SIKKIM OBSERVER Page 1 Saturday June 21, 2014

Karmapa saddened by demise of Shamar Rinpoche

“My aspirations are yet to be fulfilled”

Karmapa with Shamar Rinpoche

Dharamshala. June 20: The 17th Gyalwa Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorjee, has condoled the demise of the 14th Shamar Rinpoche, Mipham Chokyi Lodro, a senior religious leader of Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

 “I have had an unshakable faith and respect towards Rinpoche from the time I was young," Karmapa  said in a statement issued on 12 June, 2014.

"I had the good fortune of meeting Rinpoche once, with the hope of benefiting the Buddha dharma in general and the lineage in particular, and with the expectation that I may be able to offer some service towards his Dharma activities," he said, adding: "Unfortunately, my aspirations have not, as yet, been fulfilled," The Tibet Post International reported.

Karmapa  said that Sharmapa Rinpoche's "sudden passing away is a matter of great sadness."

He urged his followers to offer prayers: "As soon as I came to know of this hard to believe news, I instructed Rumtek Monastery, (the main seat of our lineage) and other monasteries to make offerings and perform pujas as grand as possible for 49 days. As Rinpoche had taken rest from the degenerate age of strife into the expanse of peace for a while."

"I live with great hope and strong aspirations that Shamar Rinpoche’s reincarnation will embody the life stories of his predecessors, and that good fortune and harmony within the lineage will arise soon," the statement said.

Shamar Rinpoche passed away in Germany on June 11. He was one of the three remaining Regents of Rumtek monastery in Sikkim.

Why Modi's first foreign visit sends a signal to China

New Delhi, June 20: China has been attempting to gain strategic leverage over India by deepening ties with Bhutan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kept this in mind when he visited Bhutan this week.

Modi’s decision to make Bhutan the destination of his first official foreign visit is a further indication that his new government has made revitalising neighbourhood ties a priority, according to Monika Chansoria, a Senior Fellow and Head of the China-study Programme at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, New Delhi.

Bhutan’s geographical position makes it a key strategic asset, being landlocked between China’s Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh to the west and south. Though Bhutan and China do not have established official diplomatic ties, they do maintain political and people-to-people contacts, and a degree of economic cooperation.

Indian official circles are aware of Chinese attempts to gain strategic leverage over India by deepening ties with Bhutan, and was kept in mind during the Prime Minster’s visit.

China shares a 470-km border with Bhutan to the north and has held 21 rounds of essentially fruitless boundary talks with China to resolve the boundary dispute. In the boundary-resolution dialogues between Thimphu and Beijing, the Chinese appear particularly focused on the Doklam Plateau (measuring 270 sq. km).

The Doklam Plateau is extremely close to the vital Chumbi Valley area and the Siliguri Corridor, the lifeline that connects India’s Northeast to the rest of the country. By making this plateau a key strategic pivot in the India-Bhutan-China equation, Beijing is working towards expanding its strategic advantage in the Chumbi Valley as well as closing in on access to the Siliguri Corridor, which lies 500 km from the Chumbi Valley.

This is why the recent announcement of Gautam Bambawale as India’s next Ambassador to Bhutan comes as a very interesting development. Bambawale currently serves as Joint Secretary, East Asia, in the Ministry of External Affairs, and was the lead negotiator of the India-China Border Defence Cooperation agreement, signed in October 2013 by Manmohan Singh and Chinese premier Li Keqiang. Bambawale will be adept at assessing the critical issues, especially those pertaining to boundary resolution.

Modi for strengthening of Bharat-Bhutan relations

Thimphu, June 20: Making Bhutan his first foreign destination, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday vowed to nurture bilateral relations which he described as "B2B – Bharat to Bhutan" as he held talks with the Bhutanese King and the Premier, discussing an entire gamut of ties.

Embarking on a two-day trip here to display "special and unique" status for Bhutan in India's foreign policy, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated the Supreme Court complex built by India as part of the developmental cooperation. "The primary focus of both the meetings was the extensive development cooperation between the two countries and measures to enhance the economic ties," official sources said, PTI reported.

 Modi described the bilateral relations as "B2B relations – Bharat to Bhutan relations," the sources said on his meeting with Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay.

Modi announced doubling of scholarships being provided to Bhutanese students in India which will now be worth Rs two crore. Prime Minister Modi also promised to assist Bhutan in setting up a digital library which will provide access to Bhutanese youth to two million books and periodicals.

The fact that the Prime Minister chose Bhutan as his first foreign destination assumes significance since China has lately intensified efforts to woo it and establish full- fledged diplomatic ties with Thimphu. Modi, accompanied by External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, was accorded a grand welcome as he arrived at the Paro airport and was received by Tobgay and several of his Cabinet colleagues.

The Bhutanese government rolled out the red carpet as Modi was given a ceremonial guard of honour. The Prime Minister drove down from Paro to Thimphu, a distance of about 50 km, traversing through the picturesque mountainous ranges.

 Common people, including children, in colourful attire lined up most of the road between Paro and Thimphu, waving Indian and Bhutanese flags. Big hoardings carrying Modi's photographs also could be seen en route. Modi's meeting with the Bhutanese King lasted for nearly an hour and then he held talks with Tobgay. Modi expressed satisfaction at India being considered as a privileged partner of Bhutan and underlined that his government "would not only nurture these strong bonds but would also strengthen them."

Woman dies due to GREF, govt negligence: SKM

roads in North Sikkim has led to the death of a woman on Monday.

Gangtok, June 20: Negligence of the State Government and GREF on construction and maintenance of roads in North Sikkim has led to the death of a woman on Monday.

In his letter to Chief Secretary R. Ongmu, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) MLA from Kabi Longtsok, North Sikkim, Ugen Nedup Bhutia, has alleged that an elderly woman from Namok died on Monday because she could not get timely and emergent medical treatment.

This was mainly due to poor condition of the North Sikkim Highway and ill-equipped and poorly-staffed primary health centre at Phodong.

Despite numerous representations made to the concerned authorities road condition of the tribal-inhabited area of north district continues to suffer.

The MLA has asked for sufficient number of excavators along the highway on a permanent basis.

“It is however not understandable as to why this kind of delay in prompt maintenance or restoration of roads particularly in the North district is witnessed every time that apparently also speaks the volume of a step motherly treatment that is being meted out,” Bhutia said in the letter.

If India becomes communal, Kashmir will not remain with it: Abdullah

“Kashimir is our home, why should we go to Pakistan”

Former Union Minister and Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) candidate Farooq Abdullah addressing an election campaign rally in Budgam (J&K). (PTI Photo)

Srinagar, June 20: Former Union Minister and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah said recently that Kashmir wouldn’t be part of an India that is “communal” and that those who “vote for Modi should jump into the sea”.

“India can’t be communal,” Farooq said addressing a rally in Srinagar’s Khanyar neighbourhood. “If India becomes communal, Kashmir will not remain with India. It will not remain.” The people of Kashmir will not accept communalism at any cost, he said.

Referring to statements by BJP Bihar leader Giriraj Singh and VHP leader Pravin Togadia, Farooq said: “And then they say those who don’t vote for (Narendra) Modi should go to Pakistan. (I say) those who vote for Modi should jump into the sea… Why should we go? This is our home. We are its owners,” PTI reported.

Earlier, NC leader and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said that he would prefer going to Pakistan than to stop criticising Modi.

In Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at Farooq Abdullah over his remarks, saying India does not need a certificate from him to become secular.

“Neither the country nor Jammu and Kashmir need a certificate from Farooq Abdullah to become secular. The actual matter of worry is the corrupt government run in Jammu and Kashmir by Abdullah and his son (Omar),” BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said.

Sikkim grateful to former CJI on Assembly seat issue

Make Sikkim a happy place: Justice Venkatachaliah

Former Supreme Court of India Chief Justice, Justice MN Venkatachaliah, with Jigme N. Kazi in Bangalore on April 25, 2014.

Bangalore, June 20: Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India, Justice MN Venkatachaliah, who in 1993 gave a historic verdict upholding Sikkim Legislative Assembly reservation of 12 seats for the Bhutia-Lepchas and 1 for the Sangha, representing Buddhist monasteries in the former Buddhist kingdom of Sikkim, wants the people of Sikkim to be happy.

“Make Sikkim a happy place. People there deserve to be happy,” the former CJI told Jigme N Kazi, author and journalist, who called on him at his residence here recently.

Kazi, who has been made President of Sikkim unit of the All India Patriotic Forum (AIPF), was accompanied by Forum President Maj. Gen (Retd.) MK Paul.

Justice Venkatachaliah is the Patron-in-Chief of the Forum. Other prominent members of the Forum include Gen. (Retd.) SF Rodrigues, Lt. Gen (Retd.) and former Governor of Assam and JK SK Sinha, former Judge of Supreme Court Santosh Hegde and former Chief Secretary of Sikkim KS Rao.

Kazi has also been made a member of the 11-member National Advisory Council of the Forum. Sonam Dorjee, a senior teacher of Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, has also been appointed Secretary and Treasurer of the Forum’s Sikkim unit.

While thanking Justice Venkatachaliah for the Supreme Court’s historic verdict in the Assembly seat case, Kazi also presented his books – Inside Sikim: Against the Tide and The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland – to the former CJI.

Inside Sikkim, while making references to Justice Venkatachaliah’s verdict on the seat case, gives a thorough background on the whole issue.

In his order, Justice Venkatachaliah, while upholding Assembly seat reservation of the indigenous Bhutia-Lepchas and Sangha under Article 371F of the Constitution, observed: “The inequalities in representation in the present case are an inheritance and compulsion from the past. Historical considerations have justified a differential treatment.”

These words made all the difference to the struggle for preservation of Sikkim’s distinct identity within the Union.

Editorial

SPECIAL  STATUS

An Article Of Faith

    Union Minister and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah needs to be applauded for his bold stand by those who defend the ‘special status’ provided by the Constitution to several states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Northeast and Sikkim.  Abdullah’s recent warning that Kashmir will not be a part of India if the Modi-led BJP government pursues its Hindutva agenda and goes ‘communal’. Much the same sentiments will be echoed in the Northeastern states of the country, including Sikkim, if New Delhi is bent on erasing the distinct identity and concessions provided to the peoples of the frontier regions during their ‘merger’ with the Indian Union.

    The BJP manifesto states that the party is committed to abrogating Article 370. If the BJP rakes up the controversial issue to strengthen its hold among the subcontinent’s Hindu populace there is likely to be a major political uncertainty in most border states of the country which feel uncomfortable with the way New Delhi has been handling their affairs. An editorial in Greater Kashmir newspaper recently stated: “The Article (Art 370) has actually served as a bridge to facilitate J&K’s accession with India. Its abrogation would be tantamount to burning this bridge.” JK’s main opposition party, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has said that Article 370 cannot be abrogated without bringing into question the fundamentals of that relationship. While terming Article 370 as “an article of faith”, the PDP said Article 370 is non-negotiable and irrevocable.

      It may be recalled that the Supreme Court of India during the hearing of a controversial case to abrogate Article 371F (Sikkim) in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly seat reservation issue in early 1984 observed that if Article 371F is abrogated Sikkim will not remain a part of India. It may not be an overstatement to state that if New Delhi continues to dilute the special provisions meant for JK and Northeastern states, including Sikkim, the people of the region may soon lose faith in India and decide not to be a part of it.

"Rise oh fallen fighters, rise and take your stance again!"

                                                                                       BOB MARLEY

                                                                                          Since1986

                                     Sikkim OBSERVER

                                                              The VOICE OF SIKKIM

MAY 8th, 1973: Historic Day for Sikkim

Gradual dilution of Sikkim’s distinct identity

In this picture I’m with three historic personalities of Sikkim politics: Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa (centre), the first Chief Minister of Sikkim (1974-1979), Krishna Chandra Pradhan (on Kazi’s right), and Bhim Bahadur Gurung (on Kazi’s left). The three were signatories to the historic May 8, 1973 Tripartite Agreement. This pact was signed between the Government of India, Chogyal of Sikkim and leaders of three major political parties in Sikkim. Former Gangtok MLA and Mayor Balchand Sarda is on the extreme left in the picture.

While LD Kazi represented the Sikkim National Congress in the historic Agreement, KC Pradhan and BB Gurung belonged to the Sikkim Janata Congress. The Late Netuk Tsering represented the Sikkim National Party.

The Agreement while curtailing the Chogyal’s power gave more political rights to the majority Sikkimese Nepalese. It also brought Sikkim closer to India.

The May 8, 1973 Agreement gradually paved way for Sikkim’s absorption into the Indian Union in April-May 1975. Article 371F of the Constitution of India, which provides special status to Sikkim, is based on the May 8^th Agreement.

Viewed from the historical perspective, the 1890 Convention signed between Great Britain and China and the Indo-Sikkim Treaty of  1950 paved way for the May 8^th 1973 Tripartite Agreement. Under the 1890 Convention Sikkim was made a British Protectorate. The Protectorate status continued after India’s Independence under the 1950 Treaty.

After the Indian takeover of Sikkim in 1975 Article 371F of the Constitution defined Sikkim’s status within the Indian Union.

The dilution of Sikkim’s special place within India has been a source of constant political tension in the former kingdom after the ‘merger’ in 1975. If the tension continues it may eventually lead to political uncertainty in this strategic and sensitive border region.

SIKKIM OBSERVER April 9-12, 2014

Read, re-read and read again: jigmkazi@gmail.com, jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

Those who love Sikkim will vote for SKM: Golay

“Throw out corrupt and dictatorial regime”

Gangtok, April 8: In his final message to the people of Sikkim PS Golay, President of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), has urged the people to save Sikkim from the corrupt and dictatorial regime of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and vote his party to power on April 12.

Addressing a meeting at Rongli, east district, this week Golay said, "People who love Sikkim will vote for SKM on April 12 and throw out this corrupt and dictatorial regime."

SKM, formed about a year back with its call for parivartan (change), has captured the imagination of the people, many of whom see a wave in favour of the party. Significantly, people from all over the State, particularly youngsters, have been actively engaged in the poll campaign this time as never before.

To crown its efforts to root out communalism, casteism and corruption and to usher in a new era of real development and real democracy, two former chief ministers, NB Bhandari and BB Gooroong, have backed SKM. Bhandari is expected to address SKM’s last big public meeting before the polls at Rongpo, east district, tomorrow.

To ensure that most Sikkimese vote for SKM, 8 minority Bhutia-Lepcha organizations, including the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), representing their communities have sided with Goley and have urged all to vote for SKM. As votes of majority Nepalese get split between the two contending Nepali leaders, Chamling and Golay, votes of the minorities and the business community are crucial

There is excitement in the air as the people see a huge opportunity, after 20 long years, to form their own government and save Sikkim for future generations after Saturday’s elections.

Bhandari backs SKM, to campaign for Parivartan

Gangtok, April 8: Former three-term chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who earlier appealed for opposition unity in the State and later announced his retirement from ‘active politics,’  has backed the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s demand for change in the former kingdom, which has been ruled by Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front President  Pawan Chamling for two decades since 1994.

Bhandari has also agreed to campaign for SKM to ensure that change comes to Sikkim. Bhandari, who began his term as chief minister in 1979 and later  led the Congress party in the State for ten years in the opposition (2003-2013), also indicated that he would act as a ‘watchdog’ in State politics after the ensuing polls, slated for April 12.

“The people of Sikkim want change and our support for SKM is based on people’s wishes. We are also happy with the pro-Sikkimese manifesto of SKM. The SDF manifesto is nothing but a repetition of failed promises made in 2009 elections. SDF is fooling people with its manifesto,” he said.

"Seeing the wave in favour of change, I decided to leave the field clear. SKM is sure to win minimum 22 seats. It is certain to form the government this time. It is a party of youth, led by a young leader. Golay is my 'meet bhai'. I wish him well. I ask all my workers, supporters and well-wishers to vote for SKM and allow the younger generation to shape a new Sikkim."

During a press conference held here this week, Bhandari said, “We will support SKM because it is time that this 20 year long corrupt and casteist government should go”.

Responding to Bhandari’s timely gesture, SKM President PS Golay said, "Sikkim will not forget Bhandari's sacrifice. His support will be remembered as a milestone in our journey towards change."

Bhandari is expected to address SKM’s last big public meeting before the polls in Rongpo, east district,  tomorrow (Apr 9).

Reacting to the new situation, SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal said, “Bhandari's extending support to the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha has no relevance in this election. He has lost credibility and even failed to field a single candidate from his party. His support to any SKM candidate will not affect the SDF party. He is a spent force.”

Gooroong bats for ‘change’ in Sikkim

Gangtok, April 8: In a surprise move former chief minister BB Gooroong, who is a

former political advisor to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, has lent his weight to Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s campaign for change in the State.

 “The present election is being fought bitterly and the ruling party has to accept that the youth leadership has emerged who are not going to take things lying down. There is frustration among the educated youths as the government of the day has failed to provide them gainful employment,” Gooroong said in an exclusive interview to Sikkim Express.

“The emergence of Golay as an opposition in Sikkim’s politics has given them a new hope and aspirations. What we see today is an anti-incumbency factor among the people of Sikkim. Yes, change is inevitable and the political baton should be passed on to the younger leadership,” Gooroong, also a former Executive Councillor (minister) of the Chogyal era’s Sikkim Council said.

Give me 10 more years to turn Sikkim into Singapore: Chamling

Gangtok, April 8:  “Give me 10 years more and I will make Sikkim better than Singapore. Singapore is Singapore because the Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was given 40 years to rule. We have done so much for last 20 years, if you give me another 10 years I will turn Sikkim into Singapore," Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said during his public meeting here at Syari.

“There were two classes in Sikkim, the haves and the have-nots. It was only due to the farsighted pro-poor policies of the SDF government  that all have been able to realize their cherished dreams and aspirations,” Chamling pointed out and added, “Rich people can do with any kind of government but poor people need our care. We don’t want poor to be subjugated. We will make them rich.”

    During his thinly-attended public meeting here at Thakurbari on Saturday Chamling, visibly annoyed rows of empty chairs in front of him, said ‘Facebook’ politics in the State would not be able to compete with his party’s twenty-year rule in the State.

   In another public meeting held here at Burtuk, the SDF chief turned his heat on his rival, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha President PS Golay. "This jilliganthey (meaning Golay) is Buddhist by religion however he does not follow Buddhism because his religion is that of Hitler. Inspite of his efforts this jilliganthey cannot make any difference to our party because our party will swipe all 32 seats in the upcoming polls.”

“His party will be defeated badly on April 12 and will be finished forever.”

 Aware of lack of public participation at the SDF meeting at Thakurbari,  a SDF leader is supposed to have ordered, "Go get some crowds fast. Did you see the photo Talk Sikkim posted? I don't care from where…just get it. We have to quickly post a photo too. Chitto!! Get the cyber army ready."

SIBLAC, 7 BL organizations to  campaign for SKM

Gangtok, April 8: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and seven other Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) associations have declared their support for Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM).

The minority BLs are convinced that SKM has given a better deal for Sikkim and Sikkimese, particularly for the minority tribal communities, than the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front. The promises are reflected in the party manifesto, SIBLAC chief and former minister Tseten Tashi Bhutia said during a press conference held here.

Bhutia said for the BLs the most important promise of the SKM is to abolish the Land Transfer Act of 2005, which allows companies from outside to take lands of Sikkimese, including Bhutia and Lepcha communities on lease basis.

“SKM has promised to scrap hydel power projects being constructed in holy places and has given commitment to maintain the sanctity of all holy places in Sikkim. They have also promised to focus on development in North Sikkim and stated that they will form a Dzongu Development Board,” said Bhutia.

Safeguards for old laws and protection given to Sikkim under Article 371F of the Constitution are also other reasons for giving support to the SKM.

SIBLAC chief also pointed out that BL organizations would now go to the districts to urge people to vote SKM to power.

Other BL organizations which have opted for SKM are: National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), Bhutia-Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Save Kabi-Lungstok Committee, Save Sikkim and Monks of Sikkim.

SNPP rejects ‘tribal status’ demand, raises Nepali Assembly seat issue

Gangtok, April 8: The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has rejected the demand for ‘tribal status’ for the State raised by various parties. Instead, it wants to focus on the ‘Sikkim Subject Certificate’, an identity document of bonafide Sikkimese belonging to the three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese of Sikkimese origin.

In a press statement, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari has also emphasized on Assembly seat reservation for Sikkimese Nepalese.

“No political party has talked about seat reservation for Nepali communities in the state assembly. It is a major concern for the people of Sikkim,” Adhikari said.

“All parties including SDF have promised to fully protect Article 371F. Maximum violation of Article 371 has taken under the SDF government and the party should feel ashamed to say that it will protect Article 371F. The party has now stopped even including the assurance of a Local Protection Act in its manifesto,” SNPP release said.

“In the coming elections, Sikkimese should only focus on the special constitutional provisions guaranteed to us – the Bhutia, Lepchas and Nepali. No other factor is as important. People must question the candidates how their parties can restore the violated Old Laws of Sikkim.”

“We don’t agree with the Tribal status for Sikkim that is being promised by parties. We already have the Sikkim Subject Certificate and are being given various benefits because of it so there is no need to make Sikkim a Tribal state,” the release added. (also see Sikkim Liberation Party on seat issue on page 3)

Ghising comes to Mamata’s rescue, backs Bhaichung

Bhaichung belongs to the hills: GNLF

Darjeeling, April 8: In a boost to Trinamool Congress candidate Bhaichung Bhutia's prospects for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, the GNLF on Friday announced its support for the former Indian soccer captain.

"Bhaichung belongs to the hills. We are supporting him," the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) said in statement issued on behalf of party president Subhas Ghising, The Indian Express reported.

Bhutia is engaged in a tough fight for the April 17 polls in the constituency against the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)-backed Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Surinder Singh Ahluwalia and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) candidate Saman Pathak.

   The GNLF spearheaded a violent movement in the 1980s, demanding that a separate state of Gorkhaland be carved out of the north Bengal hills, leading to the formation of the semi-autonomous development body Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in 1988.

Ghising was the chairman of the DGHC for two decades. However, he lost his influence in the hills after his trusted aide Bimal Gurung broke away from the GNLF in 2007 to form the GJM, which has now taken over the mantle of the Gorkhaland movement.

The GJM forced Ghising to leave the hills in 2008. He returned before the 2011 assembly polls but went away again soon after his party received a drubbing in the polls.

Ghising recently returned to the hills for the Lok Sabha polls. There was much speculation on whether he would put up a candidate or announce his support for some other party.

Trinamool leader and West Bengal cabinet minister Gautam Deb welcomed the GNLF's move.

"Bhaichung will win by a huge margin," said Deb.

Editorial

CHANGE VS CONTINUITY

Change That We Seek

   By fielding the ruling party’s old guard Pawan Chamling may be playing it safe – to avoid further dissidence within the SDF – and at the same time rewarding loyalty but this move has proved to be a boon for the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), whose campaign for change is led by a young leader PS Golay and whose followers are mostly youngsters. Those who were 10 years when Chamling came to power in 1994 are now 30. Another 5 or even 10 years under SDF would be disastrous for Sikkim’s future given the fact that the people, by and large, have rejected casteist, communal and corrupt government under one-man rule and one party system. Not being satisfied with two decades of autocratic rule Chamling now wants 10 more years from the people to turn Sikkim into Singapore. Sikkim will and should be Sikkim and this is the will of the people. Sikkim used to be a paradise with beautiful people.

   Real democracy must give people a chance to change things. Any system that fails to do this cannot be following the democratic process. The change that we believe in and seek is simple: we want to live in peace and in harmony with each other and nature; we want the rule of law to govern us and not one-man rule; freedom from fear, end to injustice and strict adherence to the democratic process in all sphere of life is what the people want. The change that we seek should also preserve our rich and unique cultural and natural heritage while safeguarding  Sikkim’s special status within the Union. We gave Chamling a chance to set things right in 1994; give Golay a chance now.

LS seat: SKM’s TN Dhakal to take on ruling party’s PD Rai

TN Dhakal

Gangtok, April 8: Tek Nath Dhakal, a retired civil servant, ought to be lucky that got Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s ticket to contest the lone Lok Sabha polls. He would be luckier if he wins. And judging by the winds of change blowing across the State Dhakal could well be Sikkim’s next MP in the Lok Sabha.

Dhakal, who many a times courted controversy, first came to limelight in early 1980s when he appeared in the cover of Spotlight of Sikkim, a newsmagazine published by Hill Media Publications, which also publishes Sikkim Observer. The issue was ‘Sikkim Subject Certificate’ and Dhakal put his full weight behind it.

The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s PD Rai is likely to give a tough completion to the SKM nominee. But the anti-incumbency factor and Rai being  renominated again may go in Dhakal’s favour.

PD Rai

AD Subba also seems to be a lucky man. After he packed up his Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad and merged it with the Congress he was made its Working President. When the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee’s President Kunga Nima Lepcha quit the party to join SKM Subba was made SPCC President. And now he is contesting the LS polls as Congress candidate. 

Subba’s constant engagement with street politics may earn him some votes but the Congress party’s poll prospects in the State and in the country is not very encouraging.

NB Khatiwada

   Former SDF’s Lok Sabha MP Nakul Rai, who rebelled against the leadership, is TMC’s LS candidate. TMC being the ruling party in neighbouring West Bengal and given the fact that the party is trying to make inroads in Darjeeling and Sikkim there is every possibility of  Rai getting some support in the State.

Nakul Rai

  Former MLA and merger veteran Nar Bahadur Khatiwada’s efforts to get elected to the Lok Sabha from Sikkim or Darjeeling have been futile. The last time he contested the LS seat in Sikkim he got around 4000 votes only.

But this time its different. Khatiwada is the BJP candidate and Narendra Modi is all set to become the next Prime Minister of the country. So hopes are very high for the veteran politician who is yet to be rewarded politically for his merger moves.

AD Subba

And finally, Aam Aadmi Party’s Kaushal Rai, too, is trying his luck for the lone LS seat. Good luck to him for he needs it to ensure that his security deposit is not forfeited.

Sikkimese will become minority if Assembly seats not restored, influx remain unchecked: DN Nepal

Gangtok, April 8: The Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) has decided to support the NDA. Its Chairman Duk Nath Nepal is confident that by supporting the NDA Sikkim’s long pending demand on restoration of Assembly seats for Sikkimese Nepalese would be met.

  In a press statement, Nepal said the Congress party “ditched and hoodwinked” the Sikkimese people on the Assembly seats issue. Nepal said BJP has always been against influx of outsiders and “Sikkim has became safe den of migrants and illegal influx which need to be checked with immediate effect.”

The SLP also believes that the BJP is perhaps the only party which will be able to rescue the country from “the clutches of near bankruptcy, acute corruption and soaring inflation.”

Nepal said if Assembly seats , which were abolished “illegally and unconstitutionally” , were not restored and influx checked, the ethnic Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali communities in the State  will one day “become minority in their own land”.

The SLP chief also noted that as the BJP is in favour of smaller states it would be able to solve the statehood demand of neighbouring Darjeeling.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday March 29-April 4, 2014

Email:jigmekazi@gmail.com, Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

     In this picture Ramnath Goenka (right), Khushwant Singh and Kuldip Nayyar at a protest rally. (Express archive photo)

SIKKIM BACHAO, CHAMLING WANTS TO FINISH SIKKIM: GOLAY

Confidant Chamling, upbeat Golay keep everyone guessing

Dhakal, ‘PD’, Nakul, Subba, Khatiwada and Rai to vie for lone LS seat

Gangtok, March 28: Caste and community combination will be the deciding factor in the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls scheduled for April 12. Two weeks before the polls the two main contenders for the top job – Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) President Pawan Chamling and former minister and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) President PS Golay – have displayed equal optimism on the outcome of the polls.

 “This election is only like renewing of license. SDF will again get 32/32”, Chamling declared at a public meeting in Temi, South Sikkim, this week.

His rival is equally upbeat as he travels round the State and given a rousing welcome wherever he goes.

Speaking at a public meeting here at Burtuk today, Golay urged the people to vote SKM to power to “save Sikkim”.

“This election is the election to save Sikkim,” Golay said and added that Chamling “has started to sell all the rivers, the hills and our identities. He wants to return to finish his job. It is time to take Sikkim back."

Both contenders of the top post are not taking chances and are contesting from two constituencies each; Chamling from Namchi and Yangang and Golay from Namthang and Burtuk, from where he was elected.

The lone Lok Sabha seat will be hotly contested between six contestents: PD Rai (SDF), TN Dhakal (SKM), AD Subba (Cong), NB Khatiwara (BJP), Nakul Das Rai (TMC) and Kaushal Rai (AAP). However, the main fight would be between SKM and SDF.

   In the prestigious Gangtok constituency the fight will be between SDF’s Hissey Lachungpa and SKM’s Pintso Chopel. Other contestants from this constituency are Norden Gyalpo Dorjee (BJP), Tshering Lepcha (TMC) and Maj. Tshering Gyatso Kaleon (Cong).

Another constituency to be watched is Rhenock in east Sikkim where SDF’s Bhim Dungyel faces SKM’s Hemendra Adhikari and former BJP Sikkim unit chief Padam Chettri, who is the Congress candidate. Interestingly, rebel SDF advocate OP Bhandari is also contesting from here as an Independent candidate.

"I joined the Congress as I was let down by the BJP. They believe in the politics of convenience and have betrayed the people of Sikkim. I have always opposed the corrupt practices of SDF government and have filed four PILs against the state government but senior BJP leaders in the centre wanted me to withdraw the cases so I decided to quit the party," said Chettri, explaining his sudden switchover.

Sikkim has been politically divided into four broad categories: OBCs, Bahun-Chettris (BCs), Bhutia-Lepchas (BLs) and the business community. Both Chamling and Golay were earlier bracketed among the OBCs, which form the bulk of the majority Nepalese.    

    Now that the Tamangs and Limbus have got Scheduled Tribes status and the fact that Chamling no longer has backing of the OBCs as he used to much depends on which way  BL and BC voters go. Significantly, former chief minister NB Bhandari, who had a hold among the BCs, has just retired from ‘active politics’. 

This apart, young voters are likely to play a very significant role in the outcome of the polls.

Cong expels M K Subba for filing as an Independent

Guwahati, March 28: The Congress on Monday expelled three-time Lok Sabha member Moni Kumar Subba for anti-party activities including filing nomination papers as an Independent candidate by defying the party decision.

Assam Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Akshay Rajkhowa said Subba, who has filed his nomination papers as an Independent from Tezpur constituency, has been expelled for six years. “The APCC had asked him to withdraw. But when he didn’t, the party was compelled to expel him,” Rajkhowa said.

The APCC general secretary said other party members found campaigning and working for Subba in the Tezpur constituency and against the party’s candidate Bhupen Kumar Bora would face similar action. Subba’s candidature is likely to dent the Congress chances of recovering the Tezpur seat that the AGP had wrested from it in 2009.

Subba (56), who filed his nomination papers on Friday, not only has several cases pending against him – including a rape case – but is also the richest candidate for the first phase of LS election in Assam on April 7.

Subba has declared in the election affidavit total asset worth more than Rs. 205 crore in his name.

Michelle Obama dines at Tibet restaurant in China

“She wanted to meet the Tibetans in Chengdu”

Chengdu, China: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama lunched at a Tibetan restaurant in China's Sichuan province on Wednesday, prompting murmurs about "political overtones" on the country's active Internet social networks.

Michelle Obama spun a row of prayer wheels as she walked the entry bridge to the restaurant, according to the pool report. A group of Tibetan students gave the family ceremonial white scarves – symbolising purty in Tibetan culture.

The Obamas were served traditional foods, including yak meat pie, boiled yak ribs, bread made with barley and yak butter tea.

Obama, her two daughters and mother visited the city of Chengdu as part of a week-long trip to China, where she has sought to promote education and boost cultural ties.

A senior administration official who accompanied Obama said the first lady simply wanted to meet Tibetans in Chengdu. "Tibetans are an important minority group, and there is a sizeable Tibetan community in Sichuan," the official said last weekend.

Protests against what Tibetans say are heavy-handed government policies putting pressure on their culture and Buddhist faith have periodically boiled over into self-immolations by activists.

Nearly half the self-immolations have occurred in Sichuan, lying east of Tibet.

China denies maltreatment of Tibetans, saying it has lifted the province out of poverty and extended considerable autonomy.

China has criticised the White House for its support for exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, denounced by Beijing as a separatist "wolf in sheep's clothing".

Editorial

RELUCTANT  INDIANS

Why We Are In A Mess

Even after the Supreme Court’s marching orders BCCI chief  N. Srinivasan is reluctant to quit his job. He wants to stay and manoeuvre his way back to power again. This seems to be a typical attitude of those in power in India no matter in which field they belong. TV news channels quoted a defiant Srinivasan as saying, “I have done no wrong and no one can force me out of BCCI." He knows that a probe into his alleged scandals can either be delayed for far too long rendering the whole process a big farce or the verdict managed. This is how India is being run on all fronts, including the media. No one wants to quit even if he or she is well past the retiring age or is in deep trouble (read corruption).

The way the Congress and BJP are sidelining their senior leaders is not the way it should be done. However, the old guard in the Congress paid no heed to UPA’s rampant corruption and when they had their fill they handed over the reins to Rahul Gandhi and in the last hour when it was rather too late. While some of them are reluctant to contest knowing full well they would lose they are either making their way to the Upper House or ensuring their offsprings step into their shoes. And yet there are many senior Congress leaders who are reluctant to leave their constituencies and make way for youngsters.

   Unike Rahul Gandhi,  BJP’s Narendra Modi wants his way all the time. He is being accused of reducing the party into a one-man show. Modi could have evolved a better way of saying goodbye to senior leaders of the party. His inept handling over seat distribution has not only caused major  fission within the BJP it could also spell trouble if the BJP and its allies fail to reach the magic figure of 272. Back in Sikkim a party which has been in power for two decades still wants to hang on to power. Worse is that many of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s candidates have been ministers three times. Sikkim is truly in the mainstream of Indian politics.

SIKKIM POLLS 2014: IN A STATE OF FLUX

Bhandari retires, Chettri shifts, Subba takes over Cong, Lepcha gets SKM ticket

Gangtok, March 28: While the two contenders – Pawan Chamling and PS Golay – for the top post are going all out to woo the people, the overall political situation in the State is in a state of flux as never before.

Former Chief Minister NB Bhandari, who was eased out from the Congress party earlier and revived his Sikkim Sangram Parishad, has chosen to retire from ‘active politics’ on the eve of the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls slated for April 12.

NB Bhandari

What happens to the SSP and his supporters? In the past several Assembly polls Bhandari had at least 30% of the votes polled.

Kunga Nima Lepcha who stepped into Bhandari’s shoes as SPCC chief, quit the party and has joined Golay’s Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). Lepcha has been given SKM ticket to contest from his home constituency of Syari in Gangtok.

Kunga Nima

AK Subba, former President of Sikkim Himali Rashtriya Parishad (SHRP), has taken over the SPCC as its President and is the party’s Lok Sabha candidate.

Sikkim BJP unit President Padam Chettri quit the BJP, joined the Congress and is contesting from Rhenock constituency in East Sikkim.

Gangtok Mayor KN Topgay quit the ruling Sikkim Demcoratic Front and has joined the SKM. He has accused Chamling of dynastic rule.

Former SDF MP Nakul Rai, who broke ties with the ruling party earlier, is now the Trinamul candidate for the Lok Sabha seat. After he quit SDF Rai tried to unite the opposition to topple Chamling.

The BJP has fielded Sikkim merger veteran and former MLA  NB Khatiwada for the lone Lok Sabha seat.

In a move that was anticipated, Congress party’s Anil Lachenpa has joined the SDF. Senior journalist and nephew of former chief minister LD Kazi, NG Dorjee, is contesting from Gangtok constituency as BJP candidate.

Meanwhile, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari and his aide Diley Namgyal have decided not to contest the polls. They will make people more aware of the issues the SNPP has been raising.

Surprisingly, political activist and Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) President DN Nepal will not be contesting the polls. He, too, is expected to become more active politically now that he is free from electoral politics.

Mamata’s strategy: splits hills, unite plains

Ghising expected to tilt the balance

Darjeeling, March 28: A football star, an academician and a former parliamentarian are locked in a battle in North Bengal’s Darjeeling hills, where the Gorkhaland movement rages. And the results will determine whether Gorkhaland would be the next Telangana.

The ruling Trinamool Congress, which poured cold water on the statehood demand, has fielded India’s former soccer captain, Bhaichung Bhutia.

The two others in the three-cornered contest are BJP’s SS Ahluwalia, and independent candidate Mahendra Lama.

Ahluwalia is backed by the pro-Gorkhaland Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, which recently entered into an alliance with the BJP. But he faces a tough contest, The Hindustan Times reported.

Unlike the last time, GJM’s appeal has diminished considerably.“There is a perception that Bimal Gurung has compromised on the statehood demand. The 40-day strike — after statehood was granted to Telangana — backfired, and people were angry,” admitted a party insider.

But the GJM, he added, still has the best “organisational network”, the reported said.

The TMC is hoping to sweep the plains and get a fraction of the hill votes — the seat has three hill assembly segments, with around six lakh voters, and four in the plains with eight lakh voters.

And party chief Mamata Banerjee has shrewdly played ethnic politics within the Nepali community by creating a Lepcha cultural board and promising a similar set up to Tamangs to wean them away from the broader Gorkha identity.

Bhutia hopes as a person from the hills, he would draw support. But he is from Sikkim, and Gangtokand Darjeeling share cold ties. Plus, there is the extra baggage of hostility to Trinamool.

Lama

“He may be a star, but people here are conscious that the party he represents is against our key issue,” said a Darjeeling lawyer on condition of anonymity.

Lama, a former vice-chancellor of Sikkim University, also poses a challenge.

Lama is committed to the statehood demand and is projecting himself as the ‘son of the soil’ against two “outsiders”. He can cut into GJM votes, but is hampered by the lack of organisational support will hurt him.  

A variable will be the stance of the chairman of Gorkha National Liberation Front, and the man who ran Darjeeling for 20 years, Subash Ghising.

After being hounded out of the hills by GJM seven years ago, he is back in Darjeeling and is understood to control around 80,000 votes.

Which way Ghising will tilt may well determine the outcome.

Election observers in Sikkim to hear grievances

Gangtok, Rarch 28: The observers for the General Election – 2014 are residing at NHPC Guest House, 5th Mile, Tadong and will be interacting with the general public and listening to their grievances  related to elections at NHPC Guest House from 9 am to 10 am every day.

Anyone interested to meet the observers for election related matters  can contact the observers between 9 am to 10 am, an official release said.

The name, contact number and the constituencies assigned to the observers are given below:

1.        Shri B.B.Swain, IAS, General Observer, 7872721137/9978406155

Constituency Assigned: 17 to 31 Parliamentary Constituency

2.       Shri Darse Samuel, IRS, Expenditure Observer, 09530704200/9733834210

Constituency Assigned: 1 to 32 Sikkim Parliamentary Constituency and Sangha

3.       Shri Dinesh Bhoyar, IRS, Expenditure Observer, 9733825593/09545510520

Constituency Assigned: 17 to 24 Assembly Constituency

4.       Shri Rajiv Kumar Singh, IRS, Expenditure Observer, 09490671650/ 07872725199

Constituency Assigned: 25 to 31 Assembly Constituencies

5.       Shri Tshering Angchok, IAS, General Observer

Constituency Assigned: 25 to 31 Assembly Constituency

6.       Shri G.Ashok, IAS, General Observe, 9650428866/7872713819

Constituency Assigned: 1 to 16 Parliamentary Constituency

7.       Shri J.B.Singh, IAS, General Observer, 08527291212/7872728434

HIMALAYAN Heritage

The Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh came under Tibetan influence in 11^th century

The Monyul Kingdom existed for a thousand years

    Arunachali Monpa tribal women walk at Sela Pass, at an altitude of 4,100 meters (13,700 feet) near the Indo-China        border, in Arunachal Pradesh.

Earliest records to the area which the Monpas inhabited indicated the existence of a kingdom known as Lhomon or Monyul which existed from 500 B.C to 600 A.D. Subsequent years saw Monyul coming under increasing Tibetan political and cultural influence, which was apparent during the years when Tsangyang Gyatso, an ethnic Monpa, became the Dalai Lama. At that time, Monyul was divided into thirty two districts, all of which spanned the areas of Eastern Bhutan, Tawang, Kameng and Southern Tibet. However, Monyul, also known as Tawang Tract remained thinly populated throughout its history.

In the 11th century, the Northern Monpas in Tawang came under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingma and Kagyu denominations. It was at this time when the Monpas adopted the Tibetan script for their language. Drukpa missionaries made the presence felt in the 13th century and the Gelugpa, in the 17th century, which most Monpas belong to today.

Monyul remained an autonomous entity, of which local monks based in Tawang held great political power within the community, and direct rule over the area from Lhasa was established only in the 17th century. From this time until the early 20th century, Monyul was ruled by the authorities in Lhasa. In 1793 the Manchu-authorities produced a document under the title "Ordinance for the More Efficient Governing of Tibet". It proves that Tibet, included Tawang was considered part of China.

However, in the 19th century, the area began to interest British India. One of the first British-Indian travellers into Monyul, Nain Singh, who visited the area from 1875-6 noted that the Monpas were a conservative people who shunned off contact with the outside world and were making efforts to monopolise trade with Tibet. Owing to its strategic position, subsequently the British sought to make their political influence felt.

In 1914, Britain and its colonial authorities in India drew the McMahon Line, which they claimed to be the border between Chinese Tibet and British India. The line divided the land in which the Monpas inhabited, and became a source of contention in the subsequent years to come owing to ambiguities to the specific location of the McMahon Line.

In subsequent years, China continued to claim the pre-McMahon border as the border between Tibet and India, while British India gradually established effective control over Monyul south of the McMahon line. Following the independence of India and a change of government in China, the dispute became a major issues in the relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India. The McMahon Line was the effective line of control in this period, though the border was somewhat porous. In 1962, a Chinese military patrol which ventured south of the McMahon Line drew a military response from India, which resulted in the Sino-Indian War. During the war, China took effective control of the entire Monyul area south of the McMahon Line as well as some other surrounding areas. However, the war ended with China's voluntary withdrawal north of the McMahon Line. Negotiations on the dispute remain active.

BODY SOUL AND MIND 

Mudras:health at your fingertips

Most people who are always in search of some power don’t realize the value of their hands. The power is in their hands! The mystical pair of hands gifted to mankind by the almighty can do all that one wishes for. The only problem is that most of us don’t recognize its power.

In yoga, hand mudras are termed as the most powerful sources energy. In fact, they are perceived as centres of energy with significant role to play in health and fitness of a body. Regular practice of hand mudras will ensure physical health and peace of mind. No wonder it is known to be a wonderful way for improving overall body strength.

What are Mudras?

These are actually symbolic gestures practiced back in pranayama to stimulate different body organs, glands and nerves and create new energy. A scientific research has also supported the fact that hand gestures and spoken language stimulates the same region in the brain.

Yogic mudras are powerful enough to stimulate the Kundalini power and cure a number of ailments and restore body systems. Hand mudras are of great help in relieving lethargy and improving various psychological problems.

The Powerful Hand Mudras:

Gyan Mudra

As the name suggests, it is the mudra of knowledge. It is known to be an ancient technique practiced by yogis to obtain peace of mind.

How to Practice

Gently press the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger.

Keep your other 3 fingers in an upright and relaxed position.

How it Works

The tip of your thumb has centers for pituitary and other endocrine glands. Hence, pressing of a thumb tip activates them.

Benefits of Gyan Mudra

It sharpens memory, enhances mental focus, concentration and spiritual feeling. It is also helpful in dealing with anxiety, sleep problems, hysteria and depressive symptoms.

Pran Mudra

Also known as the mudra of life, it creates energy within the body and enhances strength and immunity to promote a better quality of life.

How to Practise

Bring the points of your little and ring finger in contact with the tip of your thumb.

Keep the other two fingers in a straight position.

Benefits of Pran Mudra

It improves vision.

Apan Vayu Mudra

Also known as Mritsanjeevini mudra or mudra of the heart, it is a first aid step in heart attack.

How to Practise

Touch the hillock of your thumb with your middle and ring finger.

The index finger should touch the base of thumb.

Keep the little finger in erect position all the while.

Benefits of Apan Vayu Mudra

It facilitates heart circulation and relieves pain of angina, a heart disease due to poor blood circulation in your heart.

Prithvi Mudra

The mudra of the earth activates body and reduces physical weaknesses.

How to Practise

Touch the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb.

Stretch out other 3 fingers.

Benefits of Prithvi Mudra

It enhances skin complexion and cures brittle nails, hair loss, premature graying hair, chronic fatigue and any inflammatory diseases.

Linga Mudra

How to Practise

Interlock your fingers together.

Keep the left thumb in upright position.

The upright thumb should be encircled by thumb and index finger of right hand.

Benefits of Linga Mudra

It produces heat in your body and strengthens your immune system. The heat destroys sputum from chest and is suitable for those suffering from repeated colds and coughs.

Varuna Mudra

It is a mudra that balances the water element in your body.

How to Practise

You touch the tip of your little finger and thumb together.

Keep fingers straight.

Benefits of Varuna Mudra

It enhances your physical beauty and is great for asthma, low blood pressure, cold and cough symptoms, and sinus congestion. It restores moisture in dry skin, removes impurities from your blood and keeps you beautiful.

HEALTH Watch

Effects of fear on children’s mental development

By Kuldip Singh Heran

Fear inhibits natural reflexes, natural actions and reactions of children. At the same time children do not know what is right or wrong. In total absence of fear, they may indulge in unwanted activities. Some sort of limited fear or right kind of counselling is also needed for overall development of children.

Excess fear of any kind is very much harmful for mental developments of children. Excess fear will suppress their talent. In presence of fear, children will never express their feelings and their mental developments will not be proper and finally they may be a failure in their career due to mental blocks created by our society members in form of different kinds of fears.

Excess fear can cause different kind of incurable mental diseases. Children must be given some kind of proper freedom but not excess freedom so that there will be proper overall development of personality of children. Such children developed in proper favourable environment will sure to get success in their life. (Kuldip Singh Heran is Principal, Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, Sikkim)