HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN      Feb 15, 2012

Nepal PM to inaugurate Global Bihar summit

Patna, Feb 14: The Global Bihar Summit 2012, which is scheduled to explore and discuss new strategies for the State's development, will be inaugurated here on February 17 by Nepal Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai.

 Bhattarai, who is scheduled to arrive here on February 17, will lead a 17-member delegation of his country for the three-day summit, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister S K Modi said, PTI reported.

About 1,000 delegates from India and abroad are expected to participate in the summit. Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, RBI Governor D Subba Rao, British economist Nicholas Stern, Lord Meghnad Desai, industrialist Kumar Manglam Birla, lyricist Javed Akhtar and film maker Prakash Jha would be among the participants, Modi said.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and  former Japan PM Kan Naoto are also expected to be present during the function.

He said objective of the summit is to explore the potential areas Bihar's progress. The summit is be jointly organised by Bihar Foundation, Institute for Human Development and Asian Development Research Institute.

Tibet protesters arrested in US amid China visit

Himalayan News Network

Washington, Feb 14: Police on Monday arrested activists who unfurled a banner reading, "Tibet Will be Free," on a major Washington bridge during a closely watched visit by China's leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping.

Officers briefly took four people into custody after they rappelled down the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which connects Virginia with central Washington's National Mall, to hang the banner, police said.

The four -- two of whom were taken by a police boat as they dangled down the side of the bridge over the Potomac River -- were arrested on charges of trespassing, US Park Police spokesman Sergeant David Schlosser said, AFP reported.

The activists from the group Students for a Free Tibet said that they were later released after being issued citations with fines of about $250 each for trespassing and disorderly conduct.

"I wanted to send a message to Xi Jinping, and also to the Tibetan people that we stand in solidarity with them," said one of the four, Tenzin Jigme.

Culture, adventure package draw UK tourists to Bhutan

T. Dem

Thimphu, Feb 14: Latest yearly tourism figures for Bhutan show a significant increase in the number of UK visitors to the country in 2011 compared to those of 2010.

37,481 international visitors entered Bhutan in 2011, representing a 38% increase from the 27,196 in 2010. Of those 2,795 were British compared to 1,772 from the previous year – an increase of 1,023, according to reports.

COMO Hotels and Resorts, which owns Uma Paro, the first luxury hotel to open in the country in 2004, also saw an increase in UK and international visitors with many staying at the property for a longer length of time than before.  Of the back of this increased demand, COMO will be opening a sister lodge, Uma Punakha in September 2012, to enable guests to enjoy greater cultural and physical adventure within the country.

The hotel is situated on a hillside in the lush Punakha Valley, a five-hour drive from Paro.  The intimate, 11-room lodge will offer the option of a two-centre stay with COMO and provide even more reasons to explore the beautiful centre and east of the country

Much of the growth in tourism to Bhutan can be attributed to the attractiveness of the country for adventure and culture including trekking, mountain biking, archery, yoga and even spa.  One tour operator which has been sending more UK travellers to Bhutan is Ampersand Travel. 

Its founder James Jayasundera said: “The combination of better quality hotels and more exciting possibilities for adventure has led to this increase in numbers.  Bhutan is becoming more accessible yet retains its air of mystery and strong cultural heritage which has always been very attractive to Ampersand customers.”

Ten Tibetan journalists jailed in China

Hill Media Network

Lhasa, Feb 14: As the Chinese authorities continue to ban access to journalists attempting to report on the situation inside Tibet, a global annual census on imprisoned journalists conducted by a leading international NGO promoting press freedom reveals that 10 out of 27 known journalists imprisoned in China are Tibetans. Six are Uyghurs.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in its December 2011 Prison Census on China said that Tibetans and Uyghurs form the bulk of journalists jailed in China, adding this unfortunate trend dates back to the widespread 2008 and 2009 protests in Tibet and East Turkestan (Chinese: Xinjiang) respectively.

The ten imprisoned Tibetan journalists are documentary filmmaker Dhondup Wangchen (sentenced to 6 years since December 28, 2009, detained in March 26, 2008); Kunchok Tsephel Gopey Tsang, online writer for Tibetan cultural issues website, Chomei (15 years since November 2009, detained in February 26, 2009); Kunga Tsayang aka Gangyi, political essayist, photographer and environmental activist (5 years since November 2010, detained inMarch 17, 2009); Tashi Rabten, writer /publisher of Shar Dungri magazine (4 years since 2 June 2011, detained since April 6, 2010); Dokru Tsultrim, the twice-detained monk writer forKhawai Tsesok journal (formal charges undisclosed); Jolep Dawa, writer and editor of Durab Kyi Nga magazine (3 years since October 2011, detained in October 1, 2010); Choepa Lugyal aka Meycheh, freelance writer for Shar Dungri magazine (formal charges and wherabouts are unknown, detained in October 19, 2011).

The writer and editor Jangtse Donkho aka Nyen and his fellow writer for Shar Dungrimagazine Buddha were detained since June-July 2010. Both were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment subjected to hard labor since October 2010 while another writer for Shar Dungri, Kalsang Jinpa aka Garmi who was arrested along with Nyen and Buddha was sentenced to 3 years in October 2010. In January 2011, the three were imprisoned subjected to hard labor in Mianyang jail near Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

Nepali Congress for talks on federalism

Kathmandu, Feb 14: Nepali Congress (NC) lawmakers and Central Working Committee (CWC) members have urged the party leadership to take the lead to settle differences seen over federal structure under the new statute.

During a joint meeting of the party´s CWC members and lawmakers organized by its Central Policy Orientation Academy last week, the NC leaders argued that the party should hold negotiations with various other parties and ethnic organizations to persuade them over the NC´s position, The Republica reported.

The meeting comes against the background of the State Restructuring Commission (SRC) submitting two separate reports to the government on federal state structure.

Addressing the meeting, NC CWC member and lawmaker Gagan Thapa argued that the NC cannot afford to remain a back-bencher and only react to the federal models floated by others.

“We have already agreed to go for federalism. We now have a situation where we in the Nepali Congress can ourselves develop a single federal state model through consensus,” he said.

He also suggested to the party leadership to start negotiations with other political parties and various ethnic organizations advocating ethnicity-based federal states to bring them around to the NC´s position.

NC lawmaker Uma Kanta Chaudhary asked the party to take a clear position on Madhes.

“The Nepali Congress has a popular base in Madhes. Our party would benefit hugely in the next election if it took a clear position on the federal state agenda in Madhes,” CWC member Jiwan Pariyar quoted Chaudhary as saying. Chaudhary added that the Madhesi people are in favor of a separate Madhes federal state.

Hostel for JK students in Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 14: In order to mitigate the difficulty of students from Jammu and Kashmir in finding appropriate accommodation in Delhi during their studies, the Jammu and Kashmir Government last week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) to provide accommodation to 400 students from Jammu and Kashmir at PG, Graduate and School level in JMI.

 The MoU was signed by the Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Tanveer Jahan, on behalf of the State Government and Registrar JMI, S. M. Sajjad and Union Joint Secretary (K), Ministry of Home Affairs, K. Skandan in presence of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for Home Affairs, P. Chidambaram, Union Education Secretary and Vice Chancellor JMI.

 The Government of Jammu and Kashmir will release a sum of Rs 16.22 crore to JMI in installments to finance the construction of hostel building, including appropriate furniture and fixtures in JMI Campus, to enable JMI to provide accommodation to 400 students from the State of Jammu and Kashmir. The amount so released by Jammu and Kashmir shall be reimbursed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The land for the hostel will be provided by the JMI within its campus.

 The project will be completed within 24 months from the date of commencement of  construction. The 400 students from Jammu and Kashmir to be accommodated in the hostel will only be those admitted to the JMI University and its affiliated schools and for that purpose the concerned Hostel Committee of JMI shall include a representative from the Jammu and Kashmir State Government (Education Department) while allotting hostel accommodation to the students.

Opposition wrath

Will Nepal go the Sikkim way?    

Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai’s ‘Lendhup Remark’ wherein he threatened possible merger either with India or China if Nepal failed to become a vibrant bridge between the two countries has drawn expected criticism from selected opposition.

Not all in the opposition bench in Nepal differ with Prime Minister Bhattarai for obvious reasons. May be Nehru is their political guru.

Bhattarai the other day in an interaction with his preferred group of journalists while deriding at Nepal’s unifier King Prithivi Narayan Shah had claimed that “If we fail to come out from the buffer state mentality, there looms largely a threat of either merging with India or China.”

The Nepali Congress chief-whip Laxman Ghimire and United Marxist Leninists’ reliable ‘US contact’ Bhim Rawal criticized India trained Nepal’s Prime Minister Baburam for making the irresponsible remark. Both Ghimire and Rawal were speaking at the parliament.

Mr. Ghimire seeking immediate clarification from the Prime Minister said, “The Prime Minister should appear in the parliament and provide immediate clarifications for his irresponsible remarks.”

Prime Minister Bhattarai’s akin to ‘Lendhup remarks’, claim experts, have come at a time when a section of critics suspect that the birth of the Unified Maoists Party, the decade long rebellion, India forced anti-national 12 Points Agreement, declaration of the republican order, chaos thereafter and eventually Baburam becoming the country’s prime minister---series of events make it clear that the country is headings towards possible disintegration or merger with India. Could be? Full circle of People’s War.

The US government’s reliable communist contact in Nepal, Mr. Rawal also came down heavily upon the Prime Minister for his anti-national remarks.

Said Rawal, “During his India visit, the Prime Minister had claimed that he "gambled" in Delhi while signing the BIPPA with India. Now, he is talking about ‘merger of the nation-state," Rawal said.

To recall, Lendhup (Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa – the first Chief Minister of Sikkim) assisted Madame Gandhi for Independent and Sovereign Sikkim's merger into the Indian Union. Later Lendhup died an unsung death. (Telegraph Nepal)

Editorial

SACRED SIKKIM

Don’t Repeat Mistakes

The scrapping of two controversial hydroelectric projects in West Sikkim by the Sikkim Government recently follows a statewide agitation by social organisations, whose main opposition to these projects are based on religious and historical grounds. Traditionally, West Sikkim is regarded as a sacred place for Sikkimese Buddhism. Most of the important and ancient monasteries in Sikkim are located in this region, which has been blessed by many religious leaders of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche himself lived and meditated in the various sacred caves in this district when he visited the former kingdom in the 8^th century. Sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destinations such as Tashiding, Pamayangtse and Khechoepelri Lake draw many pilgrims from far and wide every year.

Nearly four hundred years after the coming of Sikkim’s ancestor Khye Bumsa the first Sikkimese monarch, Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal, was installed as the ruler (Chogyal) at Norbugang in Yuksam in West Sikkim in 1642. The minority Bhutia-Lepchas, who  reluctantly accepted Sikkim’s merger with India, still want to preserve their ancient cultural heritage within the framework of the Indian Constitution. The Chamling Government is likely to also scrap the Tashiding hydel project as per the wishes of the people. Hopefully, future governments will not repeat the same mistakes. It is politically and financially unwise to go ahead with projects that are not in the best interest of the people.

“Muivah has failed to keep his promise to the people of Nagaland”

ULFA chief Paresh Barua guns at NSCN’s Thuinglang Muivah for disintegrating insurgent movements in Northeast

Riding close on the heels of the first ever formal peace talks between United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA)’s pro talk faction and the Centre, the Commander-in-chief of the banned outfit Paresh Barua, who leads the anti-talk camp, has hit out at his one-time ‘close friend’, General Secretary of National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac Muivah) (NSCN-IM), Thuinglang Muivah accusing him of disintegrating the Northeast insurgent movements by siding with the Indian Government and, thereby, failing to keep his promise made to the people of Nagaland.

The NSCN(IM) has been involved in a peace parley with New Delhi since 1997. Union Home Ministry insiders have confirmed to TEHELKA that a new settlement of the long-continuing Naga conflict will be achieved before Christmas. In such a scenario a snub from Paresh Barua will leave Muivah and his team in utter discomfort.

“Muivah is responsible for the disintegration of Northeast insurgent struggle for sovereignty. The Government for long has been taking advantage of the discord among various outfits of the region. Way back in 1985, ULFA has proposed to NSCN (IM) general secretary Th.Muivah to initiate a unity move among Northeast rebel groups since ULFA feared that Government will try to divide and encourage fratricidal killings. But Muivah sided with the Government of India. Thus Muivah has failed to keep his promise to the people of Nagaland,” reads the statement issued by Arunoday Dohutia, press secretary of Paresh Barua led anti-talk faction of ULFA.

The statement further referred to the 10 October incident where there was a huge gun battle between the NSCN (IM) and Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) in Manipur. The Barua faction feels Muivah’s decision to go alone and not unite the various rebel outfits of Northeast had dealt a blow to the survival of the underground insurgent movements in the region and, in the process, he has betrayed other rebel outfits and people of Northeast.

Independent watchers feel that by issuing such statements the anti-talk faction of ULFA is making a mistake. “The problem of division among various rebel groups in the Northeast is nothing new. It has been there because of high assertions of ethnicity that reduced the ground for the outfits to come closer. The Indian State has always been able to take advantage of this situation, thus by making such statement Paresh Barua is falling into the same trap which he accuses Muivah of falling into,” explained Subir Bhaumik, Editor, Seven Sisters Post.

Between 1985 and 1990 ULFA’s cadres were baptised in terror by the NSCN. They used to share camps in the head quarters of undivided NSCN in Kesan Chanlam on the other side of the Indo-Myanmar border across from Nagaland. After NSCN got divided, the military wing of ULFA under Barua’s leadership has maintained close ties with both the factions. “We have come to know from surrendered ULFA cadres that once Paresh was fond of Muivah but friction developed between the two outfits after Paresh became close to the rival faction of Khaplang-led NSCN-IM. ULFA and NSCN once got engaged in a gun fight over control of a corridor in NC hills,” a senior military intelligence officer said. NSCN(IM) top leader Anthony Shimray, who was in charge of the outfits arms procurement, was hand-in-gloves with Barua before his arrest in Nepal. (Tehelka) 

Bangladeshis refuse to be Sikkim of India

India has alerted its army to extend all sorts of assistance to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid if another attempt was made to remove her from power. The Bangladeshi army spokesman disclosed recently that a coup against the government planned by religious elements within the military was recently foiled without giving specific dates.

According to reports, published in the Indian media, Indian army bases near Bangladesh’s border have been asked to remain alert and there have been regular contacts with country’s embassy in New Delhi to forestall any attempt to dislodge the government. The reports of the Indian actions and concerns over an internal matter have further infuriated the proud Bangladeshis who have centuries-old history of not accepting hegemony of others and they do not want their country to become another Sikkim of India.

In 2009, two months after Hasina Wajid took office after general elections, Bangladeshi border guards mutinied and many serving army officers were killed. That shows the strong resentment among the armed forces over incumbent government’s close relation with India and underlines tension between the government and elements in the military that have lingered since the mutiny in 2009.

India wants its hegemony over Bangladesh and dictates its terms to get concessions and policies of its liking implemented by the sitting Government in Dhaka in return for support in the creation of the country in 1971. This is not acceptable to the people and they oppose any move of the government that gives the impression of surrendering to Indian dictation.

There are border and other disputes between the two countries but the long running water discord is of serious concern for Bangladeshis who want the government to control its political itching and take stand against Indian abuses. But the problem is that India has its own long-term designs and the ongoing tussle reflects that all is not well in India’s relations with Bangladesh. In the present international scenario, every state and its people want relations with other countries on equal basis and one fears that more India will interfere and assert in Bangladeshi affairs, more the resistance would be.(Pakistan Observer)

Sikkim not controversial: Gautam

Filmmaker Goutam Ghosh recently claimed that Satyajit Ray’s documentary “Sikkim” had been unjustifiably banned since 1975.

The DVD of the documentary created to portray its namesake, produced by the Royal family of a sovereign Sikkim in 1971 and banned by the Indian Government till 2010, was finally launched by Angel Digital in Kolkata last month.

While occupying the podium during the event Ghosh said, “The documentary was about the sovereign state of Sikkim before India annexed it, so perhaps there were political reasons but I still cannot justify the banning of this film as it contains no infuriating or controversial footage.”

“People had a great curiosity about this film as it was made by the legendary director Satyajit Ray and it is great that they will finally get to see it,” he remarked.

Fellow filmmaker and Satyajit Ray’s son Sandip Ray shared a few anecdotes from his experiences during a shooting trip to Sikkim with his father while affirming to the notion that “Sikkim portrays only the flora and fauna of the land. It only shows the beautiful landscape and I assure you that there are no controversial footages.”

Ray revealed that obtaining a decent print had been a hassle as the owner of the original negative Hope Cooke, the wife of the then Chogyal (King) of Sikkim, could not be contacted.

“It is really lucky that a print of this film was found with one of my father’s old friend and distributor in London because the original negative is no longer available,” Ray remarked.

“Some parts of the movie have been restored and though the original quality of colour was really great, this print is viewable and at least people will get the opportunity to see this,” he said.

Ray urged the distributors to produce compilations of his father’s other short films as this is the high time for their release.

“It would be great if the short films of my father are released because I believe the people are ready to see them now and so I request the producers to do something about it,” Ray said. (India Blooms News Service)

Left Front for Central intervention in Darjeeling

Kolkata, Feb 14: The Left Front is approaching the Centre to urge it to take steps to arrest the deteriorating political situation in Darjeeling in the wake of various pro-Gorkhaland groups taking out rallies in the Hill town in support of a separate Gorkhaland.

“Darjeeling is among the many issues where the State Government has failed to bring a solution,” State Opposition leader, Suryakanto Mishra said on Monday adding that he would reach the Central Government “seeking its immediate intervention before the situation spins out of control,” a national daily reported.

Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the Gorkha Janmutki Morcha, had on Sunday taken out huge processions in Darjeeling in support of a separate State. The rally came close on the heels of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s meeting with the GJM leadership where she assured them of quick commissioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration accord.

The tripartite accord signed by the State, Centre and the GJM in July 2011stipulates carving out of an autonomous zone comprising three Hill sub-divisions of Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong, apart from the Dooars and Terrain area in the foothills and contiguous Plains inhabited by the adivasis and Bengalis. A high-powered committee led by (retd) Justice Sabyasachi Sen is looking into the territory aspect of the treaty amid protests from the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad and the local Bengalis.

“The treaty should have been implemented by the end of January, ie within six months of its signing. But it seems that the Government is not sincere about its implementation which makes the creation of a separate Gorkhaland all the more necessary,” said IM Pakhrin a senior GJM leader, wondering “how far the Hills can wait for the GTA to happen.”

Meanwhile, the Opposition parties in Darjeeling have already come under an umbrella to take on the GJMM forcing Gurung to press for quick implementation of GTA.   

JAC rally in Sikkim to protest Tashiding hydel project

Gangtok, Feb 14: The Joint Action Committee, a common platform to protest hydel power projects in Sikkim, organized a rally on Monday in West Sikkim demanding the scrapping of the third hydel power project Tashiding by the State Government.

The rally follows the scrapping of two hydel projects, Lethang and Ting Ting on Rathong Chu river in West Sikkim, considered sacred by Buddhists in Sikkim.

Thousands participated in the rally at the district headquarters of Geyzing, according to Nawin Kiran Pradhan, President of All Sikkim Educated Self Educated and Unemployed Association.

Pradhan said that the association has welcomed the historic decisions of the state government in scrapping Lethang and Ting Ting hydel projects. “If the state government does not accept our demands we will start a mass agitation,” said Pradhan.

Darjeeling ropeway reopens after more than 8 years

Darjeeling, Feb 14: The Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway in Darjeeling was reopened for the public this week after more than 8-year freeze.

The Ropeway is a joint venture by the West Bengal Forest Development Corporation and Conveyor and Ropeway Services (CRS).

A major tourist attraction, the services had been closed down following a fatal accident on October 19, 2003 which had resulted in the death of 4 passengers and had critically injured 11.

With demands of the reopening of the Ropeway from different quarters,  Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had assured that it would be functional from October 2011 (Durga Pujas). However, owing to technical hitches the deadline could not be met.

Following a thorough survey by the Metallurgical and Engineering Consultants (India) Limited (Mecon), this Central Government undertaking had furnished a list of technical recommendations, including modern safety features.

10 gondolas will undertake the 2km run between Singamari, adjacent to the St Joseph's School, North Point, on the outskirts of the Darjeeling town at 6,500ft to Tukvar tea garden at 6,000ft.

The ropeway was started in 1968 by the forest development department and comprised only a single car which ran one way. Later, it was upgraded to 16 cars and went to and fro from North Point to Singla Bazar, 8 km away.

Fight Maoist propaganda in Northeast: Pillai

P. Ghosh

Guwahati, Feb 14:  Former Union Home Secretary G.K. Pillai on Monday urged political parties and NGOs in Assam to counter Maoist propaganda at the grassroots level.

 Pillai also said the Army's role in counter-insurgency operations in the northeast could be reduced provided the State Governments were willing to upgrade their police forces.

“The subtle campaign of the Maoists to portray themselves as champions of the underdog and protector of the deprived is but a part of their larger campaign to seize political power through an armed struggle. And Assam needs to learn from the experiences of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha and nip it in the bud,” he said, while delivering the keynote address at a two-day seminar organised by the Centre for Development and Peace Studies (CDPS) here, a regional daily reported.

Describing Manipur as “perhaps the most problematic state in the North East as no genuine dialogue has yet taken place with the insurgent groups,” he said the disconnect between the State government and the Government of India on how to tackle the security situation and the consequent social and economic fallout “is more worrying.”

Presently a Distinguished Fellow of the Delhi-based Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Pillai alleged that the State police force in Manipur had become “politicised” and “highly dysfunctional.”

“The contours of peace in Manipur are still not clear. At present, this is hostage to the ongoing peace process with the Nagas. The government and the people of Manipur will have to be consulted and made a party to in the final settlement, which as Government of India has repeatedly stressed, respects the territorial integrity of Manipur and of other States in the northeast,” he said.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said proper utilisation of natural resources and generating employment opportunities were the keys to sustaining peace in Assam and the other north-eastern States. He, however, asserted that the Maoists would never be successful in Assam. Mr. Gogoi also said that he saw no difference between the Maoists and various insurgent groups of the region.

British Deputy High Commissioner to Eastern India, Sanjay Wadvani, said that the North East had tremendous economic potential and, in the current climate with many radical groups preferring dialogue to settle disputes, the moment seems opportune to build peace in the region and give a new vigour to development.

Sikkim Observer Feb 11, 2012

Mamata pits GJM against Centre on GTA delay

Siliguri, Feb 11: In a shrewd move Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today averted a possible attack from Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and set the fuming Darjeeling outfit against the Central Government for the delay in implementation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) accord.

The Chief Minister, who was meeting a GJM delegation led by Roshan Giri and Harka Bahadur Chetri not only managed to convince the hill leaders that the delay was not on account of the Writers’ Buildings but the Central Government, but also empathised with the delegation for the political pressure they had to handle in the hills on account of the non-implementation of the accord.

“We have communicated our concerns to the Chief Minister and she has told us that she would take it up with the Centre when she visits Delhi later this month,” a visibly satisfied Giri said quickly reminding the March 27 deadline for the implementation of the accord set by GJM chief Bimal Gurung “stands.” Gurung had earlier warned he would tear off and burn the copy of the treaty if the deadline was not met by the Government.

“The GJM leaders have valid concerns about the delay in the implementation of the GTA accord but here I must say that the State Government is not responsible for the delay as it has done its work,” Banerjee said adding the Centre had sought certain clarifications which had already been sent by the State Government and “now it is for them to do the rest.”

The Chief Minister said she had “sought the appointment of the Prime Minister either on 23rd or 24th of February and if I get the appointment I would certainly press for quick implementation of the accord.” The Chief Minister said she would return to Darjeeling on February 27.

Guv urged to protect civil rights

Gangtok, Feb 10: The Joint Action Committee, ‘Common Platform’ yesterday submitted a memorandum to Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh urging him to safeguard fundamental civil rights of citizens in the State.

The appeal to the Governor comes after the recent incident in Singtam in South Sikkim, where two members of the

All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association were assaulted while distributing pamphlets protesting against implementation of hydel power projects in West Sikkim.

The Association President Nawin Kiran Pradhan said freedom of speech and expression were part of fundamental democratic rights guaranteed under the Constitution and urged the Governor to safeguard these rights. He said if these rights were suppressed peace in the State would be disturbed.

 “We welcome the decision of the state government of the closure of the two hydro-electric projects 99 MW Ting Ting HEP, 96 MW Lethang HEP being undertaken in Yuksom, Tashiding Constituency in West Sikkim in public interest with immediate effect,” said  JAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia at a press briefing. Bhutia also requested the State Government to scrap the Tashiding hydel project in West Sikkim.

Bhutia body to felicitate CM on closure of hydel projects

Gangtok, Feb 10: The State Government has ordered the scrapping of two controversial hydel projects in West Sikkim: 99 MW Ting Ting and 96 MW Lethang hydro electric projects.

The closure of these projects came through a notification from the Home Department, Government of Sikkim, vide number 12/Home/2012 dated 08.02.2012.

The National Sikkimese Bhutia Orgnisation (NASB0), which is one of the social organizations agitating against projects on historical and religious grounds, has welcomed the closure of these projects and has thanked all those responsible for opposing these projects.

The Organisation said it would felicitate Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for the “historic decision”. It has also urged the State Government to scrap the Tashiding hydro electric project in West Sikkim.

 Sikkim press body expresses concern over Kalimpong media threat

 Gangtok, Feb 10: The Sikkim Federation of Working Journalist (SFWJ) has expressed its concern over the growing fear psychosis that has compelled the electronic news channel in Kalimpong to shutdown.

Media reports of  on the shutdown episode indicate unfavorable situation cropping in around Kalimpong for the safety and secure working environment of the Fourth Estate, Prabin Khaling, the Federation’s Vice-President said in a Press release.

  The Federation is likely to seek the immediate attention of the district administration to ensure the fundamental freedom of the media and the people at large, Khaling said.

“We express solidarity with the aggrieved Press circle in Kalimpong” and intend to “bring the state of affairs at present in Kalimpong to the notice of the Press Council of India,” Khaling said.

The Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) and Journalist Club of Sikkim (JCS) have also raised their voice against those who are threatening the media in neighbouring Kalimpong.

“The media fraternity of Sikkim is sad with this incident and records its solidarity with the mediapersons of Kalimpong,” PCS President Bhim Rawat said in a statement.

Survey for Sevoke-Sikkim rail track approved

Kolkata, Feb 10: The controversial broad gauge railway track, proposed between Sevoke in Darjeeling and Rangpo in Sikkim, has been given a survey approval.

To be conducted by the state forest department, the survey will precede the laying of the track that will run through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Once the survey is complete, the report will be sent to the Union environment ministry that will revert back to the state forest department with its feedback, The Times of India reported.

It will be followed by an environment impact assessment (EIA) that will decide whether the project will receive a go-ahead. This was decided at a meeting of the State Wildlife Board on Monday.

Editorial

CONG HOPEFUL

UP Poll Prospects

The Congress party is going all-out to regain the confidence of voters in the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh. But despite predictions of a better performance by the Congress in the Assembly elections the grand old party needs to tie up with the Samajwadi Party (SP) to form the next government. According to predictions, SP is likely retain the lead in winning most of the seats in the 403-seat Assembly followed by Mayawati’s BSP. Rahul Gandhi’s statement that the party would “go it alone” in UP and that it “is in coalition only with the poor,” is mere rhetoric as his party will find it almost impossible to form a majority on its own.

Both the SP and Congress are heavily banking on the Muslim community, which comprise 18% of the population. The Mayawati government is clearly on the back foot, with a deteriorating law and order situation and opposition parties going on the offensive. The Congress is in a campaign mode seeking to build on its surprisingly strong showing in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, with Rahul Gandhi himself resorting to agitational politics, and his pointsman Digvijaya Singh assiduously wooing the Muslim community.

KATHMANDU KALEIDOSCOPE
Politics And The Common Man

Despite the ever-changing political scenario and unfailing load sheddings, coupled with constant traffic jams and the increasing inflow of rural people into the streets of Kathmandu, this ancient city never fails to dazzle and fascinate its constant flow of visitors. Shopping at foreign tourist-dominated area of Thamel, Darbar Marg and some of the city’s many shopping malls is not only fun but interesting, too.

Kathmandu’s heritage sites are everywhere and one can do your purchases as well as visit the many pilgrimage centers  and heritage sites as you move around. Tourism and pilgrimage go together in the overcrowded streets and this is the beauty of the city. The Swoyambhunath stupa overlooking the city and perhaps the largest stupa in the world in Boudha receive constant flow of Buddhist devotees from all across the Himalaya. Politicians ought to give the Nepalese a break. Streets need to be cleaned, power restored, supply of cooking gas and petrol increased and more importantly there should be enough supply of safe drinking water. These are the needs of the common man even as politicians struggle to draft a new constitution while bickering over its federal structure.

Tibet has a friend in the USA: US Congressman

Dharamsala, Feb 10: The United States is likely to urge its Ambassador Gary Locke to raise China’s “repressive policies” in Tibet with the Chinese government.

In a statement on the recent self-immolations of Tibetans in Tibet, US Congressman Frank Wolf said “The stakes are high in Tibet and the Chinese government knows it.  They are tightening their grip on the region.”

He said, “I have urged U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke to raise the government’s repressive policies in Tibet with senior Chinese party officials and publicly use his platform to make it clear to the Tibetan people that they have a friend in the United States of America.”

“I stand in solidarity with all of the friends of Tibet who today have gathered in Washington, D.C. and in cities around the globe to testify to the deepening crisis in Tibet and find common cause with the suffering people of Tibet.

You are rightly holding vigil outside of the Chinese embassy for it is the Chinese government’s brutal and repressive policies which are the source of this human rights crisis.”

Wolf said, “The free world has been horrified by the string of self-immolations of Tibetans over the last year, including several monks and nuns.  These peace-loving Tibetans have set themselves aflame in desperation at the abuses suffered by their people at the hands of the Chinese government.”

Japan funds for Sikkim quake

Gangtok, Feb 10: The Sikkim forest department will receive Rs 13.12 crore from a Japanese government agency to rebuild the infrastructure damaged in last year’s devastating earthquake.

The amount has been sanctioned by the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) that is funding a project to ensure alternative livelihood for people living on forest fringes in Sikkim, according to a national daily.

The release of the amount was announced by JICA representative Vineet Sarin during a review of the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) here last week. The Rs 330.57 crore project is being executed by the forest department.

“The JICA is extremely sad about what happened in Sikkim on September 18. Although the release of Rs 13.12 crore was not in the original project, it is something which the JICA has offered to the forest department. There has been a lot of destruction and the JICA would like to support the department in whatever way possible within the parameters of the project to restore the damaged infrastructure,” said Sarin.

Farmers undergo training on organic farming in Namchi

Gangtok, Feb 10: An orientation-cum-training programme based on Internal Control System for wider and successful effect of Sikkim Organic Mission was held at the conference hall of District Administrative Centre, Namchi, South Sikkim, yesterday and today.

This two-day workshop was organized by the MR Morarka GDC Rural Research Foundation (Jaipur) in collaboration with Food Supply, Agriculture, Horticulture & Cash Crop Development Department, an IPR release said.

The objective of this programme is to train the field supervisors, panchayat members and local farmers and equip them for successful and efficient implementation of the Sikkim Organic Mission in the rural areas. They were provided with training and information based on documentation of organic farming by the resource persons and officials of the department and Morarka Foundation.

Under this programme, the field supervisors have been selected from the State Livelihood Schools who have undergone three months training in certificate course of Agricultural Management.

Lachen says no to mineral water bottles

Gangtok, Feb 10:  On the occasion of World Wetlands Day on February 2, the Lachen Dzumsa consisting of the Pipons, Gyambos, Chultimpa (representative of Lamas), along with the public of Lachen has decided to ban mineral water bottles in the village of Lachen and higher areas from the upcoming tourist season.

This decision has been made as an initiative for conservation of the holy lake of Gurudongmar situated at 5,183 metres, which over the years has been growing as a tourist destination in the State. The lake area is a biodiversity hotspot, The Assam Tribune reported.

Receiving more than 15,000 visitors annually in the form of pilgrims and tourists, one of the major threats to the holy lake is from garbage disposal.

This was clearly indicated during the cleanliness campaign organised jointly by WWF-India and Lachen Tourism Development Committee in collaboration with the Lachen Dzumsa around the lake side, on the occasion of World Environment Day last year. Thirty big sacks of tins, and plastics of which a large part was mineral water bottles were collected during the drive, the report said.

Understanding the need for having a proper garbage management and regulation process in place, Lachen Dzumsa, with assistance from LTDC and WWF, will develop a strategy for monitoring of the garbage that goes up to the lake, and ensuring that it is brought back to Lachen. A proposal for construction of a garbage segregation chamber at Lachen is also in the pipeline.

Tourists will be sensitised on the matter so that they come to realise that natural mountain water is safer and healthier than those packaged and sold in plastic bottles. With the decision, Lachen becomes the first village in Sikkim to ban the use and sale of bottled water.

The model will look into possibility of complete ban on the use of bottled water in Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake with promotion of filtered water for the tourists at these villages.

Ashit Rai to represent Sikkim at editors meet

Gangtok, Feb 10: Ashit Rai, editor of Sikkim Mail, an English daily, will represent the State at the All India Editors Conference on Social Issue at Poducherry on Feb 10-11.

The conference will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni and the Union Minister for Rural Development, Jairam Ramesh, a PIB release said.

The Conference will enable editors to get a detailed background of the government’s  policies and programmes in the area of social and economic development and provide a platform for interaction with ministers and senior officers. The conference will also provide an opportunity to the government to get feedback from journalist specializing on these issues.

Sikkim/People & Places

Rattled Heritage: Sikkim’s Monasteries after the Quake

By CHETAN RAJ SHRESTHA

For a week after the Sept. 18 earthquake, many towns in Sikkim were cut off from the outside world. The roads slowly became passable and as they did, photographs and video clips began to circulate. Rumors traveled too, especially that the major monasteries – Pemayangtse, Dubdi, Tashiding and Ringhim – were barely standing and that some of the smaller monasteries in Khechiperi and Hongdi (Pawo Hungri)  had been obliterated.

The truth has proven more reassuring. There was damage, but not outright destruction. However, it is clear that the monasteries, chief items in Sikkim’s meager architectural heritage, were the hardest hit buildings in the quake.

After the earthquake, the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department undertook a survey in Sikkim’s four districts. I visited some monasteries alone, some with local officials, and was given information on others. I also assisted with a report summarizing these assessments that covered 121 religious and cultural properties.

Some trends were apparent. Recent concrete and brick monasteries fared well unless poorly constructed. The older stone and mud monasteries, some of which date back to the early 1700s, were badly affected. Walls had collapsed completely, roofs detached from walls and internal murals were scarred by cracks. A gradual analysis identified four main reasons for the damages: local intensity of the quake, soil subsidence, shoddy construction and age.

Much of the damage was done by two forces – intensity and subsidence. The quake’s magnitude was 6.8, but distributed unequally in Sikkim. In the north, where it was most severe, reinforced concrete monasteries in Chungthang and Lachung were rattled enough to be declared unstable. Subsidence has the greatest potential for long-term danger. The earthquake could be seen as a 35-second repositioning of the mountains and even now reports are coming in of monasteries, such as Ralang in South Sikkim, where cracks are still widening.

What will happen during the monsoon season, when rainwater pours into a loosened mountainside, should but has not caused apprehension among the authorities and the monks.

Proportionately speaking, amateur construction appears to have contributed little to the general damage. But in terms of what it indicates and presages, it is the most worrying. In recent decades, nearly all the monasteries have been constructed or repaired by the monks themselves. “Contract lamas,’’ as they are called, are common in Sikkim. They propose projects, are paid and execute the work in between their religious duties, or sometimes at their expense. The government, anxious to please a powerful constituency, does not interfere.

Some contract lamas are perhaps thinking, with some wistfulness, of the central government’s pledge to “reconstruct’’ Sikkim with a special focus on its monasteries. This relief package is by now mythically generous. Its largesse fluctuates between 2.5 billion rupees (about $49 million) and 10 billion rupees (about $199 million) . But nothing has arrived until now; four months after the quake.

The monks will determine whether the older monasteries, so crucial to an understanding of Sikkim’s architectural history, will be restored or torn down and rebuilt. They will have to choose between demolition and conservation, with persuasions from both sides. Chawang and Hee Gyathang in North Sikkim are two monasteries whose committees have chosen to restore the masonry buildings which were damaged on September 18.

Stone masonry monasteries were the hardest hit, suffering all the effects of a crippling accident in old age. Loose stones, weak mortar and decaying wood members contributed to an overall frailty. But physical evidence and oral records testify that they were regularly rebuilt after disasters like the January 1934 Great Bihar earthquake and the June 1897 Great Assam earthquake, both of which affected Sikkim.

When rebuilding happens now, though, convenience is often the deciding factor. The obvious inflictions on the stone facades of the older monasteries – broken walls, collapsed altars – are contrasted with the relative health of the concrete monasteries and presented as proof of the older monasteries’ weakness. That some of them have stood for a few centuries means little.

A century is an eon in Sikkim. Indians sometimes seem to shrug while treating their relics with cheerful disregard; they contend there is a surfeit of history in India. But Sikkim lacks that dubious luxury. Here, mythical history is abundant, recorded history is recent and tangible heritage is scarce.

Sikkim was annexed into the Indian union in 1975, an act commonly called the “merger.’’ It brought Sikkim statehood and with it, regular and substantial funds from the central government. Most of the newer monasteries date from after 1975, either constructed on new land or to replace older structures.

The Buddhist scriptures do not provide guidelines for concrete constructions, and it is uncertain where the contract lamas acquired their knowledge. Inspections after the quake revealed absurdly bad building practices – beams larger than their supporting columns, improperly cured concrete, inadequate reinforcement. The older masonry monasteries were almost always built by the monks and laity, but they used materials – timber, stone, thatch – that they were familiar with. It is their unfamiliarity with concrete that opens the way for amateur construction and material corruption.

The monks’ fondness for concrete led them to dismantle much of their own heritage over the past two decades. The new monasteries are often built on the site of the previous structures for the opposing reasons of sanctity – the footprint of the existing monastery is itself considered holy – and convenience – the debris is often cannibalized to abet new construction.

This insensitivity is not limited to Sikkim. Tawang, a 400-year-old monastery in Arunachal Pradesh state and the largest one in India, has only one original building. The Dalai Lama reportedly admonished the monks of the ancient Dhankar Monastery, in Himachal Pradesh state, asking them to conserve rather than rebuild, a directive they heeded. His Holiness ought to turn his disapproving gaze eastwards.

Part of the present ugliness in monastic construction may have a bitter root. Sikkim has historically looked up to Tibet for political and religious guidance. After the closure of the Tibet border in 1962 following the Indo-China war, the artery between Sikkim and its cultural heart was severed, and it was isolated from discourses in monastery conservation. There is a nascent admiration for Bhutan, which shares Sikkim’s paucity of heritage items but which has shrewdly managed a sensitive conservation of its monastic heritage.

Competition is common among monasteries in Sikkim. In an attempt to upstage each other, some institutions have replaced stone with bricks, mud with cement, timber with marble. Where marble cannot be obtained, they prefer bathroom tiles, the more luridly colored the better.

If desire is the cause of suffering, as Buddhism holds, how much sadness must there be in the smaller monasteries in Sikkim, which aspire to the opulence achieved by the larger ones? It shows the monks as distressingly human, tormented by the same impulses that beset the laity.

(Chetan Raj Shrestha is an architect currently practising in Sikkim. He specializes in conservation architecture and writes in his spare time: The New York Times)

SIKKIM OBSERVER        Jan 26, 2012

GUV, CM R-DAY MESSAGE

Sikkim is one of the most progressive states: Chamling

Democracy has taken deep roots in Sikkim: Guv

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Jan 25: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said Sikkim is “one of the most progressive States in the country” and the progress made in the State reflects a fine balance of “tradition and modernity.”

In his R-Day message, the Chief Minister said “It has been an arduous journey to bring about emotional integration of our people with the country.”

“I am proud to state that after 36 years of following the democratic principles in the State, we have achieved many milestone after milestone in the development process. Sikkim today stands tall as one of the most progressive States in the Country,” Chamling said.

“Traditional bottlenecks including inadequate connectivity, socio-economic disparity, lack of infrastructure for various high end activities and institute building are being taken care of,” the Chief Minister said.

Governor BP Singh urged the people to “remember, with gratefulness, our freedom fighters who gave up their lives for the cause of securing independence so that we could live as free citizens.”

He said “democracy has taken deep roots” in the State” and “the atmosphere is conducive for the overall wellbeing of the Sikkimese people.”

“The State enjoys unparalleled peace, progress and prosperity. As the State marches towards modernity, we continue to put emphasis on preservation of our rich culture and heritage,” the Governor said in his R-Day message.

SC notice to Chamling on corruption

“Withdrawal of CBI probe malafide”

New Delhi, Jan 25: The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Centre and the CBI on a plea seeking independent probe into allegations of misuse of government funds by Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and his ministers who have been ruling the State since 1994.

A bench comprising justices R M Lodha and H L Gokhale also issued notice to the Sikkim government and the chief minister on the petition filed by two residents of the State, Delay Namgyal and Pema Dadul. The petitioners have accused Chamling and others of indulging in corrupt practice claiming that a report by the CBI earlier had confirmed that several others in his Cabinet have assets that cannot be accounted for, PTI and IANS reported.

The petitioners alleged that the order for withdrawal of the CBI to probe into charges of corruption in Sikkim was issued to thwart the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe against Chamling and other ministers in his government for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices. Prior to the notification there was a general consent under which CBI could proceed against any official of the state or the central government in the state without any sanction.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel Raju Ramachandran told the court that they have moved the court as it is matter of utmost public importance. He told the court that the decision of the State Government to restrict the jurisdiction of the CBI on the basis of the requirement of prior sanction and refusal to accord such consent against the Chief Minister was vitiated by malafide.

Senior lawyer Ram Jethamalani, appearing for the Sikkim Government, opposed the petition saying that it was politically motivated case but the court observed that it was not getting any picture of it being a political case. Senior counsel K.K.Venugopal, appearing for Chamling, told the court that the petition was against the refusal of Right to Information (RTI) application against the chief minister and thus they should go before the appropriate appellate forum under the RTI Act.

The court too was not impressed by the plea of the State's Advocate General A. Mariarputham that the State Government has already instituted an inquiry into the matter and there was no need for probe by CBI. The inquiry was under the State Government, the court observed.

The petition said that the initial CBI probe has found that Chamling and legislators, during the period 1999-2009 "had indulged in various corrupt practices including the commission of criminal misconduct and acquisition of disproportionate assets".

Cong leader lauds SC order to combat graft

Gangtok, Jan 25: Former Minister and Congress leader KN Upreti has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to begin corruption cases against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

Reacting to the apex court’s decision to serve notice to the Chief Minister, Upreti in a press statement said the order is a show cause notice why the CBI should not begin probe into alleged corrupt practices of the Chief Minister.

Upreti also blamed the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee President N B Bhandari for entering into a “secret negotiation” with Chamling to ensure that the CBI does not begin investigation into Chamling and his Cabinet colleagues’ “corruption cases and misuse of public fund.”

He blamed Bhandari and Congress senior leader Kunga Nima Lepcha for “betraying the party and the people” on the corruption issue.

“However, Mr Chamling’s money power has failed ultimately and he has to face the consequences of indulging in excessive corruption and misusing power,” the release said. Upreti thanked Delay Namgyal and Pema Dadul, the petitioners, for their effort and “achievement.”

Hissey is Sikkim’s RS candidate

Gangtok, Jan 25: Former minister and three-time MLA from North Sikkim, Hissey Lachungpa, is the State’s lone Rajya Sabha candidate.

The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which has all the 32 seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, on Monday declared Lachungpa as its candidate for the RS seat. Lachungpa was the only candidate to file the nomination papers for the seat.

Lachungpa, who was the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, had resigned from the post.

The present RS MP OT Lepcha is expected to retire soon.

Bhaichung’s rare treat for football fans in Sikkim

Gangtok, Jan 25: Sikkim United on Sunday got the better of 'Super Star XI', which included soccer greats such as former Dutch striker Rudd Gullit and legendary Scorpion guitarist Rudolf Schenkar, in an exhibition match here at the Paljor Stadium.

Organised by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia in collaboration with the Sikkim government, proceeds from the match will be given to victims of the earthquake that rocked the state in September last year.

People from all over the State flocked to the Paljor Stadium to get a glimpse of the stars who entertained one and all with their talents.

The 'Super Star XI', besides Gullit and Schenkar, included Frenchman Christian Karembu, Tim Tranker (World Motor Sports Champion), former India footballers Shyam Thapa, IM Vijayan and Bollywood actors Rahul Bose and Neha Dhupia to name a few.

The event started with Kolkata-based band 'Under Ground Authority' and rock outfit, 'Still Waters' from Sikkim, jamming with the Scorpion guitarist, belting out numbers like 'Rock You Like a Hurricane', which set the mood for the gala evening, a national daily reported.

USFC struck first with two goals in the seventh and 19th minute by striker Daniel. Thoi found the net in the 12th, Beiko in the 35th, Thupden six minutes later, MD Lepcha in the 57th and Bhupendra Khewa in the 70th minute, as the hosts completed a 7-4 win.

Goals for the 'Super Star XI' came from Marcel Oerlemans who scored thrice, in the 30th, 64th and 68th minutes, and Sushi Singh hit the net in the 32nd minute.

"This is a historical day for Sikkim and the event has been possible only because of the support of the state government and the personal intervention of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling who is also an avid football lover," stated Sports Secretary, Karma P Bhutia.

Ray's 'Sikkim' documentary now in markets

Kolkata, Jan 25: After having dogged controversies ever since it was made four decades ago, Satyajit Ray's rare documentary 'Sikkim' has been released on Monday in the CD format.

The 52-minute documentary, commissioned in 1971 by the last Chogyal (king) of Sikkim - Palden Thondup Namgyal - was banned after a few scenes went against the liking of the rulers, PTI reported.

When the Himalayan kingdom merged with India in 1975, the Indian government also banned it. Two years ago, the ministry of external affairs lifted the ban on the film. Since then, 'Sikkim' has been shown only to restricted audiences at film festivals, including the 2010 Kolkata Film Festival.

 "We do not know why the film was banned for so long But it is not a political film and has no propaganda. It is about the flora, fauna, the natural beauty and diversity of the Himalayan kingdom," Ray's son Sandip said.

After releasing the DVD and VCD release of 'Sikkim', he said that the original negative of the film is lost. A damaged print of the film was restored by the Gangtok-based Art and Culture Trust (ACT) of Sikkim in 2002 with support of The Academy of Motion Pictures, Art and Science in California. "I remember that the original film had excellent colours. But unfortunately now it is lost. However, the present CD version is viewable," Sandip Ray said.

PRIDE OF SIKKIM Bhaichung Bhutia

THE BALLAD OF BHAICHUNG BHUTIA

By Leonard Lefevre

COME GATHER ROUND FOLKS BOTH YOUNG AND OLD TO HEAR THIS TRUE STORY

OF HOW A YOUNG SIKKIMESE LAD BROUGHT THIS FAIR LAND OF OURS SUCH GLORY!!

THE HEARTWARMING STORY OF ONE WHO SHOWED US THAT NO MATTER HOW HUMBLE ONES BIRTH,

HARD WORK AND DEVOTION CAN MAKE YOUR NAME AND FAME SPREAD TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.

FROM A SLEEPY LITTLE VILLAGE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE HIMALAYAN SNOWS

WITH ROLLING GREEN HILLS AND WHERE THE CHILL WIND BLOWS,

WAS BORN A YOUNG LAD WITH A BIG DREAM AND A HEART OF GOLD

THE STORY OF WHOSE LIFE AND DEEDS WILL FOR CENTURIES BE TOLD.

THEY NAMED HIM BAICHUNG, WHICH MEANS "LITTLE BROTHER"

AND IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD, HE REALLY WAS LIKE NO OTHER!!

HIS EYES WERE FILLED WITH MISCHIEF AND HE COULD NEVER SIT STILL,

FROM A VERY TENDER AGE YOU JUST KNEW HE WAS 'LICENSED TO THRILL' !

HE WENT SCHOOL IN PAKYONG AND THEN AS A SAI SCHOLAR TO TNA

WHERE HE WAS PURE "NATURAL" AT EVERY SPORT HE DECIDED TO PLAY.

WITH SWEAT DRENCHED JERSEY AND BLOODIED SHINS AND A DIRTY BANDAGED KNEE,

TO FIND HIM JOSTLING FOR THE BALL WITH THE BIGGER BOYS WAS COMMON TO SEE!

HE LOVED A CHALLENGE AND NEVER SHIRKED FROM A FIGHT,

THOUGH OFTEN HE'D LOSE HE WOULD GIVE IT ALL HIS MIGHT.

NOT ONCE DID HE COMPLAIN OR LOOK FOR EXCUSES TO LOSE,

TO WIN EVERY GAME AND KEEP ON TRYING WAS HIS ONLY RUSE.

HE HAD A VERY KIND AND LOVING NATURE AND WAS SOON EVERYBODY'S PET,

FOR WE ALL KNOW THAT KIDS LIKE HIM IN THE WORLD OF TODAY ARE REALLY HARD TO GET!

HE WAS EXTREMELY WELL MANNERED AND NEVER FORGOT TO SAY 'THANK YOU' AND 'PLEASE',

AND WHAT IS MORE HE COULD HANDLE BOTH SPORTS AND STUDIES WITH CONSUMATE EASE!

YOU WOULD FIND HIM PLAYING FOOTBALL ON THE GROUND AT THE CRACK OF DAWN

FOR TO PLAY THE "BEAUTIFUL GAME" I GUESS HE KNEW HE WAS BORN.

HE WOULD ALWAYS BE THE LAST ONE TO LEAVE THE PITCH AFTER EVENING GAMES

AND WOULD HARDLY EVEN NOTICE WHEN THE WARDEN CALLED HIM NAMES!!

HE WOULD PRACTISE BACK VOLLEYS IN THE DORM AT NIGHT

MUCH LONG AFTER THE DORM INCHARGE HAD TURNED OUT THE LIGHT!!!

HE WOULD SKIP HIS SUNDAY OUTINGS AND EVEN HIS TEA,

THE FOOTBALL PITCH WAS THE ONLY PLACE HE EVER WANTED TO BE!!

HE HAD FEET LIKE QUICKSILVER AND COULD TURN ON A DIME,

THE DEFENDERS WHO MARKED HIM JUST DID NOT HAVE TIME.

HE'D DRIBBLE RIGHT PAST THEM AS IF THEY DID NOT EXIST

AND TO CELEBRATE EACH GOAL IN STYLE HE NEVER COULD RESIST!!

NOT BEFORE LONG HE WAS PLAYING IN THE GOVERNOR'S GOLD CUP,

THE SMALLEST AND YOUNGEST IN THE SQUAD LIKE A CUTE LITTLE PEKINESE PUP!!

HE'D SHAKE OFF SEASONED DEFENDERS AND LEAVE THEM FOR DEAD

AND THOUGH HE WASN'T VERY TALL HE COULD EVEN SCORE WITH HIS HEAD!

HIS TALENTS WERE RECOGNIZED AND HE WAS INVITED TO JOIN ONE OF THE 'BIG CLUBS'

PUNDITS SHOOK THEIR HEADS AND SAID "HE'LL JUST WARM THE BENCH AS ONE OF THE SUBS"

BUT HE HAD A DREAM IN HIS HEART AND HE WOULD NEVER LET IT DIE,

SO HE LEFT HIS HOME AND HIS CLOSE FRIENDS AND BADE THEM A SAD GOODBYE.

HE WORKED REALLY HARD AND KNEW HE HAD TO LEAD A LIFE OF SACRIFICE

AND GIVE UP ALL THE THINGS THAT TEENAGERS HIS AGE REALLY FIND NICE.

HE TRAINED AND TOILED NIGHT AND DAY IN THE SWELTERING HEAT,

FOR HE HAD A REALLY RESOLUTE SPIRIT THAT WAS DIFFICULT TO BEAT.

HE SCORED MANY A GLORIOUS GOAL AND WAS THE CROWDS DELIGHT,

THE SAME PUNDITS NOW SAID THE FUTURE OF INDIAN FOOTBALL LOOKED BRIGHT.

THE BACK VOLLEYS HE HAD SO ASSIDUOUSLY WORKED ON IN THE DARK

WERE SCORED AT WILL AS IF IT WERE JUST ANOTHER STROLL IN THE PARK!!

TABLOIDS CALLED HIM "THE TINKITAM EXPRESS" AND "THE BOY WONDER",

AS WITH HIS DEFT SKILLS HE TORE THE BEST DEFENCES ASUNDER.

"THE PIN UP BOY OF INDIAN FOOTBALL" HE WAS SOON TO BECOME

FOR HE HAD GROWN INTO A STRAPPING LAD WHO WAS SO HANDSOME!!

BUT HE WANTED TO LEARN MORE AND FOREIGN SHORES BECKONED,

IT WAS THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE HIS OWN GAME HE RECKONED,

SO HE PACKED HIS BAGS AND BOOTS AND MOVED TO BURY FC IN 'BLIGHTY',

AND WAS A GREAT SUCCESS THERE AS ALL HIS FANS COULD SEE.

HE THEN WENT ON TO PLAY FOR PERAK CLUB IN MALAYSIA,

AND WAS ALSO THE BEST FOOTBALLER IN THE CONTINENT OF ASIA.

STATISTICS WILL RECORD THE THINGS HE DID AND THE GOALS HE SCORED

BUT NO STATS WILL TELL OF HOW HE THRILLED THE FANS AND NEVER LEFT THEM BORED.

HE EVEN FOUND TIME TO DANCE HIS WAY INTO THE HEARTS OF INDIAN FANS

THOUGH I'M PRETTY SURE IT WAS NOT PART OF HIS LIFE'S INITIAL PLANS!

THE ACCOLADES KEPT FLOWING AND HE WON THE ARJUNA AWARD AND THE PADMA SHREE

BUT HE REMAINED SIMPLE AND HUMBLE AND ACCEPTED THEM WITH ALL MODESTY.

ON JANUARY 15TH 2012 AGAINST BAYERN MUNICH IN INDIAN COLOURS HE DID LAST APPEAR,

AND WE WERE FORCED TO BID ADEIU TO ONE WE LOVED AND CHERISHED SO DEAR!

AND THOUGH IT WILL BE VERY LONG BEFORE HIS MANY FANS EVER RECOVER

BAICHUNG WILL LIVE ON AND ON IN THE HEARTS OF EVERY FOOTBALL LOVER.

SO THIS MY FRIENDS IS THE TALE OF ONE I LOVED SO WELL

WHOSE STORY I KNEW I JUST HAD TO TELL.

YOU MAY ASK ME "WHAT MADE BAICHUNG SO GREAT?"

MANY SAY "HE WAS LUCKY AND IT WAS JUST HIS FATE."

BUT I KNOW IT WAS HARD WORK AND A "NEVER SAY DIE" SPIRIT

THAT BROUGHT HIM SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING WITH IT.

WHAT DROVE HIM WAS HIS DEEP PASSION AND LOVE FOR THE GAME,

AND THE 'BY PRODUCTS' JUST MAY HAVE BEEN MONEY AND FAME.

HE KNEW WHERE HE CAME FROM AND NEVER GREW "TOO BIG FOR HIS BOOTS"

HE NEVER GREW WINGS AND ALWAYS STAYED TRUE TO HIS ROOTS .

HIS HEART REMAINS BIG AND FULL OF LOVE AND HE CARES FOR EVERYONE,

AND THERIN GOOD FOLKS LIES THE TRUE GREATNESS OF SIKKIM’S BEST LOVED SON!!

(The writer was a biology teacher and dorm-incharge of Bhaichung Bhutia among other things at Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, Sikkim)

Memories of Sikkim’s date with Romeo in Sikkim

Shyam Pradhan’s Romeo in Sikkim was Sikkim’s first Hindi movie.

By Sheetal Pradhan

Sikkim became a part of mighty Indian Union in 1975 and in the last 37 years a small Himalayan kingdom transferred itself to become one of the most beautiful tourist centers of the world. The same year a milestone was accomplished from Sikkim in the world of Indian Cinema but more than three decades later the story seems forgotten to the wheel of clock.

I wanted to be part of the history in re-introducing behind the stories of Romeo in Sikkim, a Hindi film that had few landmarks still unknown to many. Romeo in Sikkim is the first Hindi film to be produced from Sikkim and first Nepali actor Shyam Pradhan, to play a lead role in a bollyhood film.

Shyam Pradhan went on to act in another film, the first Hindi-Nepali bilingual feature film that never saw the light of the day. He later went on to make two successful Nepali movies Bhool and Sanjiwani. Sanjiwani was made in three languages simultaneously - Nepali, Bengali and Hindi. The Hindi version is yet to be released. 

It was Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’, Sansthapak of famed Singtam Basibiyalo, Praveen Pradhan, President of SPARK NGO from Singtam and me who visited the residence of the Shyam Pradhan a couple of weeks back. He was about to leave for Siliguri but delayed his programme for us. Such was his friendly persona that the anecdote he shared with us about Romeo in Sikkim and his other projects made me just listen to him…silently.

Shyam Pradhan, then a 19 year old from a well-established business family from Gangtok acted in a lead role in a colour Hindi movie Romeo in Sikkim shot exclusively in Sikkim and in some parts of Darjeeling and in Bombay, now Mumbai. With Amina Kareem as a lead actress who had played a small role in Danny Denzongpa’s Hindi film Mere Apne, Romeo in Sikkim had a gifted star casts in the caliber of legendary KN Singh, Kundan, Om Prakash, Seema Kapoor and others. Harikrishna Kaul directed the movie, while the shooting of the film was completed in 3 months and the beautiful songs composed by Vishwanath.

The film was shot in 1973 in 33 mm and released in 1975 at Bombay; in Sikkim it was first released in Denzong Cinema Hall and later on at Vajra Cinema Hall too, where it ran for 15 successive days, says Shyam Pradhan.

I first heard about Romeo in Sikkim from an audio music cassette of legendary Bollyhood Singer Mukesh. Being a big fan of Mukesh, I found it very surprising to read the lines on the cover of the audio cassette that mentioned a song “Jiska Sapna” from the movie Romeo in Sikkim. Similarly in few days I also found another song sung by Mukesh from another Hindi movie that had another interesting title Road to Sikkim.  So when I first got an opportunity to speak to Shyam Pradhan himself, I just wanted to know about his memory of Mukesh.

He went on to say, Mukesh was a big name and he was very interested to know about the place called Sikkim and meet the hero of Romeo in Sikkim. When Mukesh finally met the lead actor, Mukesh was bit surprised and in a sarcastic way asked his music director, “How can I sing for him”. Definitely it was hard for Mukesh to give a feel to the song looking at the young artiste from Sikkim, the place he had never heard. Mukesh just went near Shyam Pradhan, hugged him and told him, “I will try my best.” After 18 retakes the recording of the song was completed and after 37 years of the first release of Romeo in Sikkim, the only thing that remains popular is that immortal song …..Jiska Sapana.

Romeo in Sikkim had four songs and the list of singers just amazing, Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi, and Suman Kalyanpur, a classic collection.

Sikkim on tourism recovery mission

Gangtok, Jan 25: Sikkim government has decided to undertake a year long tourism recovery mission to bring tourism in the state back to its pre-earthquake level and even beyond.

 Tourism minister Bhim Prasad Dhungel said. "A clear-cut message will be sent to the rest of the country and even abroad that Sikkim remains the safest and the most popular destination for the tourists," Tourism Minister Bhim P Dhungel said at press conference in connection with Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival 2012 here, PTI reported.

Describing the Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival scheduled for February 14th to 29 as the first step under the mission, Dhungel said that it will be followed by the Sikkim Youth Adventure Festival-2012 in March. Speaking on the occasion, president of the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) Lukendra Rasaily said a variety of activities will be organized to woo the tourists during the 15-day long Snow Festival. These will include skiing, mountain biking, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing and other adventures, besides folk song , folk dance and local food festivals,he said. The Tourism Minister also launched the website of the Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival –www.sikkimsnowfest.com and publicity material for the Festival.

EDITORIAL

CORRUPTION IN SIKKIM

Green Signal From Supreme Court

The anti-corruption campaign in Sikkim is likely to take a big leap forward with the Supreme Court taking cognizance of a petition filed against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who has been in power for the fourth consecutive term since 1994. Realizing the alleged tacit understanding between the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front and the Sikkim unit of the Congress on tackling corruption in the State some political activists took the matter to the apex court recently to seek justice for Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Legal battles in India take ages to reach a verdict but the decision of the Supreme Court to send a notice to Chamling and his colleagues (former and present) in the Cabinet has got the ball rolling on rampant corruption in India’s youngest State.

It will now be very difficult for Chamling to buy peace with every politician in the State given the support the anti-corruption campaign has among the general public. The Sikkimese people are fed up with the scale of corruption in every sphere of life in the State. Former Chief Minister and Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee President Nar Bahadur Bhandari was only recently convicted and jailed for allowing corrupt practices to cause unnecessary loss to the State exchequer. Now the present Chief Minister has to face the music on the same issue. If the apex court takes a serious view of rampant corruption in Sikkim many heads are sure to roll.

IMPLEMENT GTA

Respect 2011 Accord

The people of Darjeeling district cannot afford another prolonged political stalemate. The allegation that both the West Bengal Government and the Centre have not done much to implement the provisions of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in the past six years has some basis. Merely announcing development schemes in the hills without financial resources to implement them will further agitate the hill people many of whom have resorted to their original statehood demand.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which has worked very hard to get the GTA, must be given enough time to restore Darjeeling to its past glory. If the Centre and the State Government gives the much-needed backing to the GTA there is every possibility of Darjeeling being one of the top destinations in the tourism sector. If those who run the GTA sets better example in running the administration then the demand for Union Territory status and statehood may be justified.