SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Aug 2-8, 2014  

Blog: jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

Thousands attend Shamar Rinpoche’s cremation in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Aug 1: Thousands of mourners, many in tears, gathered here yesterday to pay tribute to a senior Tibetan Buddhist monk whose cremation was initially blocked by Nepal, sparking claims it had caved to pressure from China.

Monks chanted prayers and played traditional music as they lit the funeral pyre under the shade of a multicoloured canopy surrounded by Buddhist flags, AFP reported.

Nepal, which had initially granted approval for Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche's body to be transported to Kathmandu from neighbouring India for cremation, retracted permission two weeks later, fuelling accusations that it was bowing to pressure from Beijing.

Kathmandu denied the claims and said it did not know that Rinpoche, who died of a heart attack in Germany on June 11 at the age of 62, held a Bhutanese passport when the original permit was issued.

The Himalayan nation, home to around 20,000 Tibetans, is under intense pressure from China to contain the activities of exiles who have fled their homeland.

After intense lobbying from Tibetan Buddhist scholars and followers, Nepal overturned its earlier ban but warned against hosting "any other function other than last rites" at the funeral site.

Organisers said an estimated 20,000 people attended the ceremony, including thousands who had flown in from overseas.

Organizers claimed that hundreds of thousands of devotees from Nepal, India, China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, United States, United Kingdom, Czech Republic and Germany paid tribute to the late Guru, whose full designation is Kunzing Shamar Rinpoche Mipham Chokyi Lodro, on Thursday. People from remote parts of Nepal including Helambu of Sindhupalckhowk, Manang and Mustang among other places also attended the funeral.

Shamarpa followers recited from Buddhist holy texts praying for peace of the departed soul. The 17th Karmapa, Gyalwa Karmapa Trinle Thaye Dorje, who had arrived from India, consigned the late Rinpoche’s mortal remains to the flames.

Minister for Information and Communications Dr Minendra Rijal, Minister of State for Labor Tek Bahadur Gurung, Thai ambassador to Nepal Kanthong Unakul, Bhutanese Royal Guru Je Khenpo, and senior Buddhist leaders were present at the funeral procession, the Republica reported.

      Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk paying his respect to the kudung of late Shamar Rinpoche in Paro.

The late Rinpoche was born in Tibet but was taken to Sikkim, when he was five.

Rinpoche travelled to Nepal several times in the past. According to his closed ones, he wished to have final rites at the same monastery which he established many years ago. The monastery is the largest among hundreds of other Buddhist centers established by him across the world.

The body of the Tibetan Guru Rinpoche was brought to Kathmandu from Bhutan on Tuesday evening after the Nepal government decided to allow his cremation here recognizing his contribution to Nepal’s culture, religion and tradition.

Nepal’s decision to allow the cremation to take place on its soil came after Prime Minister Sushil Koirala returned from the United States following treatment for lung cancer and held an emergency cabinet session to overrule his deputy prime minister, Bam Dev Gautam.

“The cabinet meeting endorsed a policy to cremate a foreigner’s body in Nepal if they have cultural and religious ties to Nepal and wish to be cremated here,” said Minendra Rijal, a government spokesman.

The kudung (mortals remains) was brought to Paro on July 27 from Kalimpong, India, to allow Bhutanese devotees to receive blessings and offer their respect.  His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, accompanied by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, offered prayers to the kudung in Paro.

The kudung was flown to the Karmapa international Buddhist institute (KIBI) in New Delhi from Germany on the morning of June 22.  The body was then brought to Kalimpong on July 1.

Shamar Rinpoche, who is believed to be the mind manifestation of Amitabha Buddha, remained with the 16th Karmapa until his death in 1981.

SKM comes to Tibet Road from Tadong

SKM President inaugurating party head office at Tibet Road, Gangtok, on Friday.

Gangtok, Aug 1: After firmly establishing its hold in the State capital, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has shifted its party head office to Tibet Road from Tadong.

SKM President and Burtuk MLA PS Golay inaugurated the party office today amidst enthusiastic party workers and supporters.

The party office at Ghaley Compound at Tibet Road is located above MG Marg, the main bazaar in the capital and has an easy  approach.

Golay thanked senior party leader Phuchung Bhutia for housing the party office in his building at Tadong’s Convoy Ground.

In the recent Assembly elections SKM won 10 seats in the 32-member House. Of these 8 seats are from east district, one from north district and one Sangha candidate. Before the polls, SDF had all 32 seats in its kitty.

In Gangtok, SKM candidate Pintso Chopel Lepcha defeated ruling Sikkim Democratic Front heavyweight Hissey Lachungpa by nearly 2000 votes.

Lepcha created history by winning in all the booths in the reserved constituency of the indigenous Bhutia-Lepchas from the prestigious Gangtok constituency. Tibet Road is part of Gangtok Constituency.

Sikkim govt withholding Patra Commission's report: Cong

Panel was formed to stall CBI probe into graft cases: Padam Chettri

Gangtok, Aug 1: The state Congress on Monday alleged that the Sikkim government has been "withholding" the Patra Commission report from the assembly as well as the High Court for almost five months.

Addressing a press conference, Sikkim PCC general secretary and spokesman Padam Bahadur Chettri said the state had on July 24 filed an additional affidavit through the Additional Secretary of Home Department informing that the Patra Commission had submitted its report to the government on March 5.

The state government had appointed the commission of inquiry headed by Justice (Retd) R K Patra to inquire into allegations of corruption against the chief minister and several cabinet ministers, Outlook magazine reported.

He said as per the provisions of the Commission of Inquiry Act, it is mandatory for the concerned government to place the report of the commission of inquiry in the assembly.

Nearly five months have passed since the commission submitted its report but the people of the state have not been made aware of it and no action has been taken on it.

"If the government had received the report from the Patra Commission on March 5 this year then why was the report not tabled in the assembly?" Chettri asked.      The report was not tabled as the government does not want to act on the report, he claimed, PTI reported.

"As per section 3 (4) of Commission of Inquiry Act it was incumbent upon the appropriate government to give the action taken report within 6 months," he said.

"The whole purpose of the Commission of Inquiry was to keep the CBI away from the investigation and to curb the voice raised by the people of Sikkim against corruption," Chhetri alleged, adding, "The Commission was appointed illegally and now the report is also being withheld."

J B Darnal, who had challenged the validity of the institution of Patra Commission in High Court in 2011, also attended the meeting.

Chettri too had filed an application in the HC for intervention claiming that the commission was "illegally constituted" to prevent CBI from investigating. (full text of press statement on page 2)

Restoration work at Dubdi Monastery after monsoon: ASI

Gangtok, Aug 1: Almost three years have passed by since the catastrophic earthquake of September 11, 2011 and yet there is no sign of restoration work at Sikkim’s oldest monastery, Dubdi Gompa, in West Sikkim.

However, there is some hope now as Ashok Patel, Superintending Archeologist, and Pandas Das, Conservation Assistant (in-charge Sikkim) of Archeological Survey of India, Kolkata circle have assured that restoration work at the monastery will begin after the rainy season.

This assurance was given to Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia in Kolkata this week.

The ASI officials have given assurance that restoration work will start after the monsoon, said Bhutia, who has threatened to raise the matter with the President of India if restoration work does not begin soon.

Dubdi Monastery is the first monastery of the former kingdom, which was established by Sikkim’s Patron Saint Lhatsun Namkha Jigme soon after the installation of the first Chogyal of Sikkim at Norbugang in Yuksam in West Sikkim in 1642.

Editorial

SIKKIM FAILS

Nepal, Bhutan Show The Way

Nepal did well to allow cremation of the late Shamar Rinpoche to take place in Kathmandu. Bhutan, too, responded well and in a dignified way. The Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk and members of the royal family and other dignitaries paid their respects to the late Rinpoche’s kudung at Paro before it was taken to Kathmandu. Among the three former Himalayan kingdoms only Sikkim failed to do its duty. It failed to pay due respects to the departed soul who was not only the nephew of the 16^th Karmapa but also the second seniormost Lama in the Karma Kargyu lineage. While Drukpa Kagyu is the main branch of Tibetan Buddhism practised in Bhutan there is a sizable following of Karma Kagyu lineage in Sikkim.

Despite Chinese pressure not to allow the cremation to take place in Kathmandu Nepal stood its ground and pursued an independent path on the issue.

Shamar Rinpoche had close religious connections with Nepal and Bhutan but it is in Sikkim that he grew up under the care of the 16^th Karmapa. After the Karmapa controversy surfaced from early 1990s Shamar Rinpoche and Situ Rinpoche, two of the four Regents of Rumtek monastery, were not allowed to enter Sikkim. The Sikkim Government not only failed to allow the kudung to come to Sikkim for devotees to pay their last respects it also passed a resolution in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly soon after Shamar Rinpoche passed away urging the Centre to allow Ugyen Thinley Dorje, who is widely regarded as the 17^th Karmapa, to visit Rumtek monastery, the seat-in-exile of the 16^th Karmapa. These are unfortunate, distasteful and disrespectful developments

and at times such as deaths people should rise above petty politics and religious leanings and display a measure of humanity. That Sikkim failed to do this reflects on the maturity of its people and political leadership.

LETTER TO THE Editor

Heavy vehicles should not be allowed to ply on North Sikkim Highway

Sir,

The North Sikkim Highway (NSH) keeps on getting blocked every now and then. So the only option to reach our destination is to take the alternative route via Pangthang, Tintek, Samdong, Dikchu and beyond.

The July 13, 2014 issue of Sikkim Express shows a huge 35.40 ton truck being hit by a landslide along the Highway. Who has given the permission for the truck to ply on the road? Our roads are not made to withstand such heavy loads. In fact, we’ve had an instance where a bridge had collapsed along Singtam-Dikchu route leading to North Sikkim.

The December 2011 bridge collapse at Ranchang Khola near Dikchu on Singtam-Mangan highway killed 10 people. The bridge, constructed and maintained by Project Swastik, was inaugurated on 03 April, 2009. The bridge collapsed when a 48-wheeler heavy trailer of the Teesta Urja company, which is constructing the 1200 MW hydel project (Teesta III) in Chungthang, North Sikkim, was passing through it. (Pix:Sikkim Now)

Heavy rains and heavy vehicles are the main cause of weakening roads along the Highway. Precious lives are lost due to ignorance; compensation for the deceased and wounded is not the alternative.

Can the concerned authorities of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) give us a guarantee that roads along North Sikkim Highway are safe? There should be an alternative route for heavy vehicles. Please don’t put our lives in danger. Spare a thought for people travelling day in and day out along the Highway. Think of the tourists, too.

There should be immediate probe on heavy vehicles plying along the North Sikkim Highway in the interest of the people.

N. Wangdi

Mangan

North Sikkim

SIKKIMArchives

Mule trains in North Sikkim

From this week, Sikkim Observer will revive its ‘SIKKIM Archives’ column. Readers are requested to participate with their valuable and rare photographs of Sikkim.

A cane bridge over Teesta River connecting Mangan with Dzongu at Sankalang in North Sikkim. This photograph, located by Lokesh Dewan, was taken in 1894, after Sikkim became a British Protectorate.

A mule train crossing a wooden bridge between Mangan and Chungthang, North Sikkim, in 1938. There were no jeepable roads between Mangan and remote areas of Lachen and Lachung, North Sikkim, till mid-1960s. In those days mule and yak trains were common mode of transport in these farflung areas. It used to take about 7 days to reach Lachen from Gangtok, capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim. (Pix courtesy: Lokesh Dewan)

China ready for fair border solution with Bhutan

Focus will be on Chumbi Valley

Beijing, August 1: China on Monday made a strong pitch to improve relations with Bhutan and expressed readiness for an early and "fair" solution to their boundary dispute, amid efforts by the new Indian government to cement ties with Thimpu.

State Councillor Yang Jiechi, the highest diplomat in China's hierarchy, called for a comprehensive solution to the China-Bhutan boundary issue when he met visiting Bhutanese Foreign Minister Rinzin Dorje.

Yang, China's pointman to discuss boundary issues with India, said China is willing to work with Bhutan "to reach a fair, reasonable solution that is acceptable to both sides at an early date so as to push forward bilateral exchanges and cooperation in various fields," state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

China and Bhutan on Friday held the 22nd round of boundary talks in Beijing to resolve issues surrounding disputed land, which also borders India's northeastern states of Sikkim and Arunanchal Pradesh.

Dorje is visiting China after last month's high-profile visit of Modi to Bhutan, the first foreign visit by the Indian prime minister, sending a strong message to accord priority to take ties with Thimphu to a new high, PTI reported.

Dorje said Bhutan attaches great importance to relations with China and is committed to solve the boundary issue at an early date.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also met Dorje on Monday. He said although the two countries have not established diplomatic ties, China has always adhered to a good-neighbour policy towards Bhutan.

Bhutan has remained aloof from China since 1951 after Beijing took firm control of Tibet, which shared borders with the Himalayan Kingdom.

Relations between Beijing and Thimphu remained traditionally strained due to border disputes.

The two countries held 22 rounds of talks to resolve the dispute. They signed an agreement promising to "maintain peace and tranquillity on the Bhutan-China border areas," in 1998.

China shares 470-km-long contiguous border with Bhutan, which is also close to India's "chicken's neck" - the narrow Siliguri Corridor which links the northeast passage.

Any settlement of the Bhutan-China border dispute would be significant for India as Chumbi Valley, a vital tri-junction between Bhutan, India and China is just about 500 km from Siliguri corridor.

Former Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao too had made a strong pitch to establish diplomatic ties with Bhutan when he met his Bhutanese counterpart Jigmi Y Thinley on the sidelines of a UN conference in Brazil in 2012.

The two countries did not follow it up.

Lachenpas complain against BRO’s road construction work

    Chuta Chu is just behind Lachen village.

Lachen, Aug 1: Former Lachen  Pipon Cho Bandu Lachenpa  has alleged that Border Roads Organisation’s protective wall along the road at Chuta Chu in Lachen is of poor quality.

The former village headman and Chodup Lachenpa have alleged that the BRO is using “lowest quality of sand with small quantity of cement” for construction of the protective wall, Talk Sikkim reported.

This area, which is located about a kilometer ahead of Lamten, the main settlement of the Lachenpas, has always been a trouble spot since the 1970s.

The Pipon has also alleged that several protective walls between Mangan and Lachen along the North Sikkim Highway  have already collapsed. Because of this GREF’s efforts to widen the highway has not been a success.

The Pipon has urged the concerned authorities to probe into the matter.

Govt jobs for ‘Sikkimese’ only, Lepchas to get 5% job reservation

Gangtok, Aug 1: Sikkim government has added the primitive tribes to the list of reserved communities and has reserved five per cent of government jobs for them, official sources said.

The Lepchas have been accorded primitive tribe status in Sikkim.

After restructuring the job reservation format, the state government has reserved five per cent of government jobs for them, they said.

As per an order issued by the Department of Personnel recently, the State Government has approved the new restructuring of reservation for all the Sikkimese communities in posts and services to be filled up by direct recruitment under the state government and public sector undertakings.

Road accident deaths highest in Bihar and Sikkim

34% of India's accidental deaths take place on roads

New Delhi, Aug 1: More people died of accidental causes in 2013 than the previous one with men out-numbering women in all kinds of such casualties except 'fire accidents'. The latest data from National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for 2013 show that a total of 4,00,517 people died of accidental deaths in 2013, an increase of 1.4% over the previous year.

Road accidents continue to be the major cause of unnatural accidental deaths recording 34.3% of all deaths, followed by 'sudden deaths' (7.8%), 'drowning' (7.5%), 'poisoning' (7.3%), 'railway accidents' (7.2%) and 'fire accidents' (5.5%).

In the last category, 65.7% of those killed were females as compared to 34.3% males indicating the country retains its notorious reputation of burning daughters-in-law.

The data show that the rate of deaths per thousand vehicles has decreased from 1.4 in 2009 to 0.9 in 2013, but is highest in Bihar and Sikkim at 1.6 (each) followed by West Bengal at 1.5. Encouragingly, deaths due to 'road accidents' in the country have decreased by 1.2% during 2013 (1,37,423) over 2012 (1,39,091).

Tamil Nadu has reported the maximum number of road accidents (66,238) accounting for 15% of such accidents in the country, Uttar Pradesh has reported 701 cases (50.5%) of 'rail-road' accidents and Maharashtra has reported 8,165 cases (26.1%) of railway accidents, according to the data. Curiously, 63.5% of all unnatural accidental deaths in Jammu and Kashmir are due to road accidents.

In the category of accidental deaths due to natural causes the country recorded a total 22,759 incidents in 2013. Of this, 12.4% deaths were due to lightning, 5.3% due to 'heat stroke' and 4.2% due to 'cold and exposure'.

All deaths attributable to nature in Sikkim were due to landslide while 94.9% of accidental deaths reported in Tamil Nadu were due to 'lightning'.

PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW

People Have A Right To Know

The Sikkim unit of the Congress party in its letter to the Sikkim Chief Secretary has questioned the State Government’s decision to close down schools and colleges in the State  despite the fact that an amicable solution was reached between the government and student community on the fee hike issue. Sikkim Observer makes public SPCC President AD Subba’s letter:

AD Subba

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To,

The Chief Secretary       

Government of Sikkim

Gangtok, Sikkim

                                             Subject: Memorandum

                                                                                                              Date: 28/07/2014

Sir/Madam,

                   As per the Circular No.179/Dir.(HE)/HRDD issued by the Human Resource Development Department, Government of Sikkim on 22^nd of July 2014, the schools shall be closed from 22^nd of July to 30^th of July 2014. The reason given by the circular was that the conditions were not conducive to conduct classes. Even the Private Management was advised to run their institutions at their own risk.

We are really concerned about the futures of the students as they are not able to attend their regular classes, so who will be responsible if these students fail to clear their Board Examinations next year. Here the matter is not only about clearing but scoring and performing at par with the rest of the students across our country. Even the other level students and colleges students’ would face problems due to non-completion of their syllabus. What was the reason behind closing the schools and colleges when the issue was solved?

   Once the concerned authority rolled down the fees and also fulfilled the other demands which was put forth by the college students during their demonstration, we do not find any other reason to shut down the educational institutions for so long. And on top of that, it was really surprising when the teachers were asked to go to their respective schools where students were on their unknown holidays. Here the concerned department and authorities should be made accountable for such act of negligence.

     Every parent of our State is worried whether their students would pass their examinations this year. Why unnecessarily the educational institutional were closed saying “it was not conducive to conduct classes”? We have witnessed that there is total peace and harmony in the state and if at all any social element tries to disrupt it, action should be taken against him/her. Our children should not face such loss, as Education is the only basis for the development of any society and country at large. Where Government claims to have a “Quality Education System” in our state; we are really worried whether our students will be able to even clear their examinations.

    Therefore, Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee(SPCC) being the political party and the major stakeholder of Sikkim State which has been contributing since years for the development of the State, wants to  put their demands to the highest bureaucrat/administrator of the State, i.e. the Chief Secretary, and it follows:

1)      The schools should not be closed further and by any means the syllabus should be covered within the required time.

2)      The “Quality Education” should not be just the tag line but actual work should also be done.

3)      Strict actions should be given for the completion of their courses and if needed extra tutorials classes should be provided by the HRDD, Govt. of Sikkim free of cost for the Students attaining their Higher Education as they have to come out and would face the toughest of competition for their future course of action. 

4)      The fees that were collected by the administrative bodies of schools and colleges should be returned to the students within the stipulated time and such time should be given by the concerned authority.

5)      It should be ensure that the students of Sikkim should not bear any loss in the field of education, so be it in any worst of situation, the Schools and Colleges should not be closed.

6)      If any organizations or group of people tries to disturb the law and order in the state, strictest of action should be taken against them but before that their demands should be given heard and brought to a table negotiation so that we would not face such turmoil in our peaceful State.

7)      And if at all a situation arises where the whole state would be suffering, we want the State Government to act per the situation but without hampering the lives of common people and students. Patients should be taken care and a prior notice should be given for such indefinite shut down so that the people of Sikkim would prepare themselves for such havoc.

With Warm Regards

  Thanking you.

                                                                                                                 

Dr. A.D. Subba

  President, SPCC

  Gangtok, Sikkim                                                                                                                 

SIKKIM FOOTBALL CONTROVERSY

Semi-final: SFA vs FCAS

Full text of the statement issued by the Football Club Association of Sikkim (FCAS) on its grievances against the Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

Executive members of SFA

We strongly condemn the unjustified statement in the form of release given by the Sikkim Football Association published in local newspaper on 25th July 2014.

We have never questioned about the contribution made by Sikkim Football Association and we had all the way long supported Sikkim Football Association. Here we also like to mention that it is not only the Sikkim Football Association or the clubs and players who have contributed in the growth and shaping of football in Sikkim but the credit of achievements also goes to the Government of Sikkim and every citizen of Sikkim. We are very much thankful to the Government of Sikkim and the people of Sikkim for their valuable contributions towards the sports.

The call of boycott of the leagues was a joint decision taken up by the clubs under the banner of Football Club Association of Sikkim (FCAS) due to the non-responsive and un-sporting attitude shown by the Sikkim Football Association towards the clubs and the players. As it had been more than last one year since when we have been placing our righteous demands with the Sikkim Football Association for the welfare of the game as a whole.

But we are shocked to see their stubborn attitude time and again instead of giving the importance and working towards the solution they are playing blame game with the clubs and the FCAS. As we have many times stated it very clear and loud that we are not against any individual or association. We formed this association only due to the lack of foresightedness and improper functioning of Sikkim Football Association which had degraded and hampered the clubs, players and the game as a whole in our state.

We also strongly condemn the Sikkim Football Association for terming our association as “unauthorized”. We also like to quest that on what capacity and terms SFA can call any association “unauthorized”? Are they the authority in Sikkim to authorize any association?

We request the Sikkim Football Association to reply to the above questions.

In their release they have also mentioned that “it is an unethical decision from an unauthorized body without understanding the basic responsibilities of running a football club”. We would like to ask their association, do they have the understanding and do they know their basic responsibilities of running a football association?

We would also like to know from them that how many members are there in the Sikkim Football Association, and out of them how many are the state level or national level footballers?

We would also like to know why they fear giving the membership to ex-players, and the clubs who in real terms had dedicated their life for this game. This clearly indicates about some vested interest among the Sikkim Football Association? We would also like to ask them what honors have they made to our ex-footballers?

In their release they have mentioned that due to us “they (players) will be deprived of participating in various tournaments conducted by the association. In this regard we would like to know from the Sikkim Football Association which “various” tournaments they are talking about? Are they talking about leagues if it is so we agree to some extent.

But we would like to know from them what about U-12, U-14, U-19 & women’s football tournaments and district level tournaments, which are the real pillar and foundation for the development of the upcoming and budding players of the state? As it is the sole duty of the Sikkim Football Association to conduct the above said tournament, we would like to know from Sikkim Football Association that when and where these tournaments have been conducted please?

We would also like to know how many tournaments and coaching camps they have organised in South, West & North districts so far?

Further, they have mentioned that “No state team (senior, junior & sub junior) could be selected and participate at a national championship if the state leagues are put on halt” and “no players will be selected for the coaching camps of the various age group national squads”.

We would like to know from the Sikkim Football Association that “when and where are the state team selected”? When and where the senior, junior & sub junior teams are send to participate for the tournaments? We would also like to know when and where such selection are done?

We would also like to know who were the designated members of the so called selection committee. We would also like to know when and where such coaching camps have been held. We would also like to know whether there were any Spotter or Selection Committee during the leagues. We would also like to know how many players had been selected from the leagues. We would also like to know how many players have been promoted to other big clubs in india from the league/s?

(Had there been a Spotter or Selection Committee during the league matches we would had one of the best teams in India and many of our players would have been playing in bigger clubs in India or abroad. Unfortunately due to the lack of vision of Sikkim Football Association many talents have gone unspotted and their talent in vain, because they were not provided with a platform for promotion after the league which is the must duty of any state association).

   Further we also strongly condemn the allegations made by the Sikkim Football Association claiming in their release stating “response has always being very discouraging due to the interference and intimidation by certain external elements”. We would like to know what is their understanding in calling “external elements”? We would like to request the Sikkim Football Association to make public the names of such external elements?

As this is necessary to know for us and the people of Sikkim that who are such external elements due to which our brothers are suffering and the talents are going in waste. As marked and claimed by the Sikkim Football Association we urge them to publish such names as soon as possible so that we can throw out such external elements.

We further reiterate and request the Sikkim Football Association to recover the loans given to their members as this money was meant for the welfare of the football in the state and not for individual benefits of the members of SFA.

We would also like to inform the Sikkim Football Association that the money or fund with the Sikkim Football Association belongs to the people of Sikkim and they don’t have any right to misuse it by any means. As mostly the fund of Sikkim Football Association is raised by the ticketing during the tournaments and as many times Government of Sikkim had been supporting in the form of grants to the SFA.

As there are endless list of queries we are just putting here with only few queries which we sought explanation from the Sikkim Football Association. We also humbly request and suggest the Sikkim Football Association to focus on the real issues and work towards bringing the professionalism in the football fraternity of Sikkim.

We strongly appeal them not to make baseless allegations on others in future. We also request them not to run away from the main and core issues and to work sincerely for the betterment of the football in the state for which we had many times extended our hands.

We once again humbly request the Sikkim Football Association not to act supreme and to call upon the meeting with the FCAS to resolve the issues and to work together in a righteous way to promote football in real means.

We also would like to clarify that if invited by the Sikkim Football Association the clubs will be playing the up-coming independence cup tournament at Paljor Stadium as it is the tournament of Government of Sikkim.

We further would like to make it clear that the FCAS is purely formed to bring this game back to the shape and to work together with each and every individual and association. And we would also strongly put forward that if all the above queries put by us is not replied within suitable time, we will be forced to take up this matter with the competent authority. As we stand united here not to play a blame game but to fight for the right of up-coming generation.

As we had been raising and requesting the Sikkim Football Association many times to fulfill our righteous demands, instead of addressing the issues they had all the way opted to confront and blame us in public domain. Now we had also clarified our stand in public domain. Now it is for all to know whether our demands are justified or not.

We would also like to inform you all that the FSCA will be conducting the football tournament in the last week of September.

(Phurba Sherpa)

General Secretary

Football Club Association of Sikkim (FCAS)

SIKKIM FOR SIKKIMESE

 Distinct Identity Within The Union

“We know subjects exist only in a monarchy but the spirit behind the ‘Sikkim Subjects’ should always be preserved. We have every doubt that if this is not maintained we may be called foreigners one day. We will then have no means to prove our identity as Sikkimese.”

                                                                                                                                - Tek Nath Dhakal

                                                                                                              Spotlight on Sikkim, July 1984

TN Dhakal stated this in an interview in my Spotlight on Sikkim in July 1984. He was 30 then and a government servant. Now he has retired and is a senior leader of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). Dhakal was also SKM’s Lok Sabha candidate during the recent general elections in the State.

In my book, Sikkim For Sikkimese: Distinct Identity Within The Union (published in 2009), I had stated: “For well over thirty years since the controversial merger of the former kingdom with the Indian Union in 1975, the Sikkimese people have been constantly demanding restoration of their political rights and preservation of their distinct identity within the Union and within the framework of the Constitution of India. They have adopted peaceful, non-violent and democratic means to achieve their objectives. And yet New Delhi has remained silent and unresponsive.”

 

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday July 26-Aug 1, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

SDF not a unit of NDA: Rai, Khatiwada

“No place for corruption in BJP”

Khatiwada

Gangtok, July 25: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s former colleagues have accused his ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) of misleading the people into believing that the SDF is a constituent unit of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Former SDF Lok Sabha MP Nakul Das Rai and merger veteran and former MLA NB Khatiwada issued a joint press release stating that as the Chamling Government was perceived to be highly corrupt it would not like to forge an alliance with the SDF.

Though Khatiwada was BJP’s candidate for the recent Lok Sabha elections Rai is believed to have decided to join the BJP.

State BJP President Palden Wangchuk is presently in Delhi to brief party leadership of the state of affairs in the State. There are reports of talks for merger/alliance between the BJP and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), which has 10 MLAs in the 32-member House.

Referring to the recent student agitation in the State, Khatiwada said the State Government had misled the Centre on what really happened.

Rai raises IT issue for old settlers in Lok Sabha

Gangtok, July 25: Sikkim’s lone Lok Sabha MP Prem Das Rai of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has urged the Centre to grant income tax exemption to the State’s ‘old settlers’.

He raised the issue in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Finance Bill in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Rai informed the House of the need to meet the demand on the basis of Article 371F of the Constitution, which gives special status to the former kingdom which merged with the Indian Union in 1975.

Under the old law on income tax in Sikkim during pre-merge era old settlers were treated equally with bonafide Sikkimese. The old settlers feel discriminated as they have now been left out while ‘Sikkim subjects’ have been exempted from income tax payment.

Sikkim parties on revival path, focus is on media management

Gyaltsen

Gangtok, July 25: Two months after the Assembly poll results political parties in the State are gearing up for revival of their respective parties.

Former Speaker and Minister KT Gyaltsen has been appointed as ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) spokesmen along with Bhim Dahal. While Gyaltsen has been appointed as Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister Dahal is now the CM’s Press Advisor.

The SDF has also geared up its organizational units in the districts with appointments of various party workers in several posts.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) has also reshuffled its office-bearers. While former MLA Bhojraj Rai and MLA Kunga Nima Lepcha have been appointed as party spokespersons, Bikash Basnet has been made charge of Press & Publicity as Secretary.

Navraj Gurung is incharge of social media as General Secretary.

Recently, the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) led by President AK Subba appointed 10 new vice-presidents and 10 general secretaries.

The BJP, too, has been actively expanding its base in the State. There are reports of formation of a new executive committee of the party. Party chief Palden Wangchuk is presently camped in Delhi meeting party leadership on party reorganization in the State.

China, Bhutan hold boundary talks

Thimphu, July 25: China and Bhutan were expected to hold the 22nd round of boundary talks in Beijing from Thursday to resolve the issue of disputed land, which also borders India's northeastern states of Sikkim and Arunanchal Pradesh.

The seven-member Bhutanese delegation for the talks is led by Foreign Minister Lyonpo Rinzin Dorji.

Others in the team include Foreign Secretary Yeshey Dorji, Ambassador of Bhutan to India Maj. Gen. Vetsop Namgyel and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Boundaries.

The 21st round of boundary talks was held here on August 22, 2013.

During the intervening period, the two sides conducted the Joint Technical Field Survey of Bayul Pasamlung area in September 2013 and an expert Group Meeting was held in Beijing in March 2014.

The boundary negotiations between the two governments are guided by the Four Guiding Principles of 1988 and the 1998 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility in the Bhutan-China Border Areas.

Since the 1980s, the two sides have held regular talks on border and security issues aimed at reducing tensions.

China shares 470 kilometres border with Bhutan, which is also close to India's "chicken's neck" - the narrow Siliguri Corridor which links the northeast passage.

Sikkim’s ‘peace of the grave’ is disturbed

Jigme N Kazi

Gangtok, July 25: Mishandling of the recent student agitation in the State on college fee hike issue has not only exposed the Chamling Government’s inability to handle a volatile situation but has made the public more aware of the potentials of a mass movement in the State, where a large section of the people are not too happy with the present dispensation.

  The widely-held view that one man is running the State was evidenced when the State witnessed utter confusion and chaos following college students rally protesting the recent college fee hike. The violence that took place on the highway is a reminder of what happens when the peace of the grave or the security of the slave is disturbed.

    A vehicle set on fire below STNM hospital in Gangtok recently.

What made things worse was when Chief Minister Pawan Chamling – also the Home Minister – returned from Delhi and publicly stated that he was unaware of what was going on in his kingdom. No one believed him and this led to another whisper campaign against the man who has been ruling the State  with a firm hand for more than two decades at a stretch.

   Closing down schools and colleges for half a month to avoid student unrest spilling into a political turmoil not only reflected poor administrative management but inept political handling of the situation. In the process the Sikkimese people for the first time in decades responded to the situation in varying degree. The capital’s shops closed down promptly for a few days, taxis stopped plying and political parties lent their weight to the agitation students. In short, life in the capital came to a standstill and most people were enjoying it.   

   A section of the legal fraternity also joined in when the Bar Association promptly took legal action against Police officials who were responsible for beating up two employees of the judiciary. A section of government employees, including teachers and MRs,  pressurized the government on numerous issues.

The local press and social media, too, highlighted the events of the day causing more trouble for the administration. In short, we saw a glimpse of participatory democracy in a State where most people minded their own business for fear of incurring the wrath of the powers-that-be. This shameful era in Sikkim’s contemporary political chapter delightfully is coming to an end.

From now on people-power will surface more often as the Sikkimese people are finally discovering their own strength. A vibrant opposition with 10 MLAs in the 32-member House is an added advantage for those who want to buck the system every once in a while.

China rail link near Sikkim, Arunachal border

Beijing, July 25: China will soon start construction of a new railway line in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh, even as another rail link bordering Sikkim is set to become operational next month, enhancing mobility of its military in the remote and strategic Himalayan region.

"Sky rail to run from Lhasa to South Tibet," state-run Global Times said in a front page report today, highlighting China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh with observations from Chinese analysts that the new rail network along the disputed border could act as a "bargaining chip" in the boundary negotiations with India.

The rail line connecting Tibet's provincial capital Lhasa with Shigatse close to the Indian border in Sikkim as well as Nepal and Bhutan which is currently under trials would become operational next month, the report said.

Another railway line linking Lhasa to Nyingchi in the east is also expected to start construction soon, it said.

Nyingchi is located right on top of Arunachal Pradesh, the nearest area to the border.

The railway expansion will connect, Nepal, Bhutan and India by 2020, the report said.

Yang Yulin, deputy director of the railway office of Tibet said during the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) period, the construction of a railway connecting Shigatse with Gyirong county (close to Nepal), which has a checkpoint connecting Nepal and Yatung county (close to Indian border near Sikkim and Bhutan), a trade centre bordering India and Bhutan, will start.

Significantly, the Global Times, the ruling Communist Party of China-run tabloid which often strikes nationalistic postures highlighted Beijing's claims over the area in the write up on the new rail network close to the Indian borders.

"According to the Chinese foreign ministry, there are a total of 125,000 square km of disputed area between China and India, of which, 90,000 square km are in the South Tibet region, known as 'Arunachal Pradesh' in India," the report said.

As per India's stand, the border covered over 4000 km along Line Actual Control (LAC) which included Aksai Chin, the area China took control of during the 1962 war.

Editorial

STUDENT UNREST

Administrative Bungling

A small matter relating to college fee hike, which could have been sorted out amicably, catapulted into a major unrest in Sikkim with numerous stakeholders, including political parties, adopting confrontationist postures. The unrest among the student community failed to subside when the Sikkim Police’s excesses provoked the protesting youths to retaliate leading to damages to public properties, burning of vehicles and injuries to students and others who were involved in violent protest rallies in Gangtok. What made matters worse was the manner in which an agreement between the government and student body was reached to stall the agitation. In the process educational institutions in the State were closed down for a week. This was followed by another week of closure which the public at large failed to understand. Is the Chamling Government shutting its doors for dialogue mainly because it is not used to facing hostile reactions? Grow up, it’s a part of democracy. Take note: repression begets rebellion.

China’s conquest of Tibet led to Sikkim’s annexation

By SUNANDA K. DATTA-RAY

China’s conquest of Tibet had made Sikkim “an area of geo-strategic importance overnight”.

A group of red-robed monks waited in a curve of the road that wound up from Teesta towards Gangtok. A Kalimpong lama had died, my Nepalese Hindu driver said indifferently. “They are waiting for him.” It wasn’t until a day later that I learnt the deceased monk was Kunzig Shamar Rinpoche, the 14th Red Hat Lama, a powerful prelate whose passing, on June 11, can have repercussions on Himalayan religious politics.

I didn’t make immediate inquiries because Gangtok is always so beguiling. The town seems more crowded. More brick high rise buildings dominate the skyline. If you look down, the roads and pavements are dirtier than ever. But there is a clean crispness in the rain-washed mountain air. A smile always twinkles in the eyes of local folk. On a clear day, you could look out from the elegance of my suite at the Denzong Regency hotel to the snows of Kanchenjunga. On the other side shimmered the ancient red-roofed Rumtek monastery where the last Chogyal of Sikkim, Palden Thondup Namgyal, was installed as head lama in 1933. Tragically, Rumtek became notorious some years ago as the scene of pitched battles by opponents of Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa lama.

Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal

My visit had nothing to do with that controversy. It couldn’t have been more secular in fact, for Sikkim University’s gently scholastic vice-chancellor, Dr T.B. Subba, had invited me to deliver the foundation day lecture. It was a particularly welcome invitation for a university that had been one of the Chogyal’s dreams. It was denied to him, which made it a particularly gratifying — if humbling — experience for me to play some small part in the dream’s belated realisation. Sikkim University is a bustling place with more girl students than boys but it badly needs to be concentrated in a single campus.

My theme was “The ‘Near Abroad’ concept for big countries like the US, Russia, China and India”. That Russian term, also translated as sphere of influence, allowed me to discuss how nations manage neighbourhoods that are important for strategic, economic, ethnic and cultural reasons. Globally, the Ukraine crisis made it topical. Historically, the subject’s significance lies in American attempts to extend the Monroe Doctrine — the most explicit articulation of the Near Abroad theory — to promote its geopolitical interests in Europe and Asia.

India’s rulers are not given to cerebral analyses of their actions. But by inviting all the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation leaders, and the Prime Minister of Mauritius and Tibet’s Prime Minister-in-exile, Lobsang Sangay, to his swearing-in ceremony, Narendra Modi highlighted a welcome appreciation of India’s rights and duties in its Near Abroad. That was confirmed when he made Bhutan — India’s closest friend in the region — his first destination abroad. Travelling in Europe at the time, I was delighted to learn he hadn’t rushed to thank the Americans for granting him a visa as his first act in office.

Bhutan is an independent kingdom and Sikkim now a state of India. But with Tibet, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar, they comprise a sensitive Near Abroad for both India and China. The British called the region the “Belgium of Asia” and warned it could become another “Alsace”, the province over which France and Germany squabbled throughout history.

P.N. Dhar, Indira Gandhi’s principal secretary, invoked the Near Abroad theory (without using the phrase) in his memoirs, Indira Gandhi, the “Emergency” and Indian Democracy. Rejecting pious fiction about the Sikkimese yearning for democracy and India holding a referendum to ascertain their wishes, he confirmed that RAW’s R.N. Kao personally supervised all the seemingly spontaneous events that led to the annexation. “This process had started several months before the storm broke in April 1973.” In short, RAW set Sikkim’s revolutionary ball rolling before the Sikkimese knew they were revolting. The reason? China’s conquest of Tibet had made Sikkim “an area of geo-strategic importance overnight”. It was the Near Abroad.

In the lively question and answer session following the lecture, someone mentioned India’s “big brother” attitude in the neighbourhood. That allowed me to emphasise that good diplomacy does not mean outright acquisition which generates hostility, as Russia’s actions in eastern Ukraine demonstrate. The 1950 treaty with Sikkim and subsequent agreements gave India every power it needed to safeguard legitimate strategic and economic interests. It is only because of a fortuitous concatenation of circumstances that the annexation did not provoke armed resistance. Participants at last year’s seminar at St. Anthony’s College, Oxford, where I launched a new revised edition of Smash and Grab: Annexation of Sikkim asked precisely this. Why didn’t the Sikkimese rise in revolt like the Nagas?

That question didn’t come up at the Sikkim University function. I wonder how the chief guest, R.B. Subba, would have responded if it had. A former bureaucrat, R.B. Subba, a Limbu (or Tsong) like the vice-chancellor, is the state’s human resource development minister. I was greatly impressed by his phlegmatic (though silent) acquiescence in all that was said. Times have obviously changed. The Sikkimese now display a new mature confidence.

I hope a matching maturity will inform India’s response to the young Karmapa lama, now that his most formidable opponent has gone. As the Tibetologist, Thierry Dodin, writes in Tibet Sun, Shamar Rinpoche best understood how to play on fears of China and fuel the Indian security community’s suspicions about the Karmapa. Having already demonstrated his appreciation of Mr Sangay’s symbolic significance, Mr Modi can now further define his Near Abroad strategy by acknowledging that the Karmapa can be a valuable Indian asset. The Sikkimese, including Mr Subba and his chief minister, Pawan Chamling, would be delighted if the Karma Kagyu sect’s head is allowed into Sikkim to start with. (The writer is a senior journalist, columnist and author: The Asian Age)

Why Are Fire Engines Red?

Sikkim’s special status needs to be preserved.

By DEYANG DOLKAR GYATSO

Well roses are red and magazines are read, too. Two plus two is four and four times three is twelve. There are twelve inches in a ruler. Queen Elizabeth was a ruler; Queen Elizabeth was also a Ship. Ships sail in the sea. Fish swim in the sea. Fish have fins. The Finns fought the Russians. Russians are communist Red. Fire Engines are always rushing. And THAT is why fire Engines are RED…..

(This is an example of ‘Spiral Thinking’, a phenomenon commonly observed in important policy-making meetings. It should then come as little surprise that often the effect of a policy is exactly the opposite of what was intended!)

Ever since I worked in a private bank in the capital (Gangtok), I have often wondered why certain rules and regulations from the Head Office / Zonal Office(s) were not customised to fit the needs of the clients of our bank.

Sikkim is special. Sikkim is different. And I don’t say it just because I am a “Sikkimese” but simply because it is. Sikkim as we know has its own rules and laws that make us slightly different from mainland India. Forget the features, I am not even going there, not for now at least. When I say special or different, I do not mean what half the readers would probably assume - rather what makes us so special? Or what differentiates us from others? What is this fuss all about? Yes, I am talking about the “FUSSY SPECIAL”.

For instance, when working at the bank, I made sure I took a copy of the Sikkim Subject Certificate or the Certificate of Identification (COI) for all those who had the same when I opened accounts. What the younger generation needs to know is direct taxes (like income tax) do not apply to Sikkim Subject Certificate/ COI holders. Therefore, we do not compulsorily need the PAN card as well.

With various bank boasting of so many products and features to make banking easier in India, take the case of the "Secured" Credit Card, etc that was launched only after persistent email(s) back and forth, between the then Zonal Head and me, with facts that ultimately made it possible to launch the same; were clients from Sikkim not eligible to use credit cards? Were they not eligible for loans? These contradicting the trend that about that time (2007-09) 28 banks were set up in and around the market area in Gangtok alone. 28! (now I hear it’s about 32 +).

Similarly, like the bank, if some of the schemes from the Centre (that are made keeping Pan India in mind) are customised by the various departments acquiring the schemes, it would probably help the State bear better results. When I say better, I mean striving to get the best results.

We can probably get the best results only when we know the laws that govern our land that is our home, our pride above all our identity.

For instance, a case in point is the much looked-for Marriage Certificates these days.  I remember in 2008, when I had gone to the DC office in Gangtok to get the certificate for my parents I got one issued that read, “so and so…….. ….married under the HINDU MARRIAGE ACT”.  It was only when my late uncle pointed out and called the office and explained to the then DC that most of us in Sikkim were married under the Buddhist rituals specific to the State of Sikkim that I managed to get my parents’ Marriage Certificate that was befitting our ethos.

 During the ‘merger’ era: The Chogyal (centre) with LD Kazi (right) and Kewal Singh, India’s Foreign Secretary.

couple of days back a very kind officer and a gentleman finally clarified to me why Marriage Certificates should be population-specific because for one and the most important rule, the Hindu Marriage Act did not allow bigamy. Under this Act, he continued,  government servants can be terminated from their jobs.

How many of us knew about it? Ok, know about it but question it??

Moving on to get to know our land and its laws better, as per the New Constitution (Thirty - Sixth Amendment Act, 1975), Article 371 F of India whereby Sikkim became a part of India, all the Old Laws of Sikkim are PROTECTED, unless repealed by the Central Act.

The landmark judgement whereby the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has retained the Sangha (Lama) Seat. Likewise, under the 32 Assembly seats in Sikkim, 12 seats are reserved for the Lhopos (Bhutia) / Monree (Lepcha) and one for the Sangha,  irrespective of the population of the Lhopos and Monrees. These are not tribal seats but Lhopos (Bhutia) / Monree (Lepcha) seats.

It might not be out of place to mention here that during the time of the Chogyal, it was 50 / 50 (Lhopos and Monrees / Sikkimese Nepalese).

The article was the result of a detailed and much debated study into the needs of the Sikkimese people which included provisions to ensure equality among the ethnic communities, to ensure the political security of the Sikkimese people and to preserve their way of life. This was also a result of deliberations among Indian intellectuals, constitutional experts and parliamentarians who must have had a reason for putting it there in the first place and to have accorded the special provisions. As is well known, this article accords Sikkim a special status which has been more talked about than seen in practice.

It is high time for the Sikkimese people to exert pressure on the chosen representatives to summon the political will to implement what we have got by laws in its totality. This can be achieved only if the people get interested in knowing what they have got as a matter of right by understanding the long term implications of the provisions and what would happen if they were totally done away with.

It is also of no use trying to blame the Centre. The Centre also has to go by the provisions in the Constitution and it is up to us to interpret it to our advantage. People should also remember again, that these provisions were put into place by the brightest minds of the time who felt it necessary so as to protect our way of life and there was a definite reasoning behind it. So, it would be very unwise on our part to take it lightly and let it vanish without even having seen how it could be.

The unfortunate thing is rather than enjoying the fruits of this wonderful arrangement, we have in these three decades not even decided who the inheritors of these benefits are and instead keep on taking everything on a case to case basis. This has created conditions where there is an upheaval in every sphere and if we are to clear the confusion which are there in the minds of the Sikkimese people regarding the interpretation and implementation of these same provisions then all we have to do is recognise and comprehend that there are indeed special provisions for Sikkim, and we are one of the more privileged lot in the Indian Union and that there is no harm in implementing it as a matter of our right.

If such provisions are to be interpreted, we shall have to go back to the old definitions as laid out by law and reject our fragmentations into confining groups thereby diluting the definitions under which special treatment is possible, and also reject political theory which fragments our miniscule population using the divide and rule policy as has been the practice. In short we have to learn to be “Sikkimese”first and forget about our caste, our other differences and unite and then, finally when such provisions are implemented, it shall have to be done with dignity, humility and caring but also with  firmness so that what we have got by right is not confused with other peoples insecurities and not get implemented at all.

Implementing and practising the provisions for special status is nothing new. Taking the closest example of the state of Nagaland, that exists within the Union of India guaranteed by the asymmetrical nature of India's Federal Constitution which allows such differences. So, we will be well within our rights to stand up for everything we can get interpreted to our advantage from 371F.

However in concluding, it is sad  that though this Article is the basis of our position within the Indian Union, the general population and administrative leaders at large do not seem to be really aware of it. This has resulted in a situation whereby the relevance itself of these provisions is slowly eroding from public memory and the younger generation is being denied what is theirs by right.

And for those still wondering why fire engines are red? Well maybe it was just the most striking colour at the time of decision. God knows!

Teachers transfer ‘political’, affecting North Sikkim: SKM

Bhutia

Gangtok, July 25: Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) MLA Ugen Nedup Bhutia has alleged that the recent ‘mass political transfer’ of teachers in the State was politically-motivated as it came after the recent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the State.

The Kabi-Longtsuk (North Sikkim) legislator, who recently complained about the poor condition of roads in North Sikkim, has urged the State Government to look into scarcity of teachers in the Bhutia-Lepcha tribal-dominated district of North Sikkim.

In his letter to the HRDD Minister RB Subba, Bhutia said several schools in the district were run without principals. He said at least 200 teachers are needed to fill up the vacancies.

Shamar Rinpoche’s cremation to take place in Kalimpong if Nepal disallows

Kalimpong, July 25: Family members of the late Shamar Rinpoche are now preparing to make a last-ditch effort to perform his last rites in Nepal.

The Rinpoche´s brother, Jigme Tsering Uthap, has arrived in Kathmandu to request Prime Minister Sushil Koirala to allow them to perform his last rites in Nepal. Koirala, who was in the US for cancer treatment, arrived in Kathmandu just on Tuesday evening, Kathmandu’s Republica reported.

The high lama, also known as the Shamarpa, had died in Germany last month. Before his death, he had reportedly asked his followers to perform his last rites in Nepal. However, the government of Nepal has not yet given a permission. Although a section of media has reported that the government denied permission under ´pressure from China, government officials have claimed that they did so as the Shamarpa was holding Bhutanese citizenship at the time of his death.

According to sources at the Tibetan camp, Kalimpong, where the Shamarpa´s body is being kept, the late Rinpoche´s relatives will wait for PM Koirala´s response till Wednesday. If the govenrment does not issue permission then the Shamarpa´s last rites will be performed in Kalimpong itself on July 31. The government of Bhutan, where the Shamarpa legally belongs to, has also denied permission to perform his last rites there.

Since followers of the late Rinpochhe have already gathered in Kathmandu from across the world, the Shamarpa´s relatives want to make every possible effort for performing his last rites in Nepal. Kalimpong is the last option for his last rites.

Sikkim and Puducherry has highest suicide rates in the country

Gangtok, July 25: With suicide rates in the State on the increase Sikkim could soon top the list of suicides in the country.

Puducherry and Sikkim had the highest suicide rates. Against the national average of 11 out of every one lakh citizens, Puducherry saw as many as 35.6 per lakh and Sikkim 29.3 per lakh, according to a recent report.

Three persons committed suicide in Sikkim on Sunday. They are Phurba Tamang (24), Yogesh Subba (26) and Tek Bahadur (45).

The number of students who committed suicide increased 26.58 per cent between 2012 and 2013, from 6,654 to 8,423, figures compiled by the National Crime Records Bureau show.

This was when the nationwide total had dipped 0.47 per cent from 1,35,445 in 2012 to 1,34,799 in 2013, which translates into 11 out of every lakh Indians. Suicides by farmers dipped 14.41 per cent from 13,754 to 11,772.

Maharashtra had the highest state-wise count in 2013 with 16,622, followed closely by Tamil Nadu with 16,601, each accounting for 12.3 per cent. Andhra Pradesh accounted for 10.8 per cent, West Bengal for 9.7 per cent, and Karnataka for 8.4 per cent. Together, these five states saw 53.5 per cent, or more than half, of the country’s suicides. Of these states, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh saw an increase in suicides while the other three saw a dip.

“All the five states, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka, have registered consistently higher number of suicidal deaths during the last few years,” states the NCRB report ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India, 2013’.

 Among causes, family problems were blamed for 24 per cent of the suicides, illness for 19.6 per cent, drug abuse for 3.4 per cent and love affairs for 3.3 per cent.

Tribute to DANIEL GYANENDRA RONGONG

He lived out his faith in daily life

In her eulogy, Roslyn Namgyal, former student-cum-teacher of Mt. Hermon School (Darjeeling) and former teacher of Tashi Namgyal Academy (Gangtok),  says her late father Daniel Gyanendra Kumar Rongong , who passed away peacefully in Kalimpong (India) on July 3, 2014, was a simple man who lived out his faith in daily life. His compassionate nature and creativity have impressed his near and dear ones who will surely miss him dearly. He was 80 and is survived by his two daughters, Roslyn and Heather Prickett, and their children who are now settled in Australia.

       Mr. and Mrs. Rongong.

Good afternoon and welcome to you all. Thank you very much for coming today. Many of you have travelled from far places in bad weather and on difficult roads. Thank you.  Many tributes have come in from around the world and there are messages that can be viewed on Facebook under my name Roslyn Namgyal if you are interested.

We have come today to mourn the loss of our beloved father Daniel Gyanendra Kumar Rongong - Gyanu. But along with the tears we have also come to celebrate his extraordinary life.  I speak today on behalf of his immediate family members who love him dearly and most of whom cannot be here today.  Today I want to acknowledge his younger daughter Heather Joy, his brother in law David Stewart, his sons-in-law Sherab Namgyal and Michael Prickett. His beloved grandchildren Jennifer Zangmu, Deborah Rinzing, Daniel David, Rebekah Joy, Indira Joy and  Sherina Ruth, their partners Daniel, Ayesha and Lochie.  And lastly I want to mention his two darling great grand-daughters Nuri Elly Namgyal and Marley Rinchen Ram.

I think the first thing I want to say about dad was that he was brother, father and grandfather to many more than simply those of us privileged to have been born into his family.  I speak of you who have become extended family to him and to us too- who became his sons and daughters, especially later in his life.  From the blind school, from Albella and many other places.  To you all from this unique, extended Tirpai family - we want you to know how grateful we are for your love and care of dad especially in these later years after we moved to Australia.  He loved you and chose to be with you right to the end.

Heather and I always felt we had the best dad in the world.  He was a brilliant story teller - in his stories everything came alive and he fired up the imaginations of his listeners.  He could build us anything we wanted. A cute little play house with thatched roof that was the envy of our friends in Mount Hermon School - a dolls house, a rocking horse...he could fix anything that had stopped working - washing machines, sewing machines, jeeps, piano accordions and  broken toys.  He made the best and most comfortable beds we have ever slept in- all tucked in and warm and cosy.      

   He had amazingly clever hands and a wonderful sense of design.  He could see the finished product mapped out in his minds eye and so often it was we who were the blind ones as we stood beside him passing him the screw driver while he fiddled under the car or inside the bowels of the washing machine.   I often think he "saw" things much more clearly that the rest of us.

He created beauty and order around him - everywhere he could.  Flowers  -  gladioli, orchids, cacti. Beautiful weaving in cane work and with wire. Even on the day he died we hear he was outside polishing up the panes of glass in the house-a task he did faithfully every day as he imagined the sunlight and colours that the clear, sparkling glass would allow inside.

Sherab Namgyal with wife Roslyn, Heather, Late Mr. Rongong’s sister and Hermonite Shiv Saria (behind Roslyn) at the funeral in Tirpai, Kalimpong, on July 6, 2014. Hermonite PJ Pradhan, Udai P. Sharma, Amode Yonzone, Palden Gyamtso and Jigme N Kazi were also present during the funeral.

Dad could pack a suitcase so that it looked like a work of art - he would fit large numbers of different shaped objects into the smallest of spaces- there was a space and a place for everything.  And this reminds me of another tremendous gift he had - the wonderful ability to include people who have been left out or didn't quite fit in and so became marginalised from the mainstream of life.  It was people most in need who found the largest space in dad's huge compassionate heart and very often right beside him in his own home.

 He was one of those rare people with an infinite capacity to see the best in everyone and to hope for and work towards fullness of life for everyone around him.  Many of us remember his business ventures - the 5-star chicken houses complete with saw dust on the floor and special egg laying trays.  His beehives and all of us chasing swarms of bees in unlikely and dangerous places.  His orchids, cacti and gladioli business deals. His phing-making days and his numerous taxis......Many of us also remember he never seemed to make any money out of any of these ventures but he pursued them passionately and we were all swept along for the ride.

Another thing I loved about dad was that he never sat and "counted the cost" - he gave freely from whatever he had - his generosity was legendary - very like that of his beautiful mother - our Aji.  He was known to literally give away the shirt off his back and certainly his last rupee!

He shared with our mother Joy Rongong a remarkable gift as a teacher, a leader and a guide.  Together they inspired and guided several generations of young people.  Their ability to really see what was important in life has guided many of us through their visionary leadership.

Above all dad would want to be remembered for his deep faith in Jesus Christ.  I understand that in the original language of the New Testament, the word for faith is not actually a noun - it is not a static word describing a thing we can possess, but is actually used more like a verb – a "doing" word. It describes faith as an activity - a living and a way of being - not simply an idea in our heads.  I love that meaning - and I especially love what it means in my dad's life.  For we know he actually lived out his faith in humble daily acts of love, kindness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, generosity and humour.  He prayed often and deeply - he also cared for the widow and the orphan, the father less and the dispossessed. These words from Micah 6 :8 I feel describe him well. Let me read them to you.

"He has shown you o man what is good: and what does The Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."

Although we now feel and will continue to feel, the terrible void of his absence, although there will be tears,  His legacy of love, faith, hope and joy lives on in us because he loved us and showed us the Way of Jesus by his own living and loving.

I therefore say with tremendous pride and love - What a magnificent life! And I venture to believe that at the portals of heaven they too will be saying  –  “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

WILLIAM WAYNE JONES: He will be long remembered at Mt. Hermon School

By JAMES SINCLAIR

I apologise for the brief announcement on the News Update page of the sad death of Bill Jones (William Wayne Jones).  I was prompted by Mrs Murray (Patricia Murray - wife of Headmaster, Graeme Murray), to say a bit more about Bill Jones and the contribution he made towards Mount Hermon School during his three-year term there.  In truth, I did not know Mr Jones very well, as I was a day-scholar for a few brief months of his final year, and the only time I had any contact with him was during PE.

 So I had to look up extracts from the Blue & Gold Yearbook for 1954 which had been very kindly sent to me by Headmaster David Stewart, and I found out a bit more about him from the School Notes for 1954 -  the year of Mr Jones' leaving - in which the Headmaster had paid him a tribute for all the work he had put in during his years at MHS.  So, I have added that bit in the News Update page for 2014, and also corrected some errors in the initial announcement.  I have also added in a piece he had written about his memories of Mount Hermon under the tab Memories of 1954.  Unfortunately, it is incomplete as I did not have the second page of what he had written.  My most vivid memory of Bill Jones was what a wonderful violin player he was, when he performed at one of our concerts.

Mt. Hermon School, Darjeeling.

I have also added a page "Growing up in India" which Kitty Katzell (Mildred Engberg - daughter of Headmistress Lila Engberg) had sent me recently of her memories of growing up and schooling in India, which I am sure will revive memories of the school back in the 1940s.

 It is with sadness that I have to announce the death of Bill Jones (William Wayne Jones), who died on 15th June at home after a long illness.  He leaves behind his widow (Beulah Kessop Jones), sons Arun and Kenny and daughters Sharon and Nalinee.  His son Kenny said his end was peaceful and the family are thankful that he is finally at rest.

In the Headmaster's Notes published in the Blue and Gold 1954 Yearbook, Rev. David Stewart paid this tribute to Mr Jones on his leaving MHS.

     Mr. and Mrs. Murray with Mr. Bill Jones (centre) and the Hermonites in the US.

"It is a very sorrowful farewell we say to Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones has served three years on the staff, and has contributed a tremendous amount to the school. He has always been not only capable and efficient, but continually cheerful, encouraging, enthusiastic, and helpful. He has not only taught English, History, Latin, and Violin, he has also conducted choir and orchestra, coached games, has been Scout Captain and Warden of Fern Hill. He has earned the affection of staff and students alike, and will be long remembered at Mount Hermon. His three-year term is, however, ended, and we must say farewell.  Mr. Jones goes to Yale Divinity School, where he will complete his theological studies.  If in a few years’ time he again returns to India, there are many of us who hope we might again see him in Mount Hermon School."

Mr.  Jones was back in Mt. Hermon in mid-1970s and served the school as its Vice-Principal.
(James Sinclair is Secretary/Treasurer of Old Mount Hermon Students’ Association (UK). He can be contacted at: jimsin12@aol.com,www.oldmhs.com)

 Just Out!!

Book: The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland

Author: Jigme N Kazi

Publisher: Hill Media Publications, Gangtok, Sikkim

Price: Rs. 525/-

AVAILABLE AT:

Observer Building: Nam Nang, Gangtok, Sikkim.

Kandoika: New Market, MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim.

Good Books: Old Market, MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim.

Jainco: New Metro Point, 31A National Highway, Gangtok, Sikkim.

Rachna: Development Area, Gangtok, Sikkim

Pashupati: Lall Bazar Road, Gangtok, Sikkim.

Bulk copies available at Observer Building, Nam Nang, Gangtok, Sikkim.

PS: Hermonites, would be grateful if the items on Mr. Gyanendra Rongong and Mr. WW Jones, who passed away recently, is shared among Hermonites.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday July 19-25, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

STUDENT POWER BRINGS GOVT TO ITS KNEES

GANGTOK BANDH – SCHOOLS & COLLEGES SHUT DOWN - VEHICLES SET ON FIRE – STUDENTS INJURED, HOSPITALISED – HIGHWAY CLOSED – ARMY INTERVENES

Gangtok, July 18: For the first time since Sikkim’s controversial ‘merger’ with India in early 1970s the former kingdom witnessed a bloody confrontation between the State Government and the people, this time represented largely by college students.

The bloody confrontation brought the Chamling Government on its knees when on the third day it yielded to the demands made by the student community. The agitation was partially lifted on Thursday when the student body reached an understanding with the State Government late Wednesday.

The agreement between several Cabinet ministers led by HRDD Minister RB Subba and student representatives, though not accepted by a section of the student community, binds the State Government to take action against guilty police officers, roll back fee hike, provide medical assistance to injured students and legal assistance for the probe.

The decision arrived at the meeting sought for restoration of normalcy and end to the agitation.

The agitation, aimed at protesting against hike in college fees, turned violent when the protestors were teargassed and lathicharged while holding a rally at the premises of Sikkim Government College at Tadong.

Several students were injured and hospitalized, two vehicles were torched and at least 30 vehicles were damaged while mediapersons were assaulted and a high-ranking police officer was roughed up during the three-day-long confrontation.

Though political parties condemned police brutality against peaceful protestors the agitation was largely a students vs police affair.

Former minister and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) President PS Golay rejected the formation of the State Government’s one-man committee to probe into what he described as “inhuman” acts of the Sikkim Police against agitating students. He demanded that  Home Minister  Pawan Chamling  and HRDD Minister RB Subba  apologize to the student community.

The BJP Sikkim unit President Palden Wangchuk condemned the lathicharge. He said “in a democracy people have a right to voice their grievances.” The BJP also condemned “the unnecessary and drastic hike in the fees structure” of colleges in the State.

Even as schools and colleges were closed down for a week due to the agitation, the Principal Secretary of Human Resource Development Department Thomas Chandy appealed to the student community to resume their classes as the fee hike decision has been rolled back.

The One-Man Committee, to be headed by C.T.Wangdi, Secretary, Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, is expected to submit his report within 15 days.

As the days progressed muster roll and ad-hoc employees, taxi drivers and a section of the public also joined in the movement. The capital’s shops were shut for two days – Wednesday and Thursday – and the national highway was closed down for sometime.

To contain the situation the Army was brought in on Wednesday. It held a flag-march in Tadong in full battle gear.

Nine SKM legislators sat on hunger strike outside the main Secretariate on Wednesday protesting against police atrocities against the student community. This put more pressure on the authorities to meet the demands of the student community. (also see page 4)

South district students threaten to renew strike if demands not met

Namchi, July 18: The Students of Namchi Government College and student representatives of South District have condemned the police action against the students on 14th and 15th July at Gangtok and demanded strict and immediate action from the state government.

   They said that the issue had not been settled yet. Students will wait for 15 days for the investigation of the incident and if they are denied justice they will continue their agitation and this time students of all four districts will join in the agitation.

South district students have demanded strict action against SP East and PI Sadar Thana for the lathi-charge against the students when they were only fighting for their rights, Talk Sikkim website reported.

They also demanded there should be no bias in the investigation of the incident and that all the police and IRB personnel involved in the incident should be punished accordingly.

Speaking about the incident the students expressed dissatisfaction about the way the HRD Department handled the issue. They said that if the department had put the notice about the price hike earlier in the college fee, a solution would have been found and no such incident would have taken place which ended with so many injured students.

The short notice given by the department about hike in college fee had made students worried as maximum students were not in a position to afford to pay the extra amount.

Subsequently, the non-cooperation from the department had forced them to block the National Highway. “But instead of listening to our demands, we were lathi-charged by the police,” they said, the report said.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi this week and apprised him on various issues pertaining to Sikkim, including Assembly seat reservation for Limbus and Tamangs and income tax exemption for Sikkim’s left-out persons.

Tibetan Parliamentary delegation meets Indian MPs on Tibet

Dharamshala, July 18: A Tibetan parliamentary delegation has met newly-elected members of Indian Parliament from different political parties in New Delhi and the latter expressed their continued support for the Tibetan people.

The Tibetan parliament delegation comprise of Geshe Monlam Tharchin, Dolma Tsering, Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok, Choekyong Wangchuk and Lobsang Yeshi.

The delegation is scheduled meet many members of India’s lower house of Parliament, Lok Sabha, to convey their greetings and make efforts to reinvigorate the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet.

The delegation met Dr. Prasanna Kumar Patasani, a member of Parliament from India’s Biju Janata Dal party.  Dr Patasani, who has participated in many Tibet-related conferences, said he understands the sufferings of Tibetans under China’s repressive rule and expressed his continued support for the Tibetan cause.

 He said he would rally his parliamentary colleagues to join the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet. He also expressed his support to lobby the parliamentary foreign affairs committee to seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s support on the issue of Tibet. He said he would make efforts to participate in the upcoming World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet.

  Some of key Indian Parliamentarians that the Tibetan delegation met  include Ajit Singh, former minister and chief of Rashtriya Lok Dal, who is the founding member of International Tibet Support, Jayant Chaudhary, P D Rai of Sikkim Democratic Front, Shashi Tharoor of Indian National Congress and Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal United. They pledged to continue their support for the issue of Tibet, join themselves in the All Party Indian Parliamentary Forum for Tibet and encourage party colleagues to do so.

Editorial

KARMAPA CONTROVERSY

India Must Tread Carefully

If Nepal succumbs to Chinese pressure Shamar Rinpoche’s funeral will not take place in the former Hindu Kingdom. This will surely prove China’s influence in the sensitive border region in the Himalayan frontier. It is one thing to squabble over who really is the 17^th Karmapa and quite another thing to be influenced by big powers which are using religion to spread its wings. The Buddhist cultural landscape from Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir in the west to Arunachal Pradesh in the east along the porous Himalayan belt – a natural wall between Asia’s two giants– is vital for both China and India’s security. Even before Shamar Rinpoche’s funeral rites are over Sikkim has demanded the early return of the 17^th Karmapa Ugyen Thinley Dorje to Rumtek. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government at the Centre needs to be widely aware of the political ramifications of the Karmapa controversy in this sensitive region. He must, therefore, be carefully briefed and properly guided by competent authorities to avoid another Himalayan blunder.

Did Shamar Rinpoche’s funeral plans fall foul of Himalayan power politics?

Kathmandu, July 18: The government of Nepal has revoked its decision to allow the last rituals of a prominent Buddhist leader who passed away in Germany last month due to heart attack, reported The New York Times.

The Nepalese Embassy in New Delhi had earlier issued a “no objection letter” for the body of Shamar Rinpoche to be taken to Nepal for the last rituals but reversed the decision after Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued directives to revoke the permission.

As per the wishes of the late Shamar Rinpoche his body was scheduled to be brought to Nepal for cremation at his own monastery, the Shar Minub in Kathmandu, on Monday.

   The body of Shamar Rinpoche was kept at the Karmapa Buddhist Institute in New Delhi till July 1st, and then at Diwakar Institute in Kalimpong. "Due to some unanticipated circumstances, we have had to postpone the departure of Shamar Rinpoche’s kudung from Kalimpong on July 13, 2014. We regret the inconvenience that this may have caused on your travel plans. We will be providing the updates once the date has been confirmed," said a statement on the official website of Shamar Rinpoche.

   Shamar Rinpoche, 62, who held the title Sharmapa, had died of a heart attack in Germany in June. His supporters wanted to fulfil his wishes and transport his body first to Kalimpong, in India’s north-east, and then to Nepal for a funeral service at an institute he had established.

But his supporters around the world fear their teacher may have fallen foul of power politics playing out in the Himalayas. Having initially granted the go-ahead for his body to be taken to Nepal, the authorities in Kathmandu have now withdrawn permission. It has been reported they did so under pressure from neighbouring China, which does not want to encourage Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, The Independent reported.

A spokesman for Nepal’s home ministry, Laxmi Prasad Dhakal, confirmed permission had been given and then subsequently withdrawn.

Dhakal said officials at the Nepalese Embassy in Delhi had granted permission when it was believed the Sharmapa held a Nepalese passport. He said it was then discovered he held a Bhutanese passport and officials said permission could not be given as there was no legal provision for allowing foreigners to travel to Nepal for a funeral.

Asked whether Nepal had acted under pressure from China, he said: “No, no, no. That’s not true – 200 per cent not true.”

The Sharmapa held a senior position within the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, yet he was not without controversy. In 1992, he broke from the opinion of many other senior teachers and declined to recognise the person identified as the 17 Karmapa, who heads the Karma Kagyu school.

Indeed, he instead identified his own candidate. Today, the Karma Kagyu school remains split over who is its true head. The Chinese government recognises the Karmapa that the Sharmapa refused to recognise.

Shamar Rinpoche Mipham Chokyi Lodro was born in Derge, Tibet. At the age of four he was recognized by the 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpei Dorje as the 14th Shamarpa.

The 14th Shamar Rimpoche wass one of the three main disciples of the previous Karmapa. After the death of the 16th Karmapa, Shamarpa recognized Thaye Dorje as the 17th Karmapa in 1994. However, Tai Situpa Rinpoche chose another boy, Ogyen Trinley Dorje as the 17th Karmapa who was approved by the Tibetan leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Deal with students in a humane manner: BJP

Gangtok, July 18: The Sikkim State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has condemned the incidence of lathicharge and bursting of tear gas shells on innocent students  here this week.

Party chief Palden Wangchuk said it was the collective administrative failure of the State Government to handle the situation which led to law and order problem.

“The party condemns violence of any sort,” the BJP release said.

It said the administration should have dealt the issues raised by the students in a “humane and compassionate manner”.