Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   Sept 14-20, 2013    

Old settlers urged to withdraw petition from Supreme Court

Gangtok, Sept 13: The Denzong Welfare Association (DWA) has reiterated its demand for withdrawal of the old settlers’ petition in the Supreme Court on the income tax issue.

It has alleged that instead of withdrawing its petition as demanded by DWA, the Association of Old Settlers of Sikkim (AOSS) has merely made some amendments, according to DWA President Phurba Sherpa.

“Instead of withdrawing the said petition, the petitioners have complained before the court that because of the threats received to their lives from Sikkimese people they are compelled to go for some amendments in the said petition,” Sherpa said in a press release.

The DWA sees this as an “anti-Sikkimese…conspiracy”, Sherpa said.

The DWA will hold a meeting here tomorrow to chalk out its future course of action on the issue, Sherpa said. It has threatened to take the matter to New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar if the withdrawal demand is not met. The DWA has also decided to submit memorandum to the President, Prime Minister, MPs and Sikkim Governor and Chief Minister on the issue. These issues will be taken up during the proposed meeting here, Sherpa said.

Chamling demands Assembly seats for Limbus, Tamangs

Gangtok, Sept 13: The Centre has been urged to grant seat reservations for Limbu and Tamang communities in the State in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

The matter was raised during Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s meeting with Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde in New Delhi on Tuesday, according to an official release.

The Chief Minister pointed out that while the 12 Assembly seats reserved for Bhutia-Lepchas should not be touched, the Limbus and Tamangs, who were granted Scheduled Tribe status in 2002, should be provided with reservation of seats in the Assembly at the earliest.

“The census of 2011 having been completed, the next exercise for expeditious grant of reservation in the State Assembly for Limboo & Tamang communities needs to be undertaken forthwith,” Chamling said. 

Chamling has also reiterated his government’s demand for ST status for the rest of Sikkimese Nepalese residing in the State. Limbus and Tamangs belong to the Nepalese community and were categorized as OBCs earlier. Among major Nepalese in the State who are demanding ST status are Rai, Gurung and Mangar. Chamling is from the Rai community.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the two issues are “highly sensitive and emotive” in view of the forthcoming elections in 2014.

Of the 32 seats in the Assembly, 12 seats are reserved for Bhutia-Lepchas, 2 for Scheduled Castes (Nepalese), 1 for Sangha and the rest of the 17 seats are in the general category. During the Chogyal era, Sikkimese Nepalese, though still the majority community, had seats reserved in the Assembly. This was abolished four years after the merger in 1979.

Restoration of Sikkimese Nepalese seats in the Assembly has been a major demand of all political parties in the State. However, a section of the Nepalese leadership want Assembly seat reservation based on population to ensure dominance of their community in the State.

Brisk business in Darjeeling after bandh relaxation    

People’s pressure forced lifting of strike: Opp leaders

 Darjeeling, Sept 13: The hills of Darjeeling came alive from moribund state as the forty-eight hours relaxation from strike began on Monday with brisk business activity.

After six weeks of sporadic shut down the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) suspended strike for two days on Monday and Tuesday before chalking out future course of action for separate statehood movement.

Shopkeepers opened their shutters before sunrise to resume quick business, and transporters began ferrying people down to Siliguri nearly 100 kms from this town for bulk marketing as most of the essentials and rations are imported from the plains, IBNS reported.

Long ques were seen at the ATMs, so in all the nationalised banks as money transactions had been affected for weeks due different types shut down in the hills.

"It is like celebrating the freedom after remaining home for days," a septuagenarian, who preferred not to be identified, said.

The GJM, which is spearheading the statehood movement, has empowered the newly form Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee (GJAC) to dictate the terms of the movement.

Nearly every essential item is in short supply or out of stock for owing to sporadic shut down since July 29 when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government announced formation of Telangana by dividing Andhra Pradesh.

All the government offices were also opened and attendance was almost 100 per cent because salary for August is still unpaid due shut down.

Hundreds of empty trucks sped down to the hills for Siliguri and returned back by the evening with loads of rations and essentials.

Cooking gas, kerosene were also short of supplies and most of the petrol pumps were also having difficulties owing to out of stocks of diesel and petrol.

Students of schools and colleges started returning in anticipation of reopening their institutions from Sept 13 as announced by the GJM.

Even a section of pro-Gorkhaland supporters voiced resentment of sporadic shut down and demanded some alternative to sustain the movement.

Meanwhile, the All India Gorkha League Vice-President, Laxman Pradhan, said the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha-backed Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee had to ‘put on hold’ the agitation up to 20 October due to tremendous pressure from the Hill people when the GJMM had failed to pacify the Centre and the State.

The Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde had asked the GJAC representatives he would take initiative to convene a tripartite meet on condition if they call off the agitation.

“The GJMM’s movement for separate statehood flopped midway because of the Central government’s reluctance and non-cooperation from the state government. The fate of the third phase of separate statehood movement initiated by the GJMM proved a flop show and it would be very difficult for them in continuing the agitation keeping the people in pain,” Pradhan said.

The Hill-based CPI-M leader, K B Watter, said: “The GJMM had to call off its agitation because Hill people decided to go against the agitation after facing acute food crisis due to the prolonged agitation since 29 July. Had the GJMM called off the strike earlier, people would have started leading normal life in the Hills.”

The GJMM chief, Bimal Gurung, who is also chairman of the GJAC, said on his Facebook page: “The Union home minister has clearly stated that no new state would be created ‘immediately’. We reiterate that the demand for Gorkhaland is not achievable immediately and it requires stepwise dialogue to resolve the century old crisis of statehood.”

55 SDF supporters join SKM in Yuksam

Gangtok, Sept 13: Fifty five supporters of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) from Yuksam, West Sikkim, resigned from the ruling party and joined the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), according to SKM leader Jacob Khaling Rai.

SKM meeting in Yuksam, West Sikkim.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling welcomed more than 600 people into his ruling Sikkim Democratic Front at Samman Bhawan. Most of those who joined SDF are said to be from SKM.

In a bid to revitalize youth force in the State, the ruling party has decided to begin a campaign under the leadership of Ugen Gyatso, MLA.

Gyatso, Youth Incharge of the SDF, said a Bikers Wing of the party will tour all four districts of the State. The tour will culminate on December 31, when SDF holds a public meeting in Jorethang.

The ruling party’s efforts to mobilize the youth may due to the fact that most of PS Golay’s ardent supporters in the State are young people who are looking for change to save Sikkim for future generations.

PLIGHT OF THOLUNG GOMPA

“The Government of Sikkim pumps crores into the construction of artificial pilgrimage sites while the genuine heritage sanctuaries are left to crumble away”

The much-revered Tholung monastery in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim, which houses precious relics belonging to Lhatsun Chenpo (Sikkim Patron Lama), was severely damaged in the 18 September, 2011 earthquake.

Two years later, the monastery still awaits reconstruction, Talk Sikkim website reported. The public here has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the delay in carrying out restoration work of the monastery as well as the delay in making the footpath from Lingzya safer for the people.

Readers have reacted this way in Facebook: Watsha Chettri Kunwar Ajay Anavigya:  “I have been there for several times.... it should be declared as a precious heritage site....”

Stefan Daehler wrote: “Anyway, all these shortcomings did not prevent Renjyong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum from honouring the CM with the first ever Mayal Kumshee Award. Looks like they are absolutely glad with the performance of the present administration ...”

Daehler added: “The GoS pumps crores into the construction of artificial pilgrimage sites while the genuine heritage sanctuaries are left to crumble away. Anyone believes this is NOT a designed development?”

Jenny Lama questioned: “What happened to the earthquake fund?”

Kenaz Lepcha said: “Government is waiting for the THIRD SHOCK......and it will be of Magnitude 9+ in Richter Scale. May be we will be writing our feelings in Paradise...”

Editorial

MODI vs ADVANI vs RAHUL

Race For The Top Post Begins

There is no doubt that India needs strong political leadership to set things right, including its economy. But in an era of coalition politics there is no place for aggressive and forceful leaders such as BJP’s Narendra Modi. What is preferred is leaders who are able to unite all factions, form the government and take the country forward. Sonia Gandhi’s choice of Manmohan Singh was a good move as he was able to take all aboard. But now Singh himself sees the need for Rahul Gandhi to take over as the next PM. Bihar’s former chief minister Laloo Prasad Yadav may be right in wondering whether there was any chance of either of them – Modi and Advani - entering that office.

   Even if Advani relents to BJP’s request to fall in line there are other senior leaders such as Sushma Swaraj and Yashwant Sinha who have to be won over. And there are other pro-Advani leaders in the BJP and allies which are unlikely to give full support to Modi. It is difficult to believe that a party which won 18.8 percent of votes, down from 22.2 percent previously, is expecting to oust a corrupt and non-performing government without the wholehearted support of its seniormost leaders. The Congress, on the other hand, is in a comfortable position in the choice of its prime ministerial candidate. Rahul Gandhi, looked upon as a genuine team leader, is more likely to unite his party and win over more allies than Modi or Advani.

Sikkim Stag antlers discovered during North Sikkim lakes expedition

Gangtok, Sept 13: The Department of Forest, Environment & Wildlife Management, Government of Sikkim, successfully conducted the first ever multi-disciplinary team expedition to Ocean Lake Gyam Tsona, Gurudongmar Tso and Tso Lhamo, all in Sikkim’s cold desert in North Sikkim from 3-7 September 2013. 

Participants included officers and young scientists from Departments of Mines & Geology, Science & Technology, Ecclesiastical Affairs, Sikkim Government College, Botanical Survey of India, and from Forest Dept: State Pollution Control Board, Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation & F orest Management Project (SBFP) researchers, State Biodiversity Board / Biodiversity Research Wing and Territorial Circle, according to a press release.

The 18-strong team collected samples of water, soil, rocks, flora and documented fauna from these three lakes which are the sources of Sikkim’s lifeline River Tista.  A more in-depth study was conducted around the Ocean Lake Gyam Tsona and its feeder spring Mirdo (Flintstone), to check its Tethys origin, ecological importance, reason for its brackishness and existing efforts to revive this dying lake. 

 This was achieved thanks to all support extended by the Indian Army stationed in the area.  It would take a while to collate and complete the investigations, but one of the highlights of the tour was a find by one of the army officials of the enormous antlers of the Sikkim Stag or Tibet Red Deer, (known to be extinct from present day Sikkim limits) from the dried lake bed.

Sikkim’s first greenfield airport to be completed next year

Sikkim Tourism Minister Bhim Prasad Dhungel with Union Tourism Minister K Chiranjeevi in New Delhi recently.

Gangtok, Sept 13: Sikkim’s first greenfield airport at Pakyong, East Sikkim,  will be completed the end of next year, according to Tourism Minister Bhim Prasad Dhungel.

This statement came after Dhungel met Union Tourism Minister   K. Chiranjeevi in New Delhi earlier this week.

The Pakyong airport, being built at an altitude of 4,700 ft, will be one of the five highest airports in India. The reinforcement wall on the project is 80 m high and is said to be one of the tallest reinforcement walls in the world, according to an official release.

The Rs 300 crore project is being carried out by Airport Authority of India in a 200 acre land. The location is about 39 km from the capital. The airport is likely to be commissioned by March 2015.

Gangyap’s EMRS enthralls Gangtokians with Beatles show

By KUNGA CHUKIE & SONAM DEKI

      (pix: Voice of Sikkim)                                                                                                                                         

A select section of Gangtokians on Sunday got a rare treat of a musical show based on some of the best songs of the Beatles of the ’60s. Staged by students of Eklavya Model Residency School (EMRS) of Gangyap, West Sikkim, here at Manan Bhawan, the show, “Across The Universe”, was based on a fictional love story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in the 1960s.

   Directed by Sidharth Yonzone, the school’s Principal, “Across The Universe” is a musical play adapted from the movie ‘Across The Universe’ directed by Julie Taymor.

Set against the anti-war protests, rock & roll revolution, and mind-expanding psychedelia of the 1960s, ‘Across The Universe’ follows the arduous journey of star-crossed lovers, Jude and Lucy, as they and a small group of musicians are swept up in the raging waters of the volatile counterculture movement.

Performed live by students and teachers of EMRS the show is a welcome change to theatre-starved Gangtokians. Peppered with all the popular Beatles songs, the show promises to be an enjoyable sing-along for Beatles fans.

The musical play was first launched in Geyzing, West Sikkim, on August 28 and thereafter in Namchi on August 30. “We have plans to stage the show in Kalimpong also,” says Yonzone’s father Binod Yonzone, an ardent Beatles fan who had his own band during his school days in Mt. Hermon School, Darjeeling.

Gangyap’s EMRS, a model residential school for tribal people, is a co-ed secondary school. It was established by the Tribal Ministry, Government of India. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing the scheme of establishing Eklavya Model Residential schools (EMRS) in the country since 1997-1998. These institutions help to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribes students in tribal areas.

The other EMR school in Sikkim is located in Swyaam, North Sikkim. These schools in Sikkim are affiliated to CBSE.

The project of residential schools is designed with specific objective of supporting educational facilities to poor ST children who are unable to avail good education due to absence of schools in their neighbourhood. The main purpose of EMRS is to increase the literacy rates among the ST students and to bring them at par with the other communities of the State.

The EMRS at Gangyap has carved a niche for itself in the field of Women’s Basketball by winning all State Basketball Championships, North Eastern Level Basketball Championships, since 2008. It also won the Under 19 CBSE National Basketball Championship in 2011.

The musical performance this year is another feather in the school’s popularity cap. Gangtokians and others are hopeful of a similar treat next year.

Speaker KT Gyaltsen, Education Minister NK Pradhan and Sikkim University Vice-Chancellor Tanka Bahadur Subba were among those who were present during the show. Gyaltsen described the performance as “excellent”.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   Sept 7-13, 2013    

jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

GOLAY FINALLY QUITS SDF, RAISES POLITICAL PITCH

The rebel is even more defiant

Chamling has betrayed Sikkim, Sikkimese: Golay

Gangtok, Sept 6: Seven months after formation of his party – Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) – rebel leader and ruling party legislator PS Tamang (Golay) quit the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) on Wednesday alleging that the party he supported since its inception in March 1993 had betrayed the people and failed to live up to the high expectations of the Sikkimese people.

It is now only a matter of time before Golay is formally made President of SKM. While welcoming Golay into the party, SKM Working President Bharati Sharma yesterday said Golay will soon take “full leadership responsibility” of the party.

The rebel leader’s parting shots with the SDF and its President Pawan Chamling, carried in his 14-page resignation letter in Nepali, covered issues ranging from dilution of Sikkim’s distinct identity, corruption, unemployment, local protection, hydel projects and betrayal of people’s trust.

While accusing Chamling of turning the pro-people party into “your private intellectual property,” Golay in his resignation letter to SDF President, has alleged: “Your pro-poor slogan has proved to be mere false assurances.”

Stating that SDF was a “political party dedicated to the people and formed with the support of the people against nepotism, communalism and exploitation,” former minister and four-term legislator alleged that under Chamling’s “leadership, this party was used as a resource only for your and exploiters and realizing such injustices towards poor Sikkimese people, I am writing this resignation letter.”

Referring to charges of corruption against Chamling, Golay said, “I was deeply hurt when a corruption case was filed against you. That time, I was under the impression that it was just a political allegation. But when you took out a gazette notification to prevent CBI from entering Sikkim, I became fully convinced on the corruption allegations. If you were innocent, then you could have definitely given permission to CBI to investigate.”

Contrary to expectation and promises made by Chamling, hydel power projects have destroyed Sikkim’s fragile environment and have failed to provide adequate employment opportunities to local Sikkimese, the letter said. It also accused Chamling of failing to provide “work opportunities” and “construction works” to local people and giving the same to “outsiders” and “non-Sikkimese.”

The next Assembly elections are expected to take place in less than 6 months and Golay’s resignation from SDF is likely to kickstart hectic political activities in the State. Already, major political parties in the State and influential politicians and social organizations, which have been keenly awaiting Golay’s formal takeover of the SKM, are all set to raise their political pitch in preparation of the ensuing Assembly polls.

SIBLAC thanks CM on BL seat issue

Gangtok, Sept 6: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) is “thankful” to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for his statement stating that the 12 reserved seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the Bhutia-Lepchas are meant for Bhutia-Lepchas and are not reserved for them on the basis of their Scheduled Tribe status.

SIBLAC chiefs, Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Chewang Rinzing Lepcha, in a press statement said they appreciated the Chief Minister’s confirmation that seats in the Assembly are reserved for Bhutia-Lepchas. Chamling made the statement during the Pang Lhabsol function in the capital recently.

During its legislative body here at Mintokgang, Chief Minister’s official residence, on August 4, it was declared that the 12 seats were reserved on the basis of BLs’ ST status and not on their ethnicity.

SIBLAC had urged BL legislators to explain their stand on the issue but there was no response from them.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the 12 seats reserved for the BLs, SIBLAC, quoting the verdict, said “The reservation of seats for Bhutias and Lepchas is necessary because they constitute a minority and in the absence of reservation they may not have any representation in the legislative Assembly.”

 “Historical consideration and compulsions do justify inequality and special treatment,” the apex court said.

The ruling on the lone Sangha seat read:  “Sangha is not merely a religious institution but historically a political and social institution. Reservation of seat for it in Legislative Assembly of Sikkim is not violative of Articles 15 (1), 325.”

“Therefore, calling 12 BL reserved seats in Sikkim Assembly are by virtue of being ST is not only illegal, unconstitutional and immature but irrational and ridiculous,” Bhutia and Lepcha said.

We are Sikkimese, not Gorkhas: Bhutia body

Sonam Lama Kaloen

Gangtok, Sept 6: The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) has strongly condemned the “irresponsible and immature” statement of former minister T. Lachungpa for his attempts to label Sikkimese Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese as “Gorkhali”.

NASBO chief Sonam Lama Kaloen has warned Lachungpa to “restrain himself” from making such statements as it is aimed at altering the basic constitutional and historical identity of the Sikkimese.

“Mr. Lachungpa’s statement is detrimental to the Sikkimese right and tradition which has the tendency to set up negative precedence which is not in the interest of the Sikkimese posterity. We reassert here that we are Bhutias, Lepchas and Nepalese of Sikkimese origin, thereby forming united Sikkimese society. We are Sikkimese, no more no less,” Kaloen said in a press statement.

While stating that such attempts to change the identity of the three ethnic Sikkimese communities was “most unfortunate” Kaloen said Lachungpa’s statement comes subsequent to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s recent statement that special rights of the Sikkimese under Article 371F  could “be done away with if New Delhi so desires”

Darjeeling schools, colleges to open from Sept 13

No transport, walk to school: Gurung

Darjeeling, Sept 6: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha presented a 'Teachers' Day gift' to tens of thousands of students of Darjeeling Hills by announcing the re-opening of schools and colleges from September 13. But the bitter part of this sugar-coated pill is that students would have to trek to their institutions every day.

Morcha chief Bimal Gurung vowed that the ongoing shutdown will continue, prompting chief minister Mamata Banerjee to warn that she will not tolerate "hooliganism". "I want the Hills people to live in peace and usher in development," Mamata said, The Times of India reported.

Gurung invited the heads of all educational institutions and teachers to his Patlebas residence on the outskirts of town on Thursday noon. The academic community told him about the need to re-open schools and colleges that have remained shut since August 3. They managed to convince Gurung that students could lose an entire academic year if educational institutions remained closed.

Gurung agreed. He even withdrew his diktat for students to hold weekend rallies and asked schools to hold classes on Saturdays and Sundays to make up for the lost time. But true to his style of functioning, Gurung decreed that no transport would be allowed to ferry students to schools and colleges.
The institutions were instead told to arrange for boarding facilities for students who cannot walk the distance. Students from the rest of the country and abroad, who are boarders, would be allowed to come up to their respective schools in vehicles. This diktat has put students, who stay in places like Jorebungalow and Ghoom, but study in Darjeeling in a quandary.

Gurung has also decreed that a five-minute lecture on Gorkhaland would be part of the morning assembly in all schools and colleges. He has asked teachers and students to conduct signature campaigns in support of Gorkhaland and send the petitions to President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Chamling appears before inquiry commission on graft charges

Gangtok, Sept 6: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling last month appeared before the Commission of Enquiry headed by Justice RK Patra on charges of corruption and misuse of power leveled against him and his Cabinet colleagues by the State Congress party.

The probe is in connection with allegations made by the State unit of the Congress party headed by former chief minister, NB Bhandari, who has now left the party and is heading his old party, Sikkim Sangram Parishad.

Chamling, a four-time chief minister, was accused by the Congress of amassing wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income. Similar accusations were made against some of his ministerial colleagues as well.

The Commission was set up by the Chamling Government. Opposition parties have condemned formation of the Commission. The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) headed by Biraj Adhikari while urging for CBI probe against Chamling and his colleagues, had stated that Patra Commission, constituted by the State Assembly, cannot function as a court of law.

The State unit of the BJP alleged that Patro Commission was set up to avoid CBI probe. It said the Commission will never convict Chamling.

 Meanwhile, Diley Namgyal Barfungpa’s PIL on corruption charges against Chamling & Co in the Supreme Court is likely to be taken up soon.

The apex court in January 2012 issued notice to central and Sikkim governments and the CBI to respond to the serious allegations of corruption against Chamling and his Cabinet colleagues. Barfunga says CBI has enough proof of their alleged involvement in corrupt practices.

Editorial

MARCH FOURTH, GOLAY

Keeping Hope Alive

Sikkimese people are a disillusioned lot and yet they cannot be blamed for this sorry state of affairs. Ever since the ‘merger’ in 1975 Sikkim’s political leadership have taken the people for a long ride and the people have now become unresponsive to any situation. And yet the rebel ruling Sikkim Democratic Front leader and legislator, PS Tamang (Golay), who quit the SDF this week, has managed to keep hope alive for change in Sikkim for a long time. How has he been able to do this? Is he blessed by Sikkim’s mountain gods or are the people really desperate and longing for change and see Golay as the only hope? There are many young, active, experienced and able politicians who have been moving around for support but only Golay seems to have captured the imagination of the people. Why?
Now that Golay has come from the system that thrives on lies, deceit and corruption he has to lead the people from the front with an able and loyal team of the young and the old from all communities and region. Those who are disillusioned with Pawan Chamling are likely to side with Golay for the same reasons that they supported the SDF chief initially. Autocracy must be replaced by genuine democracy at all levels of functioning. Rampant corruption in the administration must be put to rest. Those who have betrayed the people must be exposed and taken to task. The farce that goes on in Sikkim must come to a decisive end. This can only be done with an effective leadership that gives not only hope but justice, freedom, democracy and rule of law to the people. Golay must march fourth confidently and decisively for Sikkim and the Sikkimese people to become victorious over forces of darkness and treachery.

No ‘divide and rule’ game in hills: Mamata

Mamata says no to division of Bengal

(Right) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee with Lepcha leader Lyangsong Tamsang,  in Kalimpong on Tuesday. (pix: The Hindu)

Kalimpong, Sept 6: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday termed the politics of shutdown in Darjeeling hills as "destructive" and said it cannot solve the identity crisis that has gripped the Gorkha community.

"This is a destructive politics going on here. I do not want to see people in the hills starve. I can say that the Gorkhas would not get their identity by calling an indefinite strike in Darjeeling. I would not allow the three sub-divisions to be carved out of the state and I would not allow the politics of strike," Mamata said, The Indian Express reported.

She was addressing the members of the Lepcha community meeting in Kalimpong during a function which the latter had organised to felicitate her.

Without naming the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha or its leaders, who are spearheading the agitation in the hills, Mamata said that no work has been done by the local leaders, even though the government has given "whatever you have asked for."

Criticising the lifestyle of the leaders in the hills, Mamata said, "I know how the leaders lead their lives while the people in the hills starve. The children of these leaders study in Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia, while those of the villagers are deprived of their education as the same leaders have shut down all the schools."

The chief minister also rubbished the allegation that she was playing a 'divide and rule' game in the hills by segregating Lepchas away from the Gorkhas.

"I have never told the Lepcha brothers to get separated from their Gorkha brothers. The Lepcha people are the primitive tribe and the original people of the region. At least 1.5 lakh Lepcha brothers stay here. I want their development and I want them to exercise their rights," Mamata said.

She said that she had also given the GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) to the "Gorkha brothers". "But every six months, there is a drama here. They make tall claims, but have done nothing. They dictate people, like the kings used to," she added.

Mamata also announced several sops for the Lepcha community, including an amount of Rs 1 crore for the Lepcha development office, employment to 5,000 youths from the community in the police force and a cultural centre for them.

The Lepchas later bestowed her with the title "Kingchum Darmit" (Goddess of Fortune).

Mamata appealed to the GJM to withdraw its agitation which has led to a virtual shutdown in the region.

(Left) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee being welcomed by the Gorkha community at Bagdogra airport on Monday.

"You must withdraw the bandh (shutdown) and ensure a return to normalcy in the hills. The tourists will come back and there will be prosperity only if normalcy is there. They (the GJM) are paralyzing life and development in Darjeeling. In the name of agitation they are imposing autocracy by forcing people to remain indoors. We won't tolerate this," she said.

Ridiculing the GJM for rushing to Delhi, she said: "Why only Delhi, you are free to even go to (US Pesident Barack) Obama if you want to. But Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong are inseparable part of West Bengal. They will remain with West Bengal. There is no question of separation."

Banerjee's comments came on a day GJM chief Bimal Gurung claimed that Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has told a party delegation in Delhi that the central government will soon convene a tripartite meeting to solve the impasse over the Gorkhaland issue.

Talking to reporters at Bagdogra airport in north Bengal on way to Kalimpong, she said politics should not be linked to development activity and observed that bandhs never do any good; it is only an impediment to development.

Taking exception to the GJM’s “Ghar Bhitra Janta” agitation coinciding with her visit to the region, she said, “Asking the people to remain indoors is nothing but a shutdown call. They are obstructing the development in the hills.”

“We love all democratic movements. We respect all democratic set-ups. We respect the Constitution. We run the government as per the Constitution. Every six months if anybody wants to break to constitutional obligation (it cannot be supported),” Mamata, who had declared the shutdowns as illegal and urged the GJM to accept the court verdict in this regard, said.

Sikkim Bhutia-Lepchas support Kalimpong Lepchas

Gangtok, Sept 6: Welcoming the formation of Lepcha Development Board (LDB) and Lepcha Academy in Darjeeling, the National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) said Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s initiative will go a “long way in the socio-economic-cultural and academic development of the Lepcha community of the West Bengal State.”

“We believe that formation of the LDB and Lepcha Academy shall further boost the age-old communal harmony in the Darjeeling district, particularly amongst the Bhutia-Lepchas and the Nepalese amongst others, apart from bringing further upliftment of the community in all manners,” NASBO President Sonam Lama Kaloen said in a press statement.

NASBO has also criticized those who have criticized the Lepchas in Facebook. Such “abuses” are “detrimental to the larger interest of the society”, Kaloen said.

In a press release the Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLS) has also supported formation of the Board and Academy.

“Formation of the Lepcha Development Board and the Lepcha Academy has been a long cherished demand of the Lepcha community of the neighboring Darjeeling district and we congratulate the community members there on its formation which also witnessed series of economic –social-cultural package at Mela Ground, Kalimpong which was announced by the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee,” CLS President Gyatso Lepcha said.

“The Lepchas are known for its timidity and docile nature which in fact has contributed largely in maintaining the communal harmony in the Darjeeling Hills. We believe that this development shall definitely boost the over all progress of the community members in the Hills,” Lepcha said.

Tibetans entitled for Indian citizenship: Karnataka High Court

 Dharamsala, Sept 6: With the Karnataka High Court ruling in favour of a Tibetan refugee born in McLeodganj, many Tibetans born in India can now apply for Indian citizenship. The decision is likely to have implications for Himachal Pradesh that has thousands of Tibetans staying there as refugees.

The Tibetans born here are issued green books as identity cards and are considered refugees. They have to get their registration reviewed periodically from the police authorities.

A Tibetan born at McLeodganj on November 11, 1985, had moved the Karnataka High Court after he was denied an Indian passport by the regional passport office, Koramangala. The passport was allegedly denied in consultation with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

As per information posted on the official website of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Justice AS Bopanna of the Karnataka High Court has directed the passport officials to consider the request of the petitioner for a passport as expeditiously as possible. The court also ordered that the process should not take more than two months from the date of submission of all necessary documents by the petitioner.

The petitioner had pleaded that all those born between January 26, 1950, and July 1, 1987, to Tibetan parents settled in India should automatically be treated as Indian citizens by birth in accordance with Section 3(1)(a) of the Citizenship Act. He also referred to an order of the Delhi High Court in a similar case.

“As the birth certificate of the petitioner indicates that he was born on November 18, 1985, he is eligible to be considered as an Indian citizen by birth,” the advocate argued.

Tibetan prime minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay on Tuesday said any Tibetan in exile in India could apply for Indian citizenship and his administration was not compelling anyone to apply for the citizenship.

"The decision to apply for Indian or any other country's citizenship is a personal choice," Sangay said, according to a post on the official website of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA).

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1986 grants citizenship rights to Tibetans born in India between 1950 and 1987 and to those born after 1987 if "either of whose parents is a citizen of India at the time of his/her birth".

"The CTA cannot prevent any Tibetan from applying for Indian citizenship. At the same time, CTA cannot compel Tibetans to apply for Indian citizenship, as the application process entails surrendering both registration certificate and identity certificate documents to the Indian authorities," Sangay said.

Gorkha party quits GJAC, says it wants Sikkim-Darjeeling unification

Gorkha Rashtriya Congress leaders in Gangtok (file pix)

Darjeeling, Sept 6: In a major blow to the GJM, yet another constituent of the Gorkhaland Joint Action Committee (GJAC) quit the organization, a day ahead of a crucial meeting of the 8-party platform in which it was to announce the way forward for the agitation for separate Gorkhaland state.

Gorkha Rashtriya Congress (GRC) pulled out of the GJM-led GJAC with party president Nima Lama, saying, "We realised that it was a wrong platform for us, because our demand is not Gorkhaland. We have been fighting for the unification of Darjeeling with Sikkim."

It is the second constituent to quit the GJAC after the All India Gorkha League walked out on August 17 demanding that the GJM resign from the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, just a day after the formation of the GJAC.

Apart from GJM, the constituents of the GJAC are BJP, Gorkha Taskforce, CPRM, Bharatiya Gorkha Rashtriya Parisangh and Gorkha Rashtriya Nirman.

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.