HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Oct 18-24, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

Don't threaten us, India tells China on Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir integral parts of India: Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, Oct 17: Nobody should "threaten or warn India," said Home Minister Rajnath Singh after China objected to reported plans by India to build a 2,000-km long road along the border in Arunachal Pradesh.

"India has grown in strength. Both sides should resolve the border issue through dialogue," said the Home Minister yesterday.  Reacting to reports of the new road, China asked Delhi on Wednesday not to "further complicate" the dispute over the border.

"China has already spread their network of roads and rail network near the border. Whatever we make on our territory should not be a concern of China," said an unnamed official in the Home Ministry's border management department to news agency Reuters.

He was quoted as saying that the ministry was seeking cabinet approval for the road in Arunachal Pradesh and had preliminary support from the Prime Minister's Office.

"Before the border problem is solved, we hope the Indian side will not take any action that could further complicate the relevant issue, so as to preserve the current situation of peace and stability in the border area," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei.

In September, the government eased environmental and other curbs on building roads and military facilities within 100 km of the border in Arunachal Pradesh to hasten the construction of some 6,000 km of roads.

India is concerned about China's development of airports and extensive road and railway networks in Tibet, which can give Beijing the ability to mobilize troops quickly along the border.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are "integral and inalienable" parts of India and this has been clearly conveyed to China.

"The fact that Arunachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir are integral and inalienable parts of India has been clearly conveyed to the Chinese side on several occasions, including at the highest level," Swaraj said in a letter to Congress MP Mullappally Ramachandran, who had voiced his concern over distribution of controversial maps by China to its military. The map showed Arunachal as part of China.

"China disputes the international boundary between India and China. In the eastern sector, China claims approximately 90,000 sq kms of Indian territory in the state of Arunachal Pradesh," Swaraj told Ramachandran in the letter.

PM Modi meets top military officers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi with air force chief Arup Raha, navy chief DK Joshi,defense minister Arun Jaitley, and army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag, before attending the Combined Commanders Conference in New Delhi on Friday. (Pix:AP)

New Delhi, Oct 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met top military officers at the defence ministry War Room here on Friday, at a time when tension continues along the border with both China and Pakistan.

The Combined Commanders' Conference is the first meeting of the Prime Minister with all top commanders, including the three service chiefs, IANS reported.

The service chiefs are expected to give elaborate presentations to the PM on the security scenario.

Top sources in the defence ministry said the recent ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir and transgressions by China in the northeast will be in the focus during the conference.

Other issues like prepardeness of the forces and threat perceptions will also be discussed.

Burma media body oppose ban on Hakha Post

Yangon, Oct 17: The Journalists’ Forum Assam (JFA) has expressed serious concern over the ban on a local newspaper by the province government of Chin in western Burma (Myanmar) and urged the Union government in Naypyidaw to allow the regular publication of the Hakha Post Newspaper.

Burma News International (BNI), an umbrella body of various progressive Burmese media outlets, said in a recent statement that the authorities had decided to ban the regional biweekly Hakha Post, which was published from the capital of Chin province, which is adjacent to India’s Manipur and Mizoram States, Asian Correspondent reported.

“BNI has learnt that since 29th September the Chin State government has temporarily forbidden publication of the Chin (Lai) language newspaper the Hakha Post Newspaper,” said the statement adding that the  district authority called the editor of Hakha Post and informed him about the decision of Chin government (read State’s chief minister Hung Ngai).

The Hakha Post is one of over 20 local newspapers with limited circulations in the capital Hakha and the surrounding areas of the underdeveloped province of Burma. Sparsely settled, the mountainous province has a population of around half a million, most of them are Christian Chin ethnic nationals.

According to the Chin government the newspaper would not be allowed to publish until it obtains a legal publishing permit. BNI, while showing faith in the transition of Burma from a military dictatorship to a multiparty democracy, urged the highest authorities "to allow full access to journalists and give them freedoms and rights".

"There has been a lack of news reporting for many years, especially from ethnic regions. The government has a responsibility to ensure ethnic people receive news and information. Moreover the government must stop this sort of ban on free speech and ensure everyone has proper access to news", added the BNI statement.

Supporting the BNI initiative, the northeast India based media people’s forum  JFA also appealed to the Burma President Thein Sein to look into the matter asking the Chin government to withdraw the ban on the newspaper immediately.

“Banning a regional newspaper will not serve any purpose to the Burmese authorities except spreading a negative impression about the regime and the nation as a whole,” said a JFA statement issued by its president Rupam Barua and secretary Nava Thakuria.

The JFA, which has been consistently supporting the progressive media activists of Burma, also appealed to the pro-democracy Burmese icon Aung San Suu Kyi to take personal initiative to resolve the matter.

The forum strongly argued that if the Southeast Asian nation has truly adopted democracy the people in power there must stop their unwelcome opposition to the media.

Bhutan King  & Queen visit Varanasi

Varanasi, Oct 17: Bhutan king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck along with his wife Jetsun Pema offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath temple and attended the famous Ganga aarti Dashashwamedh ghat, an official said in Varanasi.

The Bhutan royal also visited Sarnath, an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.

Autumn reunion for Hermonites in Thimphu

Thimphu, Oct 17: The Hermonites, alumni of Darjeeling’s Mt. Hermon School, from all over India, Nepal, Netherlands, Thailand and Australia arrived here last week for a three-day reunion during which they visited Paro and Punakha.

Members of the Bhutan Hermonites Association led by Home Secretary Tshering Dorji and Sonam Gyaltsen (Taki) organised the reunion. Dheera Sujan, who came all the way from the Netherlands, says she had a wonderful time and wants to come back again.

The reunion was followed by two reunions of the Hermonites in Gangtok and Kathmandu in Sept-Oct. While the 1969 batch of Hermonites are expected to meet in Darjeeling early next month the Kalimpong Hermonites are expected to celebrate the 5^th anniversary of their alumni body on Oct 31.

Calcutta Hermonites are coming in a big way to their alma mater in December. They have big plans for the school’s rejuvenation. This is likely to be followed up by the formation of the North East Hermonite Association (NEHA) in Imphal in January, 2015.

Bhutan royals grace Lawrence School celebrations

“This place is special to me as I met the queen for the first time here”

Bhutan king Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck gives awards to students during Founder’s Day celebration of Lawrence School at Sanawar on October 4. (Left)

Shimla, Oct 17: The three-day 167th Founder’s Day Celebrations of the Lawrence School Sanawar, founded in 1847, concluded on October 4 with the ceremony of trooping the school flag and an NCC Parade by the students. Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, the King of Bhutan and his wife Jetsun Pema who is an alumnus of the school were the chief guests on the occasion.

Lt General KJ Singh, GOC-in-C Western Command and his wife Anita Singh were the guests of honour.

Expressing gratitude and addressing the students, the King shared his moment of joy to visit his queen’s school. “This place is special to me as this is here, where I met the queen for the first time. I am thankful to this school for giving her a wonderful education,” aid Jigme Khesar.

He further added, “I am happy to be here in the school, it is an extraordinary establishment. Many Bhutanese students come to Indian Institutes to take quality education, only to return with economic development. India has contributed a lot by promoting education in Bhutan. It is a bedrock of the Indo-Bhutanese friendship.”

Lawrence School, Sanawar, Himachal Pradesh (Left)

Not only this, but the King also urged the students to safeguard their culture and spiritual heritage. “We must learn about the world we live in, we must invest the best in medicine and technology. But it is equally imperative to protect our values and cultural heritage,” he added.

The school headmaster Praveen Vasisht read out the school annual report which included the achievements of the school in the allied fields of academics, sports, cultural and extra-curricular activities. Besides healthy exchange programmes, the school also made its presence felt in Round Square activities and community service. The chief guest felicitated the staff and the students on the occasion and later took a round of the school with his wife, who had passed out from school in 2008.

As the old batch mates shared their cherished experiences and fond memories of school, celebrities like Pooja Bedi, former Bollywood actress and television talk show host along with Omar Farooq Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir representing the batch of 1989 were also present during the occasion. All the old Sanawarians, at the end planted saplings near the chapel in the memory of their departed batch mates.

Himachal apple growers doing good business

State’s revenue from apples is over Rs 3,500 cr per annum

Shimla, Oct 17: Apple growers in Himachal Pradesh have all the reasons to celebrate as apple business in the State has gone up by Rs. 1,000 crore this year, despite low production.

The local markets in Narkanda, Shimla, Dhali, Solan and Parwanoo in the State are particularly doing well, as the revenue generated has shot up to Rs. 4,500 crore from Rs. 3,500 crore last year.

Despite low apple production this year, the apple growers have no reason to complain due to the flourishing business. On an average, one box of apples costs about Rs. 1,000 but this year the price has been varying from Rs. 1,000 to 2,200 per box, ANI  reported.

"The economy of thousands of people here depends on the apple business, which generates over Rs 3,500 crore revenue for the people in the State. This year, Himachal Pradesh has witnessed a good apple business, adding more to the economy of the state," said trader Ram Mohan.

The growth in apple business is benefiting the state each year. We have done a good business, although, there has been a comparatively low production. However, farmers have grown apples of different varieties such as Royal Delicious, Golden, and Grimy this year," said Mohinder Satan, vice chairman Himachal Pradesh APMC Fruit Market in Shimla.

Editorial

‘LOOK EAST’

Settle Issues First

India’s ‘Look East’ and South East Asia’s ‘Look West’ policy for economic rejuvenation of the region cannot fully be achieved if the problems and prospects of the tribals of the region, who have long been ignored by the mainstream, continue to be ignored. Between the corrupt politicians/bureaucrats and gun-wielding insurgent groups in this region the ordinary people, by and large, face a bleak future. This must come to an end fast.

Democracy is yet to fully return to Burma but New Delhi, even under the new dispensation, has failed to take the initiative in the Northeast. Did Prime Minister Narendra Modi consult the stakeholders in Sikkim when he and Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to open the Nathula route for pilgrims? Security ultimately depends on the trust and confidence of the people, not merely acquisition of territory as is the case in Sikkim. Much is also at stake in Nagaland where the Naga issue still remains unresolved even when the people, including the NSCM (IM) and the State Government, are keen on further talks to resolve the issue. Look within before you look anywhere – East or West – and solve the pending issues at an early date.

Informal talks on for Dalai Lama’s return to Tibet

The Dalai Lama (centre) shares a moment with Iranian Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi (right) as fellow laureate Jody Williams looks on.

The Dalai Lama has said informal talks are continuing with the Chinese about a possible return to his homeland of Tibet, if only for a visit, and he has cautiously praised Chinese President Xi Jinping as a realist.

The Dalai Lama, 79, sat down for a brief interview in his temple in the north Indian town of Dharamsala before a celebration of the 25th anniversary of his Nobel peace prize, after a month of media speculation of a thaw between the exiled leader and the Chinese government.

The two sides have sparred for years over the future of Tibet. The Dalai Lama argues for autonomy for the Himalayan region he fled in 1959, while the Chinese accuse him of being a separatist. Just this week, another gathering of Nobel winners was cancelled in South Africa after that country wouldn't give the Dalai Lama a visa, reportedly under pressure from China.

Meanwhile, the Chinese have continued to increase their control over the Tibetan region, with a new railway line opening last month that will give greater access to its rich natural resources. Foreign travel is still greatly restricted. And more than 130 people have self-immolated to protest the Dalai Lama's exile, and call for freedom for Tibet, since 2009, including two during Mr Xi's recent visit to New Delhi.

Despite the recent tensions, speculation about improved relations between China and the Dalai Lama have been fuelled by remarks given by a Chinese Communist Party undersecretary who said discussions on the spiritual leader's return to his homeland were underway. In September, a popular Chinese website briefly displayed an article that said the Dalai Lama might return for a visit to a Buddhist shrine and meet party leaders.

The Dalai Lama also contributed to the media hubbub, praising Mr Xi as more "realistic" and "open-minded" than his predecessors while Mr Xi was on a high-profile trip to India in September. On Thursday, the Dalai Lama again praised Mr Xi for having "courageously tackled" the problem of government corruption. But he voiced concern over China's imprisonment of dissidents.

"The thing to say is that he's approached these problems more realistically," than other leaders in the past, the Dalai Lama said of Mr Xi. The Chinese leader's past praise of the Buddhist faith has also given the Dalai Lama hope they could find common ground.

"This is something new for a Communist Party leader to say something about spirituality," the Dalai Lama noted. "We'll see. I have some optimistic views. Still too early to say."

Some Tibet experts have scoffed at reports about an improvement in the relationship between China and the Dalai Lama, noting that China's strategy has long been to wait until the Dalai Lama dies to resolve the Tibet issue - as well as that of the holy man's successor. The Dalai Lama has said that his successor should be chosen by the Tibetan people, a desire which, if not honoured by the Chinese government, could result in widespread unrest.

The Dalai Lama and Tibet's government-in-exile launched a high-profile campaign in June to promote his "Middle Way Approach", which advocates for greater autonomy for Tibet but not complete independence. But finding complete support in the fractious Tibetan community around the hilly Indian town of Dharamsala has been difficult, according to Lobsang Sangay, the prime minister of Tibet's government in exile. Most younger activists from the Tibetan Youth Congress and others continue to call for independence for Tibet. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Arunachal to provide inner line permit for Rajdhani passengers

Itanagar, Oct 17:  Arunachal Pradesh is planning to provide ILP (inner line permit) on arrival of the Rajdhani passengers and have proper online ILP service.

Clarifying the 'misunderstanding' on ILP issue for the Rajdhani passengers, state Chief Secretary Ramesh Negi in a statement said, "What we intend is to have proper online ILP service and provide on-arrival ILP, just like on-arrival visa facility.

The CS further said that persons having valid Rajdhani train ticket and proper proof of Indian domicile will be able to avail such facilities. Arunachal Pradesh is planning to provide ILP on arrival of the Rajdhani passengers and have proper online ILP service. Tourism Secretary Joram Beda is working out details in this regard, he added.

The Indian Railways is contemplating to introduce Rajdhani Express service between New Delhi and Naharlagun from November next.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Oct 11-17, 2014

Blog: jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

Sang offering to Sikkim’s Guardian Deities during the recent annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations at the Tsuklakhang Monastery, Gangtok.

Modi unlikely to meet NSCN-IM leaders

New Delhi, Oct 10: In what may not go down well with the NSCN-IM leaders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unlikely to meet the Naga leaders and instead the Home Ministry has been told that negotiations will take place only at the level of the Central interlocutor RN Ravi, highly placed sources said.

The move by the Modi Government may come as a surprise because the NSCN leaders have as a convention, called on the Prime Ministers in the past.

NSCN-IM top leaders Isak Chisi Swu and Th Muivah have sent feelers several times for a meeting with Modi, The Sangai Express and Assam Tribune reported. However, there has been no response from the Government to these feelers.

The two NSCN-IM leaders were politely informed that they should hold talks with the Government of India's interlocutor RN Ravi, who is also the chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC).

In the past NSCN-IM leaders had met former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, HD Deve Gowda, IK Gujral and Dr Manmohan Singh.

The meetings resulted partly because the NSCN-IM leaders insisted that they would hold peace talks only at the 'highest level'.

Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah. (left)

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh continued with the convention by meeting the NSCN-IM chairman and general secretary at the start of both his tenures.

In an apparent reflection of the current NDA government's more hard-line stand on all security issues, there has been no decision so far on a meeting between the two NSCN-IM leaders and the Prime Minister.

"There is an interlocutor in place and he is perfectly capable of handling the talks," a source said.

An NSCN-IM delegation led by Swu and Muivah held a preliminary meeting with Ravi, a former Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau, on September 30.Since the meeting, other members of the NSCN-IM team have returned to Nagaland, while Swu and Muivah have stayed on in the capital.

It was not immediately clear when formal talks between the NSCN-IM and the NDA government would get under way.

Decade-old road projects on Indo-China border to be prioritized

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol over a footbridge built over a stream near the Line of Control (LoC), a ceasefire line dividing Kashmir between India and Pakistan, at Sabjiyan sector of Poonch district, August 8, 2013.

New Delhi, Oct 10: With few roads in high-altitude areas, patrolling is difficult and the border has become vulnerable to Chinese incursions.With few roads in high-altitude areas, patrolling is difficult and the border has become vulnerable to Chinese incursions.The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is pushing for the speedy construction of roads along the border with China, that have been pending for nearly a decade, in the wake of the recent incursions by Chinese troops in the Ladakh region.

With few roads in high altitude areas, patrolling is difficult and the border has become vulnerable to Chinese incursions over the past few years. The home ministry's project for erecting 27 roads for the movement of troops from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which guards the frontier with China, has been a non-starter as only three roads have been built so far, India Today reported.

The roads are to be constructed along the border in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh. The plan envisages the construction of 804 km of roads and the project will cost an estimated Rs.1,937 crore.

"The Chinese forces have roads right up to their border outposts and our forces have to trek for days in some areas," said a home ministry official.

The project for constructing these roads was stuck because the Environment Ministry had not given green clearances, but now the NDA government wants to expedite the work and the required clearances have been obtained, officials said.

The project began in 2004 but not much work has been done so far. The Environment Ministry was reluctant to give environment clearances and the home ministry was unable to engage contractors.

"As of now, even the first phase of construction is not over. The project was divided into three to four phases. We are hoping after the recent stand-offs and the government claiming to be bold against China, the road construction will speed up," said an officer in the security establishment.

"Since there are no roads, our forces have to walk to border outposts. All the patrolling has to be done on foot, making the border vulnerable to incursions," the officer added.

Sources said there is also a need for dedicated air support for the ITBP to facilitate quicker movement of troops and for transporting rations and other materials.

The Home Ministry wants the Finance Ministry to also clear a proposal for building 54 new border outposts along the border. An in-principle approval was given to the plan by the previous UPA government just before the elections in April but no sanctions have been made so far.

HERMONITES FELICITATE GANGTOK MLA

Pays homage to MM Rasaily: ‘He was a patriot’

Gangtok, Oct 10: Gangtok MLA Pintso Chopel Lepcha, an alumnus of Mt. Hermon School (Darjeeling), was felicitated by the Hermonites on October 1, four months after he was elected to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

Chopel, along with 9 others, represents the opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in the Assembly. He represents the prestigious Gangtok constituency.

Ever since 1979 Hermonites have always been elected to the Sikkim Assembly: Athup Lepcha, OT Bhutia and NK Pradhan. They all became ministers. During the get-together the Hermonites expressed the hope that Chopel, too, will make it to the Council of Ministers some day.

The Hermonites also observed 2-minute silence in memory of Sikkimese Hermonite MM Rasaily, who passed away last month at the age of 89.

"Mr. Rasaily was a Sikkimese nationalist and a patriot. He stood for Sikkim during its darkest hour. We are happy and proud that he was a Hermonite," said Jigme N Kazi, journalist and author.

Visiting Hermonites Varongthip Lulitanond (Thailand) and Ravi Agarwal (Siliguri) also offered khadas to Chopel during the dinner get-together.

Sikkim Hermonite Association (SHA) President Karma Bhutia, retired chief engineer Uttam Pradhan, senior lawyer Udai P. Sharma and senior State Bank of India manager Thentok Lachungpa were among those who felicitated Gangtok legislator.

IHM’s Kunga Chukie gets State award for “Excellence”

Gangtok, Oct 10: Sikkim Institute of Hotel Management (IHM)’s final year student Kunga Chukie Namgyal Kazi was awarded the "Award of Excellence" for "Best Performing Student" for the year 2013-14 by the Sikkim Government's Tourism & Civil Aviation Department.

She received the award from the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker KN Rai on the occasion of World Tourism Day (Sept 26, 2014) at a function held here at Mayfair. Ministers, ex-ministers, secretaries etc. were among those who were present at the function.

It may be mentioned that Kunga Chukie and her college friend Lhaden Wangmu Bhutia (Gensapa) in August this year bagged the first prize in the national culinary competition organised by the Spices Board and International Pepper Community in Kovalam, Kerala.

The two 3rd year students from IHM (Sikkim) lifted the prize comprising Rs 50,000, a trophy and certificate at the "Pepp It Up 2014" competition that attracted teams from 20 hotel management institutions across the country.

On this happy occasion, Kunga Chukie’s parents expressed their thanks and appreciation to the Tourism Department for the award and to the staff and students of IHM and also to the students and teachers of Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, where Kunga studied. “All of you have contributed to this success,” a message by the parents in Facebook said.

PEOPLE&PLACES The Hermonites

It’s springtime for the Hermonites

By JIGME N KAZI

Beginning from mid-September last month in Kathmandu, the Hermonites – alumni of Darjeeling’s co-ed Mt. Hermon School (founded by American missionaries in 1895) – are on the move. The three-day revival of the alumni in Nepal attracted at least 52 Hermonites.  For the Mount Hermon Alumni Association Nepal (MHAAN) it was a rare event in recent years.

Former Mayor of Biratnagar Ram Bhattarai was one of the prominent oldies who was among the MHAAN meet in Kathmandu. Anil Jatia, Bachan Gyawali, Sangeeta Prasai and Ashoke Pokharel were among the main organizers of the reunion, whose main aim was to revive the alumni body.

Kathmandu’s reunion was followed by a mini-reunion in Gangtok during Dusserah/Dassain. 1973 batch Hermonite Varongthip Lulitanond (Thip) has visited Sikkim at least 4-5 times in the recent past. This time he was accompanied by his batchmate Ravi Agarwal from Siliguri. The reunion get-together dinner on Oct 1 followed by a day-long trip to the Indo-Tibet border near Nathula in Tsangu and a rare treat by Sikkim Hermonite President Karma Bhutia at Mayfair resort was most relaxing and enjoyable.

Despite his busy schedule (Dassain) Thip’s batchmate Uttam Pradhan, as always, was on the driver’s seat during the Tsangu trip but missed the Mayfair treat! Arthur Pazo did well to arrange the permits to Tsangu, where the visitors were treated with sun, hail, rain, snow and a huge rainbow.

Thip says Hermonites meet should always be held in the hills and not in the cities. “Thank you to all…I’ll be back soon!” says Thip, who also joined the Hermonites at the Thimphu reunion (Oct 5-8)

The Thimphu reunion was basically organized for the batch of 1978-79 but others, as is usually the case, joined in. Corinne Brokken, Mala Sujan, Dheera Sujan and Varongthip Lulitanond were among  Hermonites from abroad who were present during the occasion. Former MP from Nagaland Apok Jamir, Mukesh Singh Adhupia, Yasmin Mukand Chung, Ratnakar Bhengra, Thinley Gyari, Geeta Bikst,  Nima Dhondup,  Binod Bhutra, Bebashis Brahma and Karan Anand were among those who enjoyed the brief autumn bonding that took place in Thimphu and Paro.

To Bhutan’s Home Secretary and former Ambassador to Thailand  Tsering Dorji, an active Hermonite, goes the credit of organizing the grand get-together in the Druk Kingdom. Autumn has returned to the hills but for the Hermonites its springtime!

Come November and we have the 1969 batch of Hermonites ascend to good old Darjeeling. I missed the Thimphu meet but will surely be one of the gatecrashers to this get-together in Darj. Had promised to have b’fast with James Lowangcha Wanglat at  Keventer’s, still a favourite haunt for Hermonites.

Prahalad Prasad, Om Prakash Kanwal, Raaj Kumar Bhangar (Lakhotia), Punam Agarwal, Marcus (Bappa) Dam  are among those expected to be there for the occasion. A visit to MH has also been planned.

The recently-revived Calcutta Hermonites, who seemed to be having bigger plans for MH, is planning a grand reunion in Darjeeling in December. Many from all over the region are expected to attend the get-together. Hashib Mondol is in-charge of the show.

Len Gangte and other Northeast Hermonites are planning to form the North East Hermonites Association (NEHA) in Imphal in January 2015. We are eager to form this club as there are many Hermonites all over the Northeast who are looking forward to formation of the association. “I’ll be there!” I told Len. And I will be there!!

Our school motto is “Non-Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus” (not for school but for life we learn). Most of these reunions are taking place 30-40 years after we last left our alma mater. We are now more than convinced that our foundation for life, friendship and camaraderie are strong and deep.    

    Therefore, the Hermonites’ motto “Closeness For Life!” and after life!! Hail Mt. Hermon!

NEPAL

SIKKIM

BHUTAN

SPORT

Ace footballer Hangu Norden is no more

Gangtok, Oct 10: The Sikkim Football Association (SFA) held a condolence meeting here at Football House on Tuesday to mourn the sad demise of Hangu Norden Lepcha, a renowned footballer of the State.

Hangu passed away at 2.15 a.m. on Tuesday morning at his residence here at Lall Bazar, after prolonged illness. He was 57 years old and leaves behind his wife Sonam Doma Lepcha and son Tashi Tseten Lepcha. He was one of the main coaches of Namchi Sports Hostel which was instituted with the main aim for "Search for More Bhaichung Project", a release of the SFA said.

    Hangu was also the coach and main mentor of Nirmal Chhetri and Sanju Pradhan, who are the ISL players of India and one of the highest paid footballers of the country today. He was the Chief Coach of Football with Sports & Youth Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, till 2011.

Thereafter, he took voluntary retirement. Even after taking VRS, he was one of the regular visitors of Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. He was often seen giving advice and tips to the young budding footballers, SFA General Secretary Menla Yetenpa said.

Hangu represented Sikkim in various national level football tournaments like Santosh Trophy for many years and brought laurel to the State. Earlier, while serving in Indian Navy in Mumbai he used to be the main player of India Navy team. 

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Sept 26-Oct 3, 2014

Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com

     Darjeeling Das Studio’s Mohan Das Pradhan taking a walk near Chowrasta, Darjeeling.

Get ready to win ‘regional war’, Xi tells army chiefs

Beijing/New Delhi, Sept 26: Chinese President Xi Jinping has promoted three People's Liberation Army (PLA) generals known to be close to him and also asked his troops to "improve their combat readiness and sharpen their ability to win a regional war in the age of information technology".

The move might help him achieve greater loyalty within the military forces, something he has also demanded from army chiefs, the South China Morning Post reported on Monday.

"The headquarters of all PLA (People's Liberation Army) forces should improve their combat readiness and sharpen their ability to win a regional war in the age of information technology," Xi said at a meeting with the country’s military elite, China’s official Xinhua news agency reported.

    "The headquarters of PLA forces must have absolute loyalty and firm faith in the Communist Party of China, guarantee a smooth chain of command and make sure all decisions from the central leadership are fully implemented," Xi said.

Reports said the promotions were ordered after Xi summoned 15 top generals to Beijing on Sunday and spoke to them in PLA chief Fang Fenghui's presence. Significantly, Xi also said military commanders should "have a better understanding of international and domestic security situations".

"All PLA forces should follow the instructions of President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the central military commission (CMC), and update their operations to meet new goals and missions set by the CMC," Xinhua news agency quoted an official statement as saying.

The call for loyalty and combat readiness comes as China’s border confrontation with India escalates. Chinese troops have several times crossed the so called Line of Actual Control (LAC) – a demarcation line between Indian and Chinese territory – in the Ladakh region over the last week. The standoff has prompted questions about whether the Chinese army at the border was following instructions from Beijing or acting on its own.

On Monday, the press office for China's Defense Ministry dismissed the confrontation as a by-product of a longstanding misunderstanding over where the border between the two countries should lie.

"The China-India boundary dispute is an issue left over from history,” the military’s statement said. “The boundary between the two countries has not been demarcated until now and there are differing perceptions with regards to the line of actual control (LAC)."

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunyin separately insisted on Monday that there was no need to have "unnecessary suspicion" on both sides on the border issue.

She said the leaders of the two countries have reached an important consensus on politically resolving the border issue through friendly mechanism, The Times of India reported.

"China and India have sufficient capacity and confidence to maintain peace and tranquility in the boundary areas," she said.

BJP demands Chamling’s dismissal for misleading PM on ‘Organic State’ claim

Raises corruption issue with Governor

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi recently.

Gangtok, Sept 26: The BJP has sought the ‘dismissal’ of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for lying to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ‘misleading’ the people on the ‘organic State’ issue and for his refusal to allow the CBI to investigate into corruption charges leveled against him.

In its memorandum submitted to the Governor, the BJP said the State Government’s refusal to allow the CBI to probe into charges of corruption against Chamling will lead to ‘disturbance of peace and tranquility’ in the State.

A delegation of the Sikkim unit of the BJP, led by party President Palden Wangchuk Khangsarpa and Jayananda Kumar Singh, chief of BJP’s Kisan Morcha, submitted the memorandum to the Governor here on Wednesday.

“The Chief Minister of Sikkim, besides claiming funds from the Government of India, he personally appraised the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India that Sikkim has attained the organic mission started from the year 2003 and has been declared to be the only organic State in the Country,” the memorandum said.

Based on the Chief Minister’s claim Kisan Morcha chief and a team of the party’s State unit conducted a “study and fact-finding mission” in the State and found that “Sikkim has not attained the organic mission as claimed” by the Chief Minister, a release of the party said.

The BJP has claimed that “130 produce of Sikkim had been sent to European agencies for testing and that only three of these Sikkim produce had been accepted as organic,” the release said.

Singh said “he was not aware that Sikkim had been officially declared nor certified as an organic state and it was wrong of the Sikkim CM to have lied to the Prime Minister in this regard.”

It added that “farmers are still using the inorganic materials, pesticide including other insecticides and inorganic insect repellant in their farms.” It also added that the State Government’s reply under the Right to Information Act (RTI) also confirmed their finding that Chamling had been “misleading the people of Sikkim” and “constitutional authorities”   like the Prime Minister on “organic mission”.

The Chief Minister should “resign on moral grounds for having made the Prime Minister of India make statements which were not true,” a party release said.

It added, “The false statement of the Sikkim CM had caused the Prime Minister of India to make untrue declarations at the international level at Nepal and Bhutan. This, said Shri Singh, is enough reason for the Sikkim CM to tender his resignation.”

In its memorandum, the BJP has alleged that despite charges of corruption pending against Chamling he has not allowed the CBI to probe into the charges.

“The Chief Minister who himself is involved in corruption cases cannot at any cost cause to issue Notification to stop investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation more so when the prima facie case has been established after conducting preliminary investigation and inquiry,” the memorandum said.

While stating that “non grant of permission” by the State Government for CBI probe into corruption cases “may lead to disturbance of peace and tranquility in the State”, the BJP has demanded that the Governor exercise his constitutional powers and “dismiss the Government headed” by Chamling.

Flag meet in Ladakh held, but standoff is yet to end

New Delhi, Sept 26: To end the standoff along Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, China has demanded that the Indian Army give up construction of a road, which they have planned to build along the undefined border. Sources said China has also asked India to destroy the canals which are being constructed from NREGA funds in Demchok sector of Ladakh, The Indian Express reported.

India has also objected to a bridge, which China has constructed on their side in Chumar over the past six months. Hours before a flag meeting was to be held on Thursday between India and China, two face-offs were reported in Chumar, a source said.

The two issues were raised during the flag meeting held on Thursday on request of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). The stand-off, which started on September 10, has refused to die down and the buildup has increased at least at eight locations in Ladakh.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in New York on Thursday said India and China have resolved the standoff at the Ladakh border. The withdrawal of troops will begin on Friday and be completed by September 30, Swaraj said, describing the resolution of the issue as a "big accomplishment”, PTI reported.

Swaraj's statement came after she discussed the border standoff issue with Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi at the United Nations.

Earlier, Indian soldiers were deployed in the stand-off zone, while 15 battalions and reserve units in eastern Ladakh have been kept at high alert.

Amid continuing standoff on the borders, India on Tuesday said engagements with China were underway at "different levels and different places" and made it clear that the country's border security was in safe hands.

India's response came a day after Chinese President Xi Jinping asked the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to be combat ready to win a "regional war".

Meanwhile, New Delhi is working on naming a Special Representative as demanded by China during President Xi Jingpin's visit to India last week to hold talks on the border issue and demarcation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), they said.

Nepal parties threaten agitation if federal structure demand ignored

Kathmandu, Sept 26: Fearing that the ruling parties might attempt to frame a new constitution on the basis of numerical strength ignoring consensus, the Federal Republican Alliance has stepped up efforts to seek support of fringe parties.

The Federal Republican Alliance comprising Unified CPN-Maoist, Federal Socialist Party-Nepal and five Madhesi parties has pledged to fight for identity-based federalism.

The Federal Republican Alliance held a meeting with United Front for Common Agendas (UFCA), an alliance of nine fringe parties that supported Sushil Koirala’s candidacy for premiership and solicited their support for identity-based federalism, The Himalayan reported.

Sadbhavana Party Co-chair Laxman Lal Karna said the parties united under UFCA agreed to collaborate for a consensus-based constitution.

FSP-N Chair Ashok Kumar Rai said they told the constituents of UFCA that a new constitution should be based on the spirit of people’s war, popular movement II, Comprehensive Peace Accord, Madhes uprising and various movements launched by Janajatis, Muslims, Dalits and other marginalised groups.

Unified CPN-Maoist Secretary Barshaman Pun on Wednesday warned his party would hit the street if the ruling coalition partners tried to promulgate the constitution through voting process on the basis of numerical majority.

Speaking at an interaction in Bharatpur, Pun warned, “If the ruling coalition partners — the NC and UML — try to deliver the constitution through mathematical numbers bypassing the Maoists, Madhes-based parties and ethnic communities, we shall take to the street.”

BOLD INITIATIVE

To Tibet Through Sikkim

While not much headway has been made in terms of volume and frequency of trade at the Indo-Tibet border at Nathula in east Sikkim the fact that resumption of the border trade at Nathula in 2006 has not caused any hindrance to Indo-China relations is an indication that Asia’s two giants are opening up and coming closer. Last week’s historic decision by visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to open the Nathula route for pilgrims to visit Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar in western Tibet is indeed a step in the right direction. Hopefully, the route will be opened at the earliest. The move to open the Himalayan frontier for trade and pilgrimage will surely pave way for tourism and people-to-people contact between the two growing economies.

 At a latter stage decisions should be taken for Tibetans in Tibet and Chinese Buddhists to visit Buddhist pilgrimage places in India. If the Nathula experiment is successful Lachen, Lachung and Jelepla routes should also be opened for trade, tourism and pilgrimage. For centuries the nomadic highlanders of Lachen and Lachung valleys in north Sikkim traded with Tibet through North Sikkim. This came to an end after the 1962 Chinese invasion of Sikkim. India was then protecting Sikkim, whose defence, communication and foreign affairs were with New Delhi. Having embarked on a courageous journey towards friendship and development Beijing and New Delhi must now give top priority to gaining the trust and confidence of the peoples of the Himalayan region, including Tibet, Ladakh, Sikkim and Arunachal. Security ultimately lies with the people and not territory.

PEOPLE&PLACES Mt. Kailash

Mt. Kailash: Myth and Mystery

Mt. Kailash or Mt. Kailas (Tibetan: Gang Tise or Gang Rinpoche; Chinese: Gangdisi Shan) is a striking peak in the Himalayan mountains of western Tibet. The source of some of the longest rivers in Asia, Kailash is a sacred mountain for four faiths: Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the indigenous Tibetan religion of Bön. Next to the mountain are two sacred lakes, the most important of which is Lake Manasarowar.

Myth and Mystery

According to Hindu mythology, Shiva, the god of destruction and regeneration, resides at the summit of a legendary mountain named Kailāśā. Mount Kailāśā is regarded in many sects of Hinduism as Paradise, the ultimate destination of souls and the spiritual center of the world.

According to a description in the Puranas, Mount Kailash's four faces are made of crystal, ruby, gold, and lapis lazuli; it is the pillar of the world; rises 84,000 leagues high; is the center of the world mandala; and is located at the heart of six mountain ranges symbolizing a lotus. From it flow four rivers, which stretch to the four quarters of the world and divide the world into four regions.

This legendary mountain has long been identified with the striking peak in the Himalayas that now bears its name. Shiva is therefore believed to dwell at its summit. Some traditions say the mountain is Shiva's linga, while Lake Manasarowar is the yoni of his consort.

The importance of this holy mountain in Hinduism is reflected, among other places, at the famous Ellora Caves in India, where the largest and most important rock-carved temple is dedicated to Mount Kailash.

Tibetan Buddhists believe that Kailash is the home of the Buddha Demchok (also known as Demchog or Chakrasamvara), who represents supreme bliss. They also say it was on this sacred mountain that Buddhism displaced Bön as the primary religion of Tibet.

According to legend, Milarepa, champion of Tantric Buddhism, arrived in Tibet to challenge Naro-Bonchung, representative of Bön. The two magicians engaged in a great sorcerous battle, but neither was able to gain a decisive advantage.

Finally, it was agreed that whoever could reach the summit of Kailash first would be the victor. While Naro-Bonchung soared up the slope on a magic drum, Milarepa's followers were dumbfounded to see him sitting still and meditating. Yet when Naro-Bonchung was nearly at the top, Milarepa suddenly moved into action and overtook him by riding on the rays of the sun, thus winning the contest and bringing Buddhism to Tibet.

In Jainism, Kailash is known as Mount Ashtapada and is the site where the founder of their faith, Rishabhadeva, attained liberation from rebirth.

In Bön, the religion which predates Buddhism in Tibet, the mountain is believed to be the abode of the sky goddess Sipaimen.

What to See at Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash rises to 22,028 feet (6,714 m) in one of the highest and most rugged parts of the Himalayas. Made of black rock, the symmetrical peak has a distinctive diamond-like shape with four steep facades. The south face has a vertical gash across its horizontal layers, creating the appearance of a swastika - an ancient symbol of good luck in this part of the world.

The landscape around the mountain is rugged and dry but crossed by crystalline blue streams and other bodies of water. Near the sacred mountain is the source of the Indus, Sutlej and Bramaputra rivers and on its south side are two freshwater lakes, the easternmost of which is the highly sacred Lake Manasarowar (Mapam). With an altitude of 14,950 feet, Mansarovar is the highest body of fresh water in the world. The other lake, Rakshastal, also has legendary significance.

Pilgrimage

Every year, thousands make a pilgrimage to Kailash, following a tradition going back thousands of years. Pilgrims of several religions believe that circumambulating (walking around) Mount Kailash will remove sins and bring good fortune. The pilgrimage around the sacred mountain is called the Kailash Kora.

It is said that one trip around the sacred mountain will wipe away all the sins (bad karma) of one's current lifetime; 108 revolutions will remove the sins of all one's lifetimes and bring salvation from reincarnation (moksa). Alternatively, pilgrims who complete one circumbulation of Kailash and bathe in the frigid waters of Lake Mansarovar will also bring salvation.

No pilgrims climb Mt. Kailash; all four religions believe it would be a serious act of sacrilege to set foot on its slopes. Legend has it that the only person to have reached the summit is the Buddhist champion Milarepa (who flew to the top in the 12th century) and that all others who have ventured to defy the taboo have died in the process.

     A drive to Mt. Kailash from Shigatse, Tibet. (Pix:Mohan Pradhan - The Trekking Company – Australia)

The rugged path around Mount Kailash is 32 miles (52 km) long, following a blue mountain stream much of the way. Altitudes range from 15,000 feet at the start to 19,000 feet at the Dolma Pass. The circumambulation is made in a clockwise direction by Hindus and Buddhists but counterclockwise by followers of the Jain and Bön religions.

A typical journey lasts about three days, but some try to earn extra merit by completing the entire walk in a single day. Braving the uneven terrain, high altitudes and variable weather, these hardy souls can complete the trek in about 15 hours.

Other pilgrims seek special merit by taking much longer to circle the holy mountain: instead of walking, they perform body-length prostrations for the entire 32 miles. The pilgrim bends down, kneels, prostrates full-length, makes a mark with his fingers, rises to his knees, prays, and then crawls forward on hands and knees to the mark made by his/her fingers before repeating the process. It requires at least four days of physical endurance to perform the circumambulation this way.

The mountain is located in a particularly remote and inhospitable area of the Tibetan Himalayas. Only those in the best health are able to undertake the journey even to the starting point of the circumambulation, let alone walk 52 km in a single day. A few modern amenities, such as benches, resting places and refreshment kiosks, exist to aid the pilgrims in their devotions.

Shigatse, Tibet                                                                           (Pix:Mohan Pradhan - The Trekking Company – Australia)

Most pilgrims and trekkers take three days to complete the journey around Mount Kailash from the city of Darchen, aiming for Drirapuk Monastery on the first night, crossing Dolma La Pass and arriving at Zutrulpuk Monastery the second night, and finally returning to Darchen on the third day.

Monastery accommodation is not always available, so travelers must carry tents and food. To help with the burden, yaks and porters can be hired in Darchen for about ¥100 per day. The path frequently crosses mountain streams, so waterproof boots or an extra pair of shoes is essential.

Getting There

Most pilgrims begin their journey overland from Kathmandu or Lhasa. From there, they travel over the Tibetan plateau (ranging 10,000-16,000 feet in elevation) in a rented Jeep. It is a long journey with four night stops in camps, finally arriving at Darchen (elevation: 4600 m).

Western visitors usually need a guide, vehicle, driver, and a military permit to visit Kailash, all of which are arranged on tours from Kathmandu or Lhasa. The short version of the tour takes 14 days and cost around ¥15,000 ($1,950), which can be split among four travelers. The longer 21-day tours run about ¥17,000 ($2,210).

ENTERTAINMENT

‘Liar’s Dice’ starring Sikkim’s Geetanjali Thapa seleted for Oscars

(Left) President Pranab Mukherjee presents best female actress award to Geetanjali Thapa for her role in Hindi film ‘Liar’s Dice’ during the ‘61st National Film Awards 2013’ function in New Delhi in May 2014.

 Mumbai, Sept 26: Hindi film ‘Liar’s Dice’, a road drama about a tribal woman’s journey to find her missing husband, has been selected as India’s official entry to the upcoming Academy awards in the best foreign film category.

Directed by Geetu Mohandas and starring Geetanjali Thapa and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead roles, ‘Liar’s Dice’ beat 29 other films to represent India at the Oscars 2015, Supran Sen, secretary general of the Film Federation of India (FFI) told PTI.

Sen said FFI, which nominates the Oscar entry from India every year, had received a record submission of 30 films.

Set in a village near the Indo-Tibetan border, the film’s story follows a young tribal woman whose husband has failed to return home after leaving to work in Delhi many months ago.

She decides to go to Delhi with her young daughter to search for him and on the way meets an Army deserter, Siddiqui, who realizing the perils of the journey ahead for them, decides to accompany them to their destination.

’Liar’s Dice’, Mohandas’ feature debut, was critically acclaimed in the festival circuits. It was selected at the Sundance Film Festival and International Film Festival Rotterdam.

The film won the National award for best actress to Thapa and best cinematography award to Mohandas’ cinematographer husband Rajeev Ravi.

India has never won an Oscar in the best foreign film category. The last Indian film that made it to the final five nominees at the Oscars was Ashutosh Gowariker’s ‘Lagaan’.

’Mother India’ and ‘Salaam Bombay’ are the only other two Indian films to have made it to the top five. The 87th Academy awards will take place on February 22.

SPORT

Kalimpong’s Taekwondo Master Manoj Yonzone gets global recognition

Kalimpong, Sept 26: International Master Instructor, Manoz Yonzone, of Kalimpong recently returned from Korea after undergoing further advanced training in the Korean Martial Art of Taekwondo. He attended the 36^th  Foreigner’s Taekwondo Masters Course during the month of July. The internationally recognized course was attended by more than 130 Master Instructors from over fifty countries.

            It was conducted by the World Taekwondo Academy (Kukkiwon) at its swanky and world class modern sprawling complex located in Taekwondowon, Muju, Korea. This was the first time the course was held in/shifted to its recently opened new training complex. On previous years, the course was held in Kukkiwon, Seoul.

            On the successful completion of the intensive course, he was issued a Global Taekwondo Teaching License by the World Taekwondo Academy.

            Master Manoz Yonzone (5th Dan Black Belt, WTF) then travelled to Seoul, Korea where he again did an intensive month-long training in Taekwondo at the Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy under the personal guidance and instruction of his Korean Grand Master Chang Seong Dong (9th Dan Black Belt, WTF).

            He has been a practising student of Grand Master Chang Seong Dong since 1996. At the conclusion of this year’s Taekwondo training, Grand Master Chang Seong Dong designated Master Manoz Yonzone as the Certified Chief Instructor (West Bengal, India) of the Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy which is recognized by the World Taekwondo Federation. Furthermore, as per the rules and regulations of the Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy, Master Manoz Yonzone was also promoted to 6th Dan Black Belt.

            A B.Com graduate, Master Manoz Yonzone lives in Kalimpong and Mumbai. He is an alumnus of Mt. Hermon School and St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling. He continues to share his Taekwondo and martial skills and vast experiences of over 38 years with his extended Taekwondo family of students and fellow instructors.

Master Manoj Yonzone’s Martial Arts Details:

Number of years trained: 38 years

Styles Learnt: Budokwan Karate / WTF Taekwondo / Choi Kwang Do

Instructors:

BudokwanKarate :

– Sensei Puran Pal Nepali (4^th Degree Black Belt – India)

WTF Taekwondo:

-          Master Pasang FoningLepcha (4^th Dan WTF Black Belt - India)  

-          Grand Master Chang Seong Dong (9^th Dan WTF Black Belt – Korea)

Choi Kwang Do:

-          Founding Grand Master Choi Kwang Jo (9^th Dan Black Belt – USA)

Martial Arts Certified Rankings:

-          Brown/Black Belt (Budokwan Karate – India)

-          3^rd Dan Black Belt (Choi Kwang Do International – USA)

-          5^th Dan WTF Black Belt (Taekwondo –World Taekwondo Federation, Korea)

-          6^th Dan Black Belt (Taekwondo – Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy – Korea)