Jigme N Kazi's blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   Sept 27-Oct 4,  2013   

Golay set to replace dictatorial, corrupt regime: SKM

Gangtok, Sept 27: The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is now all set to be led by its de facto leader and former minister PS Golay. The party is expecting a massive turnout at the Paljor Stadium on October 6 (Sunday) when Golay formally joins the SKM, which he helped to form in February 4, this year.

The SKM will be handing over the command of the party to Golay on Sunday, it is learnt.

This was decided at a meeting of the central executive committee of SKM held here at the party head-office on Monday.

Differences between Golay and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front chief and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling surfaced in December 2009 when the rebel leader organized a picnic party in Rulu in South Sikkim. In March 2011, Golay quit as Chairman of Commerce and Industries Development Board. He raised a black flag in protest after he was forcefully removed from the Sikkim Legislative Assembly during the budget session in July 2012.

Golay finally quit from the SDF on September 4 and on September 20 he was disqualified as a member of the Assembly.

In his 14-page resignation letter to Chamling, Golay accused the SDF chief of betraying the trust of the people and working against the interest of the Sikkimese people.

“The corruption level in Sikkim has crossed all limits,” Golay said in his resignation letter and added, “If corruption in Sikkim is to be tackled, it has to start from the top.”

“Nothing can now stop Golay from leading from the front the revolution for change, to get rid of this dictatorial and corrupt regime,” said SKM Publicity Secretary Jacob Khaling in a press release.

“The countdown to the fall of the SDF government has begun,” he stated.

Trinamool Congress launches its Sikkim unit

Former Dy CM is Sikkim TMC chief

Gangtok, Sept 27: Former Deputy Chief Minister PT Lucksom is the Sikkim unit chief of Trinamool Congress.

According to TMC General Secretary Mukul Roy, Lucksom has been made the TMC President in Sikkim.

A founder member of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, Luksom had been removed from the post of deputy chief minister for alleged anti-party activities during the present Chamling Government’s first term in office (1994-1999).

Tshering Wangchuk Lepcha, General Secretary of the recently-formed Organisation of Musicians & Artistes of Sikkim (OMAS), has been appointed General Secretary of the party in Sikkim.

The TMC has already set up its state units in Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya and contested various elections in these states.

According to sources, TMC has also contacted several Lepcha leaders of the State, including former minister Athup Lepcha and Nima Lepcha. (also see edit on page 2)

SIBLAC demands 10% reservation for Lepchas

(left) SIBLAC chief Chewang Rinzing Lepcha

Gangtok, Sept 27: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has demanded 10% reservation for the indigenous minority Lepcha community in the State in job and higher education.

  Reacting to alleged failure of the Chamling Government to provide reservation for the Lepchas, SIBLAC Convenor Chewang Rinzing Lepcha said Chief Minister Pawan Chamling during the celebration of Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat here recently had promised to provide 5% reservation in higher studies for the Lepchas, who have been given ‘primitive tribes’ status in the State by the State Government.

“It is very surprising and unfortunate to record here that despite the Chief Minister’s recent big claim of according high and fly claims and privileges to the Lepcha community with 5% reservation in higher studies during his recent address at Tathangchen Guard’s ground on the occasion of Holy Tendong Lho-Rum-Faat, the State government and the Chief Minister has failed to stand to its commitment,” SIBLAC chief said in a press statement.

SIBLAC congratulated the Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association (SLYA) for criticizing the government of its failure on the issue.

“…we strongly demand extra 10 % exclusive reservation in job and higher studies for the Sikkimese Lepchas,” Lepcha said.

Rajya Sainik Board to have guest house, war memorial

Gangtok, Sept 27: The Rajya Sainik Board office premises, located here near the SNT complex, is likely to undergo a massive facelift.

This was indicated when Chief Secretary R. Ongmu visited the area on Thursday along with government officials. Secretary Rajya Sainik Board Retd Colonel D.N Bhutia accompanied Ongmu during her inspection of the Board premises.

During her visit, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned department to prepare a blue print plan of the area in a holistic way incorporating a guest house, war memorial and landscaping of the area and submit it to the government by mid-October.

She assured the Board that the government will give a positive response to the request made by the Board, an official release said.

Scrap GTA first, Lama tells Gurung

Darjeeling, Sept 27: It now appears that many people in Darjeeling, including politicians, are now turning to Mahendra P. Lama to lead the movement for Gorkhaland.

Feeling betrayed, disillusioned and somewhat skeptical of Gorkha Janmukti Morhca chief Bimal Gurung’s hardline approach towards the statehood demand, more and more people feel that a moderate leader like Lama’s strategy for creation of Gorkhaland is more acceptable and practical at the present moment.

During a press conference held here on Sunday, Lama, a well-known academician and former Vice Chancellor of Sikkim University, urged the Morcha to first scrap the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) before pursuing the statehood demand.

Lama, a likely candidate for the Lok Sabha seat from Darjeeling in the 2014 LS polls, is also not in favour of involving students in the statehood agitation. He favours a more democratic and yet effective way to lead the movement for statehood. He says democratic “institutions” must be set up to . He also pointed out the importance of gaining the confidence of MPs and the Central Government on the statehood demand.

Lama said a “comprehensive plan” was necessary to pursue the statehood demand. Referring to the present political situation in Darjeeling, Lama said “a total state of confusion” prevailed in the hills and urged political parties to outline their “priorities” clearly before leading the movement.

Nepal: Maoists, opp parties to boycott polls

Sikkimization of Nepal must be stopped: Baidya

Kathmandu, Sept 27: Strongly criticizing the High Level Political Committee (HLPC) and terming the four parties stooges of foreign forces and the Khila Raj Regmi-led current government a puppet, agitating CPN-Maoist party chairman Mohan Baidya has appealed to the people to extensively and strongly boycott the constituent assembly (CA) poll scheduled for November 19.

He said the CA election is going to be held under the guidance of foreign forces and is now no more relevant.  Addressing a mass meeting of the 33-party alliance in capital on Monday, Baidya claimed that the constitution would be formed from the streets through the force of his movement, the Republica reported.

Baidya challenged the government to hold the election bypassing his alliance, arguing they are incapable of framing a constitution. He claimed that they are failed forces that have handed over their power to the technocratic Regmi government even for holding elections.

Terming the leaders of the major parties as Lendup Dorjes (Sikkim’s first chief minister Lhendup Dorje Kazi), he urged them to become hermits and head for Mansarowar.

"An election without the 33-party alliance is meaningless. Suppose they hold the election and also write the constitution, that constitution will not address the rights of the people. If they draft such a constitution, we will set it on fire," he said.

Questioning the current political process, including the proposed CA election, he claimed that the election is going to be held for Sikkimization and his alliance would not accept such a poll. He termed it a farce as it was going to be held under the guidance of foreign forces.

"There is no possibility of saving our national sovereignty through the four parties," he further said, and claimed that the four party leaders´ aim was just to fulfill the wishes of the southern neighbor and convert Nepal into a new Sikkim.

Editorial

ENTER TRINAMOOL

Wooing The Lepchas

The entry of Trinamool Congress will add a new dimension to Sikkim politics in years to come. It is the only national party which is based closely to Sikkim and will surely keep a live interest in State politics. TMC has already made a base in neighbouring Darjeeling with the support of the indigenous Lepcha community. The fact that it has chosen Phur Tsering Lucksom, former Deputy Chief Minister, and that the party contacted known Lepcha leaders such as Athup Lepcha, Nima Lepcha and Namgyal Lepcha are all indications that it wants to woo the Lepchas. It must be noted that the Lepchas in Darjeeling are not in favour of ‘Gorkhaland’ state and Sikkimese Lepchas are unlikely to support the demand for Darjeeling’s unification with Sikkim. In this respect Mamata Banerjee seems to know what she is doing.

The CPI-M in Sikkim is almost non-existent despite the fact that the party has been trying to take roots in the hill State. Both the Congress and BJP are unlikely to sway the voters in the forthcoming Assembly polls. The recent departure of former chief minister NB Bhandari has made the Congress party in Sikkim rudderless and rootless. BJP’s Sikkim unit President Padam Chettri is quite active but he is a lone figure. New Delhi is too far away from Sikkim and Delhi-based national party leaders have not shown much interest in Sikkim.  Writers’ Buildings is almost next door and this is advantageous to Sikkim unit of the TMC.

Jigme N Kazi's blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   Sept 21-27,  2013    

PS GOLAY: READY TO LEAD FROM THE FRONT

Gangtok, Sept 20: There is every possibility of Sikkim Krantikari Morhca (SKM)’s de facto leader, PS Golay, finally joining the party formally and leading it from the front next week when he returns from his long trip to Delhi.

Sources say party workers from all over the State are all prepared to accord a grand welcome for Golay on Sunday or any time next week. However, there are reports that Golay will return only next month, possibly in mid-October.

After forming his party on February 4 this year, the rebel leader quit the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front on September 6. In his resignation letter, Golay has accused Chief Minister and SDF chief Pawan Kumar Chamling of betraying the Sikkimese people and making Sikkim his ‘private property’.

Reacting to allegations that the SDF did not receive his resignation letter, Golay disclosed to the media proofs, including Gangtok’s  postal AD receipt papers, that he had sent the letter to Chamling on September 6.

Incidentally, Sikkim Sangram Parishad (SSP), led by former Chief Minister NB Bhandari, will hold a public meeting in Mangan, headquarters of North Sikkim, on Sunday (Sept).

September 22 is also Chamling’s birthday. He was born on this day in 1950.

Aung San Suu Kyi meets Dalai Lama in Prague

The Dalai Lama and Aung San Suu Kyi during their meeting in Prague, Czech Republic on September 15, 2013. (right)

London, Sept 20: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has risked prompting Chinese anger after it was confirmed she had a private meeting with the Dalai Lama on the sidelines of a Prague rights conference, its spokesman said on Monday.

Beijing has for decades opposed foreign dignitaries meeting Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, who fled his homeland for India in 1959 after a failed uprising against Chinese rule.

"They met on Sunday at the Dalai Lama's lecture," Filip Sebek, spokesman for the Forum 2000 foundation that organises the conference, told AFP, specifying that the two Nobel Peace laureates met in private.

Beijing, a powerful Myanmar ally and major investor in the resource-rich nation, has branded the Dalai Lama an anti-China "separatist" who encourages violence.

But the 78-year-old Buddhist leader insists he is peacefully seeking rights and autonomy for Tibetans. He signalled on Friday in Vilnius that he thought China was being "more realistic" about Tibet after decades of hardline policy.

Suu Kyi and the Dalai Lama, who met previously in London last year, both spoke at this year's three-day forum, which began on Sunday.

Each paid homage to the late Vaclav Havel, a hero of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that toppled totalitarian Communist rule in the former Czechoslovakia.

Himself an ardent advocate for human rights during the communist era, Havel spearheaded the conference in 1997.

Suu Kyi, who never met Havel in person, recalled the former dissident playwright-turned-president -- who had spent five years in Communist prisons -- as a man who gave her hope while she was held.

"When I was under house arrest for many years in Burma, I knew that somewhere in the world there was a man who was speaking out for me and because of whom my freedom remained intact in spite of physical detention," she said.

The 68-year-old herself spent 15 years under house arrest under military rule in Myanmar, before she was freed after controversial elections in 2010.

The Dalai Lama, one of the last people to speak to Havel before his death in 2011, said that during his current visit to Prague, he "had an opportunity to visit his small office, quite untidy."

"I put my head on his chair and (it) reflected his spirit. Perhaps from his chair I may carry some of his blessing out here," he said, adding that it was "our responsibility to carry his wish, his dream, his vision, and his spirit".

Be prepared to shed blood for Gorkhaland from Oct 20: Gurung

Darjeeling, Sept 20: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) supremo Bimal Gurung threatened to launch a “bloody agitation” after October 20. He hinted at a prolonged bandh including closing down government and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) offices for more than three months.

Gurung’s threat comes on the heels of the Supreme Court lauding the Calcutta High Court for taking the “very courageous” decision to ban any form of agitation by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha including bandhs.

 “The land of the Gorkhas is asking for blood and we have to be prepared to shed blood for Gorkhaland,” said Gurung, IANS reported.

He said, “Bengal has put her hands in the Darjeeling fire and till the hands turn into ashes the fire will continue burning. We are ready to do or die. Bimal Gurung might die but there will be many other Bimal Gurungs. The Gorkhaland demand will not be compromised. The government will not spare me but has to be careful before taking any action against me.”

Gurung said he has had enough of politics of “namaste” (salutations) and dharnas.

“The government does not understand our democratic form of agitation. Now the public, including the youth and women, has to remain prepared for another form of prolonged agitation. This time the bandh will have no relaxation,” said Gurung.

He said there was no need to free the arrested GJM leaders and supporters.

“Let them remain in jail. You can arrest all of us but the demand for Gorkhaland cannot be crushed by force,” said Gurung.

To his supporters, Gurung said, “We have to be prepared to sacrifice everything for Gorkhaland. We have to be prepared to face the ‘No Work, No Pay’ for more than three months for Gorkhaland.”

“On the request of Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde we lifted the indefinite bandh. It is now his responsibility to arrange for tripartite talks,” said Gurung. (also see page 3)

Roundtable conversation on ‘Modern Sikkim’ on Sept 28

Gangtok, Sept 20: Orangutan Swing is collaborating with Gangtok-based design consultancy Echostream to host the first-ever conversation roundtable of its sort in Sikkim on the topic of modernity.

As the former kingdom was annexed by India less than forty years ago, rapid development since has pushed the decision-makers here to think critically about how to evolve sustainability, while preserving a unique cultural heritage, too. Sikkim is a mixture of cultural identities. People are changing as more money comes into communities, and young people are clamoring for brand name shopping experiences. But how will the town posit itself, as it works to finding an intentional vision?

A roundtable set for Saturday, Sept. 28 called “Modern Sikkim” aims to call out this question and similar ones in a free-flowing conversation that is open to the public.

It’s called “Modern Sikkim,” and will be the culmination of a series of informal gatherings with architects, writers, journalists, and officials from tourism and local government, too. People are ready to talk, but in a new way, which is why they welcomed a husband-and-wife team that came to them with an unusual proposition. What if we got a lot of voices in one room to share perspectives, and not try to rush to solutions? What if the theme of that was, “What does it mean to be a modern Sikkimese?”

Dipika asked Gangtok native Sonam Tashi Gyaltsen, a designer who trained in Ahmedabad, about what he thought of the idea to host a roundtable on the topic of modernity and change here in Sikkim, which is an ecology of heritages and traditions that some may fear are getting lost. “What does it really mean to be from a place? What does it mean, for example, to those who live here, to be Sikkimese?” That started the dialogue. Now Orangutan Swing is collaborating with Gyaltsen and his friends’ collaborative Gangtok-based design consultancy Echostream. He’s quickly looped more than forty people, via a facebook group, into a wider conversation on this theme.

Rapid change in development, and the arrival of new technology to link people who live here very quickly and easily to the rest of the world begs the question, “Who are the Sikkimese people, in a global context? What does it mean, to be a modern Sikkim?”

Arriving at the end of August to Gangtok, Orangutan Swing’s Akira and Dipika Morita were delighted to find a place that felt as easy for their mixed-identity status as a couple to be in as Vancouver, British Columbia. That’s where they would go when they were living in Seattle, looking for a place to go and see faces that resembled their own. Identity is a big topic for Tokyo-born Akira and his Indian-American wife. It’s also a question they’ve been dancing with for five years while raising a son, too. They’ve traveled together to Ghana, many parts of Europe, Japan, Thailand, Laos, and all over America.

But when it comes to hyphenated identities, there’s probably no better place they’ve found such a comfortably co-existing multitude of genetic lines than they have in Gangtok. Whether people have roots from Bhutan, Nepal, or another state of India, the thing they will tell you if you ask what makes this place unique is that they care about each other as part of a community that functions as one. But calling out what it is that describes the traits of the people from this part of India, that’s the question that they hope to explore.

Editorial

PARTY FUNDS

Source Cannot Be Traced

An analysis by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) of income tax returns and statements filed by Congress, BJP, CPI-M, CPI, NCP and BSP with the Election Commission shows that between 2004 to 2012, these political parties received funding worth Rs 3,675 crore through unknown sources. It says that sources for over 75% of the funding received by political parties cannot be traced.  This becomes very relevant in the light of recent events when the political parties were brought under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI) Act by a ruling of Central Information Commission (CIC). Unfortunately, full transparency is not possible under the current laws, and it is only the RTI that can keep citizens informed.

Political parties are required to submit a statement of election expenditure to the EC containing details like total amount received by them as funds in the form of cash, cheques and demand drafts (DDs) among other things. The ADR report says:  “Full details of all donors should be made available for public scrutiny under the RTI Act. Some countries where this is done include Bhutan, Nepal, Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, Bulgaria, the US and Japan. In none of these countries is it possible for 75% of the source of funds to be unknown, but at present it is so in India.” In order to strengthen political parties, elections and democracy

The Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama with Prime Minister Nehru and Burmese Prime Minister U Nu and Maharaja Sir Tashi Namgyal of Sikkim in 1956 in India.

Bimal Gurung wants students to play active role in statehood stir

Darjeeling, Sept 20: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha plans to draft students into an active role in its movement for a separate state, its president Bimal Gurung on Thursday said.

He said all students in the Darjeeling hills and Dooars would go to Delhi to press for formation of a separate state. "Mission Gorkhaland will be the name and task for all the students in the hills and Dooars. The students must play an active role in the formation for Gorkhaland. The students will create awareness for Gorkhaland," Gurung said on Facebook.

Gurung earlier held a meeting with students of the hills. He said, "A team comprising 21 students" would go to Delhi and meet various ministers to press for the demand. Share

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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.