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

SIKKIM OBSERVER  Saturday   Nov 9-15,  2013  

    One of Tashi Namgyal Academy’s (TNA) gates – traditional and unique –which leads to the school playground, located on      the eastern side of the campus. (Pix by Leonard Lefevre)

President to visit Darjeeling, Sikkim

Prez to attend St. Joseph School’s 125^th celebrations

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee will visit West Bengal and Sikkim on November 10 and 11, an official statement said on Friday.

The President will attend the 125th year celebrations of St Joseph's School, North Point, Darjeeling on November 10.

In Gangtok, he will inaugurate the 40th Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition on November 11.

West Bengal Governor M.K. Narayanan is presently on a 19-day visit to Darjeeling district from Oct 27.

A GJM delegation led by its supremo Bimal Gurung is also likely to meet Narayanan.

Sikkim Chief Secretary R. Ongmu convened a meeting on Wednesday at the Conference Hall of the Secretariat to review the progress of preparation of concerned departments for the visit of the President to the State next week.

The function is being  held here at Epica Garden, Saramsa, East Sikkim, an official release said.

Panel report on Sachdeva before Supreme Court

Gangtok, Nov 8: Senior Police officer IG Akshay Sachdeva (Law and Order), who ordered the brutal crackdown on Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) activists here at the party headquarters in February this year, has been “completely exposed,” said a party functionary.

He was referring to the report on the incident submitted by a panel before the Supreme Court. The apex court set up the one-man committee to probe into the matter after SKM’s Kala Rai approached the court’s intervention in August.

According to reports, retired DGP of Uttar Pradesh Shri IC Dewedi submitted the report on October 17. The report has termed ‘illegal’ the police lathicharge led Sachdeva.

The SKM is now keenly awaiting the apex court’s verdict on the issue.

PM apprised of ‘massive corruption’ in earthquake relief work: SKM

Gangtok, Nov 8: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been apprised of the alleged massive corruption in the utilization of earthquake relief work in the State.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has submitted a memorandum to the office of the Prime Minister alleging huge corruption in earthquake relief fund utilization.

Vice President of the party, T. N Dhakal, personally visited the office of the Prime Minister and submitted a memorandum citing ‘massive corruption’ of the relief fund provided by the Central Government for compensating victims of the 18 September 2011 earthquake, according to a press release of the party, Talk Sikkim reported on Facebook.

SKM Working President Bharati Sharma said the memorandum reveals that out of 8000 damaged houses, not even 5% work has been completed.

The SKM alleges that the relief fund has been misused by the ruling SDF party for their political purpose rather than compensating the victims.

Sikkim: World’s No. 1 region to visit in 2014

Gangtok, Nov 8: Sikkim, the tiny Himalayan mountain state in northeast India, has come top of the Lonely Planet’s regions to visit in 2014.

The Lonely Planet said Sikkim has set new benchmarks for responsible travel in India, with sustainable community-based tourism and eco-friendly policies that have reinvigorated the state.

It added that organic farming is being promoted in Sikkim, which has a population of around 600,000, and that a new airport scheduled to open near Gangtok in 2014 will shave several hours off travel time to the region. Reaching the state now involves a winding journey from West Bengal on narrow mountain roads, which are often flooded or blocked in winter, The Wall Street Journal reported.

In September 2011, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the region, killing more than 100 people.   That year, Sikkim was one of six states and union territories to experience a decline in domestic tourists, with just over half a million visitors, down 21.1% from 2010, government data show.

But the state continued to attract foreign tourists thanks to its snow-capped mountains, Buddhist monasteries, terraced fields, agreeable climate and excellent trekking. In 2011, the number of foreign tourists in Sikkim rose 13.7% to 23,602. Foreigners need a permit to enter the state.

Growth in India’s tourism industry has slowed this year. In the first four months of 2013, the growth in foreign tourists was just 1.8%, against 9% a year earlier.  Some female tourists say they carry stun guns and pepper spray for protection in India, following reports of attacks on women in the country, including foreign tourists.

The Incredible India campaign launched in 2002 to attract tourists to the country was felt by some in the north east to have left the region behind. In response in 2012, the North East Development Council, a body aimed at promoting economic and social development in the region, began its own 10-year campaign to entice visitors.

Sikkim was an independent kingdom until it became India’s 22nd state in 1975. Along with Goa, it is one of only two states in India to permit gambling.

The state does well on some development indicators. It has a female literacy rate of 76.43%, above the national average of 65.46%, and infant mortality is 26 per 1,000 births, nearly half the national rate of 50 per 1,000 births.

The Kimberley in Australia was second on the Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 rankings for regions. It was followed by Yorkshire in England, Hokuriku in Japan, the U.S. state Texas, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Spanish island Mallorca, the west coast of New Zealand, the Chinese province Hunan and the Tongan island group Ha’apai.

The Lonely Planet also lists what it deems to be the world’s top cities, countries and destinations based on other travel criteria.

Editorial

REALITY & RHETORIC

Democracy Guardian of Vested Interests

Acclaimed author Arundhati Roy once branded ‘democracy’ as “the Free World’s whore”. Roy, a social activist and critic of the United States and globalization, like another noted intellectual Noam Chomsky, has blamed the West of making a big show of ‘manufactured consent’ in the name of ‘democracy’, where vested interests, including the media and big business houses, call the shots in the name of the people. Naive citizens in developing democracies often fall prey to what The Times of India calls ‘dance of democracy’ while referring to the electoral process. Elections are often looked upon as celebrations in a democracy but the stark reality is that it is a process by which the microscopic elite literally buys consent to govern.

Governance in such a situation is nothing but a pack of wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing to exploit the masses in the name of democracy. The history of modern civilization bears witness to this fact. Elected rulers in a democracy do not listen to the voice of reason. They, time and again, ignore public opinion against war, corruption and anti-people policies. Its only in name that India is called the world’s largest democracy. The reality is that it is a functioning anarchy. Roy is absolutely correct when she says free elections, a free press and an independent judiciary mean little when the free market means they are on sale to the highest bidder. Even in smaller regions of India such as Sikkim, a former Himalayan kingdom annexed by its protecting power, the evil nexus between politicians, bureaucrats and the corporate houses are in full display.

PRIDE OF SIKKIM

Army honours Victoria Cross holder Ganju Lama

Gangtok, Nov 8: In a befitting honour to a brave son of Sikkim, the Indian Army last Friday dedicated the gate of Gangtok Military Station in the name of Victoria Cross recipient Ganju Lama.

Ganju Lama, who received the prestigious Victoria Cross for his valour during the Second World War was honoured by naming Ganju Lama Dwar during a ceremony attended by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and Indian Army officials, The Statesman reported.

Late Ganju Lama’s wife Pema Sangmo and his two sons and daughter Rinchen Doma also attended the inauguration function at Gangtok Military station. The majestic gate has traditional Sikkimese design keeping in view the local ethos and heritage.

‘This gate will also be as a medium to inspire the younger generation and make them aware about the history and the courage reflected by the brave soldiers of Sikkim and the foremost in this is Late. Captain Ganju Lama’, said Lt Gen KJ Singh, GoC, Trishakti Corps.

Assuring Sikkimese people on the peaceful border conditions, Lt. Gen. Singh said: "Sikkim’s is one of the peaceful borders, where we have Indian Army ever vigilant over there, in keeping with the defence policies. And there is peace and tranquility on the border. Our operational infrastructure is also coming up very well."

Maj Gen D Anbu, GoC of 17th Mountain Division based in Gangtok also attended the function.

Ganju Lama was born on 7th July 1922 in the village of Sangmo in South Sikkim of a Sikkimese Bhutia father belonging to the Shangderpa clan.

He was admitted into the Gurkhas at the age of 18 only because in wartime the regiment let slip its usually stringent ethnic criterion. His real name was Gyamtso Shangderpa.

Subadar (Captain) Ganju Lama VC, MM, 1st Bn, 7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles, died on the 30th June 2000 at his home in Sikkim.

The spring of 1944 saw General Sir William Slim's offensive into northern Burma countered by the move of the three divisions of General Mutagachi's 15th Japanese Army into the Imphal Plain. Mutagachi aimed to block Slim's lines of supply through the mountain passes from Assam, but first had to take Kohima and Imphal.

In Burma, on the morning of the 12th June 1944, the enemy put down an intense artillery barrage lasting an hour on our positions north of the village of Ningthoukhong. This heavy artillery fire knocked out several bunkers and caused heavy casualties, and was immediately followed by a very strong enemy attack supported by five medium tanks.

   After fierce hand-to-hand fighting, the perimeter was driven in in one place and enemy infantry, supported by three medium tanks, broke through, pinning our troops to the ground with intense fire. "B" Company, 7th Gurkha Rifles, was ordered to counter-attack and restore the situation.

Shortly after passing the starting line it came under heavy enemy medium machine-gun and tank machine-gun fire at point blank range, which covered all lines of approach. Rifleman Ganju Lama, the No. 1 of the PIAT gun, on his own initiative, with great coolness and complete disregard for his own safety, crawled forward and engaged the tanks single-handed.

In spite of a broken left wrist and two other wounds, one in his right hand and one in his leg, caused by withering cross-fire concentrated upon him, Rifleman Ganju Lama succeeded in bringing his gun into action within thirty yards of the enemy tanks and knocked out first one and then another, the third tank being destroyed by an anti-tank gun.

In spite of his serious wounds, he then moved forward and engaged with grenades the tank crews, who now attempted to escape. Not until he had killed or wounded them all, thus enabling his company to push forward, did he allow himself to be taken back to the Regimental Aid Post to have his wounds dressed.

Throughout this action Rifleman Ganju Lama, although very seriously wounded, showed a complete disregard for his own personal safety, outstanding devotion to duty and a determination to destroy the enemy which was an example and an inspiration to all ranks. It was solely due to his prompt action and brave conduct that a most critical situation was averted, all positions regained and very heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy.

Ganju Lama was invested with his Victoria Cross by the Viceroy of India, Field Marshal Lord Wavell, at the Red Fort, New Delhi, India, on the 24th October 1944.

On the partition of India in 1947, Ganju Lama joined the 11th Gorkha Rifles of the new Indian Army. The regiment had been re-raised from the soldiers of the 7th and 10th Gurkha Rifles who opted to continue their service with the Indian Army, rather than join the British Army. On his retirment the Government of Sikkim granted him a piece of land near his native village in the Ravangla District where he farmed both potatoes and the profitable spice crop cardamon.

Sikkim honoured the brave soldier with Pema Dorji, the highest civilian award in the former kingdom.

Darjeeling, Kalimpong were once part of Sikkim

Darjeeling in 1912

The area of Darjeeling was inhabited by the Lepchas,  and Bhutias as part of Sikkim from ancient times. In 1642, Phuntsog Namgyal became the first Chogyal ruler of Sikkim. Tensung Namgyal became the next Chogyal of Sikkim in 1670. It was during his rule that Sikkim lost the area of Kalimpong to Bhutan.

The Gorkha army from Nepal invaded Darjeeling in the 1790s, attacked the Sikkimese capital of Rabdentse, and annexed territories up to the Teesta River into Nepal. After the Anglo-Gorkha War, Nepal ceded one-third of it territories to the British as per the Sugauli Treaty in 1815, which included the land area between the rivers Mechi and Teesta. On 10 February 1817, the British reinstated the land area between rivers Mechi and Teesta to the Sikkimese Chogyal as per the Treaty of Titalia.

 The present disputes between Nepal and Sikkim arose regarding their borders (especially Ontoo Dara) and the then British Governor-General of India, Lord William Bentinck, sent two officers, Captain George Alymer Lloyd and Mr. J. W. Grant, to help resolve the dispute in February 1829. It was on the journey to Ontoo Dara that the two officers stayed at Darjeeling for 6 days at "the old Goorka station called Dorjeling" and were "much impressed with the possibility of the station as a sanatorium." On 18 June 1929, Lloyd communicated to the government regarding the possibility of Darjeeling serving as a sanatorium, while about the same time Grant also urged the government to possess the tract.

Lease Deed

Captain Herbert, the Deputy Surveyor General, was sent to Darjeeling to examine the area. The court of Directors of the British East India Company approved the project. General Lloyd was given the responsibility to negotiate a lease of the area from the Chogyal of Sikkim. The lease as per the Deed of Grant was granted on 1 February 1835.

This Deed of Grant, which is commendably short, runs as follows:

“The Governor-General having expressed his desire for the possession of the hills of Darjeeling on account of its cool climate, for the purpose of enabling the servants of his Government, suffering from sickness, to avail themselves of its advantages, I the Sikkimputtee Rajah out of friendship for the said Governor-General, hereby present Darjeeling to the East India, that is, all the land south of the Great Runjeet river, east of the Balasur, Kahail and Little Runjeet rivers, and west of the Rungpo and Mahanadi rivers.”

This was an unconditional cession of what was then a worthless uninhabited mountain, but in 1841 the British government granted the Chogyal an allowance of Rs. 100,000 per annum as compensation, and raised the grant to Rs. 6,000 per annum in 1846.

In 1835, a member of the Indian Medical Service, Dr. Arthur Campbell, was appointed as agent of the leased tract, and Lieut. Napier (later Lord Napier of Magdala) set to work improving the area and laying the foundations of the hill station of Darjeeling. Dr. Campbell became the first superintendent of the sanitorium in 1839. A road connecting Darjeeling with the plains was constructed in 1839.

Tea Plantation

Dr. Campbell brought Chinese tea seeds in 1841 from the Kumaon region and started growing tea on an experimental basis near his residence at Beechwood, Darjeeling. This experiment was followed by similar efforts by several other British. The experiments were successful and soon several tea estates started operating commercially.

Darjeeling, showing the Himalayan Range, as seen from St. Paul's School, Darjeeling, 1870

The rapid growth of Darjeeling led to jealousy from the Chogyal of Sikkim. There were also differences between the British Government and Sikkim over the status of people of Sikkim. Because of the increased importance of Darjeeling, many citizens of Sikkim, mostly of the labour class, started to settle in Darjeeling as British subjects. The migration disturbed the feudal lords in Sikkim who resorted to forcibly getting the migrants back to Sikkim.

Sikkim Rebellion and Annexation of Darjeeling

The relation deteriorated to such an extent that when Dr. Campbell and the eminent explorer Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker were touring in Sikkim in 1849, they were suddenly captured and imprisoned. This detention continued for weeks. An expeditionary force was sent by the Company to Sikkim. However, there was no necessity for bloodshed and after the Company's troops had crossed the Rangeet River into Sikkim, hostilities ceased.

Consequent to this trouble, and further misconduct on the part of the Sikkim authorities a few years later, the mountain tracts now forming the district of Darjeeling became a part of the British Indian Empire, and the remainder of kingdom of Sikkim became a protected state.

The area of Kalimpong along with the Dooars became British property following the defeat of Bhutan in the Anglo-Bhutan war (Treaty of Sinchula – 11 November 1865). Kalimpong was first put under the Deputy Commissioner of Western Duars, but in 1866 it was transferred to the District of Darjeeling giving the district its final shape.

The Chowrasta, Darjeeling, 1880.

Development in Darjeeling

The Darjeeling Municipality was established in 1850. Tea estates continued to grow. By the 1860s, peace was restored in the borders. During this time, immigrants, mainly from Nepal, were recruited to work in the construction sites, tea gardens, and other agriculture-related projects. Scottish missionaries undertook the construction of schools and welfare centres for the British residents: Loreto Convent in 1847, St. Paul's School in 1864, Planters' Club in 1868, Lloyd's Botanical Garden in 1878, St. Joseph's School in 1888, Railway Station in 1891, and Town Hall (present Municipality Building) in 1921. With the opening of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway in 1881, smooth communication between the town and the plains below further increased the development of the region. "Darjeeling disaster" was an earthquake in 1898 that caused considerable damage to the young town and its native population.

Darjeeling Municipality took responsibility in maintaining the civic administration of the town from as early as 1850. From 1850 to 1916, the Municipality was placed in the first schedule (along with Halna, Hazaribagh, Muzzaferpur and others), where commissioners were appointed by the local governments and second schedule (along with Burdwan, Hooghly, Nadia, Hazaribagh and others), where the local government appointed a chairman.

Prior to 1861 and from 1870–1874, Darjeeling District was a "Non-Regulated Area" (where acts and regulations of the British Raj did not automatically apply in the district in line with rest of the country, unless specifically extended). From 1862 to 1870, it was considered a "Regulated Area". The term "Non-Regulated Area" was changed to "Scheduled District" in 1874 and again to "Back Ward Tracts" in 1919. The status was known as "Partially Excluded Area" from 1935 until the independence of India.

Tourist Destination

Darjeeling's elite residents were the British ruling class of the time, who visited Darjeeling every summer. An increasing number of well-to-do Indian residents of Kolkata (then Calcutta), affluent Maharajas of princely states, land-owning zamindars and barristers of Calcutta High Court also began visiting Darjeeling. The town continued to grow as a tourist destination, becoming known as the "Queen of the Hills". The town did not see any significant political activity during the freedom struggle of India owing to its remote location and small population. However, there was a failed assassination attempt by revolutionaries on Sir John Anderson, the Governor of Bengal in the 1930s.

Ethnic Tension

After the independence of India in 1947, Darjeeling was merged with the state of West Bengal. A separate district of Darjeeling was established consisting of the hilly towns of Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and the Terai areas of Siliguri. When the People's Liberation Army annexed Tibet in 1950, thousands of Tibetan refugees settled across Darjeeling district.

The population of Darjeeling rose by leaps and bounds. The colonial town of Darjeeling was designed for a population of only 10,000. The population spurt has made the town more prone to the environmental problems in the recent decades as the region is geologically relatively new. The rise in tourism also affected the ecological balance of the area.

A diverse ethnic population gave rise to socio-economic tensions, and the demand for the creation of the separate states of Gorkhaland and Kamtapur along ethnic lines grew popular in the 1980s. The issues came to a head after a 40-day strike called by the Gorkha National Liberation Front, during which violence gripped Darjeeling. Political tensions largely declined with the establishment of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council under the chairmanship of Subhash Ghisingh. The DGHC was given semi-autonomous powers to govern the district. The issue of a separate state still lingers on with a new political party Gorkha Janmukti Morcha demanding for the state of Gorkhaland. The new party accepted the GTA (Gorkha Territorial Administration) after certain years from both the center and the state Government of India which it believes that the demarcation of land including the Tarai and Doors with three subdivision Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong are to be formed which could lead to the formation of Gorkhaland. But the issue of a separate state still lingers. (Wikipedia)

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   Oct 26-Nov 1,  2013    

Bengal and Darjeeling are inseparable: Mamata

“There should be peace and development, not bandhs and strikes"

Darjeeling, Oct 25: In a strong message to the GJM, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee yesterday said that West Bengal and Darjeeling were inseparable.

"Darjeeling is the heart of Bengal. I am not against anyone. I am with the people of the hills. It is the motherland. Bengal cannot stay without you, nor can you stay without us," Banerjee told the first rally in the hills of the ruling Trinamool Congress at the Mall here.

Without naming the GJM which has recently backtracked from its politics of shutdowns and violence to demand Gorkhaland, the Banerjee said her government would not allow disruption of normal life in the name of bandhs which, hindered peace and development, PTI reported.

"My government's policy is that there should be no bandhs and strikes," the Chief Minister said pointing out that there was also a court order against it.

"If there are only bandhs, how can development take place? If Kanchenjunga smiles I feel great. But if Kanchenjunga cries, then I feel pain," Banerjee said.

Stating that students lost a year if the educational institutions in Darjeeling remained closed for a month, she said "I want peace, progress and development in Darjeeling.

"Let us live together. Let us forget quarrels and let us work together for the development of Darjeeling," Banerjee appealed.

"If there is peace tourists will come and the tourism industry will get a boost and there will be creation of jobs."

Urging the hill people to make Darjeeling more beautiful than Switzerland, she sought the support of the Gorkha Territorial Administration, the hill council.

"Whatever is built, don't destroy," she said.

At a programme of Lepcha Development Board in Kurseong on Wednesday, Banerjee announced a package of Rs 2 lakh for 1,000 Lepcha women who do not have houses. She handed over cheques of Rs 1 lakh to 1,000 Lepcha women as the first instalment.

Giving an account of development works of her government, Banerjee said the budgetary allocation has been increased for Darjeeling with emphasis on upgrading of roads, power and infrastructure.

She said her government has sanctioned Rs 103 crore for developing power and Rs 29 crore for national highways. Banerjee further said that a 300MW hydel power project has also been sanctioned in the hills.

She said 35 new schools have been set up in last two years. Two new colleges would come up with one at Pedong already announced.

Golay for Sikkimese unity, against division of Nepalese

(Left) SDF leader Devi Prasad Kharel and his supporters join PS Golay’s Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.

Gangtok, Oct 25: Realising that the tribals of the State, including the indigenous Bhutia-Lepchas, are leaning towards him, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) chief Prem Singh Golay, blamed Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) President Pawan Kumar Chamling of creating his vote-bank by dividing the Nepalese community in the State to come to power in 1994.

Circulation of a CD by Nepal’s writer-politician Gopal Gurung close to Chamling during the SKM’s public meeting here on October 6 and reading of a letter written by Chamling to Gurung on racial divide among the Nepalese, Golay sought to wean away the upper-caste Bahun-Chettris (BC) towards the SKM. Referring to the letter, Golay said his objective was to heal the wounds and preserve Sikkimese unity and identity. “Bhutias, Lepchas, Nepalese and purano byaparies must live together in peace and harmony,” Golay said during the meeting.

Ever since the historic meet, a large section of the people, particularly the Bahun-Chettris, have joined the SKM.

SDF adviser Devi Prasad Kharel and nearly 400 of his supporters, mainly Bahun-Chettris, have joined SKM. A large section of this community have left the NB Bhandari-led Sikkim Sangram Parishad and SDF and joined Golay.

“Bhandari should have sided with Golay and not revived SSP. It will only help Chamling, not Golay,” said an influential member of the upper-caste community from east district.

Repeal of old laws betrayal of SDF govt: SKM, BJP

    Jacob Khaling

Gangtok, Oct 25: Political parties and social organizations in the State have vehemently opposed the State Government and Centre’s bid to do away with Sikkim’s old laws protected by Article 371F of the Constitution.

Reacting to the recent enactment of Companies Bill 2013 in the Parliament, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has alleged that the Chamling Government has betrayed the Sikkimese people and failed to preserve their rights and interests guaranteed under Article 371F.

SKM leader Jacob Khaling alleged that the State Government had consented to repeal of old laws under Companies (Sikkim) Act of 1961.

(Left) Sonam Lama Kaloen

Padam Chettri, BJP State unit President also alleged repeal of old laws was an act of betrayal on the part of the Chamling Government and its two MPs.

The Companies Bill 2013 became an Act after the President, Pranab Mukherjee’s endorsement on August 29, 2013.

The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) President, Sonam Lama Kaloen, has demanded the immediate resignation of Sikkim’s MPs, PD Rai and Hissey Lachungpa.

   While rejecting the “design and act of the Indian Government,” Kaoen also condemned  Chamling’s “reluctant approach and attitude in preserving Sikkim’s ever-facing unique identity.”

Padam Chettri

   The “State government’s recent cowardice act to enforce AADHAR card, etc followed by the repealing of Sikkim’s old laws (Companies Act) has already revealed the hidden agenda of the policy makers that ultimately aims to do away with Article 371 F of the Indian Constitution vis-à-vis Sikkim’s distinct identity within the Union.  We call upon authorities in Sikkim to get wary of such low-graded politics at the stake of our very identity and posterity,” stated Sonam Tashi Bhutia, President, Save Kabi Longtsok Committee, in a press statement.

SKM ropes in SDF’s Chumkee Saring

Gangtok, Oct 25: After roping in renowned social activist Dawa Lepcha of Dzongu, the Sikkim Krantikati Morcha (SKM)’s next prized catch in the Bhutia-Lepcha tribal-dominated district of North Sikkim is Chumkee Saring, a former North District President of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) and ex-chairperson of the Chamling Government.

Chumkee Saring is not only the sister-in-law of former Rajya Sabha MP and senior Congress leader Leonard Solomon Saring, an influential Lepcha leader, she is also the youngest sister of former MLA, Late Tenzing Dahdul of the politically-conscious Tholung family. One of Saring’s brothers, Sonam Dorjee, is also an ex-MLA and belong to the ruling party.

(Left) Chumkee Saring at SKM party office in Tadong, Gangtok, recently.

Saring’s joining the SKM was announced during SKM’s grand public meeting at the Paljor Stadium on October 6. She subsequently joined the party at its meeting held here at the central head office in upper Tadong.

Based in Mangan, headquarters of North Sikkim, Saring has family connections in Dzongu and Lachen, North Sikkim. Her late father Tholung Pipon, an influential person in the State, is closely related to late Cho Ledon, Pipon of Lachen. She, therefore, is well-connected to Lepchas and Bhutias of North Sikkim and her presence in SKM would mean a lot for the party, which is trying its best to woo the tribal community.

NE regional parties form common platform, to participate in ‘third front’ meet

New Delhi, Oct 25: Just two days after the formation of the North East Regional Political Front (NERPF) in Guwahati ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, another forum, an anti-communal formation is on the anvil with several regional political parties and Left, joining forces to fight the communal menace.

A national ‘Convention Against Communalism and For Unity of People’ would be held here in New Delhi on October 30 where at least five chief ministers-- Nitish Kumar from Bihar (JD-U), Akhilesh Yadav from Uttar Pradesh (SP), Neiphiu Rio from Nagaland (Nagaland People’s Front), Pawan Kumar Chamling from Sikkim (SDF) and Manik Sarkar from Tripura (CPI-M) are likely to attend the meet.

Four Left parties have united with AIADMK, JD (U), SP, BJD, NCP, JD (S), NPF, SDF, Jharkhand Vikas Morcha and RPI (Prakash Ambedkar) to participate in the October 30 ‘Convention Against Communalism and For Unity of People’, JD (U) chief Sharad Yadav and CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury told a news agency here.

Accusing the RSS-BJP of “sharpening communal divide” ahead of elections, Yechury said, “This cannot be allowed and that is our primary objective,” he said.

Yadav said they would make an effort to bring together all non-BJP and non-Congress parties, who are against price rise and corruption of the present government and communalism. Yechury said the main objective was to “safeguard our secular and democratic foundations which are undergoing strain at this moment.”

Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa on Tuesday wrote a letter to Yechury expressing her inability to attend the gathering, but said she had deputed AIADMK parliamentary party leader M. Thambidurai to attend and address the meeting. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik may also not attend the meet but depute a senior BJD leader.

Although Nitish  Kumar and other leaders of this grouping have ruled out a third front ahead of the 2014 general elections, the convention is being seen as a show of numbers currently positioned against the Congress-led ruling coalition and the BJP-led opposition alliance.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, 10 regional political parties of the Northeast formed the North East Regional Political Front with Nagaland chief minister and senior leader of the Naga People’s Front, Neiphiu Rio as the Convenor and Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) President Prafulla Kumar Mahanta as the Chief Advisor.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and former Mizoram CM Joram Thanga and former Meghalaya CM Donkoper Roy are advisers of the Front.

The Front will include all major regional parties—AGP, Nagaland People's Front (NPF), Mizo National Front (MNF), Sikkim Democratic Front, Manipur State Congress Party (MSCP) and several other parties from Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura.

In a show of solidarity, Akali Dal leader and former chief minister of Punjab Surjit Singh Barnala attended the meeting of the NERPF on Sunday. Telugu Desam Party chief Chandra Babu Naidu is also likely to visit Guwahati to attend an AGP meeting.

The timing of formation of the regional alliance is significant with the Lok Sabha election coming up in a few months, especially considering that the northeastern states together have a strength of 25 MPs in the lower house.

Editorial

BREAKTHROUGH FOR GOLAY

Live Up To Expectations

PS Golay seems to be on the right track when he declared before a packed crowd of about 30,000 supporters of his Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in the State capital recently that his main goal was to restore Sikkimese unity and preserve the distinct identity of bonafide Sikkimese within the framework of the Constitution of India. But the SKM leader must note that his former mentor Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, too, promised the same thing when he rebelled against his predecessor NB Bhandari in mid-1990s. One of the main reasons for people supporting Golay is that they feel let down by Chamling and want to take their revenge against him through Golay. Many Sikkimese now do not have high expectations from politicians as they have been betrayed time and again. In that respect Golay’s work becomes much easier.

However, he has the added burden of being the last leader from the Nepalese community to reverse the situation and save Sikkim from being extinguished forever. It has been said that while LD Kazi, Sikkim’s first chief minister, ‘sold Sikkim’, Bhandari ‘registered’ it and Chamling has now ‘destroyed’ Sikkim completely. Golay’s main test of his integrity and commitment for the Sikkimese cause would be reflected in the team he forms and candidates he chooses for the coming Assembly polls. People’s hopes for Sikkim’s future are now on credible, committed and competent people. Unfortunately, there aren’t many people who would fit the bill as most Sikkimese, including their so-called leaders, are a bunch of opportunists.

Taktse Nyingma Institute celebrates silver jubilee

    Nyingma Institute, Taktse, Gangtok.

Gangtok, Oct 25: The Nyingma Institute at Taktse in Gangtok, founded by the 13^th Chogyal of Sikkim, Wangchuk Namgyal, and His Eminence Khenchen Ringzin Dorje Rinpoche on Friday celebrated its silver jubilee.

Chhams (mask ritual dances by lamas), cultural shows, prayers and pujas were part of the three-day celebrations.

Former Minister RB Subba and Sangha MLA PT Lama were special guests for the occasion.

Founded in 1988 on the initiative of the Chogyal and Khenchen Ringzin Dorje Rinpoche, the institute’s 350 lamas are mostly of Sikkimese origin. According to Khenpo Rigjin Chojor Lama, Principal of the Institute, the institute has  produced  5 Sikkimese Khenpos, 25 Acharyas, 15 Tshampos, and another 150 Sikkimese students.

   It may be noted that Sikkim, a former Buddhist Kingdom ruled by the Chogyals since 1642, basically caters to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism although the State has numerous monasteries and Buddhist institutes catering to Kargyu, Sakya, Geluk and Bon sects.

The present institute was originally founded in Nepal by Rigzin Dorje Rinpoche and was later established in Sikkim under the guidance and patronage of the Chogyal, whose sphere of activities is confined to religious work.

Khenchen Ringzin Dorje Rinpoche

With 20 years of pioneering commitment to its field, the Nyingma Institute, Taktse is a centre for providing quality education in Higher Buddhist Studies and Philosophy. The course includes Philosophy, Literature, Metaphysics, Logic, Tantric Studies, Ritual Prayers, Meditation Practices and English, and is dedicated to providing a wholesome education. Its education system encompasses the whole spectrum of education right up to the research level.

 A nine year-course is equivalent to an M.A. in secular studies. After completing the nine year-course on these diverse subjects, students will receive an M.A in Philosophy. To obtain a PhD students may elect to complete three more years of research. After this, conferral of the highest degree of Khenpo will be bestowed to candidates with outstanding personal qualities and teaching ability. While this monastic college offers courses according to the Nyingma tradition, it resembles the ancient monastic University of Nalanda. Monks have to master several religious texts before they graduate.

Since it is a renowned study centre and produces scholars and teachers of high calibre, Nyingma Institute, Taktse attracts hundreds of students from the South-East Asian region (from countries such as Taiwan, Burma, India, Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet), and also from Europe. The renowned philosopher and Prime Minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Samdong Rinpoche, told his western audiences: "Nyingma has two expert institutes for higher Buddhist Studies: one in South India and one in Gangtok, Sikkim, which are both highly regarded."

Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal

Through the noble guidance and prophecy of Root Guru Kyabje Jadral Rinpoche, who also bestowed the name Ngagyur Tholop Thekgue Lekshei Ling, the Institute was shifted to Sikkim in 1996.

Chogyal Wangchuk Namgyal invited and sponsored the establishment of the Nyingma Institute in Taktse with the goal of preserving and disseminating the holy Dharma in general, and particularly for the benefit of the people of Sikkim. During the last several years many scholars from Sikkim have graduated from this institute. It is because the monks from this institute cater to the various spiritual needs of the people that the institute has received much praise and admiration.

Australian runs for Sikkim’s environmental protection

Gangtok, Oct 25: An Australian from Melbourne, Kim Shore, recently ran a half marathon in the State to raise money and awareness of environmental protection internationally.

 On 11 October 2013 Kim ran a course of 21.1kms between Rumtek and Sang, East Sikkim. The purpose of his run is to raise money for the Environment Defenders Office, a community environmental law centre (advice and litigation) in Melbourne.

 Shore chose Sikkim to inspire people in Australia by the ecological diversity and environmental heritage in Sikkim.  He hopes to eventually create an international event in Rumtek, raising money and awareness for local environmental protection in Sikkim and Australia.

Kim has historical links in Sikkim through his father, Lama Chime, who has been a friend of Sikkim for over 40 years.  Lama Chime has a long-standing relationship between Dharma teachings in India and Australia. 

Kim was visiting Sikkim with his father at a time when he ordinarily would be running in an event called “Run for the Environment” in Melbourne.  The solution: make “Run for the Environment” go global to Sikkim.   The event has been successful, fundraising (so far) over $500 Australian dollars. 

This event, says Kim, could become an annual event to enable international fundraising efforts for environmental protection and awareness in Sikkim.  Environmental degradation and the rapid onset of climate change require global efforts at the local and international level. 

 With collective will and opportunity, this small event could initiate an annual marathon event in which Indians and Australians would run together with the object of putting the integrity and health of the environment at the forefront of our conscience, says Kim.  

Nepal’s indigenous people demand federal system

Kathmandu, Ocvt 25: Passang Sherpa, former President of Nepal Indigeneous People's Federation, wants greater role of Nepal’s indigenous people in framing the country’s new constitution.

Sherpa has urged Nepal’s political leadership to respect the rights of the indigenous people, including the demand for ‘identity based federal system’. In his letter to the Federation, Sherpa said the indigenous people of Nepal must be prepared to launch  a “massive protest” before the November parliamentary polls to press for their demand.

   Sherpa sees a “conspiracy” in the present polls process in the former Hindu kingdom. He says that there is a “possibility that the second constituent assembly will have majority of members  who stood against the rights of the indegenous people.”

One of Sherpa’s main demands is: “The new assembly must guarantee that during the constitution making process in the assembly, when it comes to the concerned subjects, the members of the indigenous people in the assembly will not be bound by the whips issued by their respective parties. Assembly must guarantee  every member the rights to decide independently about ones own community without being subjected to fear, threat and greed.”

Sherpa also wants the new assembly to “form the caucus of the indigenous people and the said caucus must be recognised by the parliament as its branch.”

Gorkha homeland: the bigger picture

By Jigme N. Kazi

If the present statehood agitation in Darjeeling fails to satisfy the Indian Gorkhas, then a section of Gorkha leaders in North Bengal and Sikkim may go ahead with their demand for merger of Darjeeling with Sikkim.

   The population of the former Kingdom of Sikkim, ruled by the Chogyals (King) since 1642, consists mainly of the Nepalese/Gorkha community. The indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha tribals of Sikkim are less than 25 per cent of the State’s six lac odd population.

Bimal Gurung

Over the years, Nepali leaders in Sikkim have been consistently demanding greater economic and political role for the Nepalese in the State. This is perhaps the main reason why after the merger with the Indian Union in 1975 no member of the minority Bhutia-Lepcha community has been elected as chief minister. Former chief minister, late Lhendup Dorji Kazi, who hails from the Lepcha community, became chief minister just before the merger after a controversial poll in early 1974.

   A substantial section of Sikkim’s Nepalese populace, belonging to Darjeeling, settled in Sikkim during the merger period when many Nepalese were inducted in the State administration. While they are now permanent residents of Sikkim they have emotional and family ties with the Gorkhas of Darjeeling hills.

   Though the Nepalese in Sikkim, who are legally referred to as ‘Sikkimese Nepalese’, have the uppeBimal Gurung r hand in the affairs of the State, the Centre is reluctant in safeguarding the distinct identity of this community. For instance, five years after the merger the reserved Assembly seats of Sikkimese Nepalese in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, which reflected their distinct status, were abolished in 1979.

   Despite the demand for restoration of these seats by political and social organizations in the past three and half decades New Delhi has remained adamant. Unfortunately, Nepalese political leadership in Sikkim, too, have not taken the matter seriously. It has voiced its concern on the seat issue only during elections to create its vote-bank in order to come to power.

Pawan Chamling

   In the past, some Gorkha leaders from Darjeeling have been demanding merger of Darjeeling with Sikkim. The basis of their demand lies on the fact that Darjeeling, including a vast tract of plains area in North Bengal, belonged to Sikkim before it was ‘gifted’ to the East India Company in 1835.

    Darjeeling’s former Gorkha Rashtriya Congress (GRC) President, late D K Bomzong, pointed out:  “We are not demanding a new state. We merely want Darjeeling’s reunification with Sikkim.” Bomzong says the new state, after the reunification, need not be called “Gorkhaland” as demanded by the Gorkhas. Bomzong was aware that non-Gorkhas like Bhutias and Lepchas may not support the merger demand if the new state is called “Gorkhaland”.

   The GRC has now opted out from the Gorkha Joint Action Committee (GJAC), which is spearheading the movement for Gorkhaland, stating that its main demand is Darjeeling’s reunification with Sikkim and not creation of a new state. GRC President Nima Lama said: “We had joined the GJAC and attended its meetings. But finally we realised this is a wrong platform for us because our demand is not Gorkhaland. We have been fighting for unification of Darjeeling Hills with Sikkim.” Lama pointed out that a memorandum to this effect has been submitted to Rahul Gandhi recently by his party.

   However, the Kalimpong-based Sikkim National Front (SNF) President, R. Moktan, who had earlier proposed creation of ‘Sikkim and Darjeeling’ State, now feels that merger of Darjeeling with Sikkim will not satisfy the Gorkha community as their main demand is ‘Gorkhaland’. Moktan had earlier stated, “If we can have Jammu & Kashmir State, why can’t we have Sikkim & Darjeeling State?”

   Many other Gorkha leaders believe that if the Gorkhaland statehood demand fails to evoke the right response from the concerned authorities the call for Darjeeling-Sikkim merger would intensify and will be welcomed by Darjeeling Gorkhas as this would be the only alternative to creation of a state exclusively for Indian Gorkhas.

   “The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha should try to convince other leaders in the country that it is not asking for Bengal’s division as Darjeeling was never part of West Bengal,” Moktan had said. Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung is now saying he is not asking for division of Bengal as Darjeeling was never a part of Bengal but once belonged to Sikkim.

Subash Ghising

   Pro-merger Gorkha leaders in Darjeeling hope that Sikkimese Nepalese will slowly and surely come under the bigger Gorkha umbrella when they find that their struggle for their distinct identity under Article 371F (meant for Sikkim) leads them nowhere. The growing non-Nepalese influx of plainspeople in Sikkim and Darjeeling will gradually prompt the hill people to seek merger of the two regions, political analysts say.

   So far, only personal and monetary benefits have kept Sikkimese Nepalese leaders from directly demanding Darjeeling’s merger with Sikkim. They have, however, not failed in backing the demand for creation of Gorkhaland in North Bengal. However, monetary benefits are likely to be set aside when emotional and ethnic bonds decide political events when mass consciousness is stirred.

    In his book, The Sikkim Saga (published 1983), former Chief Executive of Sikkim, B S Das, who was “all in all” during Sikkim’s takeover in the ’70s, wrote about the present political situation in the hills: “The highly articulate and politicized Nepalese leadership of Darjeeling has an eye on Sikkim. There is already a considerable Nepalese migration into Sikkim with the increased economic opportunities available there. The Gorkha League of Darjeeling demanding a Gorkhaland considers an enlarged State of Sikkim with Darjeeling as its part, a viable and attractive proposition.”

    Das then goes on to add: “If the leadership of Sikkimese Nepalese passes on to the Gorkha League, such a demand could well be expected. The historical fact of Darjeeling having once been part of Sikkim will be used as an additional argument. If the mistake of 1947 in denying merger to Sikkim with India could be corrected in 1975, why could Darjeeling not be restored back to Sikkim thus fulfilling the aspirations of a homeland for the Nepalese?”

NB Bhandari

   However, most political parties in Sikkim have vehemently opposed Darjeeling-Sikkim merger demand. Two former chief ministers of Sikkim – Nar Bahadur Bhandari and Bhim Bahadur Gooroong – have categorically stated that while they support the demand for Gorkhaland they are against the merger. “We have been merged; we don’t want to be submerged,” is their stand on the merger issue.

   In the last week of August GJM chief Bimal Gurung said his party would now stop demanding Gorkhaland and would demand for ‘something else’ at the appropriate time.    

   Political observers feel Gurung’s reference to ‘something else’ could mean Union Territory status or merger with Sikkim. (Talk Sikkim)

GOLAY’S PARIVARTAN  SHOWDOWN DAZZLES PEOPLE, RATTLES CHAMLING

“I will not let you down”

Disillusioned by performance of Sikkim’s political leadership and betrayed by the ruling elite in the past four decades, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) leader PS Golay’s promise at the Paljor Stadium, Gangtok, on October 6 – “I will not let you down” – went down well with the people. Expectedly, the rebel leader received a thunderous applause from the 30,000 gathered at the stadium for this statement.

More than anything the overwhelming number and the manner in which people from all over Sikkim turned up to hear Golay – his first major public appearance for SKM – had an electrifying effect on the Sikkimese psyche. Fear, a key factor to keep people in chains, had been conquered on that day. And this was a major victory for the SKM, formed only on February 4, 2013.

 In the numbers game both Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and former chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari must have noted that they have been defeated by the 43-year-old SKM upstart. And those moving towards Goaly since the October 6 showdown are rapidly increasing by the day.

SKM leaders – Jacob Khaling, Bhojraj Rai, PT Gyamtso, PT Lepcha and Bharati Sharma – did a fine job in keeping the heat alive before Golay called on the people for change, for Sikkimese unity to oust Chamling, and to preserve Sikkim’s peace, harmony and distinct identity.

The Sikkimese people are more than convinced that others before Golay have betrayed the people…but “I will not let you down,” promised the rebel leader, who is now busy touring the State and meeting people before his final assault on Fort Chamling.

It’s a tough call for Golay considering that Chamling is now well positioned after nearly 20 years in power. But if Golay is able to unite all sections of the people and choose credible leaders and candidates to represent the people in the Assembly and out of it he could lead the people to victory and perhaps save Sikkim for our children, grandchildren and future generations.

Annual Sports Day at Tashi Namgyal Academy

The three-day annual Sports Day at Tashi Namgyal Academy, held on October 8-10, was a colourful event with students taking active part in various activities. Witnessed by parents and the local people the performance of the school parade, which involved all the four Houses of the school, was quite impressive.

Excited parents thronged the venue, the school playground, during junior school events, which included potato and sack races.

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.