Friday, April 12, 2013

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday April 13-19, 2013

President to visit Sikkim, northeast in April-May

New Delhi, April 12: President Pranab Mukherjee will visit the northeastern states in April and May, an official statement from Rashtrapati Bhawan said on Saturday.

During his one-day visit to Sikkim on April 16, the President will lay the foundation stone of Sikkim University in Yangang, South Sikkim.

From April 15 to 17, the President will be visiting Manipur and Sikkim in the first phase of his tour. He will attend the diamond jubilee function of Adimjati Shiksha Ashram at Imphal.

In the second phase, the President will visit Assam, Nagaland and Tripura from May 13 to 16, ANI reported.

On May 13, he will present the Asom Ratna Award to Mamoni Raisom Goswami (posthumously) and Srimanta Shankardev Award for the year 2008 to Sharmila Tagore.

He will also attend the closing ceremony of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Pandu College at Guwahati on the same day. The next day, he will address the annual convocation of Assam University at Silchar.

President Mukherjee will attend the third Convocation of Nagaland University at Lumami, Nagaland, on May 15.

He will address the Fifth Convocation of National Institute of Technology, Agartala and attend the Tenth Convocation of Tripura University at Suryamaninagar, Tripura, on May 16.

Bongthings connected to Pang Lhabsol rituals felicitated by Tsuklakhang Trust

Grandson of Late Khangchendzonga Bongthing, Ren Samdup Taso Lepcha, receiving khada and citation award from Pemayangtse Dorje Lopon on behalf of his grandfather in Gangtok on Sunday.

Gangtok, April 12: With the sole objective of preserving the former kingdom’s rich and unique religious and cultural heritage, the Tsuklakhang Trust on Sunday gave due recognition to two Lepcha Bongthings (priests) and honoured them for being chiefly responsible for keeping alive the ancient ritualistic tradition connected to worship of Sikkim’s mountain gods – namely Khangchendzonga and Yabdu.

Late Khangchendzonga Bongthing Ren Samdup Taso Lepcha from the Lepcha preserve of Dzongu in North Sikkim and Yabdu Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha of Teesta valley in North Bengal were felicitated for their “selfless services” to Sikkim and its people for keeping the unique rituals of Pang Lhabsol alive here at a colourful and historic function, whose chief guest was the Dorje Lopon, head of Pemayangtse Monastery, Gyalshing, West Sikkim.

The felicitation is in “recognition of the selfless services and contribution made by the two very important Bongthings for preserving the rich (and) ageless tradition of worshipping our guardian deity Kanchendzonga and Yabdu,” Trust Secretary Namgyal T Bhutia said while addressing the gathering here at Yabring hall of the Tsuklakhang Monastery.

Reflecting the sentiments of other Trust members, Bhutia said the “historic function”, which was “the need of the hour,” was held mainly “to recognize, preserve and encourage this rich ancient tradition for posterity.”

He said the Trust was formed in August 1982 by Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal to preserve Sikkim’s religious and cultural heritage.

While stating that the Chogyal’s focus has been “practising Dharma” for last several years “after renouncing all the comfort of royalty”, he added: “He always reminds us that he offers his sincere prayers daily for the well being of Sikkim and the Sikkimese irrespective of wherever he may be.”

The Trust was formed in August 1982, a few months after Wangchuk Namgyal was crowned the 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim just before the historic funeral of his late father Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal on February 19, 1982.

Special invitee SD Tshering, State Government Secretary, said the role of Bongthings is not confined to observing religious rituals but these ancient priests have made significant contribution to traditional medicine and herbal knowledge.

“We hope that this function will generate more interest among the local people to take greater part in the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations,” Trust member Sonam Barfungpa said.

Two students – Tsegyal Gyatso and Punol Norjet Lepcha – of Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), who wore the traditional Bhutia and Lepcha attire, read out the citations (full text on page 3).

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Trust’s Managing Truste Tsetop Ragasha, Pemayangtse Monastery’s Yapo Gaydrol Tempa Gyatso Lama, Tsuklakhang Monastery’s Khenpo, former Minister Sonam Dupden Lepcha, representatives of Lepcha association, and members of some of Sikkim’s leading families (Mazong, Rhenock, Tateng to name a few), which have made significant contributions to Sikkim’s history and culture.

Sikkimese Nepalese at the crossroads

ST Assembly seats for Limbu-Tamangs would be end of special status of Sikkimese Nepalese

WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR

Jigme N Kazi

Reservation of seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for Limbus and Tamangs on the basis of their status as scheduled tribes will hasten the death knell of the distinct identity of Sikkimese Nepalese in the former kingdom of Sikkim. As has been witnessed, dilution of Sikkim’s special status within the Union has been a gradual process and New Delhi seems to be succeeding in its efforts to erase whatever is left of Sikkim’s past.

Despite its repeated emphasis on preservation of Sikkim’s special status as per provisions of Article 371F of the Constitution the political leadership in the State has unitedly demanded reservation of Assembly seats for the Limbu-Tamang community, who have been declared scheduled tribes in 2002. Is this move a bid to appeal to the Limbu-Tamang vote-bank or is our political leadership confused and directionless?

Interestingly, the Limbus and Tamangs, who belong to the Nepali community and were earlier bracketed among the OBC (other backward classes) in the State, themselves are vociferous in seeking Assembly seat reservation for their communities. Only last month (Jan 2013), the All Sikkim Limboo Krantikari Yuva Sangh called for an indefinite ‘Sikkim bandh’ to press their demand on the seat issue. The Sangh has appealed to all political parties, including the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), and social organizations to support its demand.

It may be recalled that in 2006, the Sikkim Limboo Tamang Tribal Forum (SLTTF), while urging its representatives in the Assembly to protect the political rights of the two tribal communities, regretted that even after obtaining ST status they were yet to be given seat reservation in the State Assembly. The Sikkim Limboo Tamang Joint Action Community (SLTJAC) blamed the Chamling Government for not doing enough to ensure that seats in the Assembly are reserved for the two communities.

The demand for reservation of Assembly seats for Limbu and Tamang communities was raised in the Lok Sabha by BJP MP Balkrishna K Shukla, who was in-charge of Sikkim, in May last year.

BJP State unit President Padam Chettri said the people of Sikkim are grateful to the BJP for raising the issue in the Parliament. He alleged that even the two MPs from Sikkim have not raised the issue in the House and have “completely ignored the burning issue.”

Interestingly, in reply to Shukla’s question on whether the UPA government is aware that the Sikkim Legislative Assembly does not have seats reserved for the Scheduled Tribes of Sikkim and what action is being taken to “preserve and protect” the STs in the State Assembly, former Union Law Minister and senior Congressman Salman Khurshid said the 12 seats reserved in the Assembly were meant for ‘Bhutia-Lepchas’ as per the historic 1973 tripartite agreement between the Government of India, the Chogyal and political parties of Sikkim. Seats were reserved for the Bhutia-Lepchas on the basis of their ethnicity and not because they were tribals, Khurshid informed the House.

Khurshid, who is now the Union External Affairs Minister, said Assembly seat reservation for STs in the State would depend on the population of the Limbus and Tamangs on the basis of 2011 census. “Any increase/decrease in the present status could be considered only after wider debate from all the stake holders in the State of Sikkim,” Khurshid said.

It may be noted that the Sikkim Limboo-Tamang Joint Action Committee had in 2005 sought deferment of the process of delimitation of Assembly constituencies in Sikkim till a special census is conducted to ascertain the population of the two tribes. In a memorandum to the Delimitation Commission, the Committee President PR Subba urged the authorities not to go ahead with the exercise till a census to update the population of the Limbus and Tamangs was taken up.

In 2009, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram stated in the Rajya Sabha that any proposal for reservation for Tamang and Limbu tribes in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly can be considered only after compilation of results of the 2011 census

''At present no authentic population figures for Limboo and Tamang communities are available. If reservation for these communities is to be considered as per proportion of their population in the state, as recommended by the state Government, the same can be available only after the results of the 2011 census are compiled,'' Chidambaram informed the Rajya Sabha.

The Minister also said there had been a proposal from the Sikkim Government to increase the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly, from the present 32, to a minimum of 40. A resolution passed by the State Legislature of Sikkim on September 16, 2004 also said that reservation be provided for Limbu and Tamang communities.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last November Chamling stressed the need to address the issue for early resolution of Assembly seat reservation of the Limbu-Tamang community.

It may also be recalled that in July 2008, Chamling tabled a White Paper in the Assembly on efforts made by his government in securing ST status for the Limbu-Tamang community and to secure Assembly seat reservation for them.

It now appears that another Assembly polls, scheduled for 2014, will come and go without seats being reserved for the Limbus and Tamangs. The UPA Government has stated in the Lok Sabha that until the population figures of Sikkim are made available on the basis of 2011 census the seat reservation issue would linger on. Even if the population figures are made known now more time will be needed to formulate a new seat arrangement in the Assembly, which will be followed by fresh demarcation of Assembly constituencies in the State.

Perhaps this leaves us enough time to think over what we really want. Do the Sikkimese Nepalese prefer to be divided and gradually disintegrate in the near future? Or do they want to preserve their special status while also embracing their constitutional rights? The ball is in their court.

Assembly seats traditionally reserved for Sikkimese Nepalese were done away with in 1979. Ever since, Sikkim’s political parties have been demanding restoration of their political rights. Why are our politicians speaking in two voices now? (Talk Sikkim)

Editorial

KEEPING THE FAITH

Applaud For Tsuklakhang Trust

Honouring the ritual keepers of the worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities in the way the Tsuklakhang Trust did this week ought to be welcomed and appreciated by all Sikkimese irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Sikkim’s protecting deities such as Khangchendzonga not only guard and protect Sikkim and the Sikkimese people but is also regarded as a wealth deity. Those who have come to Beyul Demajong and have prospered ought to know this fact and take part in the worship of the snowy ranges.

We owe our thanks and deep sense of gratitude to the Late Ren Samdup Taso Lepcha and Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha for their valued services in performing the rituals to Khangchendzonga, Yabdu and other deities of this sacred land on our behalf during the annual Pang Lhabsol festival. Hopefully, this ancient ritual will be kept alive by their descendants with the active support and participation of the local people. The Trust, under the guidance of the Chogyal of Sikkim and Princess Hope Leezum Namgyal, has a team of responsible and dedicated members who will surely take the lead and involve the local people in their commendable initiatives in preserving Sikkim’s ancient customs and traditions.

SIKKIM: Swallowed Up In Silence

The funeral process of the Chogyal of Sikkim in Gangtok on February 19, 1982.

This spring (2008) the world’s attention was drawn to Tibet, where on 10th March this year the people commemorated the 49th anniversary of the Tibetan upheaval against the Chinese occupation. The protests spread from Tibet across the whole world and along the route of the torch relay for this year’s Olympic games people demanded: “Free Tibet!”

In the Southern part of the Himalaya another occupied territory did not attract any attention at all: Sikkim. The Kingdom which had defended its independence for 300 years against powerful neighbours was annexed by India in April 1975 and became the 22nd state of the Indian Union. The 85th birthday of the 12th Chogyal of Sikkim (May 22, 2008 was the Chogyal’s 85^th birth anniversary) gives me the opportunity to focus on the fate of the tiny Himalaya Kingdom.

Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, Twelfth Consecrated Ruler of Sikkim, was born in Sikkim’s capital Gangtok on 22nd May 1923. The Denzong Chogyal was the second son of the late illustrious Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal, who will always be remembered as Sikkim’s gracious, enlightened and benevolent ruler.

In 1935 he continued his studies at St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, and completed his studies at Bishop Cotton School, Simla, in 1941.

Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal

As the Heir Apparent, Gyalsay Palden Thondup Namgyal undertook the Indian Civil Service Training Course at Dehra Dun in 1942 and thereafter returned to Sikkim to look after the administration so that the needs of the people could be taken care of.

Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal was keenly alive to the needs of the people and as Heir Apparent had exercised direct personal supervision over various departments of the government of Sikkim. He was his father’s adviser on external affairs and led the Sikkim team, which negotiated the Treaty with India in 1949-1950. By contract Sikkim became India’s “protectorate” on 5th December 1950, not unlike Nepal and Bhutan that were forced to sign similar treaties after the British had left the subcontinent. So far the other two Kingdoms could maintain their independence. If Nepal will be able to keep the two greedy neighbours outside the borders should the country be declared a republic, is in doubts.

The Chogyal was connected with a number of cultural and academic bodies in Sikkim, India and abroad. He had been the President of the Mahabodhi Society of India since 1953 and he led the Sikkim delegation to the Sixth Buddhist Council that was held in Burma in 1954. He participated in the 2500 Buddha Jayanti Celebrations in India in 1956, and was the only member of the Working Committee from Sikkim.

In March 1959 he attended the 2500 Buddha Jayanti Conference in Japan and represented Sikkim at the Sixth World Fellowship of Buddhists conference in Cambodia in 1961. In 1958, under the patronage of Maharaja Sir Tashi Namgyal, he set up a centre for Mahayana and Tibetan studies at Gangtok , and this world famous centre bears the name of “Namgyal Institute of Tibetology.”

Grateful Sikkimese offer khadas to the portrait of the Late Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal at the Tusklakhang Monastery, Gangtok, during his formal birth anniversary on April 4 last week.

In August 1950, he married Sangey Deki, daughter of Yapshi Samdu Phodrang of Tibet. Sangey died in June 1957. In March 1963 he married Hope Cooke, grand daughter and ward of Mr. and Mrs. Winchester Noyes of the United States of America, which drew a huge media attention to the tiny Kingdom. The Chogyal had three children from his first wife, namely Tenzing, Wangchuk andYangchen. His second wife bore him Palden and Hope. After his father’s death, Palden was crowned as the Twelfth Chogyal of Sikkim on 4th April 1965

Among the honours and distinction the Chogyal held were: The Order of the British Empire (1947), Padma Vibushan, India (1954) and Commander de l’Ordre de l’Étoile Noire, France (1956).

Small numbers of Nepalese had been migrating to Sikkim from about the 15th century, but it was only under the British that the Nepalese began entering Sikkim in great numbers, entirely upsetting the traditional ethnic balance of Sikkim. This social engineering was done by the British to weaken the traditional Lepchas – Bhutia strength. The Eleventh Chogyal and representatives of two of Sikkim’s largest parties, the Sikkim State Congress and the Sikkim National Party, agreed in May 1951to a parity formula. According to this formula, the seats in the state council were to be divided equally between the Bhutia-Lepcha group, and the Nepalese. The Sikkim State Council was then instituted in 1953.

In April 1973, after making allegations that elections had been rigged, ethnic Nepali protested in front of the King's palace, demanding civil rights and the sidelining or even removal of what they called the "feudal" monarchy. Palden Thondup Namgyal, the King of Sikkim, ultimately gave in and signed an agreement on 8th May 1973.

The document called on India to provide a chief executive, and to hold elections for an assembly. The agreement was the first step in the disappearance of the Kingdom of Sikkim. The inhabitants of the Kingdom are in no doubt that the Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her local agents fomented the unrest. Indira Gandhi’s dictatorial and imperialist attitudes were are a major concern in the 70s.

Asked in 1998 by the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, why the Sikkimese army did not resist the Indian invasion, a former captain of Sikkim's army replied: "The Indian soldiers had joined the army because they were hungry and received a warm meal; to shoot at them would not have been in accordance with our Buddhist faith. We knew four days in advance about the invasion, but the King had ordered not to fight."

In 1975, Sikkim’s Prime (Chief) Minister “appealed” to the Indian Parliament for representation and change of Sikkim's status to a state of India. In April 1975 the Indian army moved into Sikkim, seizing the capital city of Gangtok, disarming the Palace Guards and putting the Chogyal under house arrest.

A “referendum” was held in which 97.5% (!) of the votes cast (or counted!) agreed to join the Indian Union. China did not recognize India’s occupation of Sikkim until 2003, which led to an improvement in the Sino-Indian relations. In return, India announced its official recognition of Tibet as an integrated part of China.

The Chogyal never renounced his throne and hoped till the end that justice would win.

On 29th January 1982 Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal died a heartbroken man from cancer in New York. His second son Wangchuk inherited the rights to the throne after the Chogyal's eldest son Crown Prince Tenzin had died in a car accident on 11th March 1978. (Radical Royalist, May 23, 2008)

‘Kissinger Cables’ offer window into Indian politics of the 1970s

Message to Nepal, Bhutan during Indian takeover of Sikkim in 1973

New Delhi, April 12: The “Kissinger Cables,” a collection of U.S. diplomatic cables released on Monday by WikiLeaks, contain some fascinating revelations about the political scenario in India in the 1970s. Here are some great insights about India in the WikiLeaks release:

India’s first nuclear test was possibly motivated by political considerations:

According to this cable, sent from New Delhi to the Department of State, India’s first nuclear test on May 18, 1974, was motivated by domestic politics. The cable says that the nuclear test had been done at a time when the Indian government was tackling an economic slowdown, increasing discontent and rising political unrest.

“We are inclined to believe that this general domestic gloom and uncertainty weighed significantly in the balance of India’s nuclear decision,” reads the cable sent on the date of the nuclear test. “The need for a psychological boost, the hope of recreated atmosphere of exhilaration and nationalism that swept the country after 1971 – contrary to our earlier expectation – may have tipped the scales.”

The cable adds that the U.S. Embassy was not aware of any recent military pressure on the Indian government, and that the decision to demonstrate nuclear capability may also have been driven by a need to regain its position in international politics, where India “has felt it had been relegated to the sidelines with its significance ignored and its potential role downplayed.”

In 1974 India returned 195 prisoners of war to Pakistan, originally wanted by Bangladesh for war crimes trials:

This cable sent from Islamabad on May 17, 1974, reveals that after the Bangladesh-India-Pakistan agreement signed on April 9, 1974, India returned the last Pakistani prisoners of war from India, including 195 prisoners originally wanted by Bangladesh for war crimes trials. “Bhutto and Minstate Aziz Ahmed have hailed the April 9 agreement as a major move toward a durable peace with India, but the continuing drumfire of anti-India comment in the media reflects the strong emotional suspicion of India still prevalent here,” the cable reads. The cable adds that even in the top leadership in the Pakistani government, there is “exasperation” over what they perceived as India’s continuous efforts to hamper Pakistan from obtaining military supplies. While the U.S. diplomat foretold a thawing of relations between the two countries, he said “continuing mutual suspicion” would hinder diplomatic efforts.

Indira Gandhi said she was proud that she “resisted pressures to destroy Pakistan in 1971″

In an analysis of India-Pakistan relations after the 1971 war, a cable sent from the U.S. Department of State says that Indira Gandhi felt that she showed restraint during the war. “Mrs. Gandhi was proud, and we believe sincere, in explaining she resisted pressures to destroy Pakistan in 1971,” reads thiscable, dated March 1, 1974. “We believe that she wants détente on the subcontinent and she feels she made concessions at Simla to achieve this. She also insists – plausibly we think – that further disintegration of Pakistan would not be in India’s interest.” The cable says that while Pakistan’s recognition of Bangladesh improves the short-term prospects for better India-Pakistan relations, there is continued suspicion on both sides. The document argues that while India feels that Pakistan must “adjust to Indian power and influence” there is little likelihood of that happening in the near future.

The Indian takeover of Sikkim in 1973 might have been intended to send a message to Nepal and Bhutan:

Indira Gandhi and Chogyal of Sikkim in the ’70s

This cable sent on April 25, 1973, from New Delhi the U.S. ambassador relays the impressions and opinions of the then Times of India correspondent Sivdas Banerjee. He says that Mr. Banerjee had received his information from a senior West Bengal Congress minister who had been briefed by a high-level official from the Ministry of External Affairs. “There was an important and deliberate message to Nepal and Bhutan in prompt Indian action in Sikkim,” reads the cable.

The cable adds that according to Mr. Banerjee’s source in the Ministry of External Affairs, Nepal and Bhutan had been reluctant to cooperate with India on defense matters and “Nepal’s position in particular had irked Mrs. Gandhi during her recent visit there and she was sending direct message to King Birendra.”

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN Wednesday April 3-9, 2013

Chogyal unlikely to return home

Bongthings of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities felicitated

Gangtok, April 9: Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal is unlikely to return to his Palace here as has been hoped by a section of the Sikkimese people. He has renounced the world and the religious activities of the Chogyal are being carried out by the Tsuklakhang Trust on his behalf, according to members of the Trust.

Revealing this at a historic ceremony here at the Tsuklakhang premises on Sunday in honour of two Lepcha priests (Bongthings) connected to the worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities, Trust Secretary Namgyal T. Bhutia in his address said, “His Majesty has been practising Dharma for last several years after renouncing all the comfort of royalty.”

The statement added, “He always reminds us that he offers his sincere prayers daily for the well being of Sikkim and the Sikkimese irrespective of wherever he may be.”

The Trust was formed in August 1982, a few months after Wangchuk Namgyal was crowned the 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim during the historic funeral of his late father Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal on February 19, 1982.

Ever since the Chogyal has been out of Sikkim most of the time spending his time in meditation and spiritual activities in Bhutan and Nepal.

The Late Bongthing Samdup Tasho Lepcha, who used to perform the annual rituals to Khangchendzonga, Sikkim’s Guardian Deity, on Pang Lhabsol was posthumously felicitated by the Trust here on Sunday along with Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha, who performs the rituals for Yabdu, Sikkim’s Guardian Deity of the southern gate, on the said occasion.

Yabdu Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha being felicitated by Pemayangtse Monastery Dorje

Lopon in Gangtok on Sunday (April 7, 2013)

Prominent among those who witnessed the historic occasion were Pemayangtse Monastery Dorje Lopon (Chief Guest for the function), Trust’s Managing Truste Tsetop Ragasha, and State Government Secretary SD Tshering. Lamas of the Tsuklakhang Monastery, members of the local community and some foreigners also participated in the function.

He added, “The need of the hour is to recognize, preserve and encourage this rich ancient tradition for posterity. Therefore, the Tsuklakhang Trust has embarked upon the task to organize this historic function,” Bhutia added.

Development first, Gorkhaland later

Jairam Ramesh and Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling on Sunday. (pix: The Telegraph)

Darjeeling, April 9: While keeping its demand for separate Gorkhaland State alive the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) is likely call off its agitational approach to the demand.

This has been reportedly decided by the Morcha leadership after Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh said in Darjeeling on Sunday that it was time to keep politics aside for five to ten years and focus on the development of the region instead.

“We have taken the decision in the wake of Mr. Ramesh’s visit and having realised that the attitude of the Centre is agreeable,” GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told The Hindu on the phone from Darjeeling.

The GJM had set the Centre the deadline of April 9 to take a call on the Gorkhaland demand failing which it would resume its agitation. A programme of agitations was put in abeyance in response to requests made separately by President Pranab Mukherjee and some Union Ministers when a delegation of the party led by its President Bimal Gurung visited them in New Delhi in early March.

“Our campaign for a separate State that is our ultimate demand will, however, continue with torchlight rallies and holding of public meetings,” Giri said.

Uttarakhand:1985 as cut-off-year for caste certificates

Dehradun, April 9: The State Government on Tuesday decided to issue caste certificates to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes members who were permanent residents in the region since 1985, 15 years before the State was carved out Uttar Pradesh on November 9, 2000.

This is as per the directive of the Uttarakhand High Court. Chief secretary Alok Kumar Jain said the government took the decision to fix 1985 as cut off date at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna on Monday, eight months after the Uttarakhand HC issued an order to this effect.

Jain said decision was also followed by a Government order issued by principal secretary S Raju on Monday.

He said this will help maximum number of bonafide and genuine SCs, STs and OBC members who have been living in State within the stipulated time frame get caste certificates. Most of them are those living in Uttarakhand's Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts apart from other parts of the tarai areas. They had been demanding 1985 be fixed as cut-off-year for issuing caste certificates.

Uttarakhand HC issued an order on August 17, 2012 to fix 1985 as the cut-off-date to issue caste certificates in response to a PIL. It had challenged 1952 as cut-off-year for issuing castes certificates to weaker section and urged the court to bring it down to 1985.

A government source said the government decided to implement the HC order as the civic polls are expected to be held in the second week of April.

Editorial

GORKHALAND DEMAND

Stomach Comes First

An army cannot march on empty stomach. This also applies to those who are fighting for a homeland called Gorkhaland in the hills of Darjeeling. While the going is good it would be foolish to embark on an agitational path to achieve Gorkhaland. Both the Centre and the West Bengal Government are in a mood to bring peace and development in the hills of Darjeeling. A confrontational approach to the statehood demand would not only be fruitless at the moment the Gorkhas themselves are divided on the issue.

Any issue that involves the masses must be kept alive through peaceful and non-violent means. This does not mean holding occasional public meetings and press conferences and submitting memoranda to various authorities on the issue. There has to be a systematic long-term plan on the statehood issue. Meanwhile, the political leadership must maintain its credibility and this means not being too corrupt and upholding the democratic process. Darjeeling people deserve a better deal from all concerned and the authorities must ensure that peace leads to prosperity and real development.

GNLF supports formation of Lepcha council

Ghising may return to hills soon: GNLF

Darjeeling, April 9: In a significant move, the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) supported the demand of Darjeeling Lepchas on formation of a separate council to preserve the indigenous minority community’s distinct identity and cultural heritage.

This was made known during the 33rd foundation day celebration of the party in Kurseong on Friday, when around 5000 supporters were present.

“We also appreciate the announcements made by the chief minister to form development boards for Lepchas and Buddhists in the hills,” Mahendra Chhetri, President of the Terai regional unit of the GNLF and a central committee leader of the party said.

The Morcha staunchly opposed the formation of the Lepcha board under the state government.

“Forming such councils or bodies for conservation and promotion of different tribes and their cultures dwelling in hills has been mentioned in the Sixth Schedule…. We thus appreciate the decision,” Chettri added.

The foundation day rally has come at a time when the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, the ruling force in the hills, has fallen out with the State Government. The Morcha has also been criticized by the people and opposition leaders for betraying the cause of the people on Gorkhaland. Supporters of the Morcha and other parties are now joining the Trinamul Congress.

Ghisingh, who was banished from the hills in 2010 and has since being living in Jalpaiguri, did not attend the meeting.

However, the GNLF reiterated its demand on Sixth Schedule status for the Darjeeling hills that allows autonomy to a specific geographic area with constitutional validation.

“We observed the foundation day of our party as the Gorkhaland Namkaran Sthapna Diwas to remind people that it was the GNLF and its chief Subash Ghisingh who had raised the demand of statehood on April 5, 1980, that is 33 years back,” said Chhetri.

“The meeting is a part of the exercises taken up at the preparatory phase. Our principal leader (Ghisingh) will soon address people in public and will also go to the hills within next four to six weeks.”

THE TSUKLAKHANG TRUST

CITATION

Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha was the son of late Ren Yangkyok Lepcha and late Renyu Champi Lepcha from Nung, located in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim. In the village and beyond he was better known as Nung Taso or the Kongchen Bongthing. He belonged to an ancient lineage of powerful Lepcha shamans who are the sole keepers of the ritual knowledge of the sacred Kongchen ritual. On the 29^th of October 2011, late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha passed away at the age of 84 in his home in Nung during a minor earthquake.

His clan, the Garkum tsum ptso, is associated with the powerful mountain deity Kongchen and traces its ancestry back to the soldiers (vik) of Kongchen. Their lineage is said to have performed the worship to this protective deity since time immemorial. The importance of this lineage for the appeasement of Kongchen and the worship of Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong was recognised by the Chogyals of Sikkim. Henceforth, the annual ritual to Kongchen and the other protective mountain deities of Sikkim became an integral part of the Sikkimese festival Pang Lhabsol.

For the people of Dzongu, the ritual was a four-day-long affair. The Kongchen Bongthing performed a ritual to Mount Khangchendzonga and then set off towards the Royal Palace together with five other villagers who were appointed by the Chogyal. At the same time, the other village bongthings also performed a similar ritual. From Dzongu they used to bring fish from a specific waterfall and birds from the forests above Sakyong. When they arrived at the Palace, offerings were exchanged. The Kongchen Bongthing received incense, rice and millet beer from the Chogyal and held a ceremony. Then – with the Chogyal’s ritual gift of a yak – the delegation returned to Dzongu and performed the final part of the ritual at the lha tsu, an altar place at Nung. Here, the yak was sacrificed and all local deities of Sikkim were called upon to protect the land, the Chogyal and the people.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha assisted his father with the performances of the Kongchen ritual and learned the sacred knowledge of his clan. The elaborate ritual was then discontinued after 1975, but until today it is still held on a village level. Sadly, the sacred knowledge of this ritual has not been passed on to Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha’s son, but the community bears hope that his grandson will take on the responsibility and carry on the ancient tradition of the Kongchen ritual.

As specified by its Settlor, Tenzing Tobgyal Wangchuk Sisum Namgyal, Chogyal of Sikkim, The Tsuklakhang Trust endeavours to uphold and propagate for the benefit of all sentient beings the traditional, religious and social customs, ceremonies and teachings as expounded by Guru Rinpoche, introduced into Sikkim by the Naljor Che-zhi and patronized by successive Chogyals of Sikkim.

Therefore, in recognition of the selfless service and contribution made towards preserving the ageless tradition of the unique Sikkimese festival of Pang Lhabsol, The Tsuklakhang Trust is pleased to honour late Bongthing Ren Samdup Taso Lepcha post-humously with this citation and offer good wishes and sincere prayers for his descendents long and healthy lives and perpetuation of their ritual lineage.

May his soul rest in peace and be blessed by the Triple Gems forever!

Tashi Deleg

Place: Tsuklakhang, Gangtok

Date: 7^th April, 2013

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-

(Namgyal T. Bhutia) (Tsetop Ragasha) Chief Guest

Secretary Managing Trustee Dorje Lopon

The Tsuklakhang Trust The Tsuklakhang Trust Pemayangtse Monastery

THE TSUKLAKHANG TRUST

CITATION

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been responsible for performing rituals in honour of Yabdü, the guardian deity protecting Sikkim’s southern gate, for over two and half centuries. He is the son of late Ren Pembo Lepcha and late Angu Lepcha of Chegra Busty, located above Teesta Bazaar under Kurseong Sub-Division of West Bengal. He descends from a line of Bongthings spanning more than forty generations.
The ritual for Yabdü forms part of the sacred Pang Lhabsol celebration which is unique to Sikkim. It is observed at the end of August or early September, on the immediate Friday preceding the 15^th day of the 7^th month of the lunar calendar when Pang Lhabsol is observed at the Tsuklakhang in Gangtok.
Immediately following the conclusion of the Drukpa Tsheshi rituals at the Tsuklakhang in July, the ritual offerings required by the Bongthing are prepared and dispatched by special carrier from Gangtok. Ritual purifications and prayers commence upon reception of the offerings which consist of seven packets of incense for daily purification, give different colour prayer flags, one kilo of bal-tshon (multi-coloured woolen threads), one kilo of butter, a brick of Tibetan tea, a bottle of rum and a basket of chang together with money.
The day’s celebration commences at 7.00 am with the Bongthing’s purification of the area, the hoisting of the prayer flags and the bal-tshon together with seven male Lepcha helpers at an open air altar overlooking the River Teesta. Butter lamps are lit and offerings are laid out on wild banana leaves: the first fruit of the harvest, offerings of papaya, cucumber and sweets together with chang. The Bongthing, who fasts until the conclusion of the ritual at 2 pm, performs his ritual chant invoking Yabdu, his mamu consort and other protecting deities of Sikkim for the benefit of all sentient beings. The day concludes with a feast for all villagers.

Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha has been holding the annual Pang Lhabsol ritual for Yabdü since 1962 following the demise of his late father. In olden days, the ritual used to be performed in a jungle above Kali Jhora and Teesta but this was discontinued at the time of his late grandfather due to attacks by tigers and other wild animals.

Born around 1935, Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha is now close to eighty years old and, having no son, has been training his nephew Ren Tashi Lepcha for the past three years with the view of ensuring the ritual’s continuity. He leads a very humble and pious life dedicated to ritual and prayer for the benefit of Sikkim and all sentient beings. His personal association with the Palace and subsequently with The Tsuklakhang Trust spans more than fifty-one years. He is the only surviving Bongthing in the area who is not only a repository of the old culture, traditions and values but also one who still celebrates Sikkim as Beyul Demoshong, the sacred hidden land blessed by Guru Padmasambhava.

Therefore, in recognition of the selfless service and contribution made towards preserving the ageless tradition of the unique Sikkimese festival of Pang Lhabsol, The Tsuklakhang Trust is pleased to honour Bongthing Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha with this citation and offer good wishes and sincere prayers for his long and healthy life.

May he be blessed by the Triple Gems forever!

Tashi Deleg

Place: Tsuklakhang, Gangtok

Date: 7^th April, 2013

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-

(Namgyal T. Bhutia) (Tsetop Ragasha) Chief Guest

Secretary Managing Trustee Dorje Lopon

The Tsuklakhang Trust The Tsuklakhang Trust Pemayangtse Monastery

Friday, April 5, 2013

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday April 6-12, 2013

Dalai Lama hopeful for peace with China under Xi

Dharamshala, April 5: His Holiness the Dalai Lama said the newly-elected Chinese President Xi Jinping represents a positive change in China. He is hopeful of a new era of reconciliation and peace with Beijing and its new leadership.

This disclosure was made at Salugara in North Bengal recently where the Tibetan spiritual leader gave religious teachings, Tibet Post reported.

Replying to media queries after his three-day teachings, the Dalai Lama said he knew Xi’s father.

Stating that change will come to China, the Nobel Laureate added it would not come immediately but “it may happen soon.”

Speaking to members of the Tibetan community, His Holiness explained that it is now almost two years since he devolved his political responsibilities to the elected Tibetan leadership. Not only has he himself retired, but he has also brought an end to the involvement of the Dalai Lamas in the political affairs of Tibet, a role that began with the Fifth Dalai Lama nearly four hundred years ago.

Bongthings connected to worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities to be honoured

Gangtok, April 5: Two Lepcha Bongthings (priests) – one alive and the other who passed away in 2011 – will be felicitated by the Tsuklakhang Trust here on Sunday for their long services to the people of Sikkim. The two and their ancestors have been performing the annual Pang Lhabsol pujas to the Supreme Guardian Deities of Sikkim – Khangchendzonga and Yabdu – for a long time.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha and Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha’s ancestors have been performing the annual rituals for generations, according to the Trust.

Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha, who passed away on October 29, 2011, was the son of late Ren Yangkyok Lepcha and late Renyu Champi Lepcha from Nung, located in Tingvong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim. He was better known as Nung Taso or the Kongchen Bongthing. He belonged to an ancient lineage of powerful Lepcha shamans who are the sole keepers of the ritual knowledge of the sacred Kongchen ritual.

The felicitation is “in recognition of the selfless service and contribution made towards preserving the ageless tradition of the unique Sikkimese festival of Pang Lhabsol,” and also to “offer good wishes and sincere prayers for his descendents long and healthy lives and perpetuation of their ritual lineage.”

The felicitation function will begin here at the Tsuklakhang Monastery premises on April 7 (Sunday) at 9.30 a.m.

All, including the media, have been invited by the Tsuklakhang Trust to witness this unique and auspicious occasion.

Sribadam sisters in national football team

(L to R) Lako Phuti Bhutia, Coach Palden Bhutia and Nima Lhamu Bhutia (pix: sikkimexpress)

Gangtok, April 5: Two sisters from Sikkim’s remote village of Sribadam in West Sikkim – Lako Phuti Bhutia and Nima Lhamu Bhutia – have made it to women’s national football team.

The two have been short-listed for the Senior Women’s National Football Coaching camp in Pune (Maharashtra), which began on Monday, according to Sikkim Football Association (SFA) General Secretary Menla Ethenpa.

Unfortunately, due to “personal reasons” Nima Lhamu could not make it to the training camp which is expected to end on May 10 next month. Lako, who is participating in the camp, has thanked the SFA and her Mangalbaria Football Academy coach Palden Bhutia for giving her the opportunity to represent the State at the national level. The two sisters are the daughters of Mikchen Bhutia and Late Pem Lhamu Bhutia of Sribadam.

The coaching camp will train the team members for preparation of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Womens Asia Cup Qualifiyer’s Round, SFA said.

Thank you, Ranbir: United Sikkim

Gangtok, April 5: After Bollywood superstar had agreed to promote Bhaichung Bhutia co-owned United Sikkim FC, USFC owners released a statement in its official facebook page thanking Ranbir Kapoor. The statement is as follows -

“United Sikkim FC owners, FidelisWorld and Bhaichung Bhutia, extend their gratitude and thanks to Ranbir Kapoor for his generous acceptance to be the brand and goodwill ambassador for United Sikkim FC.”

It added, “The United Sikkim FC warmly welcomes Ranbir Kapoor into the United Sikkim family and shares their delight in having a genuine football lover and an achiever like Ranbir Kapoor as the club’s ambassador. His international appeal and acceptance as a global youth icon and celebrity would definitely go a long way in promoting United Sikkim FC among his millions of fans, both within and outside India.

United Sikkim FC players and officials are also grateful to Ranbir Kapoor for becoming their ambassador. We thank Ranbir Kapoor for his selfless approach to promote us and we are encouraged by his gesture.”

Bhaichung Bhutia, co-owner of the Sikkim based club was ecstatic over the development. “We are proud to unveil Ranbir Kapoor as our brand ambassador. We have known each other for quite some time. He is a keen follower of football,” said Bhaichung to The Times of India on Tuesday.

CHOGYAL WANGCHUK NAMGYAL

On his 60^th birthday, Sikkimese want him to come back home

Gangtok, April 5: Wangchuk Namgyal, the 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim, turned 60 on Monday (April 1).On this ‘auspicious occasion’, the National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), expressed its greetings and long life to the Chogyal, who has dedicated his life to religious and spiritual activities.

“On the auspicious occasion of the 60th Birthday of His Majesty, the 13th Miwang Denjong Chogyal Wangchuk Tenzing Namgyal, this organization expresses its greetings to all the Sikkimese people,” NASBO President Sonam Lama Kaloen said in a press statement.

“This organization shall be holding prayer meetings wishing for the long life of His Majesty as also in anticipation that His Majesty would soon resume back to his seat at Gangtok Palace…,” the statement said.

Prince Wangchuk, as he was known then, was crowned the 13^th Chogyal on February 19, 1982. It was on this day that his father Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal was cremated at a historic event when elected members of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly led by former chief minister BB Gurung offered khadas and acknowledged Wangchuk as the next Chogyal.

Though Sikkim’s Namgyal dynasty traces its origin in the former kingdom to the 13^th century it effectively ruled Sikkim from 1642 to 1975, when Sikkim became the 22^nd State of the Indian Union amidst allegation that India had annexed Sikkim.

Meanwhile, NASBO yesterday celebrated the 90th official birthday of the 12th Denjong Chogyal Palden Thondub Namgyal.

NASBO members offered khadas to the portrait of the Chogyal during a ceremony and acknowledged the former Chogyal’s “bold stand” during 1973-1975 when the former kingdom faced a difficult period.

Editorial

LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

For Free And Fair Polls

If Nepal’s controversial move to hold elections under the supervision of a former supreme court chief justice as caretaker prime minister succeeds India ought to re-think of hold national and state elections under a similar system. Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who has just returned to his country after a four-year self-imposed exile, wants the general elections in his country to be held under army supervision. He says there would be law and order problem if elections are held under the present political dispensation. In India, people, by and large, are fearful of misuse of power and show of money power by the ruling elite during elections. They want a level playing field for a free and fair polls. One writer rightly said: “In many regimes, democratic competition is undermined less by fraud or repression than by unequal access to resources, media, and state institutions. When opposition are denied access to finance and mass media, their ability to compete in elections—and survive between elections—is often impaired.”

Much the same feeling persists in India’s northeastern State of Sikkim. Since the 1974’s elections to the Sikkim Council, followed by the ‘special poll’ in 1975, the Sikkimese people have always feared and doubted the credibility of ‘elections.’ Communal passion was whipped when pro-Sikkim Sikkim National Party won majority of Council seats in 1973 elections, leading to Sikkim’s ‘merger’ with its protecting power in April 1975. The outcome of the Assembly polls in November 1989 and May 2004 are dark shadows in Sikkim’s quest for genuine democracy. The Sikkimese people are widely aware of misuse of ballot boxes and electronic voting machines by the establishment if polls are held under the prevailing system. As the next Assembly polls in Sikkim draw near the Sikkimese people have started saying that if polls are not held under President’s rule the ruling party Sikkim Democratic Front, which has been in power uninterruptedly for nearly two decades, would stand to benefit. Unfortunately, India does not have the necessary law to hold elections under President’s rule. Our MPs and MLAs would not agree to such a law.

Sikkim govt-sponsored Everest expedition runs into trouble

March 2012 in Gangtok: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling with IHCAE Director GT Bhutia

(extreme right) and mountaineer Kazi Sherpa (left) of IHCAE, who represented Sikkim in the 2012 Everest Expedition. (file pix)

Gangtok, April 5: The Sikkim government- sponsored Everest expedition in Nepal has run into rough weather as mountaineering associations have demanded that the trek be postponed in order to ensure all climbers get equal opportunity for selection.

Seven mountaineers have been selected by the Indian Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Ecotourism (IHCAE) for the Rs 1.4 crore expedition scheduled to commence from the first week of this month, PTI reported.

The IHCAE is a division under the Sikkim Tourism department and is based in Chemchey, South district.

Top mountaineering associations claim that qualified and veteran mountaineers were kept in the dark about the selection process, and thereby denied rightful opportunity to be considered by the IHCAE.

The mountaineering associations include Sikkim Mountaineering Association, Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association, Travel Agents Association of Sikkim and Sikkim Association of Adventure Tour Operators.

The associations argued that a pre-Everest expedition within Sikkim could have been conducted by the organisers to select the best mountaineers available in the State.

“An Everest expedition is like the Olympics for every mountaineer. While we thank the state government for providing an opportunity to the Sikkim climbers, we are sad to see that experienced and qualified mountaineers were kept in dark about the selection process. Even the mountaineering associations here came to know about the expedition only after seven members had been selected,” said Deepak Chhetri, the general secretary of the Sikkim Amateur Mountaineering Association.

IHCAE director G.T. Bhutia said it was his discretion to choose the men and women for the Everest climb. “Being the director, powers are bestowed on me to choose the people for the Everest expedition. The expedition has been approved after IHCAE placed a proposal before the government. As far as the selection is concerned, the seven mountaineers are from Sikkim who have undertaken many expeditions before. The question of postponement does not arise as bookings for logistic support and other formalities have already been completed.”

Chhetri alleged that the IHCAE had not provided an opportunity to all mountaineers in the State for selection for the Everest expedition and accused Bhutia of arbitrarily and clandestinely choosing the seven. “We fail to understand on what basis these climbers were selected when there are several others with superior experience,” he said.

States participate in 10-day handicraft exhibition

Gangtok, April 5: Neeru Sewa, Minister for Commerce and Industries Department inaugurated Gandhi Shilp Bazar 2012-13 at Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom complex here on Tuesday.

The 10-day exhibition-cum-sale of genuine handicrafts products has been sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

A total number of 150 stalls have been allotted to artisans from all over India and local artisan from Sikkim, an IPR release said.

The participant’s states are Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, West Bengal, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Madya Pradesh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

The exhibition is an annual feature of Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. and is proving boon to artisans as their products are sold at large numbers. It also provides big platform for artisans to have direct interaction with the buyers. The basic objective for organizing such kind of exhibition is to promote genuine handicrafts products.

Suspicious transactions in Sikkim, Goa casinos under intelligence scanner

New Delhi, April 5: The threat of terror financing is getting scarier and bigger by the day. In the last year, the country’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies have detected 1,444 suspicious cases of financial transactions allegedly used to exclusively fund terrorist activities. The cases have been forwarded to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-Ind), which has been tasked to probe money laundering and terrorist financing.

The FIU is examining suspicious transactions in businesses such as casinos in Sikkim and Goa. The agency received 12,655 suspicious reports last year from various casinos in the two states, which are now being analysed to probe the nature of the money. Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with 19 countries, including Mauritius, the Philippines, Australia, Canada, USA and Japan, to share related information for further exchange of information to counter online gaming, money laundering and terrorist financing.

“A casino sector assessment committee was constituted under the Director (FIU-Ind) which carried out a comprehensive review of the casino sector and has made several recommendations to the government for strengthening the anti-money laundering regulatory frame for this sector,” FIU report stated.

Apart from casinos, reports are also being received about attempts by some real estate agents and dealers in precious metals and stones, and other high value goods to create a non-breachable financial firewall for their illegal activities in terror funding.

PEOPLE & PLACES Sikkim

Saluting The Ritual Keepers of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities

The Tsuklakhang Trust (Sikkim) on Sunday (April 7, 2013) will honour Late Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha of Dzongu, North Sikkim, and Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha of Teesta Bazaar, West Bengal, for their valued services in the performance of the annual Pang Lhabsol rituals to Sikkim’s Guardian Deities – Khangchendzonga (Kongchen) and Yabdu – for a very long time.

“Their lineage is said to have performed the worship” of Sikkim’s protecting deities “since time immemorial,” read the Tsuklakhang Trust’s citation of the two Lepcha Bongthings (priests).

CITATION Highlights

Ren Samdrup Taso Lepcha

Ren Pem Tshering Lepcha

The ritual for Yabdü is an integral part of the sacred Pang Lhabsol celebration which is unique to Sikkim. It is observed at the end of August or early September, on the immediate Friday preceding the 15th day of the 7th month of the lunar calendar when Pang Lhabsol is observed at the Tsuklakhang in Gangtok.