HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday Nov 28-Dec 4, 2012  

Mount Hermon gave me a sound foundation: CJI

    Chief Justice Altamas Kabir (third from right) at Mt. Hermon School's Speech Day function in    

    Darjeeling on November 24, 2012.

Darjeeling, Nov 27: Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir candidly acknowledged that he owed much to his alma mater for what he is today. “What we are today is because of the basic grounding that we got from Mount Hermon School,” Justice Kabir said during his brief address at the school’s annual Speech Day function here on Saturday.

“The values that you inculcate stand in good stead throughout life,” he said while adding that he was “extremely honoured” to be back after 56 years.

Justice Kabir spoke fondly of his three years in Mt. Hermon, where he remembers having ‘basmati rice and mutton balls for lunch’ not forgetting the ‘toy train rides and Going Home Day songs.’ He also recollected that David G. Stewart was the Principal when he was in school. He said former Principal GA Murray, who became Principal in 1964 when Stewart left, was “large as life.”

More than 150 ex-students and teachers attended the function. Prominent among them were P. Russell (UK), Rocky Gardner, Amar Rai (Chairman of Darjeeling Municipality), Justice Indrajit Mohanti, Tshering Dorji (Home Secretary, Bhutan), Karma Bhutia (Sports Secretary, Sikkim) and Mr. and Mrs. S. Rongong. Several ex-teachers were felicitated during the function.

Several Managing Committee members of the school, including Bishop Dr. Philip Maish, and Gorkha Territorial Administration’s executive member Roshan Giri were also present during the occasion.

The outgoing Principal George Fernandes, who served the school for 35 years, appealed to all Hermonites to look after their alma mater. Bishop Maish announced that a ‘Hermonite’ has been selected as the next Principal of the school. For almost a year now Hermonites from all over the world have been urging the school authorities to appoint a credible Hermonite as the next Principal to ensure that the school regains its past glory.

Map row: India retaliates, issues visas stamped with Indian map

New Delhi, Nov 27: India and China are back to sparring over territorial claims involving Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin.

It all started with the Chinese government showing Arunachal and entire Aksai Chin as part of its territory in maps of the country on their new e-passports.

Unhappy at this, the Indian embassy in Beijing is said to be issuing visas to Chinese nationals with a map of India showing Arunachal and Aksai Chin as its territories, The Hindustan Times reported.

After the water marks in the new Chinese e-passports showed Arunachal and Aksai Chin as part of China, the Indian mission started issuing visas with Indian maps including these places as part of its territory.

India has begun to mark its visas for anyone travelling from China to India with its official map that shows the disputed areas of Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh as part of India. This was done to retaliate against Beijing’s newly issued hi-tech passports that show these areas as part

of China in a map embossed inside.

The new passports have also angered several of China’s neighbours as it includes almost the entire South China Sea as also Taiwan, which broke away after a civil war in 1949, as part of its own territory.

Official maps issued by China have along included the territories, both land and sea, disputed with India and the other neighbours like Vietnam and Philippines.

Editorial

LOOK EAST

Handle With Care

Ahead of the 20th anniversary of ASEAN-India dialogue relationship, visiting diplomats from the South-east Asian region have rightly stressed the need for improvement of physical connectivity between the North East and Myanmar for full realisation of India’s Look East Policy. Improved connectivity will surely go a long way in expanding relationships between the two sides in areas of security, trade, commerce, tourism, culture and people-to-people contacts. However, it must be borne in mind that the ‘Look East Policy’, which was mooted two decades ago, could not take off due mainly to the slow process of India’s infrastructure development in the border states and the failure of the authorities to tackle the insurgents in the region.

According to Union Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, the global focus has now shifted to Asia and the Pacific region which accounts for three billion of the world's population and 40 percent of the GDP. The changed political situation in Myanmar is likely to lead to a final settlement of tribal problems in the country’s northern region. India, too, must engage itself genuinely in tackling somewhat the same issues in the northeast. Pumping money through corrupt politicians and unconcerned and unresponsive bureaucracy is not the ideal way to deal with the situation. The northeasterners, by and large, are only asking that while progress and development take place care should be taken not to disturb their fragile environment and distinct ethnic identities.

‘Solidarity March’ organized by Sikkim Tibetans to protest self-immolations

Gangtok, Nov 27: Hundreds of exiled Tibetans began a 120-kilometer-long march from Sikkim to West Bengal, as a mark of protest against incidents of self-immolations caused by Chinese atrocities.

The ‘Solidarity Peace March’ is organised by the Tibetan Youth Club (TYC) of Gangtok. The President of the Tibetan Youth Club of Gangtok, Chung Chung Bhutia, said: “We are organising this march from Gangtok to Siliguri as a mark of protest against Chinese atrocities on our compatriots in Tibet. Though, China says that they have human rights but Tibetans are not given their rights, which is invoking them to resort to self-immolation. Till now, the number of self-immolations has increased to 79,” ANI reported.

In an appeal by the TYC it said, “The overwhelming message from Tibet is that change must come now. Thousands upon thousands of people of conscience are standing in solidarity with Tibetans in this hour of crisis…”

Recently, Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, had pressed China to investigate the dozens of self-immolations by Tibetans.

The United Nations’ most senior human rights official had called on China to address frustrations that have led to Tibetans’ desperate protests, including some 60 self-immolations since March 2011.

China has refused, and continues to blocks foreign journalists from the region. It has set up road blocks to some Tibetan areas where there has been unrest.

Tensions over Tibet are at their highest in years after a spate of protests over Chinese rule and self-immolations by Tibetan activists, which have prompted a Chinese security crackdown.

Some 78 Tibetans have set themselves on fire since March 2011 in protest against Chinese rule over Tibetan region. At least 64 have died, according to Tibetan rights groups.

JMM to spread wings in North Bengal

JMM to tie-up with GJM for panchayat polls

Ranchi, Nov 27: The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has decided to expand its base and the political fray in northern West Bengal likely to be held in March-April 2013. This would be the first time Shibu Soren's party would venture into West Bengal.

Contesting polls in northern Bengal makes sense for the party as North Bengal has a sizeable tribal population with roots in Jharkhand. Keeping in mind the possibility of victory in elections in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling and Cooch Bihar areas of North Bengal, the party has decided to contest for all panchayat seats in the election.

Sources in party said the average tribal population in the Dooars Terai region is around 40%. "People from almost all major Jharkhand tribes - Santhal, Oraon and Munda - live in these four places. We hope the tribals will vote for JMM representatives in the election as we can take up their cause with more conviction than any other party," said the source.

Party spokesman Supriyo Bhattacharya said the focus of the party till now was on Jharkhand, or Greater Jharkhand, which covers some parts of Chattisgarh, Odisha and southern districts of West Bengal, and is close to the state and also has a sizeable tribal population.

"Our's is one of the few parties in the country that has always fought for rights of tribals. We have decided to expand our organization even in North Bengal as it has a good tribal population with links to Jharkhand. Our party has already entered into a tie-up with Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) and will jointly contest the panchayat election," said Bhattacharya. GJM will contest the election in the remaining districts and JMM will support their candidates in these places.

Meanwhile, senior leaders of the party, including chief Shibu Soren along with deputy chief minister Hemant Soren, will visit these four areas and try to build an organization that is strong at grassroots level. "According to our estimates, each of these places - particularly Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar - has more than 40% population with roots in Jharkhand. We are sure the tribal population will vote in favour of the JMM candidates," he added.

Former Mt. Hermon School teacher Miss P. Russell of UK at the Hermonite reunion in Darjeeling on Friday (Nov 23). Miss Russell will also attend Hermonite reunions in Gangtok, Kalimpong and Siliguri before returning home after meeting school friends in Chennai.

Gorkhas must have ‘national perspective’: Pradeep Yonzon

Gangtok, Nov 27: Former National Secretary of Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) Pradeep Yonzon stressed the need to work towards a ‘national perspective’ while working for welfare of the Gorkha community in the country.

While speaking at a state level meeting of the BGP in Singtam, south Sikkim, last week, Yonzon, also a former minister of the State, said no matter how tough the situation is the Gorkha community and its apex body must be kept alive.

The meeting, chaired by BGP Working President Narayan Bhattarai, discussed future plans and programmes of the organization in the State, including the forthcoming annual convention in Legship, West Sikkim, scheduled for next week on December 2.

The meeting was also attended by its patron members C.P. Giri, A.B. Gurung, LN Poudyal, Surendra Kumar Dhungel, N.P. Gautam, S. Pandey and Prabin Khaling.

One day a Bangladeshi will become Assam’s CM: Gadkari

‘Infiltrators have outnumbered native people in 11 of 27 districts in Assam’

Agartala, Nov 27: If infiltration is not checked, one day a Bangladeshi will become the Chief Minister of Assam, BJP president Nitin Gadkari warned on Thursday. He also took a dig at the Congress by calling it a "maa-beta" (mother-son) party.

"The infiltration from Bangladesh has been unchecked in northeastern States, especially in Assam," Gadkari said, while addressing the 'Janajagaran Samabesh' (mass awareness gathering) here, IANS reported.

He said that in 11 of the 27 districts of Assam, the infiltrators had outnumbered the native people. "The number of infiltrators in Assam is fast rising," said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president.

Slamming the Congress, he said: "Congress has become a 'maa-beta' (mother-son) party, it has no vision."

Claiming that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government was virtually in the intensive care unit, he said that despite the 57-year rule of the Congress at the centre the country was still fighting poverty. "Wrong policies and corruption ... of the UPA government have further increased poverty in India," Gadkari said.

Claiming that the BJP-led alliance would come to power at the centre in 2014, Gadkari said their government would ensure that capitals of all the northeastern states get broad-gauge railway connectivity. Only Assam and Tripura have the facility at present. "There is inadequate rail and road network in the northeast ... even though there are huge resources in the industry-starved region," the BJP leader said.

Gadkari arrived here Wednesday night and held meetings with state party leaders for a campaign ahead of the assembly elections likely in February next year.

Comparing the BJP-ruled Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh with other states, Gadkari said: "Like Congress-ruled states, Left-ruled states have also remained heavily underdeveloped."

Six advanced landing grounds to be prepared in Arunachal

Tezpur, Nov 27: Six advanced landing grounds will be prepared immediately by Indian Air Force in Arunachal Pradesh for emergency landing of defence aircraft and helicopters.

The advanced landing grounds would be set up at Ziro, Vijay Nagar, Mechuka, Pasighat, Tuting and Walong, defence sources said here on Friday.

The Border Road Organisation here under Army's 4 Corps has taken measures to complete surface communication projects within the stipulated period, the sources said.

Union DoNER minister Paban Singh Ghatowar during a visit to the State earlier this week had said Rs 35 crore had been earmarked by his ministry for development of surface communication along the Sino-India border.

Ghatowar had also suggested that the Army and Air Force build up suitable surface and air communication there.

The defence sources said the 417 km long road along the Sino-India border in Arunachal Pradesh is expected to be completed this year.

SIKKIM OBSERVER                                  Nov 21-24, 2012

CJI Altamas Kabir to visit Mt. Hermon on Nov 24

Darjeeling, Nov 20: Chief Justice of India Justice Altamas Kabir will arrive here on Saturday to attend Mt. Hermon School’s annual Speech Day function to be held on the same day.

Justice Kabir is an ex-student of Mt. Hermon, founded by American missionaries in 1895, and studied there in mid-fifties. It is on the initiative of the Hermonites, alumni of the school, that Justice Kabir has been invited as Chief Guest on this special occasion.

Justice Kabir will be accompanied by Hermonite Justice Indrajit Mohanty of Orrisa High Court and Hermonite Krishna Goenka from Delhi.

At least 150-200 ex-students and ex-teachers from India, Nepal and Bhutan will be present at the school during the Speech Day function. Former teacher Miss P. Russell will be among those who will be present during the ‘grand reunion’ in Darjeeling. Russell, who comes from UK, is expected to visit Kalimpong and Darjeeling.

A grand reunion dinner has been organized by the Darjeeling Hermonites Association for the Hermonites on the eve of Justice Kabir’s visit here at Mayfair resort on Friday.

The Sikkim Hermonites will host a reunion dinner for Russell at Hotel Tashi Delek (Gangtok) on November 26.

Following Justice Kabir’s elevation to the high post on September 29 this year, a delegation of Sikkim and Delhi Hermonites called on him at his residence in New Delhi to felicitate him.

Justice Kabir’s visit to his alma mater is significant as the school is going through a tough period in all respect. Global Hermonites, including past principals and teachers, have urged the owners of the school, the Methodist Church of India, to take strong measures to strengthen the school with a view to regain its past glory.

Chinese diplomats visit jailed Chinese national

Gangtok, Nov 20: A three-member Chinese delegation led by Minister Counsellor Fan Fei arrived here on Sunday on a three-day trip to the State.

While the main purpose of the visit could not be ascertained the team met Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso and also met a Chinese national, Langta Jaincan, who has been detained here at the Rongyek jail since last month.

Jaincan, who has been booked under Official Secrets Act for alleged espionage activities, was caught taking pictures on Indian territory in Nathula in east Sikkim last month.

According to reports, the visit of the team was cleared by the Ministry of External Affairs.

It is interesting to note what PTI filed from New Delhi on the visit: “For the first time, a high-level team of Chinese diplomats are in Sikkim on Monday in connection with consular issues, a “reconfirmation” of Beijing’s stance of accepting the State as part of India.”

It added, “The visit is expected to be seen by the South Block as “acknowledgement and reconfirmation” of changed stance of Beijing, which has accepted India’s sovereignty over Sikkim in last eight to nine years.”

The report went on to add, “China had questioned Sikkim’s accession to India and refused to grant visas on this ground to people from the state, even if they were listed as part of an Indian government delegation.”

Mount Hermon: Rising up from the ashes

By Jigme N Kazi

Knowles

Founder: Miss Emma L. Knowles (1840-1924)

When Miss Emma L. Knowles, an educational missionary under the Women’s Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States, founded Mount Hermon School on March 11, 1895 the school was called ‘Arcadia’ and was located below Chowrasta facing Lebong in Darjeeling.

Miss Knowles had already spent many years in India as Principal of schools for European girls at Nainital and Calcutta before coming to Darjeeling.

Emma Knowles played a major role in establishing the Wellesley Girls High School in Naini Tal and having worked at the Calcutta Girls' School she realised the need for a similar school to be set up in Darjeeling's favourable climate.

She began ‘Arcadia’ with only 13 students. Deeply religious and a committed Christian, Miss Knowles was convinced that it was God’s will to establish a school for girls in Darjeeling. Within threes years of the founding of the school a terrible earthquake in 1898 completely damaged the school building, killing several of its students in the tragic incident.

Undaunted by the terrible disaster and faith in the Almighty, Miss Knowles purchased a piece of land near the railway station in Darjeeling town just above the Hill Cart Road and continued with the work. By 1902, the school had at least four dwelling houses and a three-storey building. The enrolment of the school rose to 50 and the school was renamed Queen’s Hill School (QHS).

Miss Carolyn J. Stahl

From the beginning of the century till 1929, it was Miss Carolyn J. Stahl, who really served the school, first as an assistant to Miss Knowles, and then as the Principal from 1918 to 1929.

Stahl

Queen’s Hill School was nearly closed down in 1914 due to shortage of funds but because of the concern and dedication of both Miss Knowles and Miss Stahl the school survived. Miss Stahl, also from America and a member of Women’s Foreign Missionary Society, believed that “any great task can be accomplished by the exercise of boundless faith, much intercessory prayer and ceaseless work.”

By 1918, the enrolment rose to 163 and the school authorities felt the need to find a suitable site for expansion of the school.

Queen's Hill School was primarily for the children of missionaries and other Europeans as most white people were called. The students were taught a British curriculum.

Bishop Frederick Bohn Fisher

Though he did not become Principal of the school, Bishop Frederick Bohn Fisher is regarded as one of the four Founders of Mt. Hermon School. Born in Pennsylvania in the US in 1882, Bishop Fisher was elected to the Episcopacy and came to India as a missionary and became the Bishop of Calcutta and served in the Thoburn Methodist Church in Calcutta.

As a prominent Methodist Church leader, Rev. Fisher took a live interest on Queen’s Hill School. The present location of the school was purchased from Lebong Tea Company, Grand Hotel (Calcutta) and Mount Everest Hotel (Darjeeling) in 1920. Bishop Fisher played a vital role in the purchase of the new estate.

The inauguration of the new school building, which has been described as “one of the finest buildings in the Orient,” was performed by Lord Lytton, then the Governor General of Bengal, in May 26, 1926. Initially, the school had around 100 acres.

Fisher

In 1929-30, Rev. ES Johnson of the Thoburn Methodist Church (Calcutta) became Principal of the two schools located in the new campus – Queen’s Hill School for Girls and Bishop Fisher School for Boys – and in the same year (1930) and for the third time the school was renamed Mount Hermon School and became a co-educational institution.

In their honour Mt. Hermon still continues the tradition of awarding best girl and boy students every year during its annual Speech Day: Miss Stahl Cup for Best Girl Student and Bishop Fisher Cup for Best Boy Student.

Bishop Fisher knew Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore on intimate terms. “He seemed to me to be one of the few Christians who walked in the fear of the Lord, and, therefore, feared no man,” was Gandhi’s comment on Bishop Fisher, who died of a heart attack in 1938.

Among the former principals of Mt. Hermon after Miss Stahl, Mrs. Lila Engberg (Principal – 1931-1935) needs a special mention mainly because it was she who helped and inspired MH to move forward after the devastating January 15, 1934 earthquake that caused severe damage to the main school building.

Mrs. Engberg not only managed to mobilize huge amount of funds to rebuild the school building but also made sure that repair and reconstruction works were done on time to enable the school to begin its next academic session in March 1935 without much difficulty.

Rev. Halsey E. Dewey

Mt. Hermon endured another major crisis in the early 1940s. The effect of the Second World War hit the school badly as most of its students were from abroad. The school was nearly closed down in 1943. Not only were the funds low the enrolment also dropped to only 120. The uncertainty of the future of the mission in India also had an adverse effect on the school.

Dewey

But it was Rev. Halsey E. Dewey, who became the Principal in 1938, who was chiefly responsible for keeping the school going during one of its darkest periods. Rev. Dewey, who is one of the four Founders of the school, had heavy responsibilities for mission work in Bengal and as staff were hard to get he found it increasingly difficult to keep the school going and was nearly closed down in 1952. Between 1938, when Rev. Dewey became the Principal, through to the 1940s and 1952, when Rev. Dewey left, MH had two other Principals: Rev. M.A. Clare (1942) and Mrs. R. Forsgren (1947).

Rev. David G. Stewart

Mt. Hermon really and truly emerged as a great educational institution in the sub-continent when Rev. David. G. Stewart of the New Zealand Chinese Inland Mission (now renamed Overseas Missionary Fellowship) took over the school as its Principal in 1954.

From only about 100 students in early 1950s, the school grew to well over three hundred students by the time Rev. Stewart left at the end of 1963. The school grew not only in strength but in standards and character. In 1961-62, Mt. Hermon was adjudged the best boarding school in India.

Stewart

By mid-1950s MH had a mix of children of different nationalities - American, Australian, New Zealanders, British, Europeans, Indians, Anglo-Indians, Tibetans, Sikkimese, Burmese, Bhutanese, Nepalese, Chinese and even students from Thailand who used to fly all the way out to India for the school term.

It was in 1960 that the school was divided into four Houses named after its Founders and Heads: Knowles (green), Stahl (red), Fisher (yellow) and Dewey (blue).

G. A. Murray

Mr. Graeme A. Murray of New Zealand was already the Acting Principal during Rev. Stewart’s last year in MH. He naturally took over the school as Principal in 1964 after Rev. Stewart’s departure. Mr. Murray finally left MH after 24 years of service to the school in 1978.

Mr. Murray built on the solid foundation laid down by Rev. Stewart and Mt. Hermon blossomed and went from strength to strength during his tenure as Principal. Under Mr. Murray’s leadership Mt. Hermon maintained its high standard in all spheres – academic, sports & games, music, plays & dramas etc.

Mr. Murray was blessed by a group of dedicated and competent members of the staff: Mrs. Joy Rongong, Mr. and Mrs. Mathai, Miss C. Hawke, Mr. and Mrs. W. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gardner, Mrs. Alexandra, Miss P. Russell, Miss Bilcliffe, Mr. and Mrs. Lunnon, Mr. and Mrs. Ismail, Mr. and Mrs. West to name a few.

Rev. J. A. Johnston

Rev. John Johnston, whose association with MH goes back to 1959, became the next Principal in 1979 after Mr. Murray left at the end of 1978.  Rev. Johnston from Australia was a quiet, soft-spoken gentleman. During his tenure as Principal Darjeeling went through an uncertain political period when the main demand of the local Gorkha (Nepali) population was for creation of a separate state of ‘Gorkhaland.’

Because of the new political environment most schools in Darjeeling, including MH, faced many difficulties during this period. However, Rev. Johnston somehow managed to stay the course and MH was able to pull through the turbulent period.

    Mr. and Mrs. Johnston with GA Murray (centre)

Uncertain future

Jeff Gardner, an ex-teacher of MH, who later became Rector of St. Paul’s School, Darjeeling, took over the school in 1992 after Rev. Johnston left in 1989.

The school’s future after Rev. Johnston’s departure was uncertain. It may be recalled that most senior teachers of the school left MH in 1978 and this created a huge gap in the teaching faculty.

Mr. Gardner was already the Senior Master when Mr. Murray was the Principal. His taking over the school as Principal in 1992 gave much hope and confidence to all Hermonites and well-wishers of the school that the school was in good hands.

The manner in which the school was run after Mr. Johnston and Mr. Gardner left (1993-94!)  prompted Hermonites in the region to urge the Managing Committee, which runs the school on behalf of the Methodist Church of India, to make Mr. George Fernandes, who was on the staff from 1977 during Mr. Murray’s tenure, the Principal to ensure stability of the school. Mr. Fernandes and his wife Saroj (Pradhan) Fernandes (a Hermonite), who took charge of MH in 2000-01 have made much contribution to keep the school going and to stabilize the situation when it seemed MH was being troubled on all fronts.

‘MH Revival’ Campaign

In order to revitalize all aspects of the school’s life Hermonites from all over the world from the beginning of 2012 have been unitedly urging the Managing Committee to appoint a competent Hermonite as Principal to set things in order so that the school regains its past glory and continues to give valuable service to society.

 Despite overwhelming concern shown by global Hermonites throughout 2012 on the school’s future survival and success the school authorities, Managing Committee Members and the Methodist Church of India have not responded to the Hermonites’ call for ‘MH Revival’.

   The main building of the school has been badly damaged after the September 18, 2011 earthquake, staff cottages which were burnt down or in disrepair have not been rebuilt or maintained, school campus has been encroached and worse is the rapid fall in the enrolment…the present strength of boarders is said to be just over 200. There is also the justifiable apprehension that MH may be closed down in the near future or die a natural death if its problems are not properly addressed at the earliest.

Editorial

CHANGE OF GUARD

Hope In Tibet

The Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay’s statement that it is time for His Holiness the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet has come at a time when Chinese Communist Party has endorsed Xi Jinping as the country’s next President. Sangay made the statement in Dharamsala last week while inaugurating the three-day Second Special International Tibet Support Groups Meeting. “This special meeting will send a clear message that Tibetan supporters will make sure that the Tibet issue remains alive till freedom is restored and Dalai Lama's return to Tibet,” Sangay  said.

Though talks with the Chinese government has failed the Dalai Lama still hopes to return to Tibet one day. When that day comes he has promised to return his power to create a local government under Chinese rule.  His proposal for ‘genuine autonomy’ for Tibet under China has yet to receive positive response from China. With Xi taking over reins of power in China shortly there is much optimism for an amicable solution to the Tibet issue. Earlier, political experts thought that Beijing is not really looking for a solution to the issue, but simply waiting for the Dalai Lama to die. However, this perception may change with the change of guard in China.

The Dalai Lama (77) once had a special relationship with Xi’s late father Xi Zhongxun, a liberal-minded former vice-premier. He recalls the elder Xi as "very friendly, comparatively more open-minded, very nice." Xi senior had a close bond with the Tibetan leader who once gave the elder Xi an expensive watch in 1954, a gift that the senior party official was still wearing decades later. Xi senior, who died in 2002, was believed to be a dove in the party, championing the rights of Tibetans, Uighurs and other ethnic minorities. He also opposed the army crackdown on the 1989 Tiananmen student protests and was alone in criticising the sacking of liberal party chief Hu Yaobang by the Old Guard in 1987. Tibetan exiles see other small signs that Xi could take a softer line on Tibet - his wife is a Buddhist, and Xi went out of his way in 2006, while party boss of Zhejiang province, to host the first World Buddhist Forum in the provincial capital.

PEOPLE & PLACES Bhutan&Sikkim

‘Sikkim has a very deep cultural and religious link with Bhutan’

By Jamyang Dorjee

     Denzong Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal during Bhutan King Jigme Singye Wangchuk’s coronation in Thimphu in      

     1974.

Dassain holiday this year was most memorable as I visited Bhutan with my family for a pilgrimage to Paro, Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang and Thimpu. I would like to share some of my thoughts here.

Liu Duenpa seven line prayers spoken by Guru Rinpoche in the 7th century, which most Nyingmapa practitioner recites every day even orally states " Paro Taktsang Kewtsang ru……maong Semchen namla thukje sik " meaning; in the cave of Paro Taktsang, where I subdued the evil spirits and meditated, all the sentient beings who visits in future will be blessed. It is therefore considered fortunate for a follower of Guru Rinpoche to be able to visit these places of pilgrimage, sit and contemplate there for a while, recite the texts and reflect upon the great deeds of this spiritual master. Paro is little more than 4 hrs drive from Indian border at Phuntsokling. It is recommended to start the 3 hrs uphill trek to Paro Taktsang cave early in the morning so that one reaches the cave and Lhakhangs before sunrise.

What amazed me more was the effort by the Royal Government of Bhutan in constructing a much secured footpaths on the last and the most difficult leg of the steep cliff, have security guards maintaining the sanctity; ensuring that citizens of Bhutan while visiting the cave/Lhakangs wear their traditional dress, making sure foreigners enter the area in a respectful attire, ban mobile phones, cameras, tobacco or tobacco products inside the compound. Just like the Sikhs insists that a devotee cover their head while visiting a Gurdwara, the Bhutanese zealously guard the holy place, make you feel that they respect pilgrims but at the same time do not encourage casual tourists who might fancy taking a photograph sitting on the lap of Guru’s statue.

Guru Rinpoche referring to Bumthang in the Liu Duenpa prayer text further says ‘Lho chok monkha ri la ku je shak” meaning; I leave the prints of my body on the southern hills of Monkha ri (Bumthang). Bumthang is about 8 hours drive from Paro, where visitors require a special permit.

We were fortunate enough to be at the time of Bumthang Tsechu, an annual festival where a giant appliqué thangka of Guru Rinpoche is displayed to the masses and mask dances are performed.

We were blessed to see the imprints of Guru’s body well preserved on the rocks inside Kurje Lhakhang, a giant juniper tree believed to be planted upside down by Guru Rinpoche provides shade to the main Monastery and the famous ‘drup chu’, a natural spring water believed to have miraculous healing power is just a walking distance from the compound.

Across the hill from Kurje Lhakang is another holy five hundred years old monastery called Tamshing Lhakang; the original monastery of Terton Pema Lingpa who also said to have visited Sikkim and constructed a small Lhakang in west Sikkim at Pelling.

Few minutes’ drive from Tamshing Lhakhang, we visited the Jampa Lhakhang commissioned by Choegyal Songtsen Gambo of Tibet in the 7th century. I was told that of the 108 such Lhakangs commissioned by him, only two survived and that is one in Bumthang and another in Paro. Guides tell you that when Tibet was occupied by China in 1959, the two dragon’s carvings behind the statue shed tears of blood for many days! One can actually see the traces of the tears and this is a very strong evidence of the emotional bonds between Tibetans and Bhutanese. Every Tibetans must come and re-visit history and appreciate the efforts by the people and the Government of Bhutan for maintaining the monastery so well even today.

Bhutan today is the only surviving Buddhist kingdom practising the Nalanda tradition or Tibetan Buddhism as a state religion, their King being the unifying factor. Interestingly, I also learnt that during the Nepali Dassain festival, the Bhutanese of Nepali origin paid their respect to His Majesty the fifth as an avatar of Vishnu, a Hindu god, which is unique. It is a universal fact that every sentient being wants happiness and nobody wants suffering but the pursuit of happiness is different in different countries. Both United State’s mixed economy theory heavily dependent on measuring GDP and China's reformist leader Deng Xiaoping’s slogan “to be rich is glorious" have not necessarily made the American or the Chinese citizens happier, as projected by the never ending violence, cut throat competition, corruption, nepotism and cynicism around the world every day.

GNH or Gross National Happiness, the guiding principle of the government and Constitution of Bhutan believes that the progress of a nation should be viewed not only through the lens of economics but also from spiritual, social, cultural and ecological perspectives. During my travel, I could visibly see the impact of the GNH in at least two most important development sectors in Bhutan which is the hydro power generation and tourism. The hydro power projects in Bhutan have ensured that there is no demographic change because the Bhutanese themselves manages the project after its completion. Instead of dolling cash to the land acquired from the public, the project builds markets, schools and houses for the families, like in Wangdue Phodrang areas thus ensuring sustainable income to the public for generations to come. By and large people are not only happy but proud of this balanced development.

Another important sector is tourism. Bhutan realized that its strength lies in its rich cultural heritage and pristine environment. Keeping this in view they invested in maintaining the existing holy places, providing international quality roads, encouraging locals to invest in hotels with a touch of tradition and discouraging multi storied concrete structures. In order to attract quality tourists the Government standardized the fees for foreign tourists as 250 USD per person per day, which many believes will discourage tourism initially but today seeing the number of tourists coming in, people do realizes the far sightedness vision of their Government.

 Almost all the guides that I came across were dignified, well educated, well versed with Buddhist philosophy and above all proud of their culture. In Sikkim, I recall with great respect, the farsighted vision of former Chief Secretary K. C. Pradhan, under whom I was fortunate to serve for few years. He also had similar vision, always insisted on quality tourism in Sikkim and in fact suggested a standard rate for Dzongri trek. But unfortunately, nobody heeded his advice and the sanctity of Dzongri trek is no more.

As a human being, especially somebody like me who retired after working for a long time in Sikkim Government in tourism and culture sector, naturally one feels to reflect upon the development here and try to learn a lesson or two. Recent years in Sikkim, we have seen series of tourism projects both implemented and on pipeline for construction of huge statues of Buddhist deities on hill tops besides a magnificent Char dham Hindu temple at Namchi. It is certainly encouraging and may have the potential to attract tourists but its spiritual benefit to the land and people will depend on the motivation of the investor at the first place, irrespective of the fact that these monuments were blessed by spiritual masters or not.

Interestingly, I met many friends and retired officers from Sikkim en route at Paro Taktsang. The guide told me that this week alone, two thousand Sikkimese visited the place. Sikkim has a very deep cultural and religious link with Bhutan. The first 5- year development plan of Bhutan was scripted by Burmiok Athing Densappa of Sikkim. He was deputed by Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal on request of His Majesty the 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk of Bhutan.

As I mentioned above, the traces of culture in Pelling, West Sikkim could be found rooted in Pemalingpa monastery at Bumthang. In Sikkim today, only a small Menthang exists at the tri-junction of Pelling Bazar and the name of the place is attributed to the Terton. Baylangdra Nye at Wangdue, another sacred cave is believed to be the place where Terton Dorji Lingpa discovered a Buddhist text on the Dorling lineage in the 8th century. Later he established his main monastery in south Sikkim at Burfung called Doling Gompa and a branch in Bhutia Busty, Darjeeling. Darjeeling originally known as Dorjeeling was named as a place for Terton Dorji Lingpa.

Coming back to Sikkim and its developments, it will be equally important to do a SWOT analysis and understand the strength of Sikkim. For Buddhists it is the hidden paradise blessed by Guru Rinpoche and for nature lovers like Hookers it is the kingdom of rhododendron. Driving through Sikkim is like going through a beautiful album provided the roads are good. Guru Padma Sambhava in fact according to the text “Denjong Neyik” has given a complete geographical description of the sacred places including the four holy caves etc.

Maintaining these existing holy places as described by the Guru Rinpoche will definitely attract the follower of Vajrayana Buddhists numbering to 20 million besides casual tourists. Khadro Sangphu, at Rishi used to attract thousands of Bhutanese pilgrims during the winters for hot spring. Today this sacred site remains neglected and even marginalized by the hydro projects. Preservation efforts of these places will not only bring sustainable economic benefits to the people but will maintain the sanctity of the place for many more generations to come.

Swami Vevekanada had said “Half of our life we waste in trying to be somebody who we are not and by the time we realize who we are there is nothing much left to do” It is time to be realistic, understand the strength within and develop Sikkim as it is and not try to make something which it never was at the first place. A balanced development must have national security, cultural, spiritual and environment factors incorporated into it. (The writer is former civil servant, Government of Sikkim and Regional Coordinator for the Conservancy of Himalayan Arts and Culture, a nonprofit NGO based in Washington DC. He can be reached at jamyangdorjee@yahoo.com)

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Nov 14-20, 2012  

Japanese MPs should visit Tibet: Dalai Lama

Tokyo, Nov 13: The Dalai Lama on Tuesday urged Japanese lawmakers to visit Tibet to find out the reasons for a spate of self-immolations, after Beijing accused him of instigating the deadly protests against Chinese rule.

The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader was addressing around 130 parliamentarians, including Shinzo Abe, a former premier who is seen as a favourite to retake the role in forthcoming general elections.

The welcome rolled out for the Dalai Lama -- albeit a non-governmental one -- earned Japan a rebuke from Beijing for giving succour to a man they say is a dangerous separatist.

"I request some parliamentary groups, 'Visit Tibet'," including areas where Tibetans have died in "very sad" self-immolations, the Dalai Lama told the meeting in Japan's diet, or parliament.

"Perhaps the (Chinese) authorities, leaders of China, I think, may get the true picture" of self-immolations if foreign lawmakers report what is actually happening there, the 77-year-old added.

Two Tibetans died in separate self-immolations on Monday, taking to nine the number of people who have set themselves on fire in the last week in protest at Chinese rule.

Reports of their deaths came hours after the Dalai Lama urged the Chinese government seriously to investigate the incidents, saying it is more interested in criticising him than finding the reason behind them.

In response, China's foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei accused the spiritual leader of encouraging the suicides, saying he was sacrificing lives "to achieve his goal of Tibetan independence".

"Japanese right-wing forces have been blatantly supporting Dalai's anti-China separatist activities and interfering in China's internal affairs, which China strongly condemns,” Hong said.

Ahead of the Dalai Lama's speech, Abe, the front-runner in the race to become prime minister in upcoming general elections, called on fellow lawmakers to use diplomatic means to help stop the immolations.

"I promise to continue to support Tibet and do my best to change the situation in Tibet in which (people) are oppressed," the hawkish conservative said.

Abe's stance will likely come under scrutiny for its possible implications for Sino-Japanese relations, already strained by a row over the sovereignty of islands in the East China Sea.

The lawmakers adopted a statement strongly urging China to improve its "unlawful suppression of human rights against Tibetans and Uighurs".

Suu Kyi visits India after 40 years

New Delhi, Nov 13:  Myanmar's pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who arrived here today, met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Suu Kyi is on a six-day visit to India during which she will meet various leaders of the country. She will also visit her alma mater, Lady Sri Ram College in New Delhi, where she will interact with the faculty and the students.

The Nobel prize winner spent her formative years in India when her mother was the country's ambassador to India and Nepal.  She studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary School and graduated in political science from Lady Shri Ram College.

Suu Kyi began her day today by paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. She then visited Shantivan to pay tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru. Later in the day, she will deliver the Nehru Memorial Lecture on the occasion of the former PM's birth anniversary.

"People keep asking me about my expectations. My visit is an attempt to strengthen ties between the two countries. There are things in India that have changed and some that haven't changed. I am glad some things haven't changed since years. If I have expectations from the Indian government, I will not tell it to the media," Suu Kyi, who is an inspiration for those fighting oppressive regimes around the world, told reporters.

Suu Kyi is Myanmar's opposition leader and the chairperson of the National League of Democracy of Myanmar. Her visit to India is part of India's engagement with the multi-party polity in Myanmar. During her nearly week-long stay, she will also meet Vice President Hamid Ansari, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.

India awarded Suu Kyi the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1992 while she was under house arrest under the military government in Myanmar.

Sharmila completes 12 years fast

Imphal, Nov 13: The 'Iron Lady of Manipur' Irom Chanu Sharmila, who has been on a hunger strike since 2000 demanding repeal of Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA),  completed 12 years of fast last Monday.

Sharmila, a civil rights activist, began her hunger strike after the death of ten people in an alleged encounter with the Assam Rifles at Malom in Imphal valley on November 2, 2000.

She has been demanding repeal of AFSPA which the human rights activists hold as a draconian law.

Currently she is in judicial custody where she is forcibly fed through her nose.

Tourism boom in Nepal: India scores over China

Kathmandu, Nov 13: Despite recent mortal avalanches in its crowded Himalayan mountains, Nepal is heading into a record year in tourist arrivals in 2012.

According to data for the first eight months of the year, arrivals by air progressed by 16.3%, reaching a record of 377,043 international arrivals. Strong growth is coming from Nepal’s two giant neighbours, India and China. Indian air arrivals jumped by 24.1% from January to August, topping 126,472 arrivals. China performed even better with a growth of 27.5%, reaching a total of 31,204 visitors. Other Asian markets showing strong performances are Japan, up by 17.9%, Korea (up y 12.3%) and Malaysia (up by 11.9%).
Surprisingly, Europe performed extremely well despite the current economic recession. Total air arrivals from the continent reached 91,042, a 14.8% improvement over 2011… Europe remains an extremely important market for Nepal, generating 24.1% of all arrivals between January and August of this year.
Tourism experts point out that the very good performance of tourism this year is also due to the restrictions taking place for foreigners trying to visit Tibet. Talking recently to CNN, Grayson Schaffer, senior editor at Outside magazine, declared that Mount Manaslu proved particularly popular this year among travellers after Chinese authorities restricted tourist visas, making access difficult to Cho Oyu or Shishapangma, two 8,000m (26,000 ft) peaks on the border with Tibet.
Strong interest to trek in Nepal is likely to continue as the government unveiled early October new trekking routes, following promises made to former Maoist rebels to help them economically by promoting tourism. The new trekking routes –named the “Guerilla Trek” pass through the battlegrounds of the country's decade-long insurgency. Hikers will then be able to discover unspoilt natural landscapes, authentic centuries-old villages, which served once as bases for Maoist troups.
The government hopes that tourism will help spreading prosperity beyond the usual tourist sites of the the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and the Everest region.

Bhutan foundation to support monks, nuns

Thimphu, Nov 13:  A religious organisation has been established here in a novel initiative to sustain 43 religious centres, training over 1,000 monks and nuns in different parts of Bhutan.

The Pedling Choeki Gatshel Foundation drew an overwhelming response from its members on the very first night of its launch on Thursday, as it raised 2.8 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($52,000) as contributions from them, Kuensel reported.

According to the ninth Gantey Trulku, Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyel, who heads this foundation, children of the economically deprived families usually become monks as they find it beyond their means to attend schools, IANS reported.

"The foundation's fund would go a long way in making these students stand on their own feet," Kuenselonline quoted him as saying.

He believes the rich Buddhist religious culture could be promoted through two ways --imparting knowledge and spreading Buddhism.

The foundation's fund would be used to renovate and construct lhakhangs (temples) in various parts of the country.

While Gantey Trulku will be the permanent chairperson of the foundation, four other board members have been appointed. In future, the four members are to be elected.

Monks completing the ninth standard in a shedra, or the place of learning will be given a masters degree certificate in Buddhist studies.

Kashmir Sikhs want National Minority Commission extended J&K

Srinagar, Nov 13: Instead of Jammu and Kashmir government's intention to form a new minority commission, a Sikh body last Sunday demanded the extension of current National Commission for Minority Act 1992 in the state.

In a statement All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee appreciated the Union Ministry's motion of taking over the issue of minorities with the State Government, The Hindustan Times reported.

The committee chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina pointed out that the government should extend the current National Commission for Minority Act 1992 in J&K, instead of drafting a new minority commission for Minority "on the designs of some people dominating the state government."

"If state government tries to sabotage the minority rights of Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists, then all the rightfully deserving minorities of the state will jointly instigate a political campaign against the new minority commission draft," Raina said.

"Some people with vested interests already having reservation quota in the State want to have the privilege of dual reservation status which will not be expectable to us in any form. According to the guidelines of National Minority Commission, Muslims enjoying the minority status at the national level should not be eligible for minority quota at state level in J&K where they are already a majority community," he stated.

"In the state, as per the 2001 population census, the Kashmir division of the state has 0.88% as Sikhs and 0.11% as Buddhists and others. The population of Jammu division has 3.57% as Sikhs and 0.51% as Buddhists and others.  So it clearly states that the Sikhs, Christians and Buddhists are the minorities in dire need of government benefits through the implementation of the NCM Act 1992," the statement said.

Raina stated that in a "recent meeting with the President of India, Pranab Mujherjee" they were given assurance for early implementation of Minority status in the State.

"If present ruling coalition government NC and Congress fail to do so then minority communities of J&K will be disappointed in them and would have no other alternative than launch an agitation against them in the coming elections. This shows that state government is more serious towards the vote bank politics rather than inclusive development of the State," the Sikh leader said.

Editorial

LOOK EAST

The Die Has Been Cast

As of now, out of a total of 157 panchayat wards in east district where polls were held 42 independents have won while 102 wards went to the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, which has been in power since 1994. Repoll may be held in 13 wards in this district as results were withheld due to ‘tabulation error.’ It is expected that some of these wards will go to independents. It is significant that performance of independent candidates, who have the backing of rebel ruling party leader PS Golay, from east district is far better than the other three districts. Gangtok, the State capital, is located in east district. The capital is not only the centre of business and administration but also the heart of the State where politicians, intellectuals and social activists mingle frequently and freely to discuss and debate on various issues that concern Sikkim.

East district is heavily populated by two major sections of the State’s population which play a dominant role in politics: Bahun-Chettris and Bhutia-Lepchas. The other major ethnic combination in Sikkim is the Rai-Limbus, who dominate south and west districts. It is pertinent to point out that just before the panchayat polls former chief minister and Sikkim Congress President Nar Bahadur Bhandari has been openly siding with Golay during his public meetings. Ever since his ouster from power in 1994 Bhandari has proved his hold in the east district during Assembly polls. If polarization of political forces on ethnic/caste lines is expected to take place in the 2014 Assembly polls then the battle lines have already been drawn during the panchayat polls. Much political heat is likely to generate after Golay forms his own political outfit shortly.

CII to promote industries in North Bengal

North Bengal has huge potential for growth and development: Deb

    Deb (inset) and Siliguri town with majestic Kanchenjunga (in Sikkim) in the background.

Siliguri, Nov 13: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently organised North Bengal Conclave here to promote North Bengal in the industrial space.

North Bengal has a strategic location with its neighboring states like Sikkim, Assam, Bihar and the International Boundaries with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The region has witnessed substantial development in the recent years.

Against this backdrop, CII in association with West Bengal Department of Tourism, organized North Bengal Conclave Siliguri town last month, IBNS reported.

The Conclave was inaugurated by state North Bengal Development Minister Gautam Deb.

Addressing the gathering, Deb said that this forum would definitely promote the region in the development space.

He said that North Bengal is endowed with a magnificent view of the Himalayas, dense forests and wild life sanctuaries.

"North Bengal possesses huge potential of growth and development. Through industrialization economic growth can be accelerated in North Bengal," said Deb.

He stated that the region consists of six districts and there is tremendous growth potential in the districts of North Bengal in terms of small and medium enterprises (SMEs); as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Dasho Tsering Wangda, Consul General, Royal Bhutanese Consulate, said that North Bengal has not yet reaped its full potential. Siliguri is the immediate business centre of the Bhutanese. He stressed on strengthening ties between India and Bhutan.

Abida Islam, Bangladesh Dy. High Commission, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, stated that the economy of Bangladesh has maintained a growth rate of 6% on an average.

"Trade and investment are the pillars of economic growth. Over the years, India and Bangladesh has maintained a long and cordial relation. She stated that during the last three years significant developments has taken place between India and Bangladesh," said Islam.

She stressed on the need for improved facilities for the increase in bilateral trade.

Growth in production of large cardamom from Sikkim?

Gangtok, Nov 13: After a decade long gloomy spell, the bright days are back for Sikkim's large cardamom. The State, considered as large cardamom epicenter of the world, is expecting high growth in auction sales of this aromatic spice in 2012-13.

"The glory is coming back after decade long low yield, low quality and low price spell. We expect over 100% growth in sales this year over last year figures. We had a sale of 4 Metric Ton (MT) in 2010-11, the first year of organized sales of large cardamom through open auction. That went up to 16MT in 11-12.

This year, this is expected to be around 40 Metric ton. Against Rs 1100/kg average price of last two years, it is expected to reach Rs 1300/kg. Beginning by mid November, the fortnightly auctions will be conducted till June 2012," said P C Roy senior zonal manager Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Cooperation (NERAMAC), an agency under administrative control of GoI's Department of North East Region, The Economic Times reported.

NERAMAC operates the only large cardamom auction center of India at Rangpo in Sikkim.

Beside 6 available wild varieties, Amomum subulatumis the main traditionally cultured species in Sikkim, the epicenter of India's large cardamom arena that produces around 80% of national annual yield. Remaining 20% comes from Darjeeling hills and North East Region. India is the world leader by producing over 50% of global yield.

Beside consuming 1500 to 1800 MT, India is an important exporter of this cash crop mainly to Pakistan, Singapore or Middle East where Sikkim's large cardamom is the preferred choice due to its distinctive aroma and colour.

SDF SWEEPS PANCHAYAT POLLS

Independents get 40% of votes, bag 92 panchayat wards, 5 zilla seats; east district leaning towards independents

Gangtok, Nov 13: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front has swept the panchayat polls by winning 895 of the total of 987 panchayat wards, leaving the independents with only 92 wards. In the zilla polls, SDF bagged 103 seats while 5 seats went to independents.

Results of 13 wards in east district, where the performance of independent candidates are better than the other three districts, was initially withheld due a ‘tabulation error.’ However, after a recheck of the polls results, SDF bagged 11 wards in east district, leaving only 2 to independents.

More than 50 per sent of seats in gram panchayat and substantial percentage of seats of zilla seats were won by the ruling party even before the polls as these seats were uncontested. Thus, out of 430 wards where polls were held SDF won 328 seats. Of the 70 contesting zilla seats the ruling party won 65 seats.

This year’s panchayat polls were keenly watched as rebel ruling party legislator and former minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) claimed that over 150 independent candidates were his supporters.

Opposition parties did not contest the polls stating that they were not in favour of party-based panchayat polls.

However, both camps – ruling and opposition – have claimed ‘victory’ in the just-concluded elections to the two-tier panchayat system in the State.

While Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front President Pawan Chamling has hailed his party’s landslide victory in the panchayat polls as a “victory” of the people, his rivals, including former chief minister and State Congress President NB Bhandari, said the results of the polls was a “victory” of the people who want change in the State.

Close aides of former minister and dissident ruling party leader PS Golay say the fact that as many as 92 independents have been voted from the panchayat wards is an indication that there are disgruntled elements within the ruling dispensation.

They say Golay did not participate in the panchayat polls but helped those who fought against the ruling party as independents.

What is noteworthy is that around 40 per cent of votes polled went to independents.

Naga People’s Front against EVMs in Nagaland polls

Kohima, Nov 13: The ruling Naga People's Front (NPF) has opposed the use of electronic voting machines (EVM) in the ensuing Nagaland Assembly election.

In a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner, NPF secretary general KG Kenye said that the party has deliberated on the pros and cons of the use of EVMs and has come to the conclusion that the universal adult franchise as enshrined in the Constitution of India would best be assured to the people through the use of the ballot paper system.

The NPF pointed out that the EVMs provide no physical proof of votes cast and also do not give the voter any physical proof of his or her vote.

Furthermore, the NPF said even the most developed countries continue to use the ballot paper during elections. "Universal adult franchise is the very foundation of democracy and it is necessary that a voter should have physical proof of his or her vote which he or she has cast. Physical proof of every vote ensures transparency and leaves no room for any error or manipulation," stated the letter.

Nagaland assembly's tenure comes to an end on March 26, 2013 and the election is likely to be held in February or March next year.

N-E states to launch joint operation against militants

Aizawl, Nov 13: The police of Tripura and Mizoram have decided to launch a joint operation to flush out militants from areas bordering south Assam, officials said.

DIGs of Tripura and Mizoram, Gaurav Tripathi and C Zoramna respectively, agreed at a recent meeting at Kanchanpur in North Tripura that they would hold joint exercises and the next move against extremism and cross border crimes would be coordinated with Assam.

"Since Barak Valley shares border with Mizoram and Tripura, we are always in touch with police administration of Kolasib in Mizoram and North Tripura in our operations against militants," DIG of South Assam Binod Kumar said.

"Any operation involving Assam would be fruitful in tackling militancy and other crimes," he added.

During the joint operations, the target would be the hideouts and bases of militant groups along the border areas on the basis of shared information, sources said.

In remote areas of the three states, like south of Hailakandi and Karimganj districts in Assam, breakaway groups have cropped up and were extorting people, the sources said.

It is often reported that North-East based extremists continue to operate in Chittagong Hills Tract in Bangladesh and use the Tripura-Assam-Mizoram corridor for their movement to Myanmar, now a favourite destination for them.

The routes and corridors have been identified and only a combined operation can block their movement, they said.

Besides tackling the extremists, other inter-state crimes such as hijacking of vehicles from highways, smuggling of fake currency notes, contraband goods and human trafficking could also be tracked in the operation.

INTERVIEW Dipak Gyawali

“We need to rethink development in the light of climate change”

Dipak Gyawali, research director of the Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, explains that an area as diverse as the Himalayas needs localised, 'toad's-eye' science if it is to learn how to adapt to climate change. Interview by Isabel Hilton, editor of ChinaDialogue, part of the Guardian Environment Network.

Isabel Hilton: How accurate are predictions of future climate impacts in the region?

Dipak Gyawali: Here is a sense of confusion: the implications of what is happening seem more and more horrendous and some things are pretty certain. Beyond that, though, the models predict all kinds of things. The question of the Himalayas has not really begun to be addressed and the science has a very long way to go on precipitation and the social effects.

Q: How can science become more relevant to the region?

A: The effects in different parts of the Himalaya and south Asia will be very different and it's not all about glaciers. The Maldives will be drowned; Sri Lanka may have more tsunamis and more intense storms; Bangladesh will have its own problems. They will not be impacted directly by the glaciers; the interest in the glaciers is that they are powerful indicators: they tell you clearly that something is wrong. It's like going to the doctor with a fever: you know you are sick. But we don't have the science to be able to make accurate predictions of impacts over a hugely diverse region.

Some of them are predictable: spring is coming a week earlier, for instance; things begin to grow, but it is We also looked at some major regional catastrophes, signature events like the failure of the Indian monsoon or the floods in the Terai, to see how people were affected. It's essential to find out what is happening, and we believe we need to rethink development in the light of climate change. That has not happened yet.

Q: Presumably it has not happened because the development agencies have not had this kind of detailed input?

A: That's precisely the point. The remote sensing and the satellites give us the eagle-eye view, which is essential but not enough. In a country as diverse geographically and socially as Nepal – there are more than 90 languages and 103 caste and ethnic groups – the eagle-eye view needs to be complemented by the view from the ground, what I call "toad's-eye" science.

Q: Because high-level science can't be broken down into what is happening in any given local area?

A: Yes. You are dealing with such diversity: ecological, geographical, cultural and ethnic diversity. The reason we focused on this toad's-eye view is that we found people were not sitting around waiting for an agreement at the COP15 in Copenhagen. Millions are voting with their feet every day at the grass-roots level, reacting with civic science and traditional knowledge. This is what people are basing their everyday decisions on.

High science to come down off its high horse and meet up with civic science and traditional knowledge, in order to understand what is happening, so that national governments can also plan. The high science has to start looking at why there are more male flowers on the cucumbers, why berries are ripening at the wrong

Q: Have you a better idea of who is vulnerable as a result of this work?

A: Yes. The conventional wisdom is that the most vulnerable people are the poorest of the poor, but we have found that it is actually the lower middle classes. The reason is that the poorest of the poor have never had enough land to keep their families for the whole year, so they have always had to diversify their sources of income: they do seasonal labour and have those networks and connections already. They have a built-in resilience, so if their harvest is worse than usual, they just go and work longer.

The lower middle classes, though, have had enough land to be able to depend on their crops. They might survive one bad year, but two or three wipe them out, and then you get what you are seeing in India – farmers committing suicide. That is also happening in Nepal. The poorest are suffering, but it is not fatal. The people who are really being hit are the lower middle classes and upwards, which has implications for social stability.

Q: What adaptation is possible in these circumstances?

A: The solutions have to come out of the watershed and out of the problem-shed. You can talk about big solutions – building high dams – which can take 40 years. We don't know in Nepal if a government will last 40 days. The solutions have to be what these millions of households can take. Can they be helped? How can they be helped? We just haven't done the science for that. We need civic science; ground-level truth.