey at this stage, but we hope to get enough fairly soon.

“The dank old storerooms being used for lessons at the moment are awful, and outdoor assemblies are difficult during the monsoon.”

The school had a major scare in September when a huge earthquake struck the region, the first for over 35 years.

Miraculously nobody was hurt and only the old building suffered some minor damage.

School Aid India’s next event is an open day at the Hazlewood Tearooms in Grosmont on Sunday 30 October.

“Sue and John, the owners, have always been very supportive of our work,” said Mrs Jones, “they donate their takings on the open day, and there will be photos of Roseberry School, and a stall selling Indian gifts.”

(For more information visit www.schoolaidindia.org.)

EDITORIAL

STILWELL ROAD

Implement Look East Policy

   Both India’s North-East and China’s South-West are underdeveloped. The key to accelerate economic development in this region is to allow its people, who share many things in common, to mingle with each other and encourage trade and tourism to flourish. India’s Look East Policy would be meaningless if it fails to allow this to happen. The surest and fastest way towards economic regeneration in the region, though infested by hostile insurgent groups, is to open the historic Stilwell Road, formerly known as Ledo Road. Major portion of this route passes through Burma, which is gradually opening up. 

  This historic road used to connect India’s Northeast with China’s Southwest through Burma in the Second World War. Most Northeast governments are in favour of opening this route and have urged the Centre to act speedily on the issue. China, too, has taken a positive view on the subject. However, New Delhi, despite its occasional symbolic gestures on opening the road, has not taken any concrete stand on the issue. This may be due to its security concerns in the vulnerable Northeast region, where many insurgent groups still have not given up their sovereignty demand.

  Apart from India, China and Burma regional cooperation among the South Asian nations also stand to benefit if the road is opened and hence there is an immediate need to redress the issue rather than deferring it. New Delhi can begin to do this by taking a fresh look on the problems and prospects of the Northeast region. There is much justification for the Northeast people being alienated from the Indian mainstream. Instead of encouraging real economic development in the region New Delhi seems satisfied by pouring more money to the Northeast through corruption politicians, who in turn plough back some of the central funds as kickbacks to central leaders. This must stop or India will forever be stuck in the mud.

Sikkim Observer Oct 15, 2011

A ROYAL WEDDING IN DRUK YUL

King Jigme crowns Queen Pema

Hill Media Network

Punakha, Bhutan, Oct 14:  Bhutan's 31-year-old king married a student 10 years his junior on Thursday in a colourful ceremony showcasing the rich Buddhist culture of one of the world's most remote and insular countries.

Amid clouds of incense and chanting monks, the hugely popular King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck crowned his queen at the end of a series of rituals in the 17th-century fortified monastery chosen for the occasion, AFP reported.

After a brief purification ceremony to start, they walked hand-in-hand and smiling to the inner sanctum of the monastery where an hour of blessings, prostrations and prayers culminated in the queen taking the throne.

The "Dragon King", an Oxford graduate who came to power in 2008 at the start of democracy in Bhutan, married Jetsun Pema, the daughter of an airline pilot widely admired for her beauty and her impact on the love-struck monarch.

"She's very sweet and caring and she loves children," one of the king's cousins who studied with the queen, Yiwang Pindarica, told AFP after the marriage. "I'm sure she will help the king fulfil his duties."

Proceedings were beamed live across the country of 700,000 people and signaled the start of three days of joyful celebrations, with dancing, singing and drinking in towns and villages.

Bhutan banned foreign television until 1999 and is the only nation in the world whose government pursues "Gross National Happiness" for its people instead of economic growth.

"You can be sure that our happiness is increasing," joked Karma Tshiteem, the head of the Gross National Happiness Commission, which vets government policy.

After the ceremony, the new queen and her husband, the fifth in a line of hereditary rulers who have reigned for the last 100 years, was due to greet crowds of well-wishers at a public celebration.

"From the day the king announced his wedding we have been excited," lawmaker Jagar Dorji told AFP as he arrived at the monastery, set at the confluence of two rivers and surrounded by mist-shrouded hills.

"This marriage assures the continuity of the royal family."

Pema, who often looked nervous as the heavily symbolic ceremony unfolded, wore an elaborately weaved outfit of gold, red and black.

She smiled anxiously as she received the crown. Her husband struggled to secure the embroidered headpiece which slipped off her hair several times before finally staying put.

Later the couple posed for photos, holding hands in front of the assembled media.

Security was tight around the monastery, with phone networks jammed and police enforcing strict controls on vehicles in a wide area.

The king, who is known to invite his subjects round for tea, had requested a simple and traditional ceremony. No foreign VIPs or fellow royals were among the assembled dignitaries and friends of the couple.

My dream is to turn Darjeeling into Switzerland: Mamata

Observer News Service

Darjeeling, Oct 14: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said while her government was willing to provide all support to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) for developmental activities, “we are not ready to part with Darjeeling.

This is her visit to Darjeeling after a tripartite agreement, paving the way for the setting up of the GTA, was signed on July 18.

Speaking at a function here on Tuesday, Mamata said hill and plains people should live and work together for their development.

Responding to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s demand for a special package of Rs 1000 crore relief and rehabilitation for the recent earthquake victims, Mamata said she would seek an additional Rs 500 crore from the Centre for rebuilding Darjeeling after the earthquake.

The Chief Minister also announced sops and grants for various projects, including school education and road repairs. A spot assistance of Rs 20 crore for house-building was announced during her visit.

"The CM is like our mother. We are like her children. We can make demands of her," GJM chief Bimal Gurung had said.

"If Kashmir is the heaven of India, Darjeeling is the heaven of Bengal," she said amid cheers. "Just having the heart and love does not help, work has to be done for those you love for their betterment. Darjeeling will be a healthy and wealthy baby, and jobs will be provided so that people don't have to go outside. This will help realize my dream of turning it into a Switzerland."

House damage compensation payment to end on Oct 15: Kharel

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: The State Government is expected to complete the process of giving compensation to victims whose houses were damaged in last month’s earthquake by October 15, according to Relief Commissioner BK Kharel.

Kharel said on Tuesday that 70 per cent of those who had sought relief for house damages have been compensated.

He added the total amount claimed by people who suffered house damages was about Rs 50 crore.

Disbursement of compensation is being carried out by government officials, who are aided by MLAs and panchayats.

Meanwhile, about Rs 61 crore relief materials have been distributed all across the State, according to ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF).

The SDF has strongly condemned Opposition Congress party’s allegation that the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund was being misused.

A 9-member central damage assessment team led by Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Shambhu Singh,visited earthquake affected areas in West Sikkim district, official sources said.

The team mainly assessed the damage caused to houses, roads, water and power supply structures besides agriculture and livestock.

CM for technical stability on Tashiling Secretariat

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has asked the Mines and Geology Department to submit a geo technical stability report on Tashiling Secretariat, the State’s main government offices, which houses the chief minister and ministers’ offices, within a week to find out the feasibility of constructing the new secretariat at the same premises.

The secretariat is likely to be removed somewhere else if the present premises is found unsuitable, according to an official release.

This decision follows the inspection of the area carried out here today by the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso and heads of departments.

After the Secretariat building, located above the bazaar, was damaged during last month’s devastating earthquake which rocked the entire State on September 18, it has not been used and offices functioned from other places in the capital.

The final decision on the new Secretariat will be taken only after thorough study of the Geo Technical Stability Report of the present Tashiling Secretariat complex land, the Chief Minister said.

The new Secretariat will be retrofitted, earthquake proof, well equipped from security point of view with emergency exits.

Khangchendzonga may strike back again

Jigme N Kazi WITHOUT  FEAR OR FAVOUR

Sikkim need not be raped again and again to meet India’s energy needs. It has paid enough to secure India’s frontiers in the eastern Himalaya.

If India wants to exploit its hydropower potential to meet its requirements it should look somewhere else, not Sikkim. The Sikkimese people have sacrificed their freedom and sovereignty to meet India’s security concerns. This is not a lie; it is the truth that has been  kept out of the public domain by the establishment, which unfortunately includes a section of the national media.

Why was the Government of India so quick in announcing a Rs 1000 earthquake relief package for Sikkim when the State authorities were still fumbling over how much was actually damaged by the devastating September 18 (6.8 on Richter scale) earthquake? Did Central leaders rush to Sikkim after the quake reflect their concern for the welfare of the people or the companies that are incharge of hydropower projects in North Sikkim?

While affected areas of Lachen, Lachung and Dzongu, which are largely inhabited by indigenous minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals in North Sikkim, were totally ignored at the initial stage, civil and army authorities’ main focus was Chungthang, Pagong and Suffu in North Sikkim.

There’s no doubt that these areas were the worst affected as almost all those who died in the 9/18 quake were hydro project workers, including officials, of 1200 MW Stage III Teesta Hydro Project, the biggest hydro project in the State.  This controversial project is being carried out by M/s Teesta Urja Project of the Athena Group of companies.

The haste and the highly objectionable manner in which the State Government, in collaboration with the Central Government, brokered a deal with Teesta Urja is known to many. Despite tremendous local opposition, including the longest hunger strike in the State, to these projects the authorities paid a deaf ear and went ahead with the projects.

Power-brokers, who first pretended to side with the Lepcha-dominated Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) in opposing hydro projects in Dzongu, helped to negotiate a deal between anti-dam activists and the State Government in 2008, leading to calling off the protest.

If you take a careful look around, those, including the so-called anti-dam activists who benefited from this deal, now find a place in the establishment’s administrative and business setup. Nobody reports on these things for fear of incurring the wrath of the powers-that-be. However, many people are aware of the hidden agenda of these power-brokers and how they function. And, as usual, life goes on and construction of mega hydro projects, too, continues.

The court of law ought to take a suo motto cognizance of reports that reveal the involvement of influential persons, including politicians and government officials, in mega hydro projects in Sikkim. It is said that Jagan Reddy, son of former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YSR Reddy, who was killed in a chopper crash, is one of the main shareholders in the Teesta Urja project. Who are the others?

Most of the Rs 1000 central earthquake relief funds will surely go towards repair and construction of road network in the State and it is expected that a large amount of this would be spent on the Toong-Pagong-Chungthang’s North Sikkim Highway, where power construction works are underway.

Sikkim lies on the seismic zone and experts have already given their views against mega dams in the region. What is the use of asking the experts to again dish out the same thing again and again? The authorities are buying time and mischievously mollifying the victims with money-power and vague assurances. They will eventually carry out their grand design to finish Sikkim. But in the process they would have achieved their hidden agenda – making a fast buck in the name of development and tapping hydro power potential.

When enough is still not enough the only thing that will put a final end to human greed in this part of the mountain is another big shake-up that will place everyone and everything in the Teesta River and into the  Indian Ocean.

Remember this well: Mangan, the headquarters of North Sikkim, was not the epicenter of the 9/18 earthquake; the epicenter was Khangchendzonga, the abode of the Guardian Deities of Sikkim. Most conscious Sikkimese who have helplessly fought against vested interests in preserving Sikkim’s natural and cultural heritage are convinced that their yulha-zhibda (country gods) have come to their rescue at the right time. Men’s extremity is indeed god’s opportunity.

 I have said this before and wish to repeat it: whom the gods wish to destroy they first make them mad. To this let me add: fools rush where angels fear to tread. Let them, who fail to heed the warning, go ahead in their mad rush towards self-destruction.

Sakya Trizin to hold Fire Puja on Oct 17 for quake victims

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: His Holiness Sakya Trizin, head of Sakya order of Tibetan Buddhism, will perform a special Fire Puja (Tibetan: Jensek, Sanskrit: Yajna) here on October 17 for the victims of the recent earthquake in the State which killed more than 100 and caused extensive damages all over the State.

The Sakya Trizin, who arrived here on Sunday, met Chief Minister Pawan Chamling here on Monday along with his wife Gyalyum Chenmo and His Eminence Thartse Khen Rinpoche, the head of Ngorpa, sub-sect of the Sakyapa tradition.

During the meeting, His Holiness, who has already donated Rs one lakh for relief fund, expressed his deep shock and concern over the loss of lives and damages caused during the deadly September 18 quake. North Sikkim was the epicenter of the 6.8 magnitude quake.

At Samdruptse on Tuesday, His Holiness was received by the Sangha MLA Phitook Tshering and Dungzing Rinpoche of Serdup Monastery.  Among those who received him at Samdruptse were the representatives of Alley Monastery, Ngadak Monastery, Tamang Gompa and the Gram Panchayats  and local devotees. 

His Holiness performed Trusol Rabney of the statue of Guru Rinpoche. During his brief visit at Samdruptse he bestowed Manjushri Lung (oral transmission) to the public in the temple, according to Sagnor Chotsog Centre Director Kunga Y. Hochotsang.  

In Ravangla, His Holiness was received at Mani Chokhorling Monastery by former Minister and Adviser to the Ecclesiastical Department and Buddha Park Committee D D Bhutia.  At Chokhorling Monastery, the Dorji Lopon of the monastery offered Mandal Tenzhug to His Holiness.  As requested by the Monastery Committee, His Holiness bestowed Vajrakilaya oral transmission (Dorji Phurpa Lung). He later visited the Buddha Park Complex, where he gave private audiences and spent the night at the complex.

On Wednesday, His Holiness visited Tibetan Army Camp and Sakya Lelung Monastery, where he was received by Nyakton Rinpoche and the local devotees.  His Holiness bestowed Manjushri empowerment and blessed the site for the construction of Nyakton monastery. His Holiness also visited Ravangla Tibetan Settlement and gave long life empowerment and Chenrizig (Avalokitesvara) Lung/ transmission and phowa to the public, as requested.

At the Ralong Kargyu monastery (Palchen Chokhorling Monastery), His Holiness will bestow the Drimed Nam Nyi empowerment. This monastery belongs to His Eminence Goshir Gyalsthab Rinpoche, one of the three Regents of the world-renowned Rumtek monastery in east Sikkim.

During his month-long stay in the former Buddhist kingdom, His Holiness will give teachings and bestow initiations here at Ngor Gompa, where he is staying.

Ngor Gompa, established in the capital in the early 1960s at the Khenzong House premises, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary and His Holiness’s visit here is in connection with the celebratory functions organized by the Centre.

Distribution of relief funds discriminatory: Upreti

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: Senior Congress leader KN Upreti has alleged that distribution of earthquake relief funds to quake victims in the State is discriminatory.

Upreti said relief funds are being distributed by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Ministers, MLAs and members of the panchayat who belong to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front.

“The cash relief is being distributed not by the Govt. agencies after proper assessment of the damages but is being distributed directly” by elected members of the SDF, Upreti said in a press statement.

Upreti expressed serious concern over “discretionary grant” without “verification” of extent of damaged caused.

“There is allegation that even “Dasain Kharcha” were distributed from the relief fund,” Upreti said. “Victims are discriminated on the basis of party affiliation and proximity to concerned MLA’S/Panchayats,” he added.

Upreti said during a meeting of party supporters it was decided that the party would approach  Governor BP Singh and also file a petition under RTI to seek information on sources and utilization of relief funds.

Royal honeymoon in Rajasthan

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 14: The Bhutanese royal couple - King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Jetsun Pema – has chosen Rajasthan for their honeymoon.

The couple is expected arrive in Rajasthan on October 23. They will stay there till November 1. The Bhutanese royals will take a trip across Rajasthan on a special train arranged by the Indian government, India Today reported.

The young monarch shares a deep bond with India and Pema, too, studied at Lawrence School, Sanawar, in Himachal Pradesh and at St Joseph's Convent in Kalimpong, West Bengal.

Following his meetings with the political leadership, including the PM, key ministers and senior officials on October 24, the royal delegation will leave for Rajasthan the next day via the special train. It is likely that the train will be designed on the lines of the famous Palace on Wheels.

Tashi Delek for royal Bhutanese couple from Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 14: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organization (NASBO 371 F)  and Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), two organisations representing the indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha communities in Sikkim, have extended their greetings and good wishes to the Bhutanese King and Queen on their wedding on behalf of the “people of Sikkim.”

“On this 17th day of the eight Sikkimese Month of Iron Rabbit Year, corresponding to October 13, 2011, the people of Sikkim and this organization congratulate You, the Dorji Sem Kuden, illustrious grand-daughter of our beloved His Majesty the 9th Miwang Denjong Chogyal Sir Thutob Namgyal, on the auspicious occasion of the Royal Wedding of His Majesty the 5th Drug Gyalpo Miwang Jigme Khesar Nampar Gyalwai Wangchuk with Ashe Jetsun Pema La,” stated a message by SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia.

“On this occasion, we also profoundly remember the Late Denjong Sem Kuden Rani Chuni Wangmo, “Anyola”. We pray Mahaguru Padmasambhava to bless the Royal Couple, the Dorji Sem Kuden and the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan with His eternal protection and blessings,” the message added.

The message by NASBO President Sonam Kaleon said, “On this 17th day of the eight Sikkimese Month of Iron Rabbit Year, corresponding to October 13, 2011, the people of Sikkim and this organization congratulate Your Royal Majesty, the 5th Drug Gyalpo Miwang Jigme Khesar Nampar Gyalwai Wangchuk and Ashe Jetsun Pema La on Your  auspicious wedding. We pray Mahaguru Padmasambhava to bless the Royal couple and the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan with His eternal protection and blessings.”

The wishes of the two Sikkimese organisations reflect the close geographical, historical and cultural bonds between the former Kingdom of Sikkim with Bhutan.

Editorial

ANNA VS DIGVIJAY

“Change the colour of your glasses”

Anna Hazare has rightly hit back at Congress leader Digvijay Singh saying the charge of RSS support to his anti-corruption campaign was an attempt to defame him. He also ruled out joining politics or becoming a Presidential candidate. “I neither have the capacity nor the desire to become the President of India and wonder why the Congress and the BJP were talking in the air,” is how Hazare reacted to suggestions that he be made the next President. The political establishment always want to place uncomfortable persons on a pedestal to buy their silence.

Singh, who  never ceases to see RSS stamp on Team Anna or Team Ramdev, got a stern warning from Anna this time:  “I know very well that people throw stones only at those trees which bear fruits. People see the world in the colour of the glasses they wear. I think that the colour of your spectacle is wrong and you should change it,” he said in his letter to the Congress leader. The Gandhian has sought to puncture the points raised by Singh in his two letters in which the Congress general secretary had claimed that the RSS was backing Hazare's Lokpal campaign and that he was surrounded by associates who were anti-Congress.

ADVANTAGE BJP

Advani as Prime Minister

Despite denials by a section of the party leadership senior BJP leader Uma Bharti, who is well known for her straightforwardness, has now openly stated that LK Advani is the “most capable person” to lead the country as Prime Minister. Though the 84-year-old former deputy prime minister has judiciously maintained that his current nationwide yatra was not intended to project him as his party’s prime ministerial candidate, many people believe that his anti-corruption campaign is designed to unseat the Congress-led UPA Government in the next general elections, making him the frontrunner for the top job.

With corruption being a major issue for the polls and with Advani himself declaring that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was heading the most corrupt government in post-independent India, there is no doubt that many in the BJP and its supporters and sympathizers see Advani as the prime-minister-in-waiting. With Congress leaders fumbling over the corruption issue and many of UPA’s leading non-Congress politicians behind bars the country has no option but to seek an alternative to the Congress-led government in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. As of now, the BJP appears to have a slight edge over other parties to make a comeback at the Centre.

SIKKIM OBSERVER OCT 10, 2011

SAKYA TRIZIN IN SIKKIM

Sikkim’s connection with Sakyapas

Recalling the Sikkim-Sakya connection on His Holiness the Sakya Trizin’s visit to Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 9: His Holiness the Sakya Trizin, the Supreme Head of the Sakyapa Order of the Tibetan Buddhism, who was on a visit to Kalimpong arrived here today on a month-long visit to the State.

The Sakya Trizin’s visit is at the invitation of the Sa-Ngor Chotshog Centre (SNCC - Ngor Gonpa)  in connection with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Centre, Kunga Y. Hochotsang, the institute’s director said.

 His Holiness, who normally resides in Dehradun, has been accorded the status of the State Guest during his stay in Sikkim, Hochotsang said.

His Holiness’s major engagements during his stay in Sikkim would be the holding of a special Fire puja (Yajna) at Ngor Gonpa, Rongyek on October 17 for those who lost their lives in the massive earthquake in Sikkim and neighbouring places on   September 18 last month  and to pray for prevention of such natural calamity in Sikkim and elsewhere in the world in future. The Fire Puja (Jensek) is being organized at the initiative of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker K.T.Gyaltshen and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

Sikkim’s historical and religious ties with the Sakya dates back to the time when Khye-Bumsa, the eldest son of a scion of the Mynak House in Kham region of Eastern Tibet, helped to raise the pillars of the huge monastery in Sakya in mid-13th century, which was built by the Sakya Hierarch in Sakya in central Tibet, north of Sikkim.  The herculean feat of erecting the pillars not only earned him the title of ‘Khye-Bumsa’, meaning the one who possesses the ‘strength of Hundred Thousand’, but he also married the Sakya Hierarch’s daughter.

Khye-Bumsa later moved southwards and settled in Chumbi Valley, once the administrative centre of Sikkim. He then came into contact with the Lepchas which led to the swearing of the blood brotherhood between the Bhutias and Lepchas  led by the Bhutia leader Khye-Bumsa and the Lepcha Chief, The-Kong-Tek,  at Kabi Longtsok in north Sikkim. Khye-Bumsa remained in Chumbi and died there but his descendants came to Gangtok and settled there. Guru Tashi, Khye-Bumsa’s grandson, who resided in Gangtok, was highly respected and loved by the people. His great grandson, Guru Tenzing, was the father of Sikkim’s first consecrated Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, Chogyal Phuntsok Namgyal.

His Holiness the Sakya Trizin first visited Sikkim when he fled Tibet in 1959 and stayed for a month at Lachen, North Sikkim.  He later visited Lachen and Lachung in 1987. Lachenpas to this day recall their traditional and religious ties with the Sakya Lamas. Since then His Holiness visited Sikkim a couple of times mainly aimed at revival of the Sakya tradition in Sikkim and to promote Buddha Dharma.

Sa-Ngor Chotsog Centre (SNCC)  was established by His Eminence Luding Khenchen Dorje Chang in Gangtok in 1961 under the guidance of His Holiness the Sakya Trizin. Besides preserving the rich traditions of the Sakya order, the Centre provides education and training to young monks in painting, wood block making and other social and cultural activities. Being the first and the only Sakya monastery in Sikkim, the Centre renders religious services to the local people. During his stay in the State the Sakya Trizin is expected to give a number of teachings, public sermons and initiations, besides being engaged in the inauguration of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Centre.

EDITORIAL

CONG UNDER PRESSURE

Anna Threat Will Work

Middle class Indians are with Anna Hazare on his nationwide anti-corruption campaign. The Congress party cannot ignore this fact, particularly when Assembly polls in several states, including Uttar Pradesh are nearing. The Lok Sabha elections, too, are not far behind. If Team Anna’s anti-graft campaign makes an impact in the coming polls the Congress party is likely to pay a heavy price in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls for its inability to tackle the growing frustration of the people on rampant corruption in administration and every sphere of life in the sub-continent.

Anna Hazare has rightly put the Congress party on notice on the Lokpal issue, saying he would campaign against it in election-bound states if the Centre fails to get his version of the anti-corruption Bill passed in Parliament's Winter Session. This is the only effective way to deal with the likes of the Congress-led UPA government, whose dithering stand on graft is becoming increasingly clear to all. Congress party may be putting a brave front to this threat but they should be warned of the cost the party will pay for its inaction and delaying tactics in tackling corruption head-on.

TACKLING CHAMLING

All Eyes On Bhandari

Sikkim Congress chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari wanted a complete overhaul of the party after he completes his month-long jail sentence. The former chief minister believes that there are few persons within his party who are making a mockery of the party’s stand on dealing strongly with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on the corruption issue. That the Congress party in the State has taken the corruption issue against Chamling in the court of law is a fact known to many. That the Congress party has achieved very little on the issue in the court is also known to many.

There are now unconfirmed reports that point out that some SPCC leaders, who are involved in the corruption case against Chamling, have compromised and ‘withdrawn’ the petition against Chamling in the Supreme Court. SPCC leader Kunga Nima Lepcha had filed a petition in the Supreme Court to annul a decision taken by the Sikkim Government last year disallowing a CBI probe into charges of corruption against Chamling. The case came up for hearing recently and Lepcha’s vague statement after the court took up the issue has left everyone puzzled. Why is dissident Congress leader KN Upreti, who has been making a lot of noise on alleged rampant corruption in Sikkim, silent on this? Bhandari, now back from Delhi where he was hospitalized following Sikkim High Court’s verdict on corruption charges leveled against him by the CBI in 1984, is expected to resume his tirade against Chamling, politically and legally.

Chandigarh Judge is Chief Justice of Sikkim HC

Gangtok, Oct 9: Justice Permod Kohli of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has been elevated as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. The orders were officially conveyed to the High Court by the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

Justice Kohli joined the Bar at Jammu after enrollment on 12 October 1972. He was appointed Additional Advocate General of the State during Governor's rule in the year 1990 and took over as the Advocate General in December 1990. He continued as Advocate General till January 1992 and was designated a senior advocate in April 1991. He was later appointed Additional Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir on 07 January 2003 and as permanent Judge on 03 January 2005. He was later transferred to Jharkhand High Court, Ranchi and took oath on 04 May 2006. Thereafter, he was later transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court and took oath on 10 May 2007.

After corruption cases against former Sikkim High Court PD Dinakaran forced him to resign in July this year Justice SP Wangdi has been heading the court as the Acting Chief Justice.

SC stays impeachment probe against Justice Dinakaran

New Delhi, Oct 9: The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the pre-impeachment probe by a Rajya Sabha-appointed panel into allegations of judicial misconduct and corruption against Sikkim High Court Chief Justice PD Dinakaran.

The apex court passed the order on a plea by Justice Dinakaran, expressing apprehension of biased probe against him by the three-member panel, comprising Justice Aftab Alam of the apex court, Karnataka High Court Chief Justice J S Khehar and senior advocate P P Rao.

The apex court bench of Justice H.S. Bedi and Justice C.K. Prasad issued notice on the petition filed by Justice Dinakaran and gave the respondents, including senior counsel PP Rao, two weeks' time to reply to the petition.

Justice Dinakaran has contended that Rao had signed a memorandum addressed to President Pratibha Patil opposing his elevation as a judge of the Supreme Court and hence Rao's presence in the JIC would prejudice his case.

The court said that Rao's presence in the JIC does not make bias absolute.

However, senior counsel A. Saran appearing for Dinakaran, argued that even the apprehension of bias was enough to hold up the enquiry proceedings.

The three-member (JIC) was set up by Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari after a motion seeking the initiation of impeachment proceedings and removal of Justice Dinakaran was moved on Dec 14, 2009.

Mamata likely to visit Darjeeling on Oct 10

Observer News Service

Darjeeling, Oct 9: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit Darjeeling tomorrow before going to Jhargram in Maoist-hit West Midnapore district on October 15.

Banerjee has appealed to all armed groups across the State to surrender arms.

The chief minister would meet local people to enquire about their problems and was expected to focus on development programmes.

Official sources said that before going to Jhargram, the chief minister would visit Darjeeling on October 10 to attend a tourism festival there the next day.

Her proposed Darjeeling visit comes close on the heels of the state assembly passing the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration Bill last month.

She would also visit Dooars in Jalpaiguri district, where people in the plains are worried over possible inclusion of their areas in Gorkhaland Territorial Administration jurisdiction, on October 12 and attend a programme of adivasis the following day.

Muyal Liang Trust to provide free education to quake victims

By A Staff Reporter

Geyzing, Oct 9: As part of its support to the victims of the recent earthquake, the Muyal Liang Trust (MLT) has offered free education to victims of the recent earthquake. The Trust wants the victims of the quake to send their children to the Denjong Pema Choeling Academy (DPCA) run by the Trust in Pelling, west Sikkim.

In a letter to the State Chief Secretary, Karma Gyatso, Trust Chief Executive Yapo Sonam Yongda said, “Under the compelling circumstances and as part and compulsion of its social commitments and responsibility, MLT calls upon the earthquake victims of Sikkim to send their children to the DPCA to pursue or continue further education, free of cost.”

“We request the Government of Sikkim to kindly notify this or inform the interested parents who are partially or completely affected by the devastating earthquake of September 18, 2011, from across Sikkim,” Yongda added.

SIKKIM OBSERVER OCT 2, 2011

Editorial

BLOOD MONE Y

Judas Iscariot Committed Suicide

In the Bible Judas Iscariot was paid thirty pieces of silver as bribe by the high priests to betray Jesus Christ. Filled with the guilt of betraying the Son of God, Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’s twelve disciples, committed suicide by hanging himself.  In most cultures the term “blood money” is referred to money or some sort of compensation paid to surviving members of a victim’s family.  After the crucifixion of Christ, Judas returns the payment to the chief priests, who “took the silver pieces and said, ‘It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.’”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s generous offer of Rs 1,000 crore as immediate aid for rebuilding Sikkim after 9/18’s devastating earthquake while being welcomed by some has surprised many. Restoration of road network in the State will surely be a top priority as without roads, including highways, relief and rehabilitation works and other construction works would be virtually impossible. Sikkim is strategically located in the border region and road and other forms of communication need to be restored at the earliest. The army and the BRO did a commendable job when the quake of 6.9 magnitude struck the fragile Himalayan State on September 18. However, their failure to act timely in providing information from and relief to remote areas of North Sikkim such as Dzongu, Lachen and Lachung was severely criticized as their main concern was Chungthang, the region that reported many deaths and destruction mainly due to hydro power project construction works.

The State Government was almost paralyzed when the quake hit Sikkim. Nothing much is expected from government officials even during peace time. How can we expect them to perform and perform with greater speed and direction during abnormal circumstances? Even Chief Minister Pawan Chamling took a long time to visit Mangan, epicenter of the quake and headquarters of north district. There has been a spontaneous response from the public to help in relief and rehabilitation work. It now appears that more than Rs 1000 crore will be provided to Sikkim to start things anew. Surprisingly, government departments and officials have now come forward in assessing the destruction and damage caused by the recent earthquake. The public is aware that behind their every move is the hidden agenda to make a fast buck. Let them be warned: if they misuse the “blood money” and other relief and rehabilitation materials meant for quake victims  they, too, may go the Judas Iscariot way.

SIKKIM OBSERVER OCT 2, 2011

We’re with you, PM tells Sikkimese

Gangtok, Oct 1: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the Sikkimese people were not alone in their hour of crisis and the entire nation stood by them. He added that all possible help will be extended in rebuilding the lives of the people of Sikkim.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today announced Rs. 1000 crore from the Centre to meet the requirement of relief and rehabilitation in Sikkim in the aftermath of a massive earthquake that struck the state on 18 of September.

The Prime Minister on his visit to the State on Thursday made an aerial recce of North Sikkim and other parts of the State. After this, a meeting took place at the Katoch Hall in the Libing Cantonment with the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the State Government administration, representatives of the Army, NDRF and other armed forces.

During the meeting the Chief Secretary made a Power Point Presentation on the destruction and damages caused by the quake. Thereafter, the Chief Minister also presented Memorandum of Relief under National Calamity ot the Prime Minister.

While addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister gave full assurance to the State by the Government of India. He suggested that relief and rehabilitation of quake victims should get utmost importance. Expert team on Earthquake Resistant Technology would be sent by the Central Government to assist the State in rebuilding its infrastructure, the Prime Minister added. Restoration and expansion of road network should be of highest priority.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the damages caused to schools, drinking water supply, flood control works, minor irrigation channels etc. Restoration of National monuments and religious institutions will also get priority. Other demands will also be considered favourably by the Government of India.

The Prime Minister announced an interim relief fund of Rs.1000 crores for immediate restoration and relief works of infrastructure. He expressed his heartfelt sadness at the destruction caused by the recent earthquake.

Assuring the people of Sikkim that the Sikkimese people were not alone but that the whole country stood by them in this hour of crisis, he added that all possible help will be extended in rebuilding the lives of the people of Sikkim.

He also advised the State Government to learn from its experience by using proper building technology and building bye laws, so as to be better prepared for future occurrences of earthquakes. In fact, he urged the Chief Minister to make Sikkim a model state in earthquake mitigation and show the way to other earthquake-prone States.

The Prime Minister visited the earthquake victims undergoing treatment here at Sir Tashi Namgyal Memorial (STNM) Hospital.

Chumbi Valley hit by recent earthquake

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 1: The earthquake that rattled Sikkim more than a week ago also left a trail of devastation across the border in Tibet, inflicting widespread damage on life and property.

According to an assessment here, the Chinese People's Liberation Army has also suffered losses with its garrison at Yatung (Chumbi Valley) in Tibet, barely 40 kilometres away from Sikkim’s eastern border, taking the maximum hit, India Today reported.

Chumbipas living in the State also confirmed reports of death and destruction caused by the earthquake at places such as Phari, Galingkha and Kargyu monastery.

Reports hint that troops from the Yatung garrison were involved in a massive rescue and relief operation in the region. Independent reports suggest that at least 2,000 soldiers were taking part in the relief operation though the exact number of casualties in the area could not be ascertained.

Yatung has been one of the areas worst affected by the earthquake, with communication lines in the area having snapped completely. Seven persons were reportedly killed in the area by the recent earthquake.

Probe quake impact on dam sites, Centre tells seismic experts

Observer News Service

New Delhi, Oct 1: India’s power ministry has asked seismic experts from the Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee (IIT-R) to conduct earthquake impact studies at the dam sites of state-owned NHPC Ltd and North Eastern Electric Power Corp. Ltd (Neepco).

The Sikkim earthquake has raised questions on the future of India’s hydropower development. The 18 September 6.8 magnitude earthquake on the Sikkim-Nepal border has wreaked havoc in the Himalayan country and the Indian state, and scientists say the likelihood of a much greater earthquake in north India remains. The Wall Street Journal reported.

At least 118 people have been killed in Sikkim, West Bengal and Bihar in the quake.

Teesta Urja Ltd, which is building the 1,200MW Teesta-III project in Sikkim, suffered losses of personnel, with 17 people killed, one missing and 10 hurt.

The decision to take IIT-R’s help was taken at a review meeting last Thursday that was chaired by minister of state (power ministry) K.C. Venugopal, the report said.

“It was decided to avail the services of seismic experts from IIT-R to analyse earthquake data and conduct the earthquake impact study at the dam sites of NHPC in the region, and more specifically those in Sikkim,” the ministry said in a statement. “Neepco was also asked to compile the seismic data collected from its power stations in north-eastern states for further analysis at IIT-R.”

BJP raps govt on quake delay, hails army & BRO on relief efforts

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Oct 1: The State unit of the BJP has blamed the State Government for its inept handling of the recent devastating earthquake in the State which has led to loss of many lives and caused extensive damages all over the State.

  “During our visit, we found that only the Border Roads Organization and Army personnel were engaged throughout for rescue and other relief assistance. They were even providing food and shelter to the affected people,” said BJP State unit President Padam Chettri.

The Sikkim BJP chief who toured north Sikkim, the worst affected region with senior party leaders from Delhi, including

Bhagat Singh Koshiyari and Tapir Gao, said the high-level team has placed its report before the party high command.

The report said :“It will certainly take months to reconstruct the road and bridges. There is no guarantee that the communications will be restored to their original position.”

The report accused the State Government for failing take timely action to help quake victims: “It is also unfortunate that the Central and State Governments have not been able to provide requisite relief and assistance to the affected and the needy people living and surviving in the remote areas. For instance, essential commodities and medicines are not provided in those areas even after a week had passed.”

 The report added: “There are plenty of relief materials, personnel and equipments; but we found that there was no coordination and cooperation among the State, Central and other Voluntary Organizations. In fact we found that there was confusion among them. The officers connected with Disaster Management appeared to be unaware of their duties and responsibilities. Consequently, as stated above, there was no coordination in providing relief materials, rescue operation for the affected citizens.”

The report said “The first and foremost duty of public servants engaged in providing relief to the distressed people shall be to allocate definite works  - such as evacuation, medical assistance, food and shelter etc. - to the concerned employees with specific time frame prescribed according to the Relief Manual and relevant Guidelines.”

The BJP wants the Central Disaster Management Team “be pressed into service for providing relief and rescue operations on a war footing. We suggest that two to three helicopters should be immediately engaged on daily basis to evacuate the affected persons from Dzongu, Chungthang, Lachen and Lachung.”

SIBLAC demands suspension of all hydel projects

HILL MEDIA Network

Gangtok, Oct 1: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has demanded suspension of all activities relating to hydro electric power projects in the State till the submission of a report by an experts committee on the issue.

This was decided during a meeting of the organization held here this week where several local social activists participated.

SIBLAC has decided to constitute a People’s Forum on Earthquake to assess damages caused to affected areas of North Sikkim during the recent earthquake.

A 10-member Fact Finding Committee (FFC) headed by SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia has been constituted to assess quake damages in the tribal-dominated region of North Sikkim bordering Tibet and Nepal.

During its meeting SIBLAC also formed a drafting committee headed by Prof. Hem Lal Bhandari and three lawyers. The FFC is likely to visit earthquake affected areas of  North Sikkim district and submit its report to the Union Government and others, according to a press release of the organization.

During the meeting the members demanded constitution of an Independent High Powered Committee by the Union Government headed by retired Chief Justice of Supreme Court and that should comprise of experts in the field of seismology, structured engineering and geological science.

SIBLAC, an umbrella organization of the indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha tribals, said holy scriptures of Sikkimese Buddhism had already warned of the devastating destruction to the land and its people if the sacred and holy land was defiled. It said the authorities, due to greed for money and lust for power, failed to heed the warning.

To introspect on what went wrong, SIBLAC convened a meeting of concerned citizens and members of civil society here on Thursday which saw the participation of Prof. Hemlal Bhandari, professor and senior lawyer,  Bharat Basnet, President of SAFE, Navin Kiran Pradhan, President, ASEUA, Prem Goyal, President, Nagarik Suraksha Sangathan, Dr. Doma T Bhutia, senior lawyer and a human rights activist, S.P.Subba, retired civil servant, Jangpo Sherpa,  Supreme Court advocate, Dawa Lepcha, General Secretary, ACT, Pabitra Bhandari, senior journalist, Sonam Bhutia, Co-ordinator, NAAS, Gayching Bhutia, Advisor, Rongong Youth Club, Kamal Chamling “Kamrange’,  an eminent writer, Jigme W. Bhutia, advocate, and Punya Prasad Koirala, senior journalist.

Scrap hydel projects, save Sikkim: Bhandari    

Gangtok, Oct 1: Former Chief Minister and State Congress chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari has warned the Centre to scrap all hydel projects in the State if it wants “Sikkim to exist as a State.”

In a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Bhandari said the Sikkimese people want a “rethink” on all mega hydel projects in the State.

While demanding immediate scrapping of all hydel projects, seen as a big threat to Sikkim, Bhandari has also asked for a CBI probe into violation of labourAct by power project developers.

The Congress chief has also accused the State Government of flouting national guidelines and not floating tenders for allotment of power projects to private parties. These irregularities must be probed by the Central agencies, Bhandari said in the letter.

He pointed out that in the past scientists, experts, geologists and seismologist have advised against mega hydel projects in the State but this has been conveniently overlooked by the authorities.

“This is just the beginning of the end of Sikkim,” Bhandari warned and pointed out that the Centre should pay close attention to the State since it is located in a sensitive and strategic area.

'Sikkim quake may have been induced by dams across Teesta'

Darjeeling, Oct 1: Border Road Organisation (BRO) personnel use an explosive device to clear a landslide at Phengla on the outskirts of Gangtok after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit the region. Rescue teams backed by army sappers using explosives tried to force their way to the remote epicentre. Before the grim search for more victims can even begin, the main challenge is to reach the isolated, mountainous impact zone on the border between Sikkim and Nepal.

Professor Jeta Sankrityayan, former member State Planning Board, West Bengal and also a member of the landslide expert committee 1998, has opined that the presence of multiple dams on the river Teesta and its tributaries could either induce or accelerate earthquakes.

“In early 1970 a major earthquake in Maharashtra had been triggered by the Koyna dam located on the Sahyadri Hills. Though the role of the dams on the River Teesta in the recent quake is yet to be studied, the earthquake could have been induced or accelerated by the dams (dam induced seismicity )” feels Sankrityayan.

The committee on landslides, which had also studied the tectonic plate movement, had handed over recommendations to the government of West Bengal in 2000. The committee had recommended that no constructions should be allowed on the rivers.

The Central government’s “master vision” identifies the North-Eastern region as “India’s future powerhouse” by building about 168 dams in the region. To do this, the Teesta river in Sikkim is being extensively dammed.

Around 35 hydel power projects have been identified in this region with the Teesta Low Dam (TLD) project being the most prominent. The TLD project, harnesses the Teesta river, which originates in Sikkim and flows through North Bengal, creates a 332 MW capacity split into four stages.

The first two stages for a total of 100 MW are in Sikkim, while stage III of 100 MW and stage four of 132 MW are in West Bengal.

“It is very unfortunate that the Government does not pay heed to recommendations of its own committee for which the public have to suffer. Something more devastating can happen any day. It is time the public woke up and pressurized the Government to act more reasonably. Electricity in lieu of lives is not a very human option” added Sankrityayan.

The Himalayas are a young chain of mountains formed by the Indian tectonic plate colliding with the Eurasian plate.

While the river Teesta flows in a north-south direction, the Himalayan fault lines lie in the east west direction.

“A major fault line is located at Kalijhora (considered the best location to study Himalayan fault lines) and Teesta Low Dam Stage 4 is located at Kalijhora” stated Sankrityayan.

Explaining dam induced seismicity, Sankrityayan stated that owing to the dams checking the flow of the river, the water becomes heavy and starts going down, usually seeping into crevasse.

“Water being a new element in the faults and crevasses in the mountain, the mountain starts adjusting which causes the seismic movements” stated Sankrityayan. The very flow of Teesta is an indicator of the fault line.

While in Sikkim the Teesta flows is curves (zig zag) after Teesta Bazar in West Bengal it flows in a straight line which suggests that it could be flowing along fault line in West Bengal.

“Very few earthquake movements are in a North-South direction but the 6.8 magnitude quake which hit Sikkim and this region was in a North-South movement. The epicenter was at the base of Mount Kanchenjunga. The mountain moved.”

“It took a mere two seconds for the earthquake to reach North Bengal University near Siliguri in the plains from Gangtok which is very unusual” stated the Professor. The shake intensity recorded was 7 Mercalli in Mangan, 38 km from the epicenter and 7 Mercalli in Siliguri 144 km away from Mangan. Gangtok too recorded a shake intensity of 7 Mercalli, stated Sankrityayan. 

“A full scale inspection and study should be conducted by geologists and earth scientists into the recent quake and on the dam induced seismicity. It should be an independent probe not influenced by the Government. We should not be accelerating or bringing in such natural events otherwise we will definitely have to pay a dear price” suggested the Professor. (The Hindustan Times)

Sikkim earthquake unusual, say geologists

Observer News Service

Bangalore, Oct 1: The earthquake that rocked Sikkim on September 18 is unusual in terms of its magnitude and nature of origin, say leading geologists.

"There is nothing surprising in this earthquake as the region north of Sikkim, which forms the outliers of Tibetan tectonics, is known for moderate earthquakes in the past," C.P. Rajendran at the Indian Institute of Science here told IANS.

But what makes it different is its "unusually greater magnitude".

These earthquakes are different in the sense they are along the somewhat north-south structures trending transverse to the east-west Himalayan axis, Rajendran said. They are different from the usual Himalayan thrust earthquakes that are caused by the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate.

Vineet Gahaulat at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in Hyderabad said: "The (Sikkim) earthquake highlights the presence of the role of transverse features in the Himalayas."

"This 6.9 magnitude earthquake possibly occurred on a northwest-southeast trending almost vertical fault through strike slip motion."

"This is what we generally do not expect in the Himalayas," Gahaulat said. "We expect large magnitude earthquakes on the detachment having thrust motion on gently dipping planes - like the 1999 Chamoli and 1991 Uttarkashi earthquakes."

Gahaulat said the role of transverse features in segmenting the Himalayan arc and accommodating some of the convergence of the India-Eurasia plates have been talked about earlier.

"But this one (Sikkim quake) makes it clearer as this is possibly the largest magnitude earthquake of this type in the Himalayas."

Gahaulat is also surprised at the fewer number of aftershocks - only two to three aftershocks of magnitude greater than 4.5. "So where are all the aftershocks gone? Are they yet to occur in the following days," he asked.

According to Gahaulat, "we need to be careful" if, in the coming days, the aftershocks occur southeast of the main shock epicentre - the way two aftershocks have occurred.

"The region where the main shock occurred has very low population density, but further southeast, population density is higher," he cautioned.

"The occurrence of this earthquake does not lower down the threat from the great earthquake which we expect in the Himalayas," the NGRI scientist warned.

The one (or more) which is expected will be a thrust type earthquake on the detachment which will be much more devastating than this one, he said.

"We need to treat each and every earthquake in a special way, you just need to turn it around and it will tell a somewhat different story."

Rajendran, however, does not think this particular event in Sikkim can be treated as a precursory signal to any major earthquake that may occur in future along the Himalayan arc.

"Having said that, the fact remains that some historically earthquake-deficient parts of the Himalayas has the potential to generate large earthquakes any time, irrespective of the present earthquake," he cautioned.

PERSPECTIVE

9/18 Earthquake: Wake-up call for all Sikkimese

By Deyang Dolkar Gyatso

This article is dedicated to my Beloved Uncle Late Yab Tashi Tobgay Tobden (01.12.1948 - 06.04.2009) and Aunt Late Chum Chukie Tobden Wakjilingpa (28.11.1954-06.04.2009)…mentor, friend, confidant … guardian angels, who taught me how unique and precious Sikkim really is.

It has been said that whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and I know that this stands true for every Sikkimese since that frightfully, petrifying episode of an earthquake (6-9 Richter Scale, Sept 18, 2011) that jolted the otherwise composed place that we call home – SIKKIM.

The finest part of it all, however, is that everyone is chipping in to do their bit…and it just doesn’t get better than this. I only wish the people, who I know and who really cared about Sikkim, were here to see this today. So, I’m going to dedicate this note to the people who repeatedly recounted the history of Sikkim to me ever since I can remember and how we could be going about it in the wrong direction. It all makes sense to me now and I earnestly hope it does the same for you, too.

After much thought and a little bit of looking deeper within I couldn’t help but notice how blessed the place really is. Let me explain myself and see if you can help me make sense of the statement I just made.

Here’s a brief background history of Sikkim that I have borrowed and would love for all to read, discuss, question, answer, argue, portray, accept, reject, represent – but above all be conscious of so we all recognise how special and unique this place really is… so that we all know where we’ve come from… so we all have a sense of belonging… so we know how much is really at stake.

Sikkim is a land blessed by Mahaguru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, in the 8th century AD. Dey-jong Nay-yik (descriptive scriptures about Sikkim) and Ney-sol Pecha (prayer texts dedicated to Sikkim deities) have given detailed accounts of Sikkim as bey-yul or a hidden land. These Buddhist scriptures mention about three stages of discovery and civilization in Sikkim as early period, middle period and later or modern period. The records mention about the existence of Lepcha tradition prior to these periods.

Ghangchhen mZod Nga, the main protector deity of Sikkim, identified as Mount Ghangchhen – mZod – Nga (Kanchenjunga) is blessed by Guru Rinpoche. In Sikkim, this sacred mountain peak surrounded by hundreds and thousands of other peaks, lakes, rocks, trees/groves and meadows are regarded as the abodes of local deities of Sikkim. In the early period, Chenreyzig, Dolma Tronyerchen and Guru Rinpoche, accompanied by his foremost 25 disciples, blessed this land and marked Tashiding, West Sikkim, as the centre of the Holy Land.

At the four directions of Tashiding, four holy caves blessed by Guru Rinpoche are located. In the middle period, Terton Rigzing Goedemchen (1337- 1408) located and blessed this hidden land. The later period commenced with the advent of the Naljor Chedshi in the middle of the 17th century AD as per Guru Rinpoche’s prophesy. The modern history of Sikkim dates back to the 17^th century when three incarnates of Guru Rinpoche – Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzing Kuntu Zangpo and Gnadak Sempa Phuntsog Rigzing – enthroned the first Chogyal (Dharma King), Phuntsog Namgyal at Norbugang, Yuksam in West Sikkim.

Records reveal that Phuntsog Namgyal assumed the seat of Dharma King in 1642 AD. The main consecration at Yuksam took place in 1646. Till that period, the hidden land was under the charge of Mon Thekongsalang, a Lepcha chief blessed by Guru Rinpoche as ‘Nadak’ (protector of the holy land). The evidence of these historic facts in existence are the foot prints and body marks of Guru Rinpoche on rocks and in holy caves and the stone coronation throne at Yuksam. Other evidences are the foot prints of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo at Yuksam Norbugang and seat of Mon Thekongsalang at Thrakthungrong in West Sikkim.

Dejong Nayyik gives the description of Sikkim as Bayyul Demo Jong written in many Buddhist scriptures discovered or revealed by a number of Tertons (Dharma treasure revealers).

Naysol Pecha, another book written by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, is a prayer text describing the whole range of Sikkim as Phu (interior), Dha (lower) and Bar (middle) parts as regions where guardian/local deities were posted for the protection of the land. He has given detailed names of the deities reminding them of the promises made to Guru Rinpoche. Forseeing, the possibility of defilement of these abodes of deities in future, words were put in the book to appease them by prayers and offerings of sang, serkyem and tsog.

For me, it made sense that since we, as followers of Guru Rinpoche, cannot seem to take care of our precious inheritance so unique to Sikkim, and/or go about important religious ceremonies in a slap-dash way. Maybe we deserved what we got. In fact – call me a cynic – but I would’ve actually expected it sooner.

Now, on to the monasteries, especially those that have been affected by the devastating earthquake. The most holy chhorten (stupa) in Sikkim is at Tashiding built in 1716. So sacred it is that the mere act of beholding it is supposed to cleanse one from all sins. Its full title is Thon-wa rang dol, or “Liberation by Mere Sight.” It owes its special sanctity to its reputedly containing some of the funereal granules of the Buddha antecedent to Sakya Muni, the relics having been deposited there by Namkha Jigme Pawo, the third incarnate of Lhatsun Chenpo. As a result of this repute it is a favourite destination for Buddhist pilgrims.

The legendary Bhumchhu event is held at Tashiding annually on the fifteenth day of the first lunar calendar. It might not be out of place to mention here that the Holy Water to fill the vase for the Bhumchhu is collected from Rothongchu river in West Sikkim.

The oldest monastery in Sikkim, Dubde (“the hermits cell”) in Yuksom, was founded by the pioneer Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in 1642. I would recommend every Sikkimese to pay this blessed and ancient monastery a visit in his/her lifetime. Sangachholing (also in West Sikkim), meaning “the place of secret spells”, is open to all members of all classes of Sikkim, including females and deformed persons. It was built in 1697.

It is said that Pemiongchi monastery, meaning “the sublime perfect lotus”, was designed, if not actually built, by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo as a high class monastery for ta-sang (“pure monks”) of pure lhopo race, celibate and undeformed. Significantly, only the monks of Pemiongchi monastery in Sikkim enjoy the title of ta-sang and to its lamas is reserved the honour of anointing with holy waters the reigning Sovereign, meaning only the Pemiongchi monks are entitled to consecrate the Chogyals of Sikkim.

The Enchey Monastery, meaning the “high strong place”, was built in 1840. Folklore has it that a famous Lama Dubthob Karpu flew from Mainam, in Yangang (south Sikkim) to the present Enchey Monastery (Gangtok) site for meditation. The monastery stands on the very site of meditation. A place revered and respected and in some ways feared this is another very important monastery that literally unifies sentient beings from all walks of life.

So maybe – just  maybe – this (9/18 quake) is a wake-up call for us all to remind us how special Beyul Denjong truly is and how much is really at stake here. Let this event not be some fairy-tale, some grandma’s tale a hundred years down the line but a reality like it feels to me even today, in spite of all the scepticism that might surround it. Every Sikkimese has the right to know our history, the way it has been told from time immemorial, the way I have known it myself and the way we can tell it to the future generations. (HILL MEDIA Network)