HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday Jan 2-8, 2013  

SIKKIM-DARJEELING MERGER ISSUE LEADS TO CALL FOR ‘GREATER SIKKIM’

Restore Chumbi Valley & Ha: NASBO

The map of ‘Greater Sikkim’ shows Illam in eastern Nepal, Chumbi Valley in Tibet (China), Ha in western Bhutan, Darjeeling and part of Bihar as part of the former Kingdom of Sikkim.

Gangtok, Jan 1: Anti-merger champion and veteran politician Nar Bahadur Bhandari once said: “We have been merged; we shall not be submerged.” Now, Sikkimese nationalists are rallying behind this dictum in their opposition to the reported move to merge Darjeeling with Sikkim. Realizing that they have nothing to lose if New Delhi is angered by their frustrations and feelings  the Sikkimese people are now bracing up for prolonged fight to the finish.

The first one to fire the salvo is a Sikkimese nationalist organization, which has strongly urged New Delhi to restore Sikkim’s territories lost to its neighbouring countries – Nepal, China (Tibet) and Bhutan – in the past.

The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organization (NASBO 371F) in a strongly-worded press statement demanded: “We want our rightful claims of Ha in Bhutan and entire Chumbi valley (in) China be restored back to us.”

NASBO has claimed that “these territories belong to us, culturally, historically and politically.”

Sonam Kaloen Lama

Reacting to reports that the Centre is keen on affecting Sikkim-Darjeeling merger – a demand raised by a section of the political leadership in neighbouring Darjeeling – NASBO said “Indian leaders” like Gulam Nabi Azad and Oscar Fernandez, who are believed to be backing the merger demand, and other “like-mind politicians have no authority and rights to play with the fate and destiny of the Sikkimese people.”

NASBO has urged New Delhi to “immediately initiate necessary actions” and restore to “the Sikkimese people our illegally encroached territories from China, Nepal and Bhutan.”

 “We have already lost Miwang Palden Thondub Namgyal (Chogyal of Sikkim) in the course and cannot afford to loose anything more,” NASBO President Sonam Lama (Kaloen) said.

He added, “Indian authorities must now timely realize the fact that it always cannot be the fortune maker of Sikkimese people or can any longer falter or belittle our fate to suit its convenience.”

Editorial

SOUTHERN DISCOMFORT

From Telangana to Gorkhaland

The UPA government is likely to come out with a proposal to constitute an autonomous Telangana on the lines of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) as an ad hoc solution to the contentious Telangana issue. This was indirectly hinted at by Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde during the all-party meeting. "We could take a bold decision on the Darjeeling Hill Council to end the Gorkhaland issue. Similarly, we are confident of finding a solution to the Telangana issue as well with the support of all the political parties in Andhra Pradesh," Shinde is learnt to have told the representatives of eight political parties who attended the meeting.

Sources in the Congress said the Centre would not dare take a decision on the bifurcation of the State at this stage as it could stir the hornet's nest elsewhere in the country. The Congress high command is said to be of the view that a regional autonomous council proposal would be sort of a face-saver for the party which faces a threat of getting wiped out in Andhra Pradesh in the general elections unless it gives some commitment on the Telangana issue. Howwever, Telangana campaigners are not ready to accept any proposal that does not result in a separate state. The enraged Telangana activists, who have waited for so long to resolve the issue, are ready to oppose any compromising suggestion.

Opposition to take scrapping of old laws issue to New Delhi, wants backing of MPs

Rai

Gangtok, Jan 1: Opposition leaders in the State have decided to approach their MPs and party high command to oppose the scrapping of old laws with the passing of Companies Bill 2012 in the Lok Sabha recently.

This was made public during a press conference of an all-party meeting held here on Monday under the banner of Democratic Alliance of Sikkim (DAS). The press meet was called to let the people know of DAS’s collective approach on the touchy issue.

Former chief minister and State Congress President N B Bhandari said the passing of the Companies Bill was a “conspiracy” hatched by the Centre and State Government. Bhandari said he would soon hold a party meeting on the subject and then apprise the party high command about the matter.

Both Bhandari and former Lok Sabha MP Nakul Das Rai, who is the convenor of DAS, questioned Sikkim Lok Sabha MP PD Rai’s silence when the Bill was introduced and passed in the Lower House.

State CPIM leader Anjan Upadhyaya, too, will be approaching his party high command and MPs to oppose the Bill when it comes up in Rajya Sabha.

Bhandari

The Bill when it becomes an Act will replace Sikkim’s two old laws – Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act 1061 and Companies Act 1965.

Leaders of Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP), Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP), Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) and All Sikkim Educated Self-employed & Unemployed Association (ASESUA) participated during the press conference.

Curtain raiser of 2nd international flower fest

Gangtok, Jan 1: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh formally unveiled the curtain raiser to the 2nd International Flower Show, to be held here next month, at a function in New Delhi last week.

The Governor shared his impression of the State’s natural beauty and the joy that he derives from nature in Sikkim. Sharing his views from the historical perspective, Sikkim itself was a mystery till the publication of book on Sikkim’s natural beauty by botanist Dr JD Hooker which helped the outside world to see the beauty that Sikkim is endowed with.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, while addressing the gathering, informed that Sikkim is one of the biodiversity hot spots of the world.

Chamling said the State is promoting floriculture as an alternative livelihood in the state among educated youth with "free infrastructure, planting material and technology to cultivators to develop cut flower varieties".

"Sikkim is investor-friendly and is looking for investments in horticulture and floriculture. We want to take their expertise, technology and devise ways to develop the market," he said.

The first international flower festival in the State was held in March 2008. It had the participation of experts and flower growers from countries such as Netherland, France, New Zealand and Germany.

A BRIEEF HISTORY OF DARJEELING

The history of Darjeeling is closely intertwined with that of Bengal, Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim and Great Britain. Once a part of Sikkim and home to several aboriginal tribal communities, much of the history of Darjeeling is soused in combats with neighboring ethnic groups. Darjeeling has always been a soft target for the powerful forces of Bhutan and Nepal. In 1780, Nepal army seized a major portion of Sikkim's boundaries and established their dominance over the land. The victory of the British in the Anglo-Nepal played a significant role in shaping the history of Darjeeling and driving out the Gorkhas from the land. Under the British rule, a major part of Sikkim's lost precincts were recaptured and reinstated. Over the years, Darjeeling developed with the establishment of medical centers and tea plantations. During this time, the region served as the summer capital to several British officials, high ranking administers, princely dignitaries, rich merchants, and landlords.

Early Settlers

Prior to the rule of the royal leaders of Sikkim, the place was inhabited by Lepchas, Limbus, and Bhutias who are considered to be the original settlers in the region. It was only in 1642 that Darjeeling came under the governance of Chogyal Phuntsog Namgyal, the first ruler of Sikkim who is said to be the descendent of Guru Tashi. Guru Tashi is believed to be a member of the royal Minyak house of Kham in eastern Tibet. After the death of Phuntsog Namgyal, the province came under the rule of his son Tensung Namgyal, who failed to protect the region from the invasion of Bhutan army. Towards 1780, the Gorkhas annexed a portion of south and west Sikkim. Despite constant efforts by the Chogyal leaders to recapture the place, the leaders of Sikkim remained unsuccessful until they availed the help of British.

East India Company

     Chowrasta, Darjeeling (1897)

With the combined efforts of the colonial rulers and Sikkim's chief, Nepal army was defeated in the Anglo-Gorkha war and the Nepal regiment was forced to sign the treaty of Sugauli in the year 1815. According to the treaty, Nepal had to relinquish almost one-third of the land, which they had occupied. After the treaty, the British officially commanded a politically higher position in the region. Two years later, in the year 1817, the East Indian Company signed another treaty with the Sikkim rulers known as the Treaty of Titalia. As per this treaty, the Sikkim rulers were given the right to rule the lands, which the British had acquired in return of trading rights. In 1835, the British entered into a lease contract with them in order to commence trading activity. Over the years, Darjeeling progressed at a fast pace with improved medical services and profitable tea estates that were most sought after in Europe. During this period, the Chogyal and Sikkimese leaders were unhappy with the growing migrant population that entered the place due to the potential growth in Darjeeling's economy. This caused uproar among the reigning rulers of the hill-station. With deteriorating relationships between the two parties, the district of Darjeeling soon fell into the hands of the English rule. In the following years, Darjeeling saw a major development in the educational sector, infrastructure, and tourism.

After-Independence

After India gained its independence, the district of Darjeeling was merged with the state of West Bengal. In 1980, differences between numerous ethnic communities gave rise to the internal disturbance in the region. This in turn led to several protest and claim for a separate Gorkhaland. The formation of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council reduced political pressures in the province. The DGHC, which enjoyed semi-autonomous powers to administer the district, was replaced by Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in 2011. (India Guide)

SIKKIM OBSERVER Dec 29-Jan 4, 2012

Chamling demands new Sikkim highway for development

New Delhi, Dec 28: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling yesterday requested the Centre to sanction a new national highway from West Bengal to Sikkim to provide reliable physical connectivity to the State.

While speaking in the National Development Council meeting at Vigyan Bhawan, Chamling demanded 120 km long new national highway from Sevoke in West Bengal to State capital to strengthen transport network to ensure balanced regional development of the State.

Chamling said strengthening of transport network will attract investment from big corporate houses, promote tourism and economic activities in the State. The Chief Minister also demanded the widening and improvement of existing national highway and construction of two-lane from upcoming greenfield airport at Pakyong to Gangtok.

Chamling also asked for central funding for constructing intermediate lane connectivity to all marketing centres and strengthening of major district roads in the State.

He said that tourism and hospitality sector has emerged as fastest growing industry in the State and added that State aims to attract 50 lakh tourists annually by the year 2017 through well-executed tourism strategy, better planning, aggressive publicity and strengthening of tourism infrastructure in the State. He said that about seven lakh Indian and 21,000 foreign tourists visited the state in the year 2010.

Chamling also requested the Centre to release the remaining fund of Rs 720 crore out of Prime Ministers package of Rs 1000 crore sanctioned as one time relief package for reconstruction and rehabilitation for earth quake victims.

Opposition targets Chamling on repeal of old laws

COMPANIES BILL 2012 TO REPLACE REGISTRATION OF COMPANIES (SIKKIM) ACT 1961 & COMPANIES ACT 1965

Gangtok, Dec 28: The Opposition in the State which has been accusing the State Government of diluting the special status of Sikkim, protected under Article 371F of the Constitution, has lambasted the present dispensation for doing away with old laws of the State.

Reacting to the Lok Sabha’s approval of the Companies Bill 2012, former chief minister and State Congress President N B Bhandari said this was another instance of betrayal of the Sikkimese people by the Centre. He said the State Government would be held responsible if old laws are repealed.

The Bill, when it becomes an Act, will replace Registration of Companies (Sikkim) Act 1961 and the Companies Act 1965.

Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) President Biraj Adhikari said the enactment of the new Bill is “illegal” and would not be accepted by the Sikkimese people.

While BJP Sikkim unit President Padam Chettri has urged the Centre to withdraw the Bill, the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad (SHRP) said attempts to do away with Sikkim’s old laws was an act of “conspiracy” and the party would oppose it.

Golay to form ‘pro-people’ party in January

   Golay (pix: Sikkim Now)

Gangtok, Dec 28: Before forming his much-awaited new political party next month PS Golay wants the people to give suggestions for the name of his ‘pro-people’ party.

According to sources, the new party is likely to be formed by mid-January. Others say the expected date is January 26. It is not only the name of the party, which is reportedly yet to be finalized, but also the one who will head the party.

Earlier, it was reported that the new party would be ‘led’ by Golay and ‘blessed’ by Congress President Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who has also reportedly indicated that he may form a regional party along with like-minded people.

Sikkim will ultimately go the Nepal way

WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR

Jigme N Kazi

The demand for ‘Gorkhaland’ and ‘Greater Sikkim’ may become a reality one day but the end result will frustrate the hopes and aspirations of hill people some day.

The re-election of President Barack Obama is an ample proof that new migrants are calling the shots in the US today. Obama won mainly because the African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Latinos and other minorities overwhelmingly sided with him along with the youths.

Despite the formation of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in Darjeeling the Gorkhas, including those who support the ruling Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), have not given up their yearning for a homeland of their own. The success or failure of the GTA will eventually lead to reiteration of the age-old demand for creation of Gorkhaland.

When asked about his future political plans after formation of GTA, GJM chief Bimal Gurung recently said, “Gorkhaland, of course. The GTA is only a preparation for the separate state of Gorkhaland. Nothing short of statehood is a complete solution to the problems of the Gorkhas, be it identity or development.”

   While the GJM has categorically stated that the formation of GTA is a stepping stone for Gorkhaland, the Gorkhaland Task Force (GTF), a conglomeration of pro-Gorkhaland parties, is taking up the statehood issue with a new sense of zeal and direction.

In 2008, a group of Gorkha leaders seeking reunification of Darjeeling with Sikkim surprisingly sought my help on the issue. They were of the opinion that Sikkimese Nepalese were in favour of the merger while the minority Bhutia-Lepchas were against it. Their perception on the issue was based on the views of certain Nepali leaders in Sikkim.

I told them that I disagreed with their findings. The leaders of Sikkimese Nepalese would not accept Sikkim-Darjeeling merger demand not because they love Sikkim and the Sikkimese but because they stand to lose politically and financially if the merger deal comes through.  Sikkim’s population is just over six lacs and merger with largely-populated Darjeeling would unnecessarily not only tilt the balance of power but would put an abrupt end to financial clout that Sikkim’s political leadership enjoys today.

I told the Gorkha leaders that my views were based on factual analysis of Sikkim politics in the past few decades. They were convinced when after a few days of our discussion on the merger issue the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front spokesman Bhim Bahadur Gooroong in a press statement rejected the merger demand.

Gooroong, who was also an advisor to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, said, “We have already merged with India in 1975 … we don’t want to be sub-merged.” He also said Darjeeling’s reunification with Sikkim would have been possible before the merger but it was now a closed chapter.

Simultaneously, former chief minister and Sikkim Congress chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari brought out a pamphlet in Nepali supporting the demand for Gorkhaland. When I met Bhandari on the issue, he said, “We must not support the merger demand. We should support creation of a separate state of Gorkhaland instead.”

Almost all major political parties in Sikkim also boycotted a meeting held in Gangtok in May 2008 on the Sikkim-Darjeeling merger issue. The leaders, while opposing the merger demand, said they would give moral support to formation of Gorkhaland state.

Significantly, when Chamling met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in New Delhi recently the demand for restoration of the political rights of Sikkimese Nepalese through seat reservation in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly was conspicuously missing.

During his meetings with Central leaders, Chamling instead raised the demand for Assembly seat reservation for Limbus and Tamangs who have been bracketed in Sikkim’s schedule tribes list along with the indigenous Bhutias and Lepchas.

Surprisingly, during a recent meeting in Gangtok called by former Lok Sabha MP Nakul Das Rai’s Concerned  Society of Sikkim for ‘leaders and intellectuals’ to discuss on vital issues that concern Sikkim, a resolution was passed favouring Assembly seat reservation for Sikkimese Nepalese which were there during the Chogyal era but were scrapped four years after the merger.

According to official records, less than half of the six lac population are bonafide Sikkimese who have genuine Sikkim Subject Certificate, a documentary proof that they were subjects of the former Chogyal of Sikkim.

Due to many reasons it will now become increasingly difficult for Sikkimese Nepalese leadership to get the backing of minority Bhutia-Lepchas on the Assembly seat issue and other related issues that concern their distinct identity. It may be noted that when the Organisation of Sikkimese Unity (OSU) urged the Sikkim Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution on the seat issue in the budget session of the Assembly in 2000 the political leadership – ruling and opposition – made a mess of things, leading to communalization of the issue. The Assembly failed to pass the resolution.

Duk Nath Nepal, a prominent Nepali writer, political activist and a former leader of CPI-M in Sikkim who is now Convenor of Sikkim Liberation Party, in an article published in a Gangtok-based English weekly in November 2000 when the seat issue was out in the public domain said, “It is also very interesting to observe how political leaders, who have been maintaining a double standard on the issue, are spending sleepless nights pondering over how the political situation develops over the issue in relation to their political and personal gains.”

In a few years time when the Nepali/Gorkha population of Sikkim and Darjeeling – as has been seen in the US – realize that they will not be able to rule this place due to increasing influx of plainspeople from outside the demand for reunification of Darjeeling with Sikkim will take a new turn and Sikkim, though reluctantly, will support it.

However, nothing will stop the ever-increasing influx and the fulfilment of a homeland for Gorkhas in this part of the Himalaya will become meaningless and the hill people will be forced to accept the fact of history. We only need to look to Nepal’s political dilemma to know where we are heading. (Talk Sikkim)

Editorial

RAGE OVER RAPE

Sexual Assault For Power

Protests continue in the Indian capital following the horrific gang rape of a 23-year-old student. Protests erupted into violence over the weekend before Christmas, prompting Prime Minister Monmohan Singh to make a public address appealing for calm. The protests have been the biggest in the capital since 2011 anti-corruption demonstrations that rocked the government. Rape, sometimes also called sexual assault, can happen to both men and women of any age. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines rape as: "The penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim."

Rape is forced and unwanted. It's about power, not sex. A rapist uses actual force or violence — or the threat of it — to take control over another human being. Some rapists use drugs to take away a person's ability to fight back. Rape is a crime, whether the person committing it is a stranger, a date, an acquaintance, or a family member.

No matter how it happened, rape is frightening and traumatizing. People who have been raped need care, comfort, and a way to heal.

What's the right thing to do if you've been raped? Take care of yourself in the best way for you. For some people, that means reporting the crime immediately and fighting to see the rapist brought to justice. For others it means seeking medical or emotional care without reporting the rape as a crime. Every person is different. There are three things that everyone who has been raped should do, though: Know that the rape wasn't your fault, seek medical care and deal with your feelings.

56 US Congressmen pressure Obama to act on Tibet

Dalai Lama with Barack Obama in Washington in July 2011

Washington, Dec 28: A letter to U.S. President Barack Obama urging him to exercise greater international leadership in improving the human rights situation in Tibet has received a large bi-partisan support from the US Congress.

As of Wednesday [19 December 2012], 56 members of Congress have signed the Wolf-McGovern letter “strongly urging” President Obama “to make Tibet one of your top priorities for U.S. advocacy” and nominate a Secretary of State who will “champion” the Tibet issue.

“It is critical that the U.S. take a leading role and engage actively with partner nations on measures that could bring near-term improvements in the human rights situation in Tibet,” the letter first initiated by senior congressmen James P. McGovern and Frank R. Wolf said.

“We urge you, Mr. President, to take a leading role in support of (UN Human Rights) Commissioner Navi Pillay’s statement and actively engage partner nations on measures that could bring near-term improvements in the human rights situation in Tibet and serve to de-escalate rising tensions brought about by hard-line and destructive Chinese policies and actions.”

Last month [November 2012], Commissioner Pillay issued a statement urging Chinese authorities to “promptly address the longstanding grievances” of the Tibetan people and to release detainees, allow independent human rights monitors to visit Tibet, and to lift restrictions on media access to the region, phayul.com reported.

The Congress letter blamed Chinese government policies of having “increased” the level of repression “leading to the self-immolations and protests by Tibetans,” and warned that “continued crackdowns by Beijing threaten to escalate the situation.”

Members of Congress, while welcoming the recent statements by Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Maria Otero and by Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner expressing U.S. concern over the increasing frequency of self-immolations by Tibetans, noted that “much more must be done.”

“We have the moral obligation to speak out for the Tibetan people and confront China about these abuses, to convey the aspirations for change that are being expressed so desperately by the Tibetan people directly to those who have the responsibility to heed Tibetans’ demands for change, respect and basic dignity,” the signed letter reads. “We ask that you make this a top priority and lead the way.”

Over the last two weeks, Tibet activists in the U.S. carried out a robust lobbying campaign, calling on their representatives to sign the Wolf-McGovern letter. Last week, over 60 activists led by the Students for a Free Tibet, visited over 425 congressional offices at the Capitol Hill urging representatives to sign-on. Other groups lobbied at their district offices, wrote letters, and called their representatives to sign the Tibet letter to President Obama.

Support over the formation of a Contact Group on Tibet, which would serve as an international mechanism to put coordinated pressure on the Chinese government on Tibet, has grown over the last few months.

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday Dec 26-Jan 1, 2012  

Sikkim declared ‘Best Small State’, gets Diamond State Award

Gangtok, Dec 25: Sikkim has been declared India's 'best small state' by the jury of the IBN7 Diamond State Award, 2012, an official statement from the Sikkim government said on Sunday.

Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar presented the award to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in a ceremony in New Delhi on Saturday night.

Goa and Uttrakhand were declared second and third runners-up in the category of Best Small States.

Sikkim was declared as best State in the country in the category of small states in overall achievements and the State was also declared best State in the country in citizen security, environment and water and sanitation categories

"Sikkim was declared as the best state in the country in the category of small states for its overall achievements. The state was also declared best in the country in citizen security, environment and water and sanitation categories," the statement said.

Exiled Tibetan govt hopeful on Japan PM-elect on Tibet issue

I will do everything in my power to change the situation in Tibet: Shinzo Abe

Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama presents a khada to Shinzo Abe, Japan's prime minister-elect, in    

     Tokyo on November 13, 2012. (Photo/AP/Itsuo Inouye)Add caption

Dharamsala, Dec 25: The exile Tibetan administration last week congratulated Japan’s new prime minister-elect Shinzo Abe on winning the parliamentary elections and expressed hope for his “continued support” on the issue of Tibet.

Exiled Tibetan Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay also thanked the people and government of Japan for the “long-standing support” for the non-violent struggle of the Tibetan people.

“On behalf of the Tibetan people, I would like to congratulate Mr Shinzo Abe on winning the elections and wish him all the best as the next prime minister of Japan,” Sangay said. “I thank the people and government of Japan for their long-standing support for democracy and non-violent struggle of the Tibetan people. I look forward to your continued support for the issue of Tibet.”

Tibetan Parliament-in-exile also issued a congratulatory letter to Abe, appreciating his support for the cause of Tibet, phayul.com reported.

“We have been very appreciative of your support for the cause of Tibet in general and the commitment that you showed during the visit of His Holiness the Dalai Lama this year to Japan," Deputy Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel said.

"We wish you all the success in your endeavours and appeal to you again to play a pro-active role in reducing the current grave situation inside Tibet and in finding a lasting mutually beneficial solution to the issue of Tibet.”

Earlier in April, Sangay met and had cordial exchanges with Abe on four separate occasions during his visit to Japan.

The exiled government expressed its “sincerest thanks” to the prime minister-elect for his “word of support and for co-hosting His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s recent Japan visit.”

The Tibetan spiritual leader, during his visit to the island nation last month, made a historic visit to the Japanese Parliament building and addressed more than 230 Japanese parliamentarians and their representatives.

Following the meeting, Abe, who was then the leader of Japan's main opposition party, the Liberal Democratic Party, had promised to “do everything to change the situation in Tibet.”

“I swear I will do everything in my power to change the situation in Tibet where human rights are being suppressed,” Abe told reporters in Tokyo. “Tibet seeks freedom and democracy and we agree on those values.”

Abe had earlier served as Japanese prime minister between 2006 and 2007.

Editorial

POLL VICTORY

Good Economics Is Good Politics

Industry captains have hailed Assembly poll victories in Gujarat as well as Himachal Pradesh. They feel that the mandate provides “great opportunity” for development of infrastructure and industrial growth. Political stability would surely enhance confidence of the industry and herald new investments. While Narendra Modi’s supporters have hailed the three-time Chief Minister as “an epitome of good governance and path-breaking development” there is no doubt that Gujarat has made remarkable progress during the course of last decade. Though the Congress party managed to snatch back the hill State with a wafer-thin majority – securing 36 seats in the 68-strong House – industrial houses have expressed confidence that the State will be able to achieve its development target under the Congress.

Poll pundits feel that ‘even if Modi is not the next Prime Minister, he would certainly continue to be one of India’s key leaders, and not just in Gujarat.’ During his election campaign Modi was always mindful of the fact that ‘good economics is good politics’ and this was equated with ‘good governance’. The real significance of Modi’s third consecutive victory in Gujarat, on the campaign theme of development, is that it has the capacity to dramatically alter the political discourse in the lead up to the 2014 election.

The success of Modi’s campaign pitch of reaching out to the aspirational sections of society, eschewing the politics of religious or caste identity, holds enormous significance for the economic and political discourse as it will likely be framed for the 2014 elections. Now that Modi has firmly laid his future politics on economic development his next focus should be to set high standards on the democratic process in all spheres of activity.

Shillong Fashion Week brings Northeast designers to limelight

“North-east India can be a new fashion hub in future”

Shillong, Dec 25: Shillong Fashion Week (SFW) 2012, the first-ever fashion week to be held in the State of Meghalaya, has opened doors for the Indian fashion icons to explore the fashion concept of Northeast India.

The Shillong Fashion Week provided an opportunity to amateur designers from the region to learn more about national and international fashion industry.

Ritika Gupta, one of the leading Indian designers and a participant in the SFW, told fibre2fashion, “The fashion sense of people in north-eastern part of India is very good and when we talk about western dresses it is more prevalent in this region than in any other part of the country.”

“North-east India can be a new fashion hub in future,” she adds.

Talking about the benefits amateur designers accrued through SFW, she says, “SFW provided an opportunity for the amateur designers in the region to learn about conducting a fashion show, market requirements and the show provides new opportunities for them.”

According to Nathaniel W Rynjah, the main focus behind the fashion show was to expose the weavers and the textile sector in north-east India.

“We had about nine local designers who participated in SFW and for most of them it was the first time in a fashion show,” he informs.

An American university student is the new Miss Universe

Miss USA Olivia Culpo is crowned Miss Universe 2012 Wednesday night.

LAS VEGAS — An American university student is the new Miss Universe, defeating dozens of contestants from six continents to bring the crown back to the U.S. after a drought of more than a decade.

Twenty-year-old Olivia Culpo won the title on Wednesday night at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip, replacing outgoing champion Leila Lopes of Angola.

The Boston University sophomore’s coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the Miss Universe title since Brook Lee won in 1997.

Culpo, who beat out 88 competitors, wore a tight navy blue mini-dress with a sequined bodice as she walked on stage for the event’s opening number. Later in the night, she strutted in a purple and blue bikini, and donned a wintery red velvet gown with a plunging neckline.

No one was more surprised than Culpo’s family when told them she was entering the Miss Rhode Island contest last year, her father Peter recalled.

“We didn’t know a thing about pageants,” he said.

She won that contest in a rented $20 dress with a hole in it and then began working out, dieting, and studying current events on flashcards to compete for the Miss USA crown

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HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday Dec 18-25, 2012   

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Arunachal part of India: US Ambassador Powell

India-China border row: US sticks to McMahon Line

Guwahati, Dec 18: US ambassador to India Nancy J Powell on Friday said the US still adopts the 1962 policy of recognizing the McMahon Line regarding the India-China border dispute. She said the US recognizes Arunachal Pradesh as an integral part of India.

On China's repeated claims that Arunachal Pradesh as its territory, Powell said, "This is an issue between India and China. It has to be resolved bilaterally by the two countries." She added that the US always encourages talks between India and China on all issues.

Commenting on China's rise as a global power, Powell said the US does not consider China's fast economic and military growth as a cause of rivalry. "We don't think it is a rivalry. The US will continue to work with China, along with other friendly countries. We are for investing in China and engaging them in trade," she added. She said the US has good relations with China and have a lot of investment in that country. She, however, said India's own interests are similar to that of the US as both countries believe and practice democracy, The Economic Times reported.

Powell said the geo-political situation in South and South-East Asian region has changed now and the India's northeast region has become an important area. "With Myanmar opening up and trade links with Bangladesh improving, the northeast today is at a critical juncture," she added.

"The northeast joins the ASEAN countries with the Indian sub-continent. It is a geographical junction of the new silk route," said Powell, explaining how the NE region has become very crucial for trade ties between India and ASEAN countries.

Sino-Indian border deadlock raises tensions; ambiguity of past accords hinders settlement

Sikkim in Indo-China border dispute

Indo-China border in east Sikkim

London, Dec 18: Indian national security adviser Shivshankar Menon went to Beijing the week before last to have his last formal meeting with his Chinese counterpart, State Councilor Dai Bingguo, who will be retiring in March next year.

When they had met earlier this year in January, the two had decided to come up with a joint record of negotiations and to look at the future trajectory of these talks. The aim of the latest talks was to ensure continuity with Dai's successor.

After the meeting, Menon suggested that the two sides have now reached a "common understanding" on the progress made so far in the border talks that will provide a framework for drawing a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable" boundary, The Japan Times reported.

More significantly, India acknowledged China's sovereignty over Tibet and pledged not to allow "anti-China" political activities in India, while China acknowledged India's 1975 incorporation of the former monarchy of Sikkim by first agreeing to open a trading post along the border with the former kingdom and by later rectifying official maps to include Sikkim as part of India.

In 2005, both sides established the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question Agreement — broad principles to govern the parameters of any dispute settlement.

China has expressed its desire to seek a fair resolution to the vexed boundary issue on the basis of "mutual accommodation, respect for history and accommodation of reality."

Since then China has vigorously asserted its old claims along the border with India and has combined it with aggressive patrolling, which New Delhi views as a violation of a 1993 agreement.

Even as India considered the Sikkim border issue settled, repeated Chinese incursions in the "finger area" in northern Sikkim in the past few years are aimed at opening a fresh front against India. Concerns are growing about covert intrusions into the Indian territory to strengthen Chinese claims over the disputed border areas.

Forces of the People's Liberation Army also regularly intrude into Bhutanese territory at the junction where the three countries meet and destroying Indian Army posts. These incursions are strategically directed at the Siliguri corridor that connects India with its northeast states.

Issue provisional ration cards to Nepalese: HC

Shimla, Dec 18: Himachal Pradesh High Court directed the district controller, food civil supplies and consumer affairs, Kullu, to provide provisional consumer cards/ration cards to Nepalese applicants and other migrant labourers in Kullu district and supply all the essential articles to them as are given to other ordinary ration card holders for six months.

The directions were issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Rajiv Sharma during the hearing of a petition filed by Mool Pravah Akhil Bharat Nepal Ekta Samaj, Kullu, seeking directions to government for supplying ration cards to Nepalese residing in Kullu so that they could purchase essential commodities from fair price shops.

District controller, food civil supplies and consumer affairs, Kullu, in his reply, had stated that there was no provision in HP Specified Articles (Regulation of Distribution) Order, 2003, to issue permanent ration cards to such persons, a national daily reported.

However, under its Clause 10(4), temporary ration cards could be issued to those persons, who have no fixed or identifiable place of dwelling, on payment of required fee. He also informed the court that the state government had sought clarification from the Central government in this regard five years ago and a response was still awaited.

The court directed the Central government to give clarification to state government and to file a reply within two months and also directed the director, food and civil supplies, Himachal Pradesh to provide required quantity of essential articles to district controller, food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, Kullu.

Concerns raised over Chinese activities in Ladakh, PoK

New Delhi, Dec 18:  Concern was expressed over Chinese activities in Ladakh region and presence of Chinese troops in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir(PoK) during a meeting of Parliamentary Consultative committee of the Home Ministry.

Intelligence Bureau Director Nehchal Sandhu, however, while briefing the MPs, said a close watch was being maintained along the India-China border and that there was nothing to be worried about, official sources said, PTI reported.

Participating in the meeting held here last night, some MPs had voiced their concern at the repeated incursions by Chinese troops in Ladakh region and their growing presence in PoK, the sources said.

According to official data presented in Parliament earlier this year, there were nearly 500 Chinese incursions in the last three years. Of this, 218 was in 2010 and 213 in 2011. There were 64 such incursions till April this year.

Intelligence agencies have been reporting presence of around 4,000 Chinese troops across PoK. Army Chief Gen Bikram Singh had said in September that Chinese soldiers were present in PoK to provide security to its railways and road projects.

In an official release issued by the Home Ministry, it was stated that the Consultative Committee of MPs attached to the Ministry reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde.

NAGA ISSUE

Peace With Honour

 The Joint Legislature Forum (JLF), a forum floated by the 60 Nagaland Legislative Assembly members, recently indicated its willingness to resign from the House to pave way for an honourable solution to the vexed Naga political problem. However, their stand on the issue is conditional: no resignation before solution. Taking a bold stand on the Naga issue, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has pointed out that “our adversaries had divided and placed us in four Indian states and in two countries - India and Myanmar." He says early resolution to the Naga issue is crucial to the implementation of various developmental plans in the State. To resolve the Naga issue at the earliest, the JLF has decided to consult all political parties, civil society and church leaders.

The Centre has been holding talks with NSCN-IM since 1998 to find a solution to the Naga problem. In July, the Centre and the NSCN-IM had announced that they "narrowed" down differences and were working out a settlement in the "shortest possible time". Responding favourably on resolving the Naga issue, the Opposition Congress party in Nagaland is likely to urge the Government of India for deferment of the State Assembly elections due in March 2013 till a solution is arrived at. The Centre now needs to take a serious view of the situation. Although talks between the Government of India and the NSCN-M are underway the Centre needs to focus its attention on the issue in view of the changed situation. NSCN-M leaders – Chairman Isak Chsi Swu and General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah – are  likely to be in Nagaland during Christmas before they proceed to New Delhi next month to resume the talks.

Statehood demand raised in GJM meet

Be patient, make GTA successful: Gurung

Darjeeling, Dec 18: While keeping the statehood issue alive Gorkha Janmukti Morch chief Bimal Gurung said all Gorkhas must ensure the success of the recently-formed Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA).

This appeal was made during the GJM’s first national conference held here on Sunday. GJM's unit representatives from twenty-two states participated in the conference, which also dwelt on security of Gorkhas living in the country.

Realizing the touchy issue of adopting a fine balance between the GTA and the statehood demand, Gurung said, "We cannot achieve anything if we lose patience. The state government has given us the responsibility to run the GTA and we are doing that. But if they dishonour the resolutions we take in the GTA Sabha, then we will have to opt for the route of agitation."

The statehood demand was one of the four resolutions adopted during the conference. The other three were conferring tribal status to the entire Gorkha community except for scheduled castes, giving linguistic minority status to Darjeeling Hills and inclusion of Terai and Dooars in the GTA.

GJM's unit representatives from twenty-two states, not much clear about the political polices being taken up by the central committee in Darjeeling Hills attended the conference, with the common question - what after the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

"The subject of a separate state should not be closed, even if the GTA is a stepping stone for it," said a member from Arunachal Pradesh.

While the GJM president said prolonged dialogues were needed to pursue the state for the demand of Gorkhaland, Gurung said he would not abandon the Terai and Doors region at any cost.

GTA to form Lepcha Development Board

Darjeeling, Dec 18: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Sabha on Friday adopted resolutions to take measures to protect the interest of different tribal communities living in the hills of Darjeeling. Among these is the formation of a Lepcha Development Board within the ambit of GTA.

The marginalized Lepcha community, the sons of the soil of Darjeeling, had been demanding for some time that a development council be formed to take measures for their protection. They had held agitations on several occasions, in Darjeeling as well as in Kolkata, in support of this demand.

The board/council will not have any territory assigned to it but will function as an independent body to protect the ethnic identity of the Lepchas.

The Lepchas have been holding agitations demanding an administrative mechanism to protect their identity, as they claim to be the aboriginal tribe of Darjeeling.

The state backward classes welfare department is believed to have submitted a proposal to set up a Lepcha Development Council to chief secretary Samar Ghosh recently.

The proposed council is aimed at protecting “the language, cultural traits and help in economic development of the Lepchas”.

The council will act as a coordinating agency to undertake various projects for the welfare of the Lepchas. It will approach the concerned departments, for example, about building new roads, providing drinking water, setting up schools, and improving the Lepcha-dominated areas.

Lepchas have complained that their identity and culture has always been dominated by the majority Nepalese community.

Sikkim girls bag silver medal in national basketball tourney

Captain Nim Doma Bhutia gets ‘most valuable player’ award

Gangtok, Dec 18: Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Gangyap, west Sikkim,  finished runners-up with silver medal at the CBSE under-19 National Basketball Championship held recently in Jaipur.

APS Noida, last year’s runners-up beat the Sikkim team by 11 points in the finals. However, the ‘most valuable player’ was awarded to the captain Nim Doma Bhutia of the EMRS team. This is the second time she has been awarded this title in national tournament.

EMRS girls had won the title last year. The Sikkim girls defeated Madhya Pradesh 57-37 in an exciting semifinal.

Impressed with the Sikkim team, the members of Basketball Federation India, an official release informs, have asked the team to participate in the junior nationals through Sikkim Basketball Association.

Other members in the team include Rinchen, Tshering Eden, Dikim Doma, Binu Hangma Subba, Nim Lam Bhutia, Pem Choden Lepcha, Manita Subba, Deechen Bhutia, Bimochen Tamang, Kinchmit Lepcha and Lakchung Lepcha.

Tini Tshechu, the team manage, is aided by Darren Van Biois as assistant coach, and Siddarth Yonzone as coach.

Darjeeling’s reunification with Sikkim will make us ‘Sikkimese, not Gorkhas’: Moktan

Kalimpong, Dec 18: Gorkhaland Task Force (GTF) Coordinator R. Moktan said in the event Darjeeling-Sikkim demand comes through the inhabitants of the new state will be called ‘Sikkimese’ and not ‘Gorkhas.’

Highlighting the statehood demand, Moktan said the demand for formation of Gorkhaland state is aimed at catering to the need of the Gorkha community in the country for a homeland of their own and to safeguard their identity.

“Through merger we will be called Sikkimese, not Gorkhas,” Moktan said, Mungpo News reported. He has urged everyone to stand united for creation of Gorkhaland.

Moktan’s reaction on Darjeeling-Sikkim merger comes at a time when the issue is hotly debated in Sikkim and by a section of politicians in Darjeeling.

BJP will demand 'Frontier Nagaland' in Parliament: Gadkari

Kohima, Dec 18: In a move which could stoke secessionist ambitions elesewhere in the region, BJP President Nitin Gadkari assured to the people of eastern districts of Nagaland that BJP would carve out a separate state of Frontier Nagaland if it came to power in Lok Sabha elections in 2014.

Nagaland, where BJP only has 2 legislators out of total 60, also goes to assembly polls in 2013.

Slamming the ruling Naga People’s Front and the main opposition Congress for their lack of sensitivity towards the political aspirations of the people of Tuensang and Mon districts, Gadkari said on Sunday that BJP would initiate a demand for ‘Frontier Nagaland’ in the Parliament, dailybhaskar.com and Nagaland Post reported.

“Nagaland attained statehood in 1963. It should not have remained like this for 49 years,” he said at Mon Town Hall  pointing to the severe lack of economic development in the eastern districts of Nagaland. “Both Congress and NPF have failed the Naga people,” said the BJP President.

Also, addressing a mammoth gathering here at local ground Tuensang, BJP chief said the party has recognized the ‘uniqueness’  of the eastern Nagas and pointed out that they have understood the problems and grievances being faced in this part of the country in various developmental aspects.

Giving an air of credibility to his assurances, Gadkari revealed that he had even met leaders of Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation ENPO) in Delhi and referred them to few MPs for redressing their grievances.

ENPO has been demanding a separate state comprising of eastern part of Nagaland, ascribing it to lack of development and opportunities under different regimes that came to power in the past.

However, unlike other secessionist and statehood movements which plague the north-eastern region, ENPO’s means of achieving separate state have largely remained peaceful.

Notably, Gadkari’s visit was to the state was coordinated by ENPO, thus sparking hopes of BJP-ENPO alliance in 2013 assembly elections.

INTERVIEW Lobsang Sangay

“China ought to have a new perspective on the Tibet issue”

In an interview with The Times of India recently, Tibet’s exiled Prime Minister Lobsang Sangay says there will be no compromise on democracy and non-violence to achieve Tibet’s goals. Excerpts:

Times of India: What is the Tibetan government-in-exile doing to highlight the increasing number of self- immolation cases in Tibet?

Lobsang Sangay: We have declared 2013 as 'Solidarity-with-Tibet Year'. Starting December 10, which is commemorated as Human Rights Day, we will organize events, rallies, conferences, and discussions in different cities across the world, such as New York, Geneva and New Delhi, which have strong UN presence. We have also launched a website, solidaritywithtibet.org, which consists of a six-minute video on atrocities committed by China in Tibet, and links to social networking sites to create awareness on the cause.

Q: The present border conflict between India and China regarding MacMahon Line was drafted between British India and Independent Tibet in 1914. Do you think the Tibet and border issues have some common ground?

A: These issues are very much connected. The treaty was negotiated between British Indian representative, the then Tibetan PM and a Chinese representative. China didn't sign the final draft as it had border issues with Tibet. But the Tibetan government-in-exile's stand is that McMahon Line should be acknowledged as it was a treaty signed by Tibet.

Q: What is the current state of negotiations between Dharamsala and Beijing?

A: Our envoys met their Chinese counterparts nine times between 2003 and 2009, and presented the memorandum of genuine autonomy within the framework of Chinese constitutions. But since then, there has been no contact from the Chinese side.

Q: Are you comfortable with the regime change in China following the conclusion of 18th Party Congress?

A: We will have to wait till March 2013, when there will be a change of guard for top Chinese political positions. We feel that with the induction of new people there ought to be a new perspective on the Tibet issue, given the tragedy in Tibet and failure of the Communist party's hardline policies in the region.

Q: What are your expectations from Xi Jinping whose father was considered a liberal Communist leader?

A: Xi Zhongxun, Xi Jinping's father, was close to the Panchen Lama and knew the present Dalai Lama, and was very liberal in his political approach. Whether the son will be like his father is yet to be seen.

Q: Do you think the middle path approach for Tibet is still relevant today?

A: The middle path - which is asking for genuine autonomy within the framework of Chinese constitution - is the official policy of our administration based on the resolution passed by Tibetan Parliament-in-exile. Democracy and non-violence are two basic and uncompromising principals we believe in to achieve our goals. The concept of freedom is becoming a global trend and we believe China will come around at some point.

SIKKIM OBSERVER        Dec 15-21, 2012

Panchayat polls, ‘black month’ are over, Mr. Golay, where is your party?

Opposition leaders want Golay to join alliance

Gangtok, Dec 14: The time has finally come for the rebel ruling party leader and legislator PS Golay to form his new political outfit. His key aides said earlier that the new party would be formed after the recent panchayat polls which were over early last month.

The reason for delay in formation of the new party was attributed to the fact that according to the lunar calendar it was a ‘black month’ in November-December. However, the ‘black month’, not an auspicious period to make new beginnings, ended yesterday.

With the start of the Sikkimese harvest festival, which began today (Dec 14 – the first day of the 11^th month of the Tibetan calendar), the ‘black month’ is finally over.

The need to form his own political party has become more urgent in the light of the new political development in the opposition camp. While Congress President Nar Bahadur Bhandari is believed to have hit the campaign trail for ‘parivartan’, former Lok Sabha MP and Convenor of Concerned Society of Sikkim (COS) has urged Golay to join the Democratic Alliance of Sikkim – a platform being floated for all opposition parties – to take on the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front.

Golay reportedly has been camping in Delhi for quite some time now.  

Sikkim with national mainstream: Chamling

Gangtok, Dec 14: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling reminded the people that during his 18-year rule in the former kingdom Sikkim has come a long way in integrating itself with the national mainstream.

“We have been able to integrate Sikkim into the mainstream in a more meaningful way,” the Chief Minister said in his carefully-worded message on the occasion of the 19th Anniversary of the SDF Government Formation Day on Wednesday (Dec 12).

“Now we are part of the North East Council. Limboo and Tamang communities are Scheduled tribes. The traditional Nathula pass is re-opened… Income Tax exemption to Sikkimese has been granted by the Government of India,” Chamling said.

Chamling added, “On December 12, 1994 the people of Sikkim installed, for the first time, a truly democratic government responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people and ever since this party and the government have continued to enjoy the confidence of the Sikkimese people winning public mandate after mandate in each subsequent elections held thereafter.”

“This, I believe, is the result of good governance based on people-centric programs and policies with both short-term and long-term goals.”

The Chief Minister also expressed his “heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the people of Sikkim for their continued support and confidence on our governance and also congratulate them for their responsible decision to strengthen democratic institutions, promote socio-economic prosperity, peace and security, communal harmony and development in the State.”

US hints at joint engagement with EU over Tibet

Dharamsala, Dec 14:  In what could be seen as a further push for establishing an international mechanism on the crisis in Tibet, US cited Tibet as an area where the EU and US can partner on “common strategic engagement.”

The remarks were made by US Under Secretary Maria Otero in her statement at the European Union's Human Rights Day Event in Washington DC on Tuesday.

Delivering the statement on behalf of Otero, Deputy Assistant Secretary Daniel Baer said the Obama Administration wants Europe to engage more in Asia along with the US, “to see the region not only as a market, but as a focus of common strategic engagement,” phyaul.com  reported.

“And as a good example, European governments, including Germany, UK, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland, have joined the call for Chinese authorities to address the worsening human rights conditions in Tibetan areas,” Baer said. “The United States is deeply concerned and saddened by the continuing violence in Tibetan areas of China and the increasing frequency of self-immolations by Tibetans.”

Otero, who is also the US Special Coordinator for Tibet, noted that Chinese authorities have responded to these tragic incidents with measures that tighten already strict controls on the freedoms of religion, expression, assembly and association of Tibetans.

“Official rhetoric that denigrates the Tibetan language, the Dalai Lama, and those that have self-immolated has further exacerbated tensions.”

Last month, France called for the promotion of policy coordination in the EU for “coherent actions” to support the Tibetan cause and advancing human rights and freedoms of Tibetans.

The upper house of the French Parliament, Sénat, on November 27, adopted a resolution in view of the deteriorating human rights situation inside Tibet and called on the EU to give priority to Tibet issue within the mandate of its recently appointed EU Special Representative for Human Rights.

Harvard-educated lawyer Hem Lall Bhandari to edit Pro-Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 14: A week after he launched his Pro-Sikkim English weekly activist-editor Tenzing Bhutia was killed in a tragic car crash near Adampul in Rumtek, east Sikkim, on December 5. On the day of his funeral on Sunday (Dec 9) Bhutia’s friends and well-wishers were able to bring out the second issue of the paper, which the late editor had prepared just before his demise.

Now, the burden of bringing out the much-sought-after tabloid has fallen on the Harvard-educated lawyer Hem Lal Bhandari.

The former Congressman and professor, who has been hibernating in his home in Rawtey-Rumtek for quite some time now, seems keen and eager to carry on with his pro-Sikkim activities.

An alumni of St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, Bhandari is not only a lawyer but also a trained journalist in Bombay, where he did his LL.M and Diploma in Journalism. He has written for a number of publications, including Indian Express and Sikkim Observer. 

SNPP to oppose Sikkim-Darjeeling merger move

Merger was forced on us: Biraj

Gangtok, Dec 14: The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has vehemently opposed the reported move to merge Darjeeling with Sikkim. It said it would oppose the move “with all the power at its disposal and appeals to all Sikkimese people to do the same.”

SNPP President Biraj Adhikari said his party had a thorough discussion on a report carried in a local daily regarding “conspiracy being hatched by the Central Government and the Sikkim CM (Pawan Chamling) to merge Darjeeling with Sikkim.”

“The party discussed the fact that this would yet be another excellent example of betrayal by the Central Government after signing the 8th May agreement with the people of Sikkim in the year 1973,” a press statement by SNPP said.

Adhikari said the Centre “forcefully enforced the 36^th Amendment without the people’s consent.” This act of the Parliament led to Sikkim’s merger with India in 1975. Since then the Centre is “hell bent” on erasing the “identity of the Sikkimese people forever.” 

While condemning “the sinister efforts” of the Centre and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling to merge Darjeeling with Sikkim, the SNPP has called for formation of Gorkhaland state without further delay.

OPINION

Sikkim-Darjeeling merger talks will lead to demerger demand

‘Sikkimese are subjects of the former Chogyal’

  By Shiva Kumar Sharma

I read the newsitem ‘Centre keen on Sikkim-Darjeeling merger’, which was published in local dailies dated December 7, 2012. After going through the newsitem, I have learnt that the present Central Government has set the agenda of Sikkim-Darjeeling merger and some senior Indian Congress leaders like Gulam Nabi Azad and Oscar Fernandes are in favour of bringing about this issue.

Despite the known facts of Sikkim’s merger with the Union of India in 1975, which was done based on 8th May 1973 Agreement, the Central Government is just adding fuel to fire by bringing the issue of annexing Darjeeling with Sikkim. Even after merging with the Union of India, Sikkim continues to hold a different history, culture, ideology and ethos maintaining a strong bonding and relation with all sections of the communities.

No one has any right to break the rhythm of sanctity and tranquility that Sikkim is bestowed by nature. Sikkim’s propriety and identity are further protected by the Article 371F of the Constitution of India. Therefore, we Sikkimese have all rights and inherited abilities to have our own distinction within India. The Centre cannot trespass into what we Sikkimese have in Sikkim.

Chief architects of Sikkim’s merger: BB Lal and Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa at the Raj Bhawan in Gangtok

The agenda of Sikkim-Darjeeling merger is a conspiracy hatched out by the Central Government to completely betray the people of Sikkim. I can smell the role of some disgruntled persons within the Congress party in Delhi to bring about the issue of Sikkim-Darjeeling merger. These disgruntled persons have addictions of doing dirty politics and cannot see the prosperity achieved by Sikkim and Sikkimese after merging with India. Secondly, for the Sikkimese, Sikkim-Darjeeling merger is a non-issue, which only creates hostility among the common language speaking communities and invites an unprecedented threat of regional disharmony and disintegration.

As a concerned and educated person of Sikkim, I would, at first, vehemently condemn the agenda of Sikkim-Darjeeling merger as it has been moved by the Central Government. This move also indicates the Centre’s secret plan of diluting the agenda of Gorkhaland. At any cost, the demand of Gorkhaland should not be amalgamated with other constitutional demands of the Sikkimese. Furthermore, the fraternity factor that Sikkimese share with the people of Darjeeling does not imply that these two separate entities need to unite into a single unit. Darjeeling was a part of Sikkim as Pakistan of India, as Bangladesh of Pakistan, etc. A threshold limit of unification does not exist here; it is now a fact of history. For example, Pakistan and Bangladesh cannot be united with India; Darjeeling, too, cannot be united with Sikkim in future.

We Sikkimese hope that the Centre is fully aware of the above facts and discards the agenda of Sikkim-Darjeeling merger.  Instead, the Central Government should develop other better models like Uttarakhand had adopted for creating a separate statehood to the people of Darjeeling if the current model of Gorkhaland statehood is not working as per the Constitution of India.

All Indian citizens must know one fact that Sikkim is for Sikkimese only and not for others. Sikkimese were the subjects of the Chogyal of Sikkim before the merger with the Union of India in 1975 and only the Sikkim Subject Certificate holders and their descendants are Sikkimese and shall remain the same.

At the time of merger with India, the 36th Amendment of the Constitution of India that repealed the 35th Amendment has enshrined certain privileges, including the 371F, to the subjects of Sikkim. The Centre cannot breach its own Constitution. But, if the Centre moves ahead with this merger issue, we Sikkimese strongly press for demerger of Sikkim from India. Sikkimese shall not tolerate being dominated, humiliated and looted by any one in future. If the Centre fails to protect the rights and privileges of Sikkimese the consequences would be terrifying.

EDITORIAL

OPPOSITION UNITY

Towards A Common Destiny

The reported move by opposition leaders in Sikkim to forge a united front against the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front in the ensuing Assembly elections in early 2014 is a welcome move given the fact that a disunited opposition will surely pave way for SDF’s fifth consecutive term in office. The fact that over 40 per cent of votes polled in the recent panchayat polls went to independent candidates is an ample indication that the SDF’s hold among the people is waning. Pro-opposition supporters ought to take comfort in the fact that in the 2004 and 2009 Assembly polls votes polled by the opposition is around 35 per cent although this did not tally with seats won by the opposition in the 32-member Assembly.

What is most important for the long-term interest of the State’s opposition is for the leaders to come together on basic issues that concern the people. If the opposition’s only   agenda is to unseat Chief Minister Pawan Chamling in the next Assembly polls it is only half the battle won. Ousting Chamling is not enough; there has to be a common blue print for Sikkim’s future that opposition leaders must agree and come together. Genuine unity cannot come if we have leaders who differ with each other on basic political and economic issues that plague Sikkim. The Sikkimese people, by and large, deserve good political leadership. They have been betrayed for most part of the post-merger era.

SIKKIM SCOUTS

Guarding Our Borders

If reports are to be believed at least1,000 bonafide Sikkimese will be recruited by the Army in the ‘Sikkim Scouts’ battalion in the next few years to guard Sikkim’s sensitive and strategic border in northern and eastern parts of the State. To be formed in the lines of ‘Ladakh Scouts’ and ‘Arunachal Scouts’, Sikkim’s new battalion is expected to be formed by mid-2015. New Delhi’s policy of engaging ‘sons of the soil’ to guard its northern frontier across the Himalaya is a step in the right direction. Acquisition of territory – Sikkim was annexed in 1975 - cannot alone guarantee safeguard to nation’s security interest in the region. The people must be taken into confidence to ensure that its frontiers are safe and secure.

Raising a battalion to guard high passes and mountainous regions of Sikkim alone is not enough to fully safeguard India’s territorial integrity. Ultimately, it is the common people who are the best bet for a country’s security. New Delhi ought to know by now that bonafide Sikkimese people have now only one more Assembly elections to ensure genuine change in the former kindom. Wily and corrupt politicians no matter how many political battles they may have won cannot alone guarantee genuine peace and tranquility in any part of the country. The peace that you see in Sikkim is the peace of the grave. People’s peace is secured through money or through reign of fear. The situation cannot last more than 2015-16.

PEOPLE&PLACES Sikkim

Losoong: A Sikkimese Harvest Festival

By Sonam Deki and Kunga Chukie

Though Losoong (celebration of the year) is annually celebrated as a harvest festival in Sikkim the occasion is also traditionally regarded as the Sikkimese New Year. The event  normally falls in the month of December and towards the end of the 10^th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar and is basically celebrated by Sikkimese Bhutias. However, the Sikkimese Bhutias who live in the northern regions of Lachen and Lachung, Losoong is normally celebrated in the month of January.

 At the close of the year the farmer's rejoice and celebrate their harvest. Losoong marks the end of the harvest season and is a traditional celebration to thank the gods and each other for the good harvest and to offer prayers for the next season.

The festival is marked by Chaam (masked) dances at several monasteries in Sikkim. The dances symbolize the exorcizing of the evil spirits of the year and the welcoming of the good spirit of the New Year.

They also make offerings to the gods, both in the monasteries and in their domestic shrines.  It is best to see this festival in rural areas of Sikkim, where it is celebrated more pompously with traditional archery competitions and other events.