SIKKIM OBSERVER  Saturday   Aug 24-30,  2013    

Pang Lhabsol has a special place in Sikkim: Guv

12 Assembly seats are reserved for ‘BLs’: CM

Gangtok, Aug 23: Governor Shrinivas Patil emphasized the need to preserve peace, unity and harmony in the State.

Addressing a function during the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations here on Wendesday, the Governor said the festival had a special place in the social, political and cultural life of the people of Sikkim.

He said only through the spirit of unity in diversity will the people be able to maintain peace and tranquility in the State.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said his government has taken steps to preserve the State’s traditional way of “worshipping nature in its purest form.”

Referring to the minority Bhutia-Lepchas (BL)  tribals, Chamling said the government has protected the political and land rights of the two communities. He said the 12 seats reserved for the  two communities are “exclusively BL seats.”

“The Chief Minister stressed on the need to ensure the security and identity of the people of Sikkim. He suggested that documents like the Trade License, driving license and other such documents should be granted exclusively to Sikkim Subject Certificate holders. He invited suggestions from the people in this regard,” an official release said.

Pang Lhabsol was observed in several monasteries in the State, including Pemayangtse and Rabong in west and south districts respectively. Pangtoed chaams were also performed in these monasteries

GJM retaliates, calls for fresh shutdown in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, Aug 23: Ruling out dialogue with the West Bengal Government, the GJM spearheading a stir for a separate Gorkhaland on Thursday announced a fresh 48-hour shut down over the weekend in Darjeeling after the arrest of two prominent party leaders and demanded central intervention.

"The Hills will be closed on Saturday and Sunday to condemn the unwanted arrests of GJM leaders," GJM chief Bimal Gurung said in a Facebook post.

The GJM president in a separate post also said that the two-day 'ghar bahira janata' (people on the streets) agitation from Thursday would continue indefinitely till those arrested were released and the cases against them withdrawn.

"There will be no relaxation even on Saturday and Sunday and ghar bahira janata agitation will continue indefinitely till GJM members are released and their cases are withdrawn," he said.

At a public meeting Gurung said, "The strike will continue until the leaders are released. There will be no relaxation even on Saturday and Sunday. Today they were arrested, tomorrow I may have to go to jail, but our movement will continue."

He also announced that 721 GJM leaders and members of GJM who were in judicial custody would go on an indefinite hunger-strike.

Demanding central intervention, he said, "We will not talk to Mamata Banerjee. The Centre has to intervene. We can talk to the Governor."

Binay Tamang, assistant secretary of GJM and an executive member in-charge of Information and Culture Department of the hill council, GTA, was reportedly arrested near the Sikkim-West Bengal border in Kalimpong subdivision, police sources said.

Another GTA member and GJM leader Satish Pokhrel, was arrested along with Tamang, besides two others, the sources said.

The four were produced in a court in Kalimpong and remanded to 14 days judicial custody.

The high court had on August 14 expressed displeasure over the GJM's violation of its order of August 7 which had held the indefinite bandh in Darjeeling as illegal.

Focus on development, not agitational politics: Mamata

Kolkata, Aug 23: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday attacked the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which is spearheading the movement for a separate state, and said its 'political gimmickry' is harming everybody.

"A tri-partite Memorandum of Agreement amongst the Central Government, the State Government and the GJMM created GTA on 18th July, 2011. Accordingly, election was held and GTA Sabha swore in on 3rd August, 2012. Breaking almost 20 years of non-development of the Hills, a new era of ushering peace and development in Darjeeling began," Banerjee said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

"As per the Agreement, transfer of administrative power, functions of various departments and allocation of fund were made to facilitate GTA to function smoothly and effectively for welfare of the people of the Hills," she said.

"I respect all my Darjeeling brothers and sisters. I am proud of them. But it is very unfortunate that instead of developmental works, that political party has resorted to agitational programme stalling the development process," she said.

Attacking the GJM, Banerjee said: "Politics is fine. But it should facilitate development, not impede it. The political mandate is there. It should be used for the benefit of the people of Darjeeling. It should not harm them. The ongoing political gimmickry is harming everybody." She said the ongoing agitation has hit every sectors in the hills.

"My intention is to make Darjeeling a dream destination, which will bring growth and prosperity for the people of Darjeeling. Like Jangalmahal, I have visited Darjeeling more than 20 times. I will be visiting Darjeeling again during the first week of September. The Lepcha brothers and sisters have invited me to attend a programme. We want to see all-round development in all spheres like education, health, employment, industries in Darjeeling," Banerjee said.

"We want to see Darjeeling as a peaceful haven so that its future is settled forever," she said.

Schools, colleges may be exempted from bandh: GJM

Darjeeling, Aug 23: All schools and colleges in the Darjeeling hills would be exempted from the purview of the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland state and reopen from September one, a top Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader on Thursday said.

The decision to keep the educational institutions, which were closed since July 29, out of the ambit of the agitation would be formally announced in the next few days, GJM publicity head Hara Bahadur Chhetri said.

As classes were not held regularly in the 45 or so schools in the three hill sub-divisions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseons, most of the outstation students began to vacate the hostels from August 1.

Chheti, GJM’s Kalimpong MLA, said the exemption decision was taken after considering the pleas by the guardians not to jeopardise the future of their wards.

National Liberation Front of Bengalis threaten Bodos

Bus blast leaves 5 injured in Siliguri

Siliguri, Aug 23: At least five people were injured when a bomb went off in a bus in Siliguri, north Bengal, on Sunday, for which the National Liberation Front of Bengalis (NLFB), a new anti-Bodo outfit in Assam, has claimed responsibility.

The NLFB, about which the police have no information, has also threatened to carry out more such attacks unless the “harassment of Bengalis” in Assam stops.

The bomb, which was probably hidden in luggage, exploded when most passengers had got off to have lunch.

“Two letters signed by one Abhijit Das were found inside the bus,” said Amit P Javalgi, superintendent of police, Jalpaiguri.

The supposed signatory to the letter said he was a member of the NLFB and the blast was meant to send the message that the outfit would no more tolerate the “harassment of the Bengalis by Bodos” in Assam.                                                                    

China provokes India again, its troops enter Arunachal Pradesh

New Delhi, Aug 23: Chinese troops reportedly intruded into Arunachal Pradesh last week and stayed for a few days, in a repeat of the standoff at Depsang in Ladakh four months ago.

Chinese troops entered eastern Arunachal Pradesh's Chaglagam area and stayed put for three to four days before going back, NDTV reported.

The latest incursion has emerged as India sent a strong message to China on Tuesday with a C-130J Super Hercules transport plane landing at an airstrip in Daulat Beg Oldie near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the site of the April India-China stand-off.

On August 13, locals reported that the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) intruded deep inside Indian Territory in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Army denies that the Chinese had camped there - like they did in Depsang for 21 days - but on Tuesday, sources admitted that the Chinese had "come and gone," and Indian troops are now present at the spot in strength.

Local residents, however, say currently PLA forces are camping at the Plamplam check post, 60 km from the border, and efforts are on to persuade them to go back.

According to these sources, there are six unmanned check posts between Chaglagam and the undemarcated LAC running from Ladakh in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east.

The Chaglagam area, also known as "fish tail" because of the shape of the LAC in this area, has consistently seen intrusions by the Chinese in the past but they have always gone back immediately.

But this time, Chinese troops dared India by staying on for 3-4 days before going back.

Indian authorities often downplay such incidents saying, "the Chinese patrol up to their area of perception as do we. When we come face to face, there is a set routine called banner drill which is followed. Both sides then retreat to their own areas."

Editorial

PANG LHABSOL

Respect Sikkimese Sentiments

While the annual celebrations of Pang Lhabsol if celebrated genuinely will bring peace and harmony it must be borne in mind that the day is not meant for entertainment, politics and money-making. From time immemorial this special day is set apart for the worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities such as Khangchendzong and Yabdu. Surely, the Sikkimese people, particularly the Bhutias and Lepchas, feel the need to keep one day in a year to perform traditional rituals to appease and thank their mountain gods. Those who fail to positively respond to their sentiments not only fail to realize the significance of Pang Lhabsol but are engaged in activities that are detrimental to the State and its people. Traditionally, the annual Pang Lhabsol pujas are performed in various monasteries all over the State. It must be reminded that Sikkim was a Buddhist Kingdom before the ‘merger’ in 1975.

The worship of nature, including mountain ranges, were a part of the religious practices of the Sikkimese people even before Guru Rinpoche’s arrival in Sikkim in the 8^th century. Guru Rinpoche not only tamed the wild spirits of the former kingdom but also commanded them to protect the place and its people. Those who are bent on harping on ‘peace, unity and harmony’ for their vested interests should urge the government to set apart a particular day for this purpose. This would be greatly appreciated by those who do not wish to defile and disturb the traditional celebrations of Pang Lhabsol.

Darjeeling Lepchas to honour Mamata on Sept 1

Kolkata, Aug 23: Unfazed by the statehood agitation in the Hills, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit Darjeeling on September 1.

Her visit will spite Gorkha Janmukti Morcha leader Bimal Gurung because the Chief Minister will be in the Hills on the invitation of the Lepcha Tribal Association. The Mamata government formed the Lepcha Development Board on August 5 much to the dislike of Gurung who saw it as a move to divide the united stir for Gorkhaland, The Times of India reported.

"I will be visiting Darjeeling again during the first week of September. The Lepcha brothers and sisters have invited me to attend a programme," Mamata said in a post on a social networking site on Tuesday. The Lepcha Tribal Association has planned to felicitate the CM at a programme in Siliguri on September 2.

Enos Das Pradhan, chairman of the Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee refused say much about the trip. "She may come to the Hills but there is no question of reconciliation. Our demand is beyond the GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) now, it is about the Gorkhaland state," he said.

Banerjee's impending visit sparked off speculation on whether the government would dissolve the GTA sabha and call for fresh elections.

Guv assures full support to ex-servicemen

Gangtok, Aug 23: Governor Shriniwas Patil said he was aware of the problems faced by ex-servicemen in the State and assured his full support to all projects undertaken by the Rajya Sainik Board.

Secretary, Rajya Sainik Board, Col. D.N. Bhutia accompanied by Col. K.B. Tamang, Officer in-charge, ECHS Polyclinic, Maj T. Gyatso, President Ex-Services League, Welfare Officers and the staff of Rajya Sainik Board paid a courtesy call on to the Governor on Tuesday at the Raj Bhawan to welcome him and wish him a memorable stay in the State.

While expressing his happiness to meet ex-servicemen, the Governor said he had close links with ex-servicemen as most of his family members served the Indian armed forces in various capacities.

“He also said that he was aware of the problems being faced by ex-servicemen” and assured the delegation of his “full support in all the projects being taken up by the Board”, an official release said.

PEOPLE & PLACES Sikkim

Significance of Pang Lhabsol

Worship of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities

By PINTSO CHEWANG

Mahaguru Padmasambhava was born in the 8th century AD at the Dhanakosha Lake, surrounded by dakinis of the Uddiyana country of the present day Afghanistan. He is thus known as Lotus born Buddha, also known as the Buddha of past, present and future. During the later course of his life when He was Professor at the famous Nalanda University in Bihar, He was invited by Chogyal Trisong Duechen of Tibet to subdue the negative forces who were hindering his visionary mission to found the first ever Monastery of Tibet, Samye and thereby firmly establish Buddha’s teaching in Tibet for well being of all the sentient beings.

Khangchendzonga

 In the course, He discovered this hidden country of Sikkim. However, when he reached here, the land was actually predominated by the negative exercises and influences of evil spirits while its all pervading master Khangchen Joenga and his negative forces’ writ run all through the Sikkim Valley. It was then that Mahaguru swiftly converted all the negative forces led by Khangchen Joenga into Sikkim’s Supreme Guardian deity of the land, accompanied by hosts of others in order of hierarchy while Mahakala was also invited to witness the same and in turn, was instructed to ensure that the newly-appointed guardian deities lives upto their commitments and responsibilities for the peace and prosperity of the land and its inhabitants which was most crucial for upholding of dharma when the same get defiled at the place of its origin in future.

Khangchen Joenga was specifically commanded to forbid entry of any alien figures in Sikkim other than the appointed ones who shall inaugurate the doors of Sikkim. Even Lhatsun Namkha Jigmed was let into this hidden land by Khangchen Joenga only after he elaborately satisfied himself that he was the destined master to open Sikkim’s door to dharma.

According to the Rigzin Sogdrub tradition, a treasure texts ‘Toerma’ which was revealed by Lhatsun Namkha Jigmed, Khangchen Joenga is credited as (a) Gurui Kasung ba: the one who preserve and maintain the instructions of the Mahaguru, (b) Nay-Ter gyi Dagku: the protector of the sacred sites and dharma treasures of Sikkim and (c) Gyalwa Namtho Sey: holder of prosperity and wealth. Moreover, in Sikkimese tradition, Khangchen Joenga is also adopted /acknowledged as Pholas (paternal deity) by most of its clans, thereby rendering rituals associated to it a more personal flavor as well. In fact, the effect and praise for Khangchen Joenga is all pervasive in Sikkimese fabrics, propitiated and invoked both by the Buddhist monks and Shamanist Bongthings, pawos, nejom, etc.

Khangchen Joenga and all his sub-ordinates were made responsible to ensure peace and prosperity, as well as upkeep of its natural environment and bounty in Sikkim and particularly, of the sacred dharma treasures Toermas, that He lavishly hid in large volumes, both major and minor for future purpose in most of the rivers, cliffs, valleys, tress, rocks, mountains, etc., more specifically in and around Drakar Tashiding, the supreme pilgrimage site for the Sikkimese, with appointment of each presiding deity. He also designated Toertens (treasure revealers) at various points of time.

In return, the Mahaguru pledged Khangchen Joenga and other deities of annual offerings by the local inhabitants who shall put in all their effort and exercise to preserve the same. He then spontaneously christened the land as his Bayue Dremo Jong signifying hidden country of precious and sacred dharma treasures and its fruition. In fact, these dharma treasures have been and still are being discovered by the appointed Toertens since for universal benevolence. Mahaguru has further instructed the local inhabitants as well to preserve and protect the sanctity of such sacred sites and locations from any kind of materialistic or humanly interferences, activities and disturbances to prevent the wrath of this recently transformed guardian deities. He proclaimed that this land is the pure realm of the present universe, equal to His own Jangdo Palri (Copper –plated pure realm of the Mahaguru).

Several legends and folklores are found to be associated on Mahaguru’s miracles performed during this period. One such interesting note, as legend has it that when the Mahaguru was in Lho Khandro Jangphu (one of the four cardinal caves), He came across several witches and negative forces trying their best to drive away Him out of the boundaries of Bayue Dremo Jong. Out of compassion, he succeeded in transforming most of them into local deities while the parts of their body representing negativity were thrown on the walls and interior of the cave, stone imprints of which is still visible.

Amongst them, one powerful witch, with the intention of killing the Mahaguru, fled to the cliff of Tsum, somewhere below the present day Gyalshing and pretentiously befriended with Him. In her engraved pursuit to kill the Mahaguru, she obliged Him to hatch some honey at the cliff of Tsum. Accordingly, when He climbed the cliff with support of a clipper and was almost at the summit, the witch cut the creeper while the Mahaguru saved Himself with the support of His own beard engrossed over the creeper and hence the name ‘Ugyen Gyaro’ (Mahaguru Padmasambhava’s beard), a typical plant known in His name.

The witch transformed herself into a wild boar and fled towards Guruthang, Pemayangtse, Sangha Choeling and finally landed at Sangay Tar (Changay Tar) in Thegchoe Yangtse (present day West Sikkim) where she was ultimately subjugated by the Mahaguru with His bow and arrow and transformed her into the local deity. A tree is still preserved at the site where the Mahaguru is believed to have intricately practiced bow & arrow before actually transforming the witch. Recently in 1960-65, the 12th Denjong Chogyal directed the Pemayangtse authority to protect the area and the particular tree, given its significance. However, this particular site at Thegchoe Yangtse stands to encroachment of all kinds, currently.

Great Vajrayana Masters such as Rigjin Goedhem Chen, who founded the first ever Sikkimese Monastery at Pawo Hungri in the then Central Sikkim in the early 14th century AD, Rigjin Lhakden Ja, Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Ngadag Sempa Chenpo, Ka-Thok Kuntu Jangpo, Lhatsun Jigme Pawo, etc. have revealed important treasure texts from various sacred sites of Sikkim. It is clear from this fact that the very concept of the great Pang Lhabsol observance is to propitiate our Supreme guardian deities and others as a mark of our veneration and gratitude. It also reminds both the guardian deities and the inhabitants of their respective responsibilities as scheduled by the Mahaguru. This transformation of Sikkim simultaneously marked the beginning of Shamanism in Sikkim, whose responsibility was but restricted to preservation of the commitments made by the Mahaguru and its sanctity as founded by Him. In fact, with the evolution of time, the role of shamanism also multiplied. The annual Pang Lhabsol therefore is also a celebration of Sikkim as a Vajrayana-Shamanistic system, unique only to Sikkim.

The observance and relevance of Pang Lhabsol gets momentum with the institutionalizing of blood brotherhood between the Bhutias and Lepchas at Kabi Longtsok in 13th century A.D., which had the Supreme Guardian Deity Khangchen Joenga as its witness deity. The oath culminated in ensuring male issues to the issueless Prince Khey Bumsa and his consort, by the Supreme Lepcha Master Thekong Tek who in turn bounded Bumsa to let his descendants live and rule Sikkim. In fact the Supreme Patriarch Thekong Tek blessed Bumsa with four sons. Consequently, Bumsa’s eldest son Mipen Rab became the nucleus to the future rulers of Sikkim vis-à-vis Namgyal dynasty and many other Sikkimese clans.

    Nesol (prayers / offering to the guardian deities) forms the very essence of Pang Lhabsol rituals and prayers which is performed in all the major and minor Sikkimese monasteries on the occasion. Even private households offer Neysol prayer at their private alters. Till the inauguration of the modern history of Sikkim, Pang Lhabsol remain a reserved ritual, confined only to designated locations and volume with less mass participation.

It was however, the reign of the 3rd Denjong Chogyal Chyag-Dor Namgyal, additions were made to the rituals and observance with more intricately set Pangtey Chham, which actually was received as Toerma treasure by the Chogyal in his trance at Rabden Tse Palace, thereby enlarging it with more and more public participation. Offerings of new produce Jejhug are made by the people to the Yulha Jibda, the guardian deities through the Chogyal of Sikkim on the occasion. Pangtey literally translates into offering / praise to the deities and Chham is dance, hence, dance/musical offering to the deities, and is performed at the Royal Tsuglakhang, Gangtok, which is being suspended for couple of years now with the hope of its early revival under the blessings of His Royal Majesty Miwang Denjong Chogyal Wangchug Namgyal, the present Chogyal of Sikkim.

 Chogyal Chyag-Dor Namgyal was known for his advance and profound wisdom, both on Buddhist philosophies and astrology, commanding high esteem from the neighboring countries as well. The energetic Pangtey dance including emergence of the ‘Goen-Joe Nyi’’ duo (Goen for Goenpo= Mahakala and Joe for Joenga= Khangchen Joenga) during the Chham is the center of attraction. One of the most significant parts of the Pang Lhabsol ritual is the Shaylen, invocation of the guardian deity and submission and re-affirmation of the commitments made by the Mahaguru Padmasambhava, both to the guardian deities and the inhabitants.

   This Shaylen is traditionally performed at the Tsuglakhang in front of the ‘Goen Joe Nyi’ and in presence of the ruler and the ruled, their reaffirmation to perform their duties in accordance to the doctrine as scheduled by the Mahaguru in the 8th Century AD. This makes the entire observance still very lively and relevant for all times to unfold, particularly when most of the sacred sites and locations are currently either under grave threat of materialistic pollution and encroachment or are already under its influences following several senseless development projects thrown over it.

The preservation and continuity of a ritual of such significance as the annual Pang Lhabsol is therefore not a mere question of sustaining one’s tradition or lineage, but more of one’s own survival for we only stand to the wrath of our own protecting deities, otherwise generous and compassionate, if we fail to deliver our own parts as committed to it by our supreme masters and ancestors in the remote past.

Pang Lhabsol chaam at Tsuklakhang may be revived from next year

By KUNGA CHUKIE & SONAM DEKI

The traditional Pang Lhabsol chaams may be revived at the Tsuklakhang Monastery, Gangtok, next year. Though the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations still continue at Tsuklakhag, the Royal Chapel,  chaams or masked lama dances were discontinued in latter part of the 1980s. The 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim, Wangchuk Namgyal, who has been in retreat for a long time doing meditation and religious studies, have entrusted the religious and spiritual matters of the Tsuklakhang to the Tsuklakhang Trust.

There has been a steady public demand that the traditional chaams performed on Pang Lhabsol in honour of Sikkim’s Guardian Deities be revived for the benefit of Sikkim and its people. Sources said the chaams may be revived next year.

This year there has been a sizable increase in those who witnessed the Pang Lhabsol at Tsuklakhang. Organised by the Tsuklakhang Trust, among the prominent individuals who participated in the celebrations were Princes Hope Leezum and her husband Wangyal Topden, former MLA Kunga Zangpo, LP Barfungpa, Major T. Gyatso and representatives of some leading families in Gangtok.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   Aug 17-23,  2013    

Assembly seats reserved for BLs, not STs: SIBLAC

BL seats based on 1973 pact: Salman Khurshid

(Left) Bhutia-Lepcha leaders with Governor SD Patil at the Raj Bhawan on Wednesday.

Gangtok, Aug 16: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has reacted strongly against the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s bid to erase the distinct identity given by the Constitution to the former kingdom’s indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha community.

Refuting SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal’s allegation that seats cannot be reserved in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on the basis of “caste”, SIBLAC convenors Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Chewang Rinzing Lepcha in a press statement said  Dahal’s statement is not only condemnable but also “unconstitutional and illegal”.

According to SIBLAC, the press statement of August 5 had reference to SDF legislators meeting held at Mintokgang, Chief Minister’s official residence, on August 4 in which Chief Minister Pawan Chamling was present.

In its letter to BL and Sangha MLA, SIBLAC said Dahal’s press release stated:

 “there cannot be seat reservation in our country in the name of any caste as per the Constitution of India and therefore BL seats in the state today is by virtue of Bhutia Lepcha being Schedule Tribes (ST) in the state, the detail upon which was discussed in the said meeting”.

BL legislators have been given a week’s time to make their stand clear on the ruling party’s observations on the seat issue.

“We look forward for your response latest by a weeklong time failing which we shall be compelled to initiate actions or remedial measures as may be deemed fit,” the letter to BL MLA said.

It may be recalled that in response to a query from the BJP MP, Balkrishna K. Shukla, on the Assembly seat issue of the Limbus and Tamangs of the State, who were declared STs in 2002, former Union Minister of Law Salman Khurshid (now External Affairs Minister) in the Lok Sabha last year said the 12 seats reserved in the Assembly for the Bhutia-Lepchas were as per the historic Tripartite Agreement of May 8 1973 between the Government of India, the Chogyal of Sikkim and leaders of political parties of Sikkim.

Referring to Assembly seats reserved for the Bhutia-Lepchas, Khurshid said, “…12 seats are reserved for Bhutia-Lepcha not as Scheduled Tribe but as sequel to political agreement in the year 1973 between Government of India, ex-Chogyal of Sikkim and Political Parties of Sikkim.”

   Meanwhile, representatives of several Bhutia-Lepcha organizations such as SIBLAC, Dregoen Jingkyong Tsogchen (All Sikkim Monasteries Association), Monks of Sikkim (MOS), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Save Kabi Longtsok Committee (SKLC) and Affected Citizen of Teesta (ACT) paid a courtesy call to the new Governor Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil here at the Raj Bhawan on Wednesday.

While welcoming the new Governor members briefed him on numerous issues of the State.

SLP not satisfied with old settlers’ amendment petition

Gangtok, Aug 16: The Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) has expressed its dissatisfaction over the amendment petition submitted before the Supreme Court recently by old settlers of the State on the income tax issue.

SLP chief Duknath Nepal said the petitioners had informed the apex court that they were forced to make amendments in their petition in view of “non-cooperation” threat my the majority Nepalese community.

“They have said in particular that they have been threatened and if apologies is not tendered to the Nepalese community and writ not withdrawn, then a State wide non-cooperation movement would be initiated,” Nepal said in a press statement.

Nepal alleged that old settlers of the State had no “loyalty” to Sikkim and were not present in the former kingdom when the Sikkim Subject Certificates were issued by the Chogyal in 1961.

“Those who were not present when Sikkim was Sikkim as a separate nation but are desperate to become Sikkimese when Sikkim has become part of India, are traitors and anti-nationals,” Nepal said.

RS panel for IT exemption for pre-1975 old settlers

Gangtok, Aug 16: While a section of the old settlers of Sikkim has approached the Supreme Court on the income tax issue another section led by Prem Goyal has taken the matter to the Rajya Sabha.

The Rajya Sabha Committee on Petitions has responded favourably to Goyal’s demand that old settlers in the State, who have been residing in the former kingdom for generations, be given income tax payment exemption as in the case of Lepchas, Bhutias and Sikkimese Nepalese.

In its recent report, the Committee, headed by Bhagat Singh Koshyari, has recommended that Sikkim’s pre-1975 old settlers be treated equally with “Sikkim subjects” in all “socio-economic and political rights” in the “interest of justice, equality and welfare of its citizens”.

The report said the decision of ancestors of 400 families of Sikkim to retain their Indian citizenship when Sikkim Subjects Certificates were issued in 1960s has now placed their descendants in  “disadvantage position”.

Referring to the Finance Act of 2008, the report said the Act provided IT exemption to “Sikkim subjects” while leaving out the old settlers.

The report noted that while 73, 431 individuals who were given Certificate of Identification and Indian citizenship in 1989 have been exempted from the IT purview while the old settlers in the State have been left out and were discriminated.

The report also revealed that the State Government had objected to old settlers’ demand on the IT issue, stating that it was “highly objectionable and unacceptable”. (also see edit on page 2)

Scrap GTA first, Gorkha League tells GJM

Joining JAC conditional: Bharati Tamang

Darjeeling, Aug 16: Fissures appeared barely a day after GJM propped up an eight-party platform for Gorkhaland stir as major constituent All-India Gorkha League walked out demanding that its three conditions be met first, including the scrapping of the Territorial Administration (GTA).

The AIGL had raised three demands at the all party meeting yesterday at which the platform, Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee was formed, AIGL president Bharti Tamang told a press conference here on Saturday.

Bharati Tamang, who took over the party following the murder of her husband and then president Madan Tamang in Darjeeling town on May 21, 2010, said the demands were that the GJM should quit the GTA, all GTA members should resign and there should be speedy justice for Madan Tamang, PTI reported.

"If the GJM leadership shows interest in meeting our demands, we will return to the GJAC," Bharati Tamang said.

The decision was communicated to Enos Das Pradhan, chief of GJAC, she said.

"The existence of GTA and the Gorkhaland movement cannot go together," AIGL General Secretary Pratap Khati said.

"Till GTA is there, we cannot advance our movement to achieve Gorkhaland. GTA has to be repealed," he said.

Following withdrawal of the ABGL, the third largest party after GJM and CPRM (Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxists), leaders of the other smaller parties said they would also raise their own demands at the all-party meeting.

Meanwhile, GJM supreme Bimal Gurung, in a Facebook post, claimed that historically Darjeeling was never a part of Bengal, apparently to counter Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's assertion that West Bengal would not be divided.

"The creation of Gorkhaland is not the partition of Bengal as historically Darjeeling was not a part of Bengal and was leased by the British from the kingdom of Sikkim in 1835," Gurung said.

He said that Kalimpong, which is in Darjeeling district and the Dooars in Jalpaiguri district, were annexed in 1865 from Bhutan.

Editorial

INCOME TAX ISSUE

Live In Peace & Harmony

Despite lapses, wrong thinking and deliberate provocations from certain quarters there is the need to maintain sanity in Sikkim’s political and social circles. Old settlers of Sikkim feel aggrieved that they have been discriminated and not given exemption from payment of income tax by the Centre. Their grievance is that during the Chogyal’s rule and even after the ‘merger’ in 1975 the  three ethnic communities of Sikkim – Lepcha, Bhutia and Nepalese – and the old settlers all came under the purview of income tax laws of the State. Subsequently, while the Centre exempted bonafide Sikkimese possessing genuine Sikkim Subject Certificate from payment of income tax this facility was not extended to the 400 families of old settlers in Sikkim. The old settlers were forced to approach the Supreme Court when the government failed to achieve their desired objectives.

Much the same development took place in 1994 when the income tax issue became a major concern for all social organizations and political parties. In 1994 the withdrawal of income tax exemption given to Sikkim’s minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals led to the fall of the Bhandari Government. The majority Nepalese, backed by the Bhandari Government and its Lok Sabha MP, opposed IT exemption to the Bhutia-Lepcha tribals if Sikkimese Nepalese were discriminated on the issue. During the Chamling Government the Centre granted IT exemption to the Sikkimese Nepalese. The present controversy over the IT issue should not lead to estranged relations between various sections of the community in Sikkim. Patience, tolerance and mutual concern and respect should prevail over the present situation.

Safeguards for Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepchas threatened

By KARMA T. PEMPAHISHEY

Empty seats of Bhutia-Lepcha MLAs during a recent meeting of “Save Kabi Longtsok”  at the historic site of Kabi-Lungtsok in North Sikkim.Add caption

Apropos the Statesman (Siliguri 1 August 2013) in reference to “BLPF appeals to people to pressurize MLAs” is a justifiable cause which was long time in coming in consonance of the fact that even the ST - MLA reserved constituency the Bhutia Lepcha ST consist only as a minority population of the electorate. Hence the reserved ST seat does not really beckon the safeguard of the BL (ST) and the seat normally prefers a candidate appealing to the entire population notwithstanding the reservation stricture.

This might be a plausible case in defense of the BL but under a Parliamentary system of democracy as existing in India, there is no ground to challenge nor redress the system. Probably as a result of this difficult situation Mr. Tseten Bhutia is intending to redress the lacuna by pressurising the respective MLAs in BL (ST) constituency as an alternative to the general mandate. Of course there are many means of arm twisting to attract attention directed towards the BL cause. However, in all sincere consideration this is not a final solution to safeguard the BL(ST) interests - social, political, economical and other related issues.

Although the issue deserves sympathetic attention as far as the legal and constitutional rights are concerned perceived to be marginalised by the general interest of the majority population without any quid pro quo by the latter. Therefore, the situation is without any resolution and account of which it is understood the Sikkim BL apex convener is chagrined to perceive any democratic largesse extended to the majority community is considered debilitating to the BL sustenance. No doubt this feature is also true but understandably a fractionalizing experience which the safeguard of the BL is threatened marginally in reality.

So an overall reading of the situation does not leave any concrete realisation to resolve the situation which the BL rightly perceives as a constitutional infringement and therefore attracting legal action and resorting to which might lead to a blind alley. Hence approaching the problem with a direct action to pressurize the elected members by social means at hand may or may not work at all considering the lackadaisical mindset of BL considerations. Anyway a try is worth the deal but frankly speaking it will not contain the situation. Rather at times it might be adverse and counter productive. After all politics in play can resort to any means to reach the end.

Other then the method contemplated i.e. directly pressurizing the elected members by itself is a misnomer for social harmony at any rate. The BL if truly is sincere in executing action towards stabilizing the perceived marginalisation of the BL safeguards, the right plan of action would be to treat the problem constitutionally down the line without impinging on the democratic rights of the majority population. After all in a democratic system, needless to mention every individual inspite of all claims have a right to redress their perception for judicial interpretation and accord relief. In the same light it can be argued the BL can also put up their grievances to the proper authorities to review their anxiety under the present digression from the marginalisation of their constitutional rights to the national forum. However, before addressing it as such it is of utmost importance first to understand the equation under which the BL seats are reserved vis-à-vis the majority population. The basis of the grounds on which the reservations are statutorily deemed requires to be identified to place it on the table with firmness.

This strength can only be derived after understanding the rationale on basis of which the BL assembly seats are reserved. In order to understand this discriminately one has to allude to the UNO observation of criteria’s in determining the difference between 1. Indigenous people and 2. Tribes, which in fact are two sides of the same coin however differentiated by the distinct marks on the overse and the reverse.  Symbolically the overse side is pictured with the important insignee applicable to the origination of the coin. Normally represented by the head of state or nation.

Similarly the difference in definition (UNO) that the indigenous people are the autochthones group or communities existing and inhabiting that part of the country (when encountered, and in relation to the coming and settlement of the invaders, and still existing till such period of time when the invaders having left). This definition excludes the meaning of the indigenous people as distinct from other tribes existing within the same area. This is to understand all scheduled tribes are by definition not necessary the indigenous people who are endowed with inherent fundamental human rights to demand self determination, internal or external whichever applicable. This is the understanding of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People 2008 (UNDRIP). (The writer is author of Roadmap on the Trail to Gorkhaland)

Indian, Chinese troops exchange beer, rasgullas after face-off in Sikkim

New Delhi, Aug 16: Indian and Chinese troops had a face-off in Sikkim earlier this week which, however, ended in a friendly exchange of beer and rasgullas.

The face-off happened near the Tangkar La pass at the height of over 16,000 feet in eastern Sikkim after a Chinese patrol entered into territory claimed by India, sources told PTI here.

The Chinese patrol, which was travelling in two light vehicles, was monitored by the Indian team comprising a young lieutenant and nine jawans there, they said.

The Indian patrol intercepted the Chinese patrol at the Tangkar La pass and after that, they showed banners to each other asking to leave the area and go back into their respective territories.

At the time of parting, the Chinese troops presented cans of Budweiser beer to the Indian patrol while our troops gifted them a pack of rosogollas, they said.

SIKKIM OBSERVER  Saturday   Aug 10-16,  2013    

Sikkim OBSERVER

Turns

 27

 THIS WEEK

TNA fund drive had consent of parents, teachers and ex-students: Principal

Give sufficient funds to TNA, ex-education minister KN Upreti tells govt

Gangtok, Aug 9: The ongoing fund drive for construction of school toilets has the approval of parents, teachers and ex-students, according to Tashi Namgyal Academy Principal Kuldip Singh Heran.

Reacting to newsitems on the subject, Heran said the initiative for construction of “modern toilet facility” for junior school students came from ‘TNA Alumni Association’, which had requested students and staff members for “voluntary contribution”.

Subsequent to the alumni body’s request the matter was discussed during the ‘Parents Teachers Meeting’ to seek their “co-operation”. “During the meeting no parent disapproved” of the school circular “regarding contribution for construction of toilets,” the Principal said in his letter to Sikkim Observer. Besides Ex-Tenacians, staff members of the school have also contributed for construction of toilets.

The Principal explained that funds collected for the said purpose have not been used so far and if the TNA Board wants the contributions to be returned “we will return back the same”. The Board is expected to meet on August 17.

Heran pointed out that TNA “never gave any kind of unnecessary financial burden to the parents” and since he took over the institution on January 2012 the school has not asked “any kind of donation from parents for admission of their wards in our institution”.

He said 90% of the school budget is spent on payment of salaries of 136 (76 teaching and 60 non-teaching) staff members. Part of school budget has been used for renovation of hostel toilets, maintenance and development of school infrastructure, purchase of computers, buses and smart class boards.

Ex-education minister reacts: Meanwhile, former education minister and Ex-Tenacian KN Upreti criticized the State Government’s “apathy” towards the “prestigious institution”. In his press statement, Upreti said it is a “matter of shame” that TNA “has to survive on donations for even constructing its toilets and other minor repairs”.

Upreti urged the government to “grant sufficient fund as grant-in-aid” to meet the school’s financial requirements.

“TNA is one of the most prestigious schools in the country. It has produced many eminent personalities many of whom are well-placed in the Sikkim Government. We must all cooperate to take TNA to higher level in all respect,” said a concerned parent.

Lepcha body award for CM

Gangtok, Aug 9: The Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum yesterday presented its Mayal Kumchee Award to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling on the concluding day of the two-day celebrations of the annual Tendong Lho Rum Faat festival.

The award, presented for the first time, is the “highest honour” to an individual, according to an IPR release quoting the citation of the award.

Former minister and Sikkim Lepcha Association President Sonam Dupden Lepcha thanked the Chief Minister for his efforts to preserve Lepcha identity, culture and tradition.

GJM chief calls for opposition unity on Gorkhaland

Kalimpong, Aug 9: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung said that a separate state can only be achieved only if people make the supreme sacrifice and called upon opposition parties to join the movement for Gorkhaland.

Conceding that the path leading to statehood is difficult, Gurung said, “The aspiration of Indian Gorkhas would not be fulfilled merely by singing and dancing. For this we need to sacrifice our lives.’

Addressing more than 10,000 people gathered at Kalimpong’s Damber Chowk to pay their last respect to Mangal Singh Rajput, the first Gorkhaland activist to commit self-immolation, Gurung said, “Statehood cannot be achieved merely by singing, dancing and clapping. The time has come for everyone to come to the field and make sacrifice,” The Hindustan Times reported.

Gurung, who resigned from the post of chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) after the Centre decided to create a separate state of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh, also called opposition parties in the hills to come forward and join the movement.

 “The time has come for opposition parties to come out of their comfort zone and join the Gorkhaland movement. Come out with your parties’ respective flags and join the movement. We are ready to sacrifice our lives and the Centre and the state government should also understand that even people belonging to minority communities are ready to sacrifice for Gorkhaland,” Gurung said.

Mahindra P Lama, former vice-chancellor of Sikkim Univer sity has given a call to all political parties of the Hills, Terai and Dooars to meet the prime minister in Delhi with the demand for a separate state.

He has also invited all the present and former Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly, West Bengal from this region to join in the delegation.

SDF supports ‘Gorkhaland’ demand, raises tribal status for Sikkimese Nepalese

Gangtok, Aug 9: While supporting the demand for creation of a separate state of Darjeeling in neighbouring West Bengal, Sikkim Democratic Front legislators on Sunday reiterated their demand for tribal status for ‘left-out’ Nepali community in the State.

During a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, the legislators observed that a resolution on the issue was passed by the Sikkim Legislative Assembly on March 29, 2011.

The resolution demanded formation of Gorkhaland State and also stated that it is the ultimate and permanent solution to ease out hardships suffered by the Sikkimese people.

Referring to Assembly seat reservation for Sikkimese Nepalese, party spokesperson Bhim Dahal said seats for Nepalese in the State Assembly would be reserved if the ‘left-out’ Nepalese in the State are declared tribals.

The Burman Commission’s report on providing tribal status to the remaining Nepali community has already been passed in the Assembly and forwarded to the Centre, Dahal said.

 So far, only Limbus and Tamangs among the majority Nepalese in the State have been granted tribal status. The ruling party also reiterated its promise on reservation of Assembly seats for State’s Limbus and Tamangs in the Assembly.

SC allows old settlers to amend petition                                          Gangtok, Aug 9: The Supreme Court has allowed the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSS) to amends its application during the hearing of case last Friday.

The apex court has also allowed Manita Pradhan to “step out of the petition” owing to her “ill health and personal difficulties,” said AOSS President RC Mundra in a press statement last week.

In response to public request, the AOSS on July 31 made an application to the apex court to make “necessary amendments”, including the request for striking off income tax exemption granted to bonafide Sikkimese, Mundra said.

Mundra said the use of “certain words and phrases” in AOSS’s writ petition has “hurt the sentiments of our Sikkimese brothers”.

To please China, Centre drops Arunachal, Sikkim from proposed World Bank loan

New Delhi, Aug 9: The Indian government has dropped Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim from a World Bank loan proposal to avoid running into Chinese objections over multilateral financial aid to projects in the border areas, according to two government officials.

The initial proposal for a Rs.11,000 crore loan to strengthen electricity transmission and distribution in the northeastern region covered Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim. After excluding the two states, the loan amount is around Rs.8,115 crore. The projects in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are to be financed by the government, The Wall Street Journal reported.

To be sure, the proposal is still in the works and is yet to be formally presented to the World Bank. “The government is seeking the loan only for six northeastern states from the World Bank for the comprehensive scheme for strengthening transmission and distribution in the north eastern region.

Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, which were earlier included will be funded through a separate window under the NLCPR (non-lapsable central pool of resources),” said an Indian government official, requesting anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue.

“It was due to the China factor that the two states were dropped, but it wasn’t the case that the government proposed and World Bank rejected funding for them,” said the official.

“Even for the six states, funding has still not been approved and the finance ministry is finding ways to work around raising the headroom for GoI (government of India) borrowing from World Bank for this.”

Ties between the neighbours have oscillated between conflict and a tense bonhomie over the past few decades. China claims 90,000 sq. km of Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh and occupies around 38,000 sq. km in Jammu and Kashmir, which India claims is its own.

“While Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim were part of the original plan, they were later dropped and the projects will now be funded by the government of India,” a senior government official said, declining to be named.

Finance ministry officials said they were not aware of the matter. Strategic analysts were critical of India’s strategy, describing it as being timid.

“Whatever be the concerns behind not seeking assistance for Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh, be it anxiety about China or keeping areas contiguous to China underdeveloped, the logic does not hold,” said C. Uday Bhaskar, distinguished fellow at the New Delhi-based Society for Policy Studies.

“India cannot appear to be so timid if it is staking a claim to these states. If you are staking a claim then you have to treat them as any other state and address economic development, of which power is a primary requirement,” said Bhaskar.

A row broke out in 2009 over a $2.9 billion Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan with China protesting the inclusion of a water management project in Arunachal in the lender’s country assistance strategy for India.

“The two states were earlier a part of the proposed loan which is in the works,” said another government official, who also didn’t wish to be identified. He tried to play down the China angle and said, “It is well known that World Bank doesn’t give loan to the border areas.”

Editorial

BATTLING GRAFT

United In Misdeed

   Setting the stage for a standoff in the Supreme Court on the autonomy issue, an assertive Centre has junked CBI’s stand for more power for its Director, saying an all powerful chief without checks and balances entails the risk of ”potential misuse”. Reflecting its double standards on the issue the Centre while rejecting CBI’s opposition for an Accountability Commission for the agency, said that the need for an “external, independent and strong watchdog is imperative”. The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) also took a tough stand on CBI’s plea for an independent committee headed by CVC to grant sanction for prosecution of senior bureaucrats and insisted on retaining such powers. The government stand raises questions on its assurance of ensuring autonomy given to the Supreme Court which had described CBI as a “caged parrot” that has to be insulated from interference by political executives and external influences.

   Slamming the Centre’s move to keep parties outside RTI, former Supreme Court Judge Justice (Retd) N Santosh Hegde rightly argued they are public bodies answerable to the people, who want to know from where they get funds from. Hegde said political parties are certainly involved in administration one way or other. "Who's the government? It's the political party in power", he said, adding opposition parties also control activities of their ruling counterparts. The proposed amendments to the RTI Act state that declaring political parties as public authorities under the RTI would "hamper their smooth internal functioning since it will encourage political rivals to file RTI applications with malicious intentions". That all major political parties are united in their fight against greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of the CBI and their reluctance to come under the RTI are indications that the political class in India do not have the will to take strong measures to curb corruption in the country.

India treats Bhutan as its ‘protectorate’: Chinese expert

Beijing, Aug 9: An expert with a Chinese government-controlled thinktank has accused India of interfering in Bhutan's elections that resulted in the toppling of the ruling party. The expert said in an article published by Beijing-based Global Times that India wants to control the "buffer state" out of a fear of Chinese aggression.

"As a country located between China and India, Bhutan serves as a buffer and is of critical strategic importance to the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow stretch of land that connects India's northeastern states to the rest of India," wrote Liu Zongyi, a researcher at the Shanghai Institute of International Studies.

"The corridor is considered a vulnerable bottleneck for India's national security. Delhi worries that China will send troops to the corridor if a Sino-Indian military clash breaks out," he wrote in the Global Times which is known to take a harsh stance on New Delhi.

The article said India treats Bhutan as its "protectorate" and controls its economic lifeline. It said Indian officials play politics with petroleum subsidy to influence the elections to bring about a victory for the main opposition People's Democratic Party.

China is upset because the election has robbed Beijing of an opportunity to extend its market and reach closer to the Indian border as it is doing with Myanmar and Nepal, sources said. The outgoing Peace and Prosperity Party had tried to enhance its relationship with China and resolve border problems between the two countries.

The article suggested that the sovereignty of Bhutan's royal family and the political elite as also its democracy was at risk because of India's influence.

"India won't allow Bhutan to freely engage in diplomacy with China and solve the border issue," it said. "India's interference in Bhutan's election is a tragedy for Thimphu. Bhutan is still firmly under Indian control," it added.

Repair work begins at Lachen nunnery

Lachen, Aug 9: The Tibetan Heritage Fund, an NGO from abroad, has started repair works of  the Mani Lhagang (nunnery) in Lachen, North Sikkim.

The nunnery, located above the village and next to the Lachen monastery, is more than 100 yrs old  and was founded by Dzogchen Sungrap  Gyatsho Rinpoche. Restoration work began last month.

The nunnery has one of the biggest  mani khorlos (big prayer wheel) in the State.

Chungthang Teesta project to produce power by year-end

Gangtok, Aug 9: Sikkim's largest hydel project, the 1200 MW Teesta Stage III at Chungthang in North district, delayed by the 18 September 2011 earthquake is expected to begin phase-wise generation by the end of the year.

The project was originally scheduled to be commissioned by November 2011, a deadline made impossible by the September 18, 2011 earthquake.

Senior officials at the Energy & Power Department said that the first phase of operation of one of the six turbines of 200 MW capacity each is expected to begin in December 2013 and all six turbines made operative by April next year.

A major hurdle in completion of work on the project site is the construction of Rangchang bridge which had collapsed on 19 December, 2011.

Once the bridge was restored, equipment could be trucked to the project site at Chungthang and final work on the project undertaken, the officials said.

Former Secretary to the state government KN Bhutia, recently appointed chairperson to the Teesta Urja board of directors by the government, is monitoring the project development.

Teesta Stage III is a joint venture project between the state government and Teesta Urja Pvt Ltd.

The state government will get 12 per cent of the generated electricity from the project free of cost along with one per cent more as environment cess.

Tribute To Sikkim’s Anti-Merger Heroes

 “History will look back to this era as Sikkim’s final hour”

   By Jigme N. Kazi

‘Badmash,’ was his reaction to a newsitem in a Calcutta-based daily on himself and Sikkim. Obviously the Chogyal did not like the report. Most reports on the happenings in Sikkim in those days in national dailies were slanted and one-sided. There were only the two of us – my friend Hem Lall Bhandari and myself – when the Chogyal made the remark at the small lawn of the Palace adjacent to the office. This was in December 1979 or early 1980 – just before the two of us left for Bombay for our three-year law degree course.

   This was perhaps my first close encounter with Palden Thondup Namgyal – the 12^th Chogyal of Sikkim and the man that I deeply admire and respect.  I don’t remember saying anything to him except perhaps to wish him a Happy New Year. The last time we – Sikkimese students in Bombay – met the Chogyal was with Prince Wangchuk at a hotel in Bombay towards the end of 1981 where he had invited us for dinner. It was a quiet affair – perhaps too quiet and solemn. That was perhaps the last time that we got to meet him. He left for medical treatment in the US shortly and died in a New York hospital on January 29, 1982.

   Beginning from early 1973, when political upheaval rocked the tiny Himalayan Kingdom, the Chogyal suffered and endured great personal and political losses. He lost his crown in 1975; his first born son Prince Tenzing in 1978 in a car accident; and finally his wife and almost his two youngest kids in 1980. Dethroned and betrayed by his close associates and friends, the Chogyal was forced to live in isolation and solitary confinement in his Palace in Gangtok for a long, long time until he passed away at the age of 59. His greatest gift to us is that he did not give his ascent to the ‘merger’ despite tremendous pressure to do so.

   Those who ditched him included teacher-turned-politician Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who with the Chogyal’s help, formed the anti-merger Sikkim Janata Parishad Government on October 18, 1979. After he came to power Bhandari’s close associate and Parishad leader and legislator Lal Bahadur Basnet, the party’s spokesman, surprisingly declared: “Merger is a fait accompli”, meaning there was nothing that could be done to undo what was done. It was a very convenient statement to stay in power; it smacked of betrayal.  And there ended the hopes of the people on Bhandari, whose party came to power on an anti-merger platform after defeating LD Kazi’s pro-merger party.

   And yet – despite the letdown – I  still stand by on what I had written about Bhandari in my Spotlight on Sikkim in early 1984: ‘The victory of Bhandari’s Sikkim Parishad in 1979 elections symbolized the triumph of anti-merger forces, whose main objective can best be expressed in three words – ‘Sikkim For Sikkimese’ …Though Bhandari has long abandoned the cause of the people, his final departure from the post of chief ministership (in May 1984) symbolizes the end of an era, which could best be described in the words of Tennyson” “To strive, to find, and not to yield.” Perhaps history will look back to this era and recall this period as Sikkim’s “final hour.” Bhandari then will not be remembered for the wrongs he has done but for the things he hoped to do and for the dreams he set out to fulfill.”

   Lachen Rinpoche was a young man when India began mobilizing its forces to take over the Himalayan kingdom in early 1970s. He – perhaps being one of the few Sikkimese tulkus – was one of the Sikkimese nationalists who openly threw stones at central reserve police forces in Gangtok to oppose the takeover. Bhandari’s Parishad managed to win 16 of the 32 seats in the House and with Lachen Rinpoche’s help – he was the Sangha MLA  (independent) – the Parishad formed the government.

   Rinpoche passed away on September 18 last year after prolonged illness. His last wish was to build a statue of Guru Rinpoche, who visited Sikkim in the 8^th century, at the sacred Gurudongmar Lake in Lachen, North Sikkim. His Holiness the Sakya Trizin referred to Rinpoche as “one of the outstanding masters of his generation.”

   Athup Lepcha was a mere employee in the State forest department when Sikkimese nationalist leaders approached him to take on the merger architect – Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa – in the 1979 Assembly elections from the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu in North Sikkim. Kazi – a Lepcha – thought Dzongu would be the safest constituency to return to the Assembly. But the Lepchas of Dzongu voted for Athup and gave a befitting send-off to the man who ‘sold’ Sikkim to its protecting power. Kazi bit the dust, settled in neighbouring Kalimpong after the humiliating defeat and finally died a lonely death.

   ‘Capt’ Sonam Yongda of the Sikkim Guards was – and still is – unflinchingly loyal to the Chogyal and Sikkim. He was unjustifiably jailed several times for standing up for his cause. The establishment – as in the merge era – still treats pro-Sikkim people as ‘anti-India.’ When will India realize that we mean no harm to it for being pro-Sikkim? Have we demanded independence? We have only asked for preservation of our distinct identity within the Indian Union.

   My friend Hem Lall Bhandari was just a student when he questioned the merger. He still continues to do so.  Why not? India’s own Prime Minister Morarji Desai said the manner in which Sikkim was merged was not right. Hem Lall’s decision to edit Pro-Sikkim English weekly recently reflected his love and dedication for Sikkim. It is very unfortunate and sad that those leaders who profess to be pro-Sikkim have not been able to utilize the services of Hem Lall and others like him who share the same conviction. By their action our so-called leaders have exposed themselves and shown who they really are.

   There are many, including people like Netuk Tsering, Martam Topden, DK Khati, Tholung Pipon, Kunzang Dorji, Basant Kumar Chhetri, Sherab Palden, Ugen Paljor Gyaltsen, MM Rasaily, whose contributions in opposing the ‘merger’ during and after the takeover must be appreciated and acknowledged. And there are many more – unknown and unsung heroes – who stood for Sikkim during its hour of trial and tribulation.

   The role of people like KC Pradhan and RC Poudyal during the ‘merger’ period have been misunderstood by many. They wanted democracy with greater political power for the majority Sikkimese Nepalese within the bounds of Sikkim and were against being part of the world’s largest democracy. They should not be blamed for what eventually happened to Sikkim. They were overtaken by events and became victims of circumstances and power politics.

   Long after the takeover, fake democrats who betrayed Sikkim and the Sikkimese people still continue to be rewarded and decorated just to please New Delhi. One of the unkindest cut that was inflicted on our anti-merger heroes was Sherab Palden’s felicitation on May 16, 2013 (merger day). It was a crude bid to tarnish his image; but it will not work. Our memories of the merger era are intact and agents of disunity, division and destruction will bite the dust one day.

  In this column I want to say how indebted and grateful we are to those who stood up, suffered and yet fought for preservation of Sikkim’s unique international status. I believe there are many who share my feeling on this.

   When I asked him several years back what his feelings for Sikkim was now that everything is over, noted journalist and columnist Sunanda K. Datta-Ray just said, “It is not my country” and left at that. And yet Datta-Ray’s book – Smash and Grab – Annexation of Sikkim – must go down in history as perhaps the only authoritative and authentic account of what really happened to Sikkim during the merger and why. Here is a worthy non-Sikkimese Indian who shared our burden and courageously informed the world the injustices we had to put up with. 

   When I met the author in Gangtok recently and asked him to autograph his book which I bought in 1985 he wrote: “With warm regards for a true and loyal son of Sikkim.” This was my reward for being pro-Sikkim and standing up against all odds all along – despite trying circumstances – from a person I respect.

   After his death the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, which during Kazi’s rule abolished the institution of the Chogyal, paid a tribute to the fallen hero in these words which were read out in the Assembly by its Deputy Speaker Lal Bahadur Basnet:  “During the hour of his trial, when his very throne was at stake, Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal stood like a rock and sacrificed petty considerations for the lofty ideal he had espoused. He lost, but in the very process of losing his throne and status, he rose to his full stature. For when ‘little men’ who rule the roost in Sikkim will have been consigned to dust, posterity will look back with awe and respect upon the last representative of the House of Namgyal on the throne of Sikkim and say that Palden Thondup Namgyal bowed out of the political stage of Sikkim with the grace of a ruler and with the courage of a real man. He lost his Kingdom, but gained a martyr’s halo. And his descendents will be able to walk with their heads held high whatever their circumstances in life happen to be.”

  Indeed, all true sons and daughters of Sikkim will forever walk with their heads held high in the land of their origin no matter what all because of those who did not bow down when the easy thing was to give in to pressures and lures of a better life. (Talk Sikkim)