Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

SIKKIM OBSERVER Page 1  Saturday   Oct 5-11,  2013    

TREMOR CAUSES PANIC IN GANGTOK

Epicentre near Dikchu Teesta hydel project dam

Gangtok, Oct 4: A 5.0 magnitude earthquake rattled Sikkim on Thursday, Regional Seismological Centre in Shillong said. Tremors were felt in Darjeeling, Siliguri and Nepal.

The tremors forced people to rush out of their homes. Schools, colleges and offices quickly closed down.

Massive traffic jam was witnessed in the capital due to the panic. No casualties have been reported till now. Some buildings had developed cracks and people were out on the streets.

The epicentre of the quake that struck at 11.43 am was at a place in Sikkim whose latitude and longitude were 27.4 degree N and 88.5 degree E respectively, the sources said.

The Indian Meteorological Department MET has confirmed that epicenter of the earthquake was close to the NHPC Damsite of Teesta Stage V in Dikchu at Sangtok in North Sikkim. The official confirmation go in parallel to the satellite picture available in Google Earth depicting the terrain and dam location in vicinity.

A report from Siliguri said the tremor was also felt in Siliguri and people came out of their houses in panic.

A moderate earthquake measuring 5.7 on Richter scale shook eastern hills of Nepal on Thursday but there were no reports of any casualty or damage.

The earthquake was recorded in eastern Nepal at 11:57 am, according to National Seismological Centre of Nepal, PTI reported.

Minor tremors were also felt in the Kathmandu Valley, the Centre has confirmed.

Golay all set to end Chamling’s ‘misrule’: SKM

Gangtok, Oct 4: The eight-month-old Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) is all set to welcome its leader PS Golay into the party during a mammoth public meeting of the party here at the Paljor Stadium on Sunday.

SKM Working President Bharati Sharma said the party is ready to “formally launch its peaceful and democratic movement” for rule of “law and good governance”.

In her appeal to the public, Sharma said her party believes that the Sikkimese people deserves a “better deal” and is ready to bring “profound changes” to end Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s “misrule” and “dictatorial” tendencies.

The party will observe October 6 as ‘Parivartan Diwa’ and the occasion is aimed at redeeming “Sikkim’s exteemed glory and self-respect”.

Party leaders and supporters are going all out to ensure that a maximum number of people attend the meeting, where Golay is expected to speak on SKM’s plans and programmes.

The former minister, who accused Chamling of betraying the people’s trust and encouraging rampant corruption, quit the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) recently and resigned as its MLA. Golay floated SKM on February 4 this year but remained in the background only.

Suspend, review illegal Teesta hydel projects in Sikkim: report

“The Teesta would run dry”

Gagntok, Oct 4: Sikkim could be in for a Goa-like scam of environmental violations with several hydroelectric projects coming up on the Teesta river basin without mandatory wildlife clearance, flouting Supreme Court orders, a team of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) has warned in a report to the Union Environment and Forests Ministry.

The board has drawn a parallel with the scam in Goa, where rampant illegal iron mining took place without clearances. After the Justice M.B. Shah Commission unearthed systematic violation of regulations in Goa, the Centre ordered complete suspension of mining, based on its recommendations. A PIL petition on the matter is now being heard in the Supreme Court, The Hindu reported.

The NBWL is the apex body on wildlife policy issues under the Wildlife Protection Act, headed by the Prime Minister. The court has mandated that all projects coming within 10 km of national parks and sanctuaries seek prior clearance from the board’s standing committee.

After proponents of the NHPC’s 520-MW Teesta 4 applied for clearance, the board sent a team which found that the project would submerge forests in the eco-sensitive area of the Khangchendzonga National Park, besides causing other ecological damage. Worse still, the team found, private developers had already begun construction on several projects in the river basin, in the vicinity of protected wildlife areas, without mandatory clearances, the report said.

Those coming up illegally are the Teesta III, Dik Chu, Panan, Tashiding and Ting-Ting hydroelectric projects, according to the team. The team members tried to elicit comprehensive information from State officials but were stonewalled and left to ascertain the facts for themselves.

They noted that so many dams with tunnels had been planned and some were already under construction on the Teesta that the river could practically run dry through a large part of its course in the State. A “tragic consequence” of such large-scale diversion would be that between Teesta III and Teesta VI project sites most of the water would flow through the tunnels rather than in the actual course of the river.

The NBWL team has recommended a comprehensive review of all existing and proposed projects in the basin. It has demanded a thorough investigation into the projects coming up illegally in Sikkim. Basing its views on the Shah Commission report on Goa, it recommended immediate suspension of activity in the basin until the government thoroughly investigated the illegalities and looked into clearances for each project.

A hunger strike on October 2, 1999

It was on Oct 2, 1999 - 14 years ago - that a group of political activists took an open stand on restoration of political rights of the Sikkimese people. The demands were: restoration of Assembly seats for Sikkimese Nepalese and ‘genuine representation’ in the Assembly for Sikkimese Bhutia-Lepchas. Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) under the leadership of Nima Lepcha and Pintso Bhutia, Organisation of Sikkimese Unity (OSU) led by Jigme N Kazi and Sikkimese Nepalese Apex Committee (SNAC) led by Krishna Chandra Pradhan held a one day token hunger strike on Bhanu Jayanti at 'Bhutia-Lepcha House' in Gangtok. 
There was no response from Gangtok and New Delhi. In fact, the leaders were targeted and lured. Meanwhile, the political situation is getting worse...a political earthquake is bound to take place in the near future...we deserve what's coming.

Editorial

RAHUL LEADS

Corruption Back On Agenda

Rahul Gandhi's anti-corruption stand needs to be appreciated and highlighted. His opposition to safeguarding criminals in our legislatures ought to be taken seriously. The first victim of Rahul's bombshell is Lalu Prasad Yadav...more heads should roll. Congress stalwarts who cannot digest the likes of Rahul Gandhi should quit or fall in line. By going against his own party on the ordinance meant to protect corrupt lawmakers Rahul Gandhi has set the agenda on corruption. Modi may be a good orator but Rahul's action has given hope to those battling corrupt politicians in high places.

Politicians who indulge in communal and casteist politics have one aim in mind: to stay in power and make money whatever the cost. They lure opposition leaders, social activists, journalists and the intelligentsia to remain in power. Those, including opposition leaders who pretend to combat corruption, who criticize Rahul for the manner in which he took on the Congress party and the UPA government on the ordinance to shield criminals and corrupt lawmakers, stand exposed. In going against Rahul they have sided with the corrupt. Lead on, Rahul…India is behind you.

Justice Jain takes oath as HC Judge

Gangtok, Oct 4: Governor Shrinivas Patil administered the oath of office to  Justice Narendra Kumar Jain as Judge of High Court of Sikkim here at Raj Bhawan on Monday.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, KT Gyaltsen, Chief Justice and Judge High Court of Sikkim, Sikkim MPs and MLAs.

Night flight service takes off on Bagdogra-Kolkata route

Siliguri, Oct 4: The first night flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra in North Bengal began on Tuesday.

Bagdogra airport director KK Bhowmik and travel and tour operators gave fifty-six passengers. including North Bengal development minister Goutam Deb, a warm welcome.

The beginning of night landing would go a long way to boost tourism industry and economic activities in the region, said Sunil Agarwal, joint director of West Bengal Tourism.

Sinha Roy, a councillor of ward number 11 of Bidhannagar Municipality, and Gangopadhya, a retired State Bank of India official were the lucky passengers on board the Spice Jet Flight returning to Kolkata, The Hindustan Times reported.

Their Air India’s afternoon flight to Kolkata was cancelled earlier in the evening. Had their been no flight to Kolkata, they would have been forced into a night halt at Bagdogra.

Deb expected more flight operators would start their night services from Bagdogra.

Norway’s Crown Prince stayed in Dzongu

Congratulations to environmental activist-cum-entrepreneur Gyatso Lepcha of Dzongu, North Sikkim, for the Best Homestay Award received on the occasion of World Tourism Day this week, for Mayal Lyang Homestay.

Started in 2010 by Gyatso and his wife, Mayal Lyang Homestay made news when the Crown Prince of Norway stayed there with his family. Which was subsequently covered by even the History Channel!

Gyatso, along with Dawa Lepcha, Tenzing Lepcha and other anti-dam youth activists, put up stiff resistance to multi-crore hydel projects in Dzongu in 2008 but without much success as the Chamling Government was determined to continue with the projects.

An Ode to Sikkim, the blessed Hidden Land

By DIYANG GYATSO                                                                                                                                       

For my Beloved Uncle Lt. Yab Tashi Tobgay Tobden (01.12.1948 - 06.04.2009) and Aunt Lt. Choom Chukie Tobden Wakjilingpa (28.11.1954-06.04.2009)…mentor, friend, confidant … guardian angels.

It has been said that whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger and I know that this stands true for every Sikkimese since that frightfully, petrifying episode of an earthquake that jolted the otherwise composed place that we call home – SIKKIM.

The best part of it all, however, is that everyone is chipping in to do their bit…it just doesn’t get better than this…I wish the people who I know who really cared about Sikkim were here to see this today.  So, I’m going to dedicate this note to the people who repeatedly recounted the history of Sikkim to me, ever since I can remember and how we could be going about it in the erroneous way … it all make’s sense to me now and I earnestly hope it does the same for you too.

After much thought and a little more of looking deeper within, I couldn’t help but notice how blessed the place really is…let me explain myself and see if you can help me make sense of the statement I just made.

Gyalwa Latsun Chenpo

Here’s a brief background history of Sikkim that I have borrowed and would love for all to read, discuss, question, answer, argue, portray, accept, reject, represent - BUT above all be conscious of, so we all apprehend how special and unique this place really is… so we all know where we’re coming from… so we all have a sense of belonging… so we know how much is really at stake

…and so, Sikkim is a land blessed by Mahagru Padmasambhava, popularly known as Guru Rinpoche, in the 8th century AD. 

Dey-jong Nay-yik (descriptive scriptures about Sikkim) and Ney-sol Pecha (prayer texts dedicated to deities in Sikkim) have given detail accounts of Sikkim as bey-yul or a hidden land. These Buddhist scriptures mention about three stages of discovery and civilization in Sikkim as, early period, middle period and later or modern period, although the records mention about the existence of Lepcha tradition prior to these periods.

Ghangchhen mZod Nga, the main protector deity of Sikkim, identified as Mount Ghangchhe – mZod – Nga (Kanchenjunga) is blessed by Guru Rinpoche. In Sikkim, this sacred mountain peak is surrounded by hundreds and thousands of other peaks, lakes, rocks, trees/groves and meadows are regarded as the abodes of local deities of Sikkim. In the early period, Chenreyzig, Dolma Tronyerchen and Guru Rinpoche, accompanied by his foremost 25 disciples, blessed this land and marked Tashiding, West Sikkim, as the centre of the Holy Land. 

  At the four directions of Tashiding, four holy caves blessed by Guru Rinpoche are located. In the middle period, Terton Rigzing Goedemchen (1337- 1408) located and blessed this hidden land. The later period commenced with the advent of the Naljor Chedshi in the middle of the 17th century AD as per prophesy of Guru Rinpoche. The modern history of Sikkim therefore, dates back to this century when three incarnates of Guru Rinpoche- Lhatsun Namkha Jigme, Kathok Rigzing Kuntu Zangpo and Gnadak Sempa Phuntsog Rigzing enthroned the first Chogyal (Dharma King) Phuntsog Namgyal at Norbugang, Yuksam in West Sikkim.

Records reveal that Phuntsog Namgyal assumed the seat of Dharma King in 1642 AD. But, the main consecration at Yuksam took place in 1646. Till that period, the hidden land was under the charge of Mon Thekongsalang, a Lepcha chief blessed by Guru Rinpoche as ‘Nadak’ (protector of the holy land). The evidence of these historic facts in existence are the foot prints and body marks of Guru Rinpoche on rocks and in holy caves and the stone coronation throne at Yuksam. Other evidences are the foot prints of Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo at Yuksam Norbugang and seat of Mon Thekongsalang at Thrakthungrong in West Sikkim.

Dejong Nayyik gives the description of Sikkim as Bayyul Demo Jong written in many Buddhist scriptures discovered or revealed by a number of Tertons (Dharma treasure revealers).

       H.E. Domang Terton Rimpochie (the present reincarnate of Gyalwa Latsun Chenpo)

 Naysol Pecha, another book written by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo is a prayer text describing the whole range of Sikkim as Phu (interior), Dha (lower) and Bar (middle) parts as regions where guardian / local deities were posted for the protection of the land. He has given detailed names of the deities reminding them of the promises made to Guru Rinpoche. Forseeing the possibility of defilement of these abodes of deities in future, words were put in the book to appease them by prayers and offerings of sang, serkyem and tsog. 

For me it made sense that since we (as followers of Guru Rinpoche) cannot seem to take care of our precious inheritance so unique to Sikkim, and/or go about important religious ceremonies in a slap dash way.  Maybe we deserved what we got… in fact – call  me a cynic – but  I would’ve expected it sooner…then again I realize that this might not hold true for everyone and so this notion needn’t for all intents and purposes, make sense to you or you or you.

Now, on to the monasteries especially those that have been effected. The most holy chhorten in Sikkim is at Tashiding built in 1716. So sacred is it that the mere act of beholding it is supposed to cleanse from all sin, according to its name. Its full title is Thong-wa-rang-to, or “Liberation by Mere Sight.” It owes its special sanctity to its reputedly containing some of the funereal granules of the Buddha antecedent to Sakya Muni, the relics having been deposited there by Namkha Jigme Pawo, the third incarnate of Lhatsun Chenpo. As a result of this repute it is a favourite destination for pilgrims.

The legendary Bhumchhu event is held at Tashiding annually on the fifteenth day of the first lunar calendar. It might not be out of place to mention here, that the Holy water to fill the vase for the Bhumchhu is collected from Rothongchu, in West Sikkim.

The oldest monastery in Sikkim is Dubde in Yuksom meaning “the hermits cell”, founded by the pioneer Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in 1642. I would recommend every Sikkimese to pay this blessed and ancient monastery a visit in his /her lifetime.

Sangnachholing meaning “the place of secret spells” is open to all members of all classes of Sikkim, even females and deformed persons. It was built in 1697. 

It is said that Pemiongchi meaning “the sublime perfect lotus” was designed, if not actually built, by Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo as a high class monastery for ta – sang “pure monks” of pure lhopo race, celibate and unreformed. Pemiongchi monks alone in Sikkim enjoy the title of ta-sang, and to its lama is reserved the honour of anointing with holy- waters the reigning Sovereign. (meaning only the Pemiongchi monks are entitled to coronate the Chogyal(s) of Sikkim).

The Enchey Monastery (Gangtok) meaning the “high strong place” was built in 1840. Folklore has it that a famous Lama Dubthob Karpu, flew from Mainam, in Yangang, South Sikkim, to the present Entchey Monastery site for meditation. The monastery stands on the very site of meditation today. A place revered and respected and in some ways feared too; this is another very important monastery that literally unifies sentient beings from all walks of life. 

So maybe…just maybe, this (September 18, 2011, earthquake) is a wakeup call for us all, to remind us how special Beyul Denjong truly is and how much is really at stake here. Let this not be some fairy-tale, some grandma’s tale a hundred years down the line but a reality like it feels to me even today, in spite of all the scepticism that might surround it… EVERY Sikkimese has the right to know our HISTORY - the way it has been told for time immemorial, the way I have known it myself and the way we can tell them on to the future generations.

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

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”.