SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Aug 16-22, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

Let us make a new India together: Modi

      Narendra Modi addresses the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort to celebrate Independence Day in New Delhi. 

New Delhi, Aug 15: In his maiden Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to work for a new and clean India by shedding the "poison" of communalism and making the country the world's manufacturing hub.

Addressing tens of thousands of cheering people gathered at the Red Fort complex on a bright morning, Modi spoke for over an hour, focusing mainly on nation building and underlining the need to forge national consensus on major issues.

In the process, Modi, 63, who took charge of India May 26, outlined his vision for the country, frankly admitting the faults within and calling on neighbouring countries to team up with India to battle poverty, The Times of India reported.

He also announced a burial of the Planning Commission, saying it was not needed any more. He said a new institution will take its place.

For the first time in years, there was no reference to Pakistan in the Independence Day address. Indeed, he made no mention to any other country except neighbouring Bhutan and Nepal which he recently visited.

Indians, he said, needed to give up the "poison" of casteism and communalism and added it was a shame that these plagued India even so many years after Independence.

"How long will this continue?" he asked, sounding emotive. "We have fought enough, we have killed enough. Turn back and see, has anyone gained anything?"

He said decades of bloodshed had caused deep wounds to "Bharat Mata", adding there should be no violence for 10 years.

Wearing his trademark white half-sleeve kurta pyjama with a polka-dotted flaming orange turban, Modi reached the 17th century Red Fort after paying homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

Before beginning the speech, Modi — in a departure from convention — took salute from the armed forces. He spoke mostly extempore, occasionally looking down for a peek at his notes.

Asking the world to "Come, Make in India!", Modi urged global investors to make this country a manufacturing hub.

"I tell the world, Make in India! Sell anywhere but manufacture here. We have the skill and talent."

He said it should be every Indian's dream to see "Made in India" products around the world — green friendly and with zero defects.

Reiterating his dream to make India a clean place, Modi asked: "Do we want to live in filth?"

He said India should become clean and hygienic by 2019 — the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch believer in cleanliness.

Dubbed by critics as a divisive personality, the prime minister underlined the need to take everyone along. "Let us walk together, think together, and make a determination to take ahead the nation together."

Lending a personal touch, the prime minister hailed Indian democracy for allowing a person from "a poor family, an ordinary family" to assume the country's top post.

"I stand before you today not as the prime minister but as the Pradhan Sevak (Chief Public Servant)." The remark, made at the start of his speech, drew thunderous applause.

Modi also called himself "an outsider to Delhi. But an outsider came to Delhi and got an insider view (of the administration)".

China inaugurates new Tibet rail link close to Sikkim

Beijing, Aug 15: China inaugurated its second railway line in Tibet, built at a cost of US $2.16 billion, close to Indian border in Sikkim, enhancing mobility of its military in the remote and strategic Himalayan region.

The 253-km railway line links Tibet's provincial capital Lhasa with Xigaze, the second-largest city in Tibet and also the traditional seat of the pro-Beijing Panchen Lama -- stated to be second important Monk in Tibetan hierarchy, PTI reported.

The new line near the Indian border in Sikkim is also close to China's border with Nepal and Bhutan. It reduces the travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from the current four hours by highway to around two hours, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The new line near the Indian border in Sikkim is also close to China's border with Nepal and Bhutan.

It is the second railway line in Tibet and an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world's highest rail link connecting China's mainland with Tibet.

Construction of the railway line started in 2010 with an investment of 13.28 billion yuan (US $2.16 billion).

In addition to this, China last month unveiled plans to construct a new crucial railway line in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh, which Chinese analysts say could act as a "bargaining chip" during the border talks with India.

The construction of another railway line linking Lhasa to Nyingchi in the east is also expected to start soon, recent official media report said. Nyingchi is located right close to Arunachal, the nearest area to the border. China claims Arunachal as part of Tibet. The railway expansion will connect, Nepal, Bhutan and India by 2020, the report said.

The growing Chinese railway network in Tibet is likely to leverage Beijing's claim over the disputed border region, experts claim. It would also help Chinese military strategically by reducing the travel time to the remote southern Tibetan region, they add.

The construction of a railway connecting Xigaze with Gyirong county, close to Nepal, will be constructed under the five year plan ending 2020, an official recently said. Gyirong county has a checkpoint connecting Nepal and Yatung county, close to Indian border near Sikkim and Bhutan, a trade centre bordering India and Bhutan.

Finally, alumni of Darj schools in Sikkim all set to rock

Forms ‘Good Old Days Club’ to revive spirit of camaraderie

Gangtok, Aug 16: Alumni of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong’s renowned missionary (public) schools residing in Sikkim yesterday (Aug 15) formed the 'Good Old Days Club' (GODc) in Gangtok.
“The main purpose of the body is to renew old bonds and have a good time together,” said one of the members at the informal launch of the Club.
The members of the Club will be ex-students of St. Paul’s School, St. Joseph’s School, Mt. Hermon School, Loteto Convent (Darjeeling), Goethal’s Memorial School, Dow Hill School, St. Helens Convent, Victoria School (Kurseong), Dr. Graham’s Homes, St. Augustine’s School, St. Joseph’s Convent (Kalimpong).
These schools were founded by foreign missionaries in Darjeeling hills in the 19th century, when the region came under the British Raj in India.

Initially conceived by Sikkim Hermonites Association a few years back, the Club will reach out to all alumni of these schools in the State to make the association an active forum for renewal of friendship and preservation/celebration of the unique spirit of camaraderie that alumni of these schools enjoy.
‘One of the main reasons for the alumni of these schools to come together on a regular basis is that no matter who we are or what we do our 'hard disk' is the same! We started our life together, lets end it in the same spirit,” said Hermonite Jigme N. Kazi.

Those who were present at the historic dinner get-together on August 15 at Hotel Tashi Delek were: Ashwin Oberoi and Govind Alley (Goethal’s Memorial School), A. Dutta (Victoria School), Sonam Dorji (St. Augustine’s School), Navin Prasad (Dr. Graham’s Homes), Wangyal Topden and Tashi Gyatso (St. Joseph’s School) and OT Bhutia, Surenderpal Singh Lamba, Uttam Pradhan, Ramesh Lakhotia and Jigme N Kazi (Mt. Hermon School).

A formal launch of the GODc will take place shortly with a larger body, followed by the keenly-awaited 'bash' to set the ball rolling.

Sikkim’s IHM comes first in national culinary competition in Kerala

IHM Sikkim’s Kunga Chukie Namgyal Kazi and Lhaden Wangmo Bhutia received the award in chef competition in Kovalam (Kerala) last week. (left)

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 15: Participants from the Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Gangtok, bagged the first prize in the national culinary competition organised by the Spices Board and International Pepper Community.

Kunga Chukie Namgyal Kazi and Lhaden Wangmu Bhutia of Gangtok IHM lifted the prize comprising Rs.50,000, a trophy and certificate at the competition that concluded at Kovalam beach resort here last Saturday.

The competition, "Pepp It Up 2014", attracted teams from 20 hotel management institutions across the country, a Spices Board release said.

Kartik Malviya and Shubhadev of IHM Bhopal came second winning Rs. 25,000, while D Suresh Krishna and S Muthupandian of PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, won the third prize (Rs. 15,000).

"The history of commerce and trade in our country is the history of Pepper... However, with the advent of time, the charm of Pepper as the flag-bearer of Indian culture has started deteriorating," the release said.

Spices Board in collaboration with the International Pepper Community conducted 'Pepp it up-2014', to promote the usage of pepper and to inspire promising culinary talents, A Jayathilak, Chairman, Spices Board, said.

The Sikkim team was led by IHM teacher Pragya Chettri and accompanied by Sonam Deki Namgyal Kazi.

While Kunga stood first in her first and second year annual exams, her twin sister Sonam ranked 5^th in her class in the second year and Lhaden came 5^th in her first year.

IHM, affiliated to National Council for Hotel Management under Ministry of Tourism (Govt of Indai), is among the top ten colleges in India that offers degree and diploma courses in hotel management. With the new award IHM’s status has shot up considerably.

Editorial

FIRE IN THE BELLY

Keeping Movements Alive

The Tibetan people’s demand for ‘genuine autonomy’ within China is much like the Sikkimese people’s struggle for preservation of its ‘special status’ within India. These aspirations are within the framework of the constitution of both the two countries. It is a fact that India’s annexation of  Sikkim in 1975 after China took over Tibet in 1959 was primarily motivated by security concerns. These touchy issues should be taken up by those who profess to champion human freedom and dignity. Tibetan freedom should not be a monopoly of Tibetans alone and Sikkimese people’s desire to live without fear and in freedom in their homeland should be a concern for all freedom-loving people. Unfortunately, Tibetan Youth Congress’ weeklong session in Gangtok failed to address these issues. This is most unfortunate. If there is no fire in the belly people’s movements will surely die a slow death.

ART & CULTURE

Tibetan calligraphy exhibition held in Delhi

Jamyang Dorjee Chakrishar with HH the Gyalwa Karmapa, Guest of Honour at the exhibition. (left)

The first ever Tibetan calligraphy show, Divinity in Syllables, featuring artist Jamyang Dorjee Chakrishar from Sikkim was held in New Delhi at the India International Centre (IIC) this week.

Works of Anis Siddiqui from Delhi were also on display at the exhibition. Their works display the history and the spiritual links of this art form cutting across different cultures.

Islamic calligraphy evolved as an artistic form of reverence for it was through the art of writing that the Holy Quran, the word of God as revealed in revelations to Prophet Mohammad, was recorded and disseminated to the humanity. Through the centuries it has been continuously refined and imaginatively embellished to become the most recognizable visual form of Islamic art.

Buddhist calligraphy too had its roots in the dissemination of the teachings of the Buddha dharma. It evolved as an integral and independent art form along with other forms of Buddhist art such as a very rich iconography as exemplified by its murals, frescos, thangkas and sculptures.

The Buddhist calligraphy on display in the exhibition is in Bhoti language which has its roots in the Gupta, Sanskrit and Brahmi script of the shared Indic culture. The art of calligraphy has been integral to the dissemination of Buddha’s teaching and is also a proof of the richness of the Bhoti language.

Together Buddhist and Islamic calligraphy epitomize as true repository of the ancient wisdom and message of the divine for the benefit of the mankind and all sentient beings. This exhibition is a step towards initiating an understanding through a common artistic e

I-DAY Celebrations

Sikkim student takes part in ‘celebration of excellence’

Gangtok, Aug 15: Nima Doma Bhutia was invited by the CBSE to attend the Independence Day celebrations as a part of 'celebration of excellence' for being selected 'best player in basketball' in 3 consecutive years in the CBSE Nationals played in Tamil Nadu, Jaipur & Agra (winning the national championship twice & securing runners once in 2011, 2012, & 2013).

Nima Doma also secured 90% in her CBSE class XII exams.

Nima Doma Bhutia, eldest child of Dorjee Samdup Bhutia & Chingthit Bhutia of Tashiding Monastery, West Sikkim, studied Eklavya Model Residentia School for Scheduled Tribe in Gangyap in West Sikkim.

She was present for the PM's speech at Red Fort on 15th August.

SPACE FOR OPPOSITION: Normally ruling government politicians and government officials hog the limelight in Sikkim even during sporting and social functions. But things are gradually changing, thanks to the presence of a strong opposition in Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). This picture during I-Day football match near Gangtok shows the players with SKM’s Gangtok MLA Pintso Chopel Lepcha (standing with khada).

LITERARY

Brooks’ book release on Dr. Graham’s Homes history

Brooks

Kalimpong, Aug 15: Former Principal of Dr. Graham’s Homes Bernard T. Brooks’ book, “Footprints of the First 100 Years: The Kalimpong Homes”, will be launched here at the school complex on September 7.

Among the notable speakers for the function are Mrs. Margaretta Purtill (batch of 1960), President, London OGBs Association (UK), Capt. Prakash Pradhan (1982 batch), President, Sikkim Grahamites Association, Karma Nidup Bhutia (batch of 1968) and President, Kalimpong OGBs Association,  Dr. M.S. Foning (batch of 1972)

Brooks will be present during the function, which include scripture reading and prayer.

High tea and sale of books will follow the conclusion of the book release function.

Dr. Graham's Homes was founded in 1900 by Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham, a Church of Scotland missionary, who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the early part of the 20th century. His original concept was to establish a refuge for poor and needy Anglo-Indian children, who had no other means of support.

Dalai Lama should return to ‘Free Tibet’: RB Subba

Gangtok, Aug 15: Sikkim this week sought for the return of the Tibetan exiled leader the Dalai Lama to a ‘Free Tibet”.

Showing concern on ‘basic human rights and freedom’ in Tibet, Human Resources Development Minister RB Subba said “We believe that basic human rights and freedom should be something that all human beings enjoy.”

    Speaking at the 45^th meet of the Tibetan Youth Congress here on Tuesday, Subba said, “The situation inside Tibet must be resolved soon and I hope and pray that His Holiness will be able to return to a Free Tibet in the near future".

Subba, who was the Chief Guest of the function, said that it is an honor to hold the TYC meet in Sikkim and wished it success in its fight for Tibet's “freedom and independence,” The Tibet Post reported.

Prominent among those present at the function was Kasur Gyalo Dhondup, the elder brother of the Dalai Lama. Observers said this is a rare public appearance by Thondup, who spoke of the Tibetan struggle and expressed hope that change will come to Tibet.

The TYC held discussions on a variety of topics ranging from Tibet's freedom and independence, campaigns to release political prisoners and security of the Dalai Lama.

BL Protection Force warns SDF leader

    Sangha MLA Sonam Koloen Lama and aide Pintso Chewang with Union Home Minister         

    Rajnath Singh in New Delhi recently.

Gangtok, Aug 15: The Bhutia-Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF) has warned former Speaker and ruling party spokesman KT Gyaltsen not to politics with the sentiments of the people.

Reacting strongly against Gyaltsen’s recent statements against Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s Sangha MLA, Sonam Kaloen Lama, BLPF President Phigu Tshering Bhutia in a press statement not only condemned the statement but alleged that the SDF spokesman and legal advisor to the Chief Minister was involved in “dirty politics”.

The BLPF while warning “puppets like Mr Gyaltsen to keep his mouth shut & not play politics with our sentiments” has also urged the people to react  and condemn “baseless allegations” made against the Sangha MLA.

During his visit to Delhi, the Sangha MLA met several national leaders, including union ministers, and briefed them on various issues of the State.

Chinese Army transgressed Sino-Indian border: Kiren Rijiju

New Delhi, Aug 15: The Chinese Army has transgressed the Sino-Indian border 334 times this year and a total of 1,278 times between 2010-13, Rajya Sabha was informed.

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the People's Liberation Army transgressed the border 334 times till August 4, 2014, 411 times in 2013, 426 times in 2012, 213 times in 2011 and on 228 occasions in 2010.

"However, there are cases of transgression due to difference in perception of Line of Actual Control," he said in reply to a written question.

Rijiju said the Indo Tibetan Border Police, the border guarding force deployed on Sino-Indian border, has reported one transgression in Dorjila in 2013 and one transgression in Naku area in 2014 in Sikkim.

The Minister said no "intrusion" has been reported or taken place along India-China border, including Sikkim, during the last five years.

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.”