SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday Dec 13-19, 2014

Golay missing as Chamling celebrates his rule in Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 12: As the ruling party celebrates its 20-year rule in the former kingdom Opposition leader Prem Singh Golay seems to have gone missing again.

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) President and legislator’s disappearance and his reluctance to keep in touch with his party leaders and MLAs has resulted in a serious leadership crisis within the party.

Many within the top rank of the party, realizing Golay’s inability to take on the Chamling Government head-on, are believed to be looking out for another person to lead the party, which has 10 legislators in the House of 32.  Some members of the party leadership, including some MLAs, have expressed their willingness to join the BJP. However, the BJP, while having an alliance with the SKM, doesn’t seem too interested in fishing in troubled waters.

Presently, SKM legislators have camped themselves in Delhi. One reliable source said they have or will petition the Supreme Court requesting the apex court to allow the CBI to probe into corruption charges against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his Cabinet colleagues.

Despite Golay’s lack of presence in the State his MLAs have done remarkably well in voicing public grievances ranging from water shortage, bad roads to ‘organic Sikkim’.

While the Congress party in the State has almost become non-existent, the Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) seems to be reduced to making occasional press statements. And in the meanwhile the Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) leader DN Nepal is quietly going to the rural people with its message for change to safeguard ‘Sikkim for Sikkimese’. (also see page 3)

Khambu Rais to demand ST status during winter fest

Siliguri, Dec 12: The Khambu Rights Movement under the aegis of the All India Kirati Khambu Rai Association has decided to celebrate the community’s traditional winter festival ‘Sakela’ at Dudhay under Kurseong sub-division on December 14 in keeping with their demand for Scheduled Tribe status under Article 342 of the Constitution.

The Khambu Rais  of Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills and also Assam, has been demanding the central government for tribal status.

At a press conference held on Thursday at the Siliguri Journalists’ Club, All India Kirati Khambu Rai Association national convener Mahesh Rai said the objective behind holding the festival is to showcase the community’s rich culture and tradition as well as to demand for ST status, The Echo of India reported.

Thousands of Khambu Rais from across the nation will be participating in the festival and performing Sili Dance, Bhumi Puja and worshipping Mother Nature. According to Rai, the association has submitted a deputation to the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry and the Registrar General of India on the tribal status issue.

When asked if they are willing to accept the development board being offered by the state government, Rai said, “Tribal status is conferred by the central government. Hence we are demanding for such a status and have not thought about accepting a development board.

Editorial

TWO DECADES

Nothing Has Changed

    As Sikkim’s Pawan Chamling completes 20 years in office this week the measure of his success or failure must be seen by what he initially set out to achieve and what the people expected of him in the early 1990s. Chamling himself realized why people supported him even as they were becoming more and more restless and frustrated with Nar Bahadur Bhandari’s fourteen-and-half years’ (1979-1994) ‘misrule’. The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) chief made no secret of his desire to liberate Sikkim from dictatorship, communalism and corruption. Alas, twenty years down the line the Chamling Government is accused of the same things; the only addition being that casteism has been added to the chain of accusations leveled against the present dispensation.

     The saddest thing to note at this point of time is that even after the SDF’s claim on restoration of  democracy, when it came to power on December 12, 1994, the democratic rights of the Sikkimese people on Assembly seat issue have not yet been met. It was expected that after democracy was restored democratic and constitutional rights of the people should also be restored. Today the Chamling Government has forgotten the Assembly seat issue even as the Sikkimese people face an uncertain future.  We still live in fear and the rule of law has been replaced by one-man-rule once again. Chamling’s recent move to safeguard the rights and interests of bonafide Sikkimese – an initiative that has been applauded in certain quarters – should have begun twenty years back. Many even doubt his motive and method on the issue. Chamling’s claim on development and peace are two areas that the ruling party may want to boast about but only the Sikkimese know how hollow these claims are. And yet the farce goes on and the Centre, even under Modi, continues to reward the Chamling Government in more than one way. Perhaps the people, who do nothing about the way things are and expect someone to free them, deserve the government they get. In Sikkim, nothing has changed since 1975, 1979 and 1994.

China Never Signed The Simla Accord

By NORMAN LEACH

The Simla conference 1914

For the British, with an empire “on which the sun never set”, there were always treaties to sign and allies to work with. The gathering war clouds in Europe could not be allowed to interfere with trade and commerce in the rest of the empire.

On 24 March 1914 the British, Tibetans and Chinese sat down to formalize an accord that had been in the works since early 1913. Negotiated between the representatives of Britain, China and Tibet- the Simla Accord (named after the region where it was signed) was to establish the borders of Tibet and China and the form of government in Tibet.

Tibet first came to the attention of the British in the mid-19th century as they laid out the borders for north-east India. Tawang, an important trading town, was discovered to be within the borders of Tibet. The government in London, recognizing the importance of the town attempted to come to treaty arrangements with both China and Tibet.

There was some hope this could be accomplished as the British had earlier formalized treaties with the Qing regime in China confirming the boundaries between Tibet, Burma and Sikkim. The challenge for the British and Chinese was that the Tibetan government did not recognize China as having sovereignty in the country and rejected the treaties.

Britain responded by sending troops into the country in 1904 to force a treaty with the Tibetan government. By 1907 Britain and Russia had officially recognized Chines suzerainty (not full control but controlling influence) over Tibet.

The region settled into a routine, relatively independent existence until the Qing government sent troops into Tibet in 1910 to establish full Chinese control. The British responded with their own troops moving into the Arunachal Pradesh to rule the region under the North-East Frontier Agency. Through treaties with various tribal leaders the British effectively surrounded and limited Chinese rule in Tibet until the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1913. Tibet then declared itself independent, expelling all Chinese government and military personnel.

Sir Henry McMahon, 1862-1949.

The new government in China rejected the Tibetan declaration of independence and the British quickly pulled together a conference in Simla to resolve the issues. The British delegate, Sir Henry Mcmahon proposed dividing Tibet into “inner Tibet” and “outer Tibet.” Inner Tibet included Tibetan-inhabited areas in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, and would be under the jurisdiction of the Chinese government. The rest of the country “Outer Tibet,” would remain autonomous.

The Accord also proposed boundaries between China and Tibet and between Tibet and British India.

The Chinese government and its representative Ivan Chen had grave concerns about the borders between Tibet and China as defined in the agreement. When Chen returned to China for consultations the British sign a separate trade agreement with Tibet.

Chamling completes 20-year rule

PM Modi congratulates Chamling: “admirable accomplishment”

Gangtok, Dec 12: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling completes 20 years in the office today. He formed the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government on December 12 in 1994 after defeating the Sikkim Sangram Parishad and Congress party.

He is also set to become the country's longest serving chief minister, breaking the record of late Communist leader Jyoti Basu who was chief minister of West Bengal for more than 23 years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Pawan Kumar Chamling on completing 20 years as the Chief Minister of Sikkim.

"I congratulate Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling on completing 20 years in office as Sikkim CM. It is truly an admirable accomplishment," Prime Minister Modi tweeted, ANI reported.

The ruling SDF has won 21 out of a total 32 seats on the plank of promoting peace, security and development. Ten seats have gone to Opposition Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) while one is an independent.

Chamling was born on 22 September 1950 in Yangang, South Sikkim to Ashbahadur Chamling and Asharani Chamling. Chamling is also a Nepali language writer and recipient of the Bhanu Puraskar (2010) awarded by Sikkim Sahitya Parishad.

He was elected as the president of Yangang Gram Panchayat in 1982. In 1985, he was elected to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the first time. After being elected for the second time from Damthang constituency, he became the Minister for Industries, Information and Public Relations from 1989 to 1992 in the Nar Bahadur Bhandari cabinet.

After a series of major political upheavals in Sikkim, Chamling formed the Sikkim Democratic Front on March 4, 1993. The Sikkim Democratic Front won the 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009 State Assembly elections under his leadership on the plank of peace prosperity and development.

NCERT book shows Sikkim, JK as separate countries

Gangtok, Dec 12: The NCERT social science book for Class VI, Social and Political Life-I, has redrawn the map of India in a way the Pakistani generals and Chinese mandarins would approve of.

 In a map on page 30, Jammu and Kashmir appears to be outside the periphery of the Indian state, shaded as it is in a colour similar to that used to mark neighbouring countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan, India Today reported.

 On the preceding page, Sikkim and the North-east are marked as separate nations.

It may be mentioned that while JK became part of India on October 27, 1947, Sikkim joined the Union on May 16, 1975.

Says Lokesh Chandra, the recently appointed head of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), "These are factual errors which shouldn't be looked at through any ideological prism. The mistake should be corrected without delay and those responsible for it cornered."

NE body demands more incentives for hotel industry in Sikkim

Gangtok, Dec 12: Hotel & Restaurant Association of Eastern India (HRAEI) has demanded more fiscal incentives from the Sikkim government to make the State attractive destination for hotel investments.

HRAEI had organised an interactive meeting of hoteliers and restaurateurs of Sikkim in Gangtok  recently to understand the issues of the industry in the State as part of the Association’s third executive committee meeting.

Citing the good example of Assam, which has recently announced their Industrial Policy 2014, Sudesh Poddar, President, HRAEI urged the Sikkim government to follow suit so that the State can become a favoured destination for tourism investment. He demanded VAT exemption, luxury tax exemption, and entry tax exemption for goods brought into the State from outside for construction of hotels.

“Tourism is one of the most important vehicles for economic growth of Sikkim. God has gifted this State with limitless natural beauty and it is one of the most sought after tourism destination in India. Thus, we intend to draw the attention of the state government to key issues which are stumbling blocks to growth of hospitality industry in the State.”

Kailash Mansarovar: route better through Uttarakhand than Sikkim, Rawat tells Swaraj

Dehradun, Dec 12: Chief Minister Harish Rawat on Tuesday met Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj in Delhi and informed her about the State’s concerns on start of the new route to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the country other than the traditional route from Uttarakhand.

The Chief Minister asked Swaraj to ensure that the State does not lose its sole right to conduct the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. He said Uttarakhand was capable of providing better Kailash Mansarovar yatra route to pilgrims than the newly opened Nathula route from Sikkim, The Tribune reported.

The Chief Minister pointed out that it was only through the Uttarakhand route that pilgrims come across Chotta Kailash and Om Parwat, which are part of the traditional pilgrimage and thus, the Uttarakhand route holds much of religious significance.

Rawat disclosed that Uttarakhand was trying to reduce the distance of trekking route in the Kailash Mansarovar yatra, which will reduce the total travel time by four to six days. He said two new roads were also being built to facilitate the travel of pilgrims. “The state is also considering the start of Heli service for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims during the rainy season,” he said.

Rawat said regular helicopter service could also be provided to pilgrims from Pithoragarh district headquarters to Nabidhang.

PEOPLE & PLACES Sikkim

Winter fest to fetch maximum tourists

Gangtok, Dec 12: With a winter carnival and a film festival lined up this week, the tiny Himalayan state of Sikkim is trying to turn December into a peak tourist season.

Organised by the state Tourism Department, the six-day Sikkim Winter Carnival will start from December 14 where various cultural events, music shows, arts and crafts exhibitions and adventure activities like para-gliding, mountain biking and rock climbing would engage tourists.

Coinciding with this would be the 'Small Town Film Fest' which will showcase over 26 films by independent film-makers from all over the world over a four-day period.

Organised by Cafe Fiction, the festival also features works of three directors from Sikkim.

Another unforgettable moment for travellers would be the showering of flower petals from a helicopter flying over the Himalayas during one of the events.

Tourism department officials said they are expecting a 30 per cent increase in tourists this December.

"December is not our peak tourist season but we want to portray Sikkim as a round-the-year tourist attraction. The Himalayas have a different charm in the winters and we are banking on that. With so many activities planned for tourists we are expecting a 30-40 per cent hike in the number of tourists in December," Pema L Shangderpa of the department of tourism and civil aviation, PTI reported.

Contact: OBSERVER BUILDING

               Nam Nang Road, Gangtok

               SIKKIM

SIKKIM OBSERVER    Saturday Dec 13-19, 2014

ENTERTAINMENT

Sudhanshu Saria’s His New Hands gets Remi Gold award

Siliguri, Dec 12: Budding filmmaker Sudhanshu Saria’s His New Hands was recently awarded the prestigious Remi Gold prize for Best Dramatic Short at the 47th WorldFest-Houston festival.

The film had its World Premiere in Competition at the 38th Hong Kong International Film Festival 2014 recently.

Siliguri’s Sudhanshu Saria, or Suds,  has worked as an entertainment executive in Los Angeles for the past seven years. In his various positions handling acquisitions – development  and distribution – he has helped bring various film and television projects such as  The Tudors

(Showtime/BBC), Fragments (Kate Beckinsale, Forest Whitaker), The Ideal (William H Macy, Meg Ryan) to fruition.

Suds received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Film and Photography from Ithaca College, New York, USA. His previous work, premiered at film festivals like Hollyshorts and the Oscar qualifying Rio De Janeiro International, has taken him to the Berlinale Talent Campus and gotten him featured on shows on NPR and Good Morning America.

Sudhanshu Saria

His New Hands, his most recent short, had its World Premiere in Competition at the 38th Hong Kong International Film Festival 2014 and most recently was awarded the prestigious Remi Gold prize for Best Dramatic Short at the 47th WorldFest-Houston festival.

 It was screened at Sarasota, Omaha, Chennai and Johns Hopkins Film Festivals, was selected by the makers of the Red  camera for their annual showcase of the best films shot on their camera, and was awarded the Best Cinematography prize at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in Mumbai.

   His New Hands, “ featuring acclaimed actor Andre Royo ( The Wire, The Spectacular  Now),  is a Faustian tale about the price of pursuing one's dreams set in the Old South,” says Saria and adds “The film was funded via crowdfunding and our donors are from all over the world. We shot the film in Los Angeles area and post-produced it entirely in Mumbai.”

I Am Here, a feature-length screenplay he wrote, was selected for the International Finance Forum at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Love , his feature writing and directing debut, is currently in post-production. As he climbs from peak to peak, Suds will surely live up to his college, founded in 1892, motto: “Commitment to Excellence.”

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN          Dec 3-9, 2014

Nepal Maoist leader forms new party, calls for ‘armed struggle’

Netra Bikram Chand

Kathmandu, Dec 2: Former secretary of the Mohan Baidya-led CPN-Maoist Netra Bikram Chand on Monday officially announced the formation of a new party, the fourth Maoist party to enter mainstream politics since the former rebels joined the peace process in 2006.

 The new party, Communist Party of Nepal Maoist CPN (Maoist), declared Nepali Congress as its prime enemy. Chand blamed UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-Maoist Chairman Mohan Baidya of undermining the bloodshed of more than 10,000 people and deceiving commoners by joining hands with ‘enemies’ to weaken Maoism within the country.

The party, leaders said, was the need of time to sustain the legacy of ‘people’s war’ after the UCPN (Maoist) and CPN-Maoist ‘diverted from their principles’. The leaders claimed that the party could go as far as undertaking an ‘armed struggle’ in order to protect ‘national unity, integrity, sovereignty and rights of people’, The Himalayan Times reported.

Chand’s document on ‘unified struggle’ talks of launching a new revolution with the support of rural peasants and urban working class (middle class) along with other marginalised communities.

Nearly a third of the CPN-Maoist leaders, mostly young ones from the People’s Liberation Army, have joined the party.

The party further demanded an ‘all party conference’ to resolve contentious issues of the constitution writing process. The party also asked to nullify all unequal treaties signed between Nepal and India, including the1950 treaty.

Build centres of learning, not temples: Dalai Lama to RSS

New Delhi, Dec 2: Sharing dais with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and VHP patron Ashok Singhal at an event recently, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama said India should remember and reinforce its great tradition of tolerance and religious harmony and think about why it has more temples than centres of learning.

The Dalai Lama was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day World Hindu Congress (WHC) organized with support from RSS and VHP. The conference  was organized with the objective of bringing together Hindus at a time "when the community is beset by very serious challenges and is standing at a critical crossroad".

"We are all equal. Born the same way. Sometimes we forget the sameness of humanity and talk of divisions. In terms of we and they... We need sense of oneness among seven billion people of the world," the Tibetan leader said. He pointing out how all wars and violence are created by man and "unfortunately religious faith also causes problems".

Dalai Lama credited India for all the knowledge that Tibet and Buddhists have, but said, "Ancient India was our guru. Not modern India, it is too westernized ... It is not enough to carry on puja and rituals. This nation produced great thinkers. Now in every corner there is a temple. But places where one can think or discuss are rare."

TO MT. KAILASH THROUGH NATHULA IN 2015

Gangtok, Dec 2: Indian pilgrims would be able to visit Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet through the new route of Nathula in east Sikkim from next year, state tourism department officials said here on Saturday.

Things are progressing at a very fast pace and the Centre and the Sikkim government are aiming at having the first batch of pilgrims visiting Kailash Mansarovar using this new route in June 2015, the official claimed, PTI reported.

India and China had signed a bilateral agreement on the Nathula alternative route on September 18 this year. The route through Nath la will augment capacity and reduce hardship and journey time, enabling many more to undertake the yatra, the official said. More than 1,600 pilgrims, moving in 10 batches, are expected to take the Sikkim route next year and preparations are underway to ensure that the June deadline is met, the official informed.

Two senior officials from the ministry of external affairs were recently in Sikkim to examine the state’s infrastructural preparedness and to finalise other nitty-gritty.

Nepal indigenous groups to unite on federalism

Padma Ratna Tuladhar (left) and Nagendra Kumal

Kathmandu, Dec 2: The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN)) and Padma Ratna Tuladhar-led Adibasi Janajati Rastriya Andolan (AJRA) have forged a deal to launch a combined agitation to press for the issues of indigenous groups, including ethnic identity -based federalism.

The two sides issued a joint statement informing about their plan to launch an agitation at a time when the federation is said to have back off from agitation, Kantipur reported.

In a meeting coordinated by the Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists Association (FoNIJ) at NEFIN’s office on Monday, Nefin Chairman Nagendra Kumal and AJRA Chariman Tuladhar have signed the joint statement issued after the meeting.

“Both Nefin and AJRA has agreed to join hands for protest programmes to ensure ethnic-identity based federalism in the constitution drafting process,” read the press release. The press release has further stated that the subsequent talks will be held to decide the structure and programmes of the protest.

NEFIN is an umbrella organisation of 56 ethnic communities while AJRA is a cluster of various ethnic organisations, sister wing of political parties, Janjati leaders of other political parties, experts and individuals, among others.

Second Sino-Nepal trade route opens

The new route is linked with the China’s railway project

Kathmandu. Dec 2: In a major boost for bilateral trade between Nepal and China, one more cross-border trading route has come into operation. With China officially opening the Gyirong Port on the Rasuwagadhi border on Monday, the second land route has opened for bilateral trade.

For long, the Tatopani border was the sole trade transit with China. The new route has historical importance as it was a busy trade link between Tibet and Nepal during the Lichchhavi and Malla periods. Besides, the newly opened route is linked with the Chinese government’s railway project.     

    During the fifth Nepal-Tibet Trade Facilitation Committee meeting in Lhasa in September, the Chinese side had agreed in principle to extend the Qinghai-Tibet railway to the Nepal border. Hari Prasad Bashyal, Nepal’s consular general in Lhasa, and Dong Mingjun, vice-chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region government, jointly inaugurated the facility.

The Friendship Bridge connecting China with Nepal.

China briefly opened the route in August when the Tatopani border was shut due to landslides along Araniko Highway. Nepali importers rerouted their shipments from China via Rasuwagadhi for some time. China closed the route before Dashain citing the lack of infrastructure on its side. According to Chinese authorities, the customs, quarantine and immigration offices have come into operation.

China plans to scale up its trade ties with Nepal as a new bridge to improve the connectivity between the two countries through Tibet was to be opened in October this year.

The bridge is in Gyirong Valley in the prefecture’s Gyirong county and will also help revitalise Tibet’s Gyirong Port, Director of Gyirong Customs, Wang Long told state-run China Daily.

China is developing Gyirong to make a major land passage between Tibet and Nepal. Currently, Nepal and China rely on Rasuwa Gadhi bridge built by Switzerland for trade and also for visitors to cross over.

But the bridge is not sufficient as trade and travel volumes between the two countries have increased in recent times.

Besides the bridge, China also plans to connect its new railway lines being built from Shigatse up to India, Nepal and Bhutan borders by 2020.

The Beatles’ ashram in Rishikesh lies in ruins

(Left) Rishikesh yoga Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the Beatles.

Dehradun, Dec 2: George Harrison died on November 29, 2001, of lung cancer. He was cremated in Los Angeles and his ashes later scattered in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Much water has flowed down two of India's holiest rivers 13 years since.

But in a nondescript ashram, overrun by creepers of Uttarakhand's Rajaji National Park, one of the defining legacies of Harrison and The Beatles continues to live on.

Situated by the Ganga, the 'Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ashram' of Rishikesh — known the world over as the Beatles ashram — is where the "band more famous than Jesus Christ" dabbled in transcendental meditation under the tutelage of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the spring of 1968. More famously, the Beatles ashram in Uttarakhand is where the iconic 'White Album' was born. The album sold 9.5 million copies in the United States alone, The Times of India reported.

Today, a few Beatles devotees, mostly Western tourists, seek out the ashram to pay their respects. Chris Cheul from England is one of them. With a guitar in his hands and 'Dear Prudence' — one of the more memorable singles from the White Album — on his lips, Chris walks around the abandoned ashram, "soaking it all in".

"I am a die-hard Beatles fan," he says, "and I couldn't stop myself from coming here once I heard that the Beatles were here for three months and wrote some of their most beautiful songs."

As per official records, the UP forest department, in 1961, leased out 15 acres for 20 years to Mahesh Yogi to set up the ashram. The lease expired in 1981 but Maharishi had moved base by then. The land was taken back and, two years later, handed to the national park. Locals claim it was abandoned around 1977 and has failed to gain the administration's attention ever since.

Much like Chris, many people visit Rishikesh just to visit the ruin. A couple from Australia who learned meditation from Maharishi Mahesh Yogi himself are among them. "The transcendental meditation works," says John as Sussane nods her head. "Otherwise we wouldn't have been practising it for the past 41 years. We came to the ashram in 1973. It was beautiful and serene, but now all that remains is overgrown vegetation. The Beatles association by itself attracts so many fans to this ashram even today. Something really needs to be done about it."

Editorial

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Modi Faces A Daunting Task

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged the people to be vigilant and guard India's unique unity in diversity, which gave it strength, and asserted that its rich heritage could never be divided on ideological lines. Modi’s call will be tested on how his party handles the delicate issue of Article 370 concerning Jammu and Kashmir. The BJP will be forced to come out openly on this sensitive issue whether it sits in the Opposition or forms the government after the poll results are out.

So far the Modi Government has done commendable job as far as tackling corruption in high places. Decision making processes are faster, government officials are made to work and accountability has been sought from appropriate authorities. Even on foreign affairs Modi has shown the world that he can lead India to a better future. As the Modi wave sweeps across the country winning many Assembly polls the real test of his leadership quality would be to build an India that reflects the age-old heritage of unity in diversity. In a real sense India’s unity is based on its diversity.

Centre to form panel on Gorkhaland

BJP, Cong, TMC against division of Bengal

Darjeeling, Dec 2: The Centre’s recent assurances to Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) on formation of a committee to examine the demand for Gorkhaland state has given a fresh lease of life to hill politics.

"I am happy to inform to all our supporters that Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon'ble Home Minister has agreed to set up a committee to examine our century old demand of Gorkhaland," said Morcha chief  Bimal Gurung last week.

Gurung’s statement came after a meeting of top level GJM delegation with Union Home Minister  Rajnath Singh, in presence of  Morcha-backed Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia.

Reacting to the Centre’s assurance, BJP West Bengal State President Rahul Sinha said, "We will never support any split within the state."

Sinha knows well that formation of Gorkhaland statehood may give BJP assured win in Darjeeling, but, that will ruin BJP throughout the whole state as almost none in the other 41 Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal have any support to this separate statehood demand, The Economic Times reported.

Moreover, the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC) is the specified body constituted by the Central Government in 1953 to recommend reorganization of state boundaries.

“There should not be any need of any other committee," said senior Congress leader S Malakar. Leaders from TMC, the ruling party in West Bengal, have also criticized Singh's statement.

In Delhi, Morcha said the delegation reminded the Union Home Minister of the BJP’s promise in the election manifesto to “sympathetically examine and appropriately consider” the demand of the hill people.

In response, the party said, Singh agreed to form the committee and also requested the Morcha to postpone its Delhi dharna, scheduled to start on December 18.

“On Rajnath Singhji’s request, the GJM has decided to postpone the three-day Delhi Dharna and ask the Central Government to expedite the formation of the committee to examine our demand for Gorkhaland,” Morcha  said.

It may be recalled that former Darjeeling MP and expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh in May this year alleged that the BJP was not serious on the statehood issue.

"It is sad BJP has not fully accepted the statehood demand of the Darjeeling hills. It is a reality that the state BJP will never agree to a division. Bengal has already seen two divisions and does not want another,” Singh had said.

St. Paul’s School celebrates 150^th anniversary

The school, founded in Calcutta in 1823, was shifted to Darjeeling in 1864

St. Paul's School was founded in Calcutta by Archdeacon Corrie at the instigation of John William Ricketts, a local Anglo-Indian leader, and opened at 11 Park Street on May 1, 1823. The school was moved to its present Jalapahar estate in Darjeeling in 1864 with 31 boarders and a few day scholars. At that time, at approximately 7,600 feet above sea level, it was the highest school in the world. A number of its students fought in both World War I and World War II.

Bishop Foss Westcott, Metropolitan of Bengal, Burma and Ceylon, played an important role in the growth of the school. The Maharajah of Burdwan also made important donations. Over the years a number of estates were purchased and merged with the existing school estate. The Mount Vernon Estate, known as Dawkins, was purchased at the beginning of the 1900s and the Terpsithea Estate in 1955.

The school's original purpose was "to supply a good education at a moderate cost to the sons of Europeans and East Indians", and it remained almost exclusively white until after World War II. After Indian Independence in 1947 it became a school for wealthy Indians and attracted wealthy students from other Asian countries, as of 1960 especially from Burma, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

The school celebrated its 150^th anniversary in Oct-Nov this year.

There is a ‘hidden agenda’ in Sikkim, BL body tells Centre

Gangtok, Dec 2: The Centre has been asked to take a serious note of the ‘hidden agenda’ of a section of the people in Sikkim to do away with the former kingdom’s special status within the Union.

A seven-member delegation of the Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF) led by its President Phigu Tshering Bhutia has urged the Union Government to safeguard Sikkim’s religious, social and political rights and interests as per Article 371F of the Constitution.

“We have also appraised the Government in the Centre about the Hidden Agendas to do away with the rights and benefits enjoyed” by the minority indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha tribals, a release of the BLPF said.

BLPF  President Phigu Tshering Bhutia

While condemning the Burman Commission report, the BLPF said the content of the report dilutes political rights of all Sikkimese, particularly of the Sikkimese of Nepali origin. Issues relating to crapping of mega hydel projects in west and north Sikkim have also been raised with Central leaders, the release said.

The issue of restoration of the political rights of Sikkimese Nepalese  through seat reservation in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly also figured in the talks and memorandum submitted to various authorities at the Centre.

Brahmaputra dam won’t hurt India’s Northeast: Beijing   

Beijing, Dec 2: China on Monday promised to take "full account" of concerns about its new hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra in the river's downstream areas, which include India's northeastern region. The dam will not come in the way of flood-prevention efforts undertaken in the downstream areas, it said.

On Sunday China had announced the completion of the first phase of construction on the 500MW Zangmu hydroelectricity dam on the Brahmaputra, in its Tibetan region across the Indian border. This is one of the five dams China has planned on the river, which is called Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, The Times of India reported.

"We'll take full account of concerns of downstream areas," Hua Chunying, foreign ministry spokeswoman said. "The hydropower stations that China has built will not affect flood prevention and ecological systems of downstream areas."

India has repeatedly expressed concerns that intense dam-building activity on the Brahmaputra would make downstream areas, including Arunachal Pradesh, vulnerable to flash floods. Besides, the dams will give China the powers of a 'water tap manager' in the river's upstream areas. India's position is especially vulnerable since there is no water treaty between the two countries.

But Hua said China was in full "cooperation and communication" with the downstream areas. She said during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to New Delhi in September, it was India which "thanked China for the provision of hydrological data and assistance in emergency handling" of the river situation. "On the exploration and utilization of trans-boundary rivers, China has been adopting a responsible attitude, and we ensure exploration goes hand in hand with protection," she said.

Hua said China looked at the Brahmaputra issue in the context of the "bigger picture of China-India relationship". The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for enhancing cooperation in the field of trans-boundary rivers in 2013, Hua said.

China has built the $1.5 billion Zangmu Hydropower Station at a height of 3,300 metres above sea level on the 'Roof of the World', raising concerns among environmentalists that damming the river will upset rare water species and upset the fragile ecological balance in that part of the Himalayas.

ADB reluctant to fund border road projects in Arunachal, Ladakh: Congress MP

Japan assures China it will stay out of Arunachal projects

New Delhi, Dec 2: A Congress member contended in Lok Sabha last  Thursday that Japan is now backing out of funding the border roads in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, a project on which China has raised objections and questioned what the government would do now.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Ninong Ering claimed that following an agreement between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at APEC, Tokyo has now become against the funding, PTI reported.

He recalled that the Asian Development Bank has been reluctant to fund the project due to the Chinese objections.In such a situation, he sought to know how government would go about early completion of the border roads at a time when the Border Roads Organisation has drawn a roadmap.

Beijing: China said last Tuesday that it had received a "clarification" from the Japanese government saying Tokyo would not involve itself in infrastructure projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

Responding to reports in India which said the Border Roads Organization (BRO) had given 'strategic' projects to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) along the China border, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Japanese government had made clear that it would not involve itself in projects in 'disputed areas' between India and China. Officials clarified this included Arunachal Pradesh, which China has territorial claims on.

"China has noted the report and has checked with the capable authorities," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei told reporters, in response to a question on the issue raised by an official Chinese media outlet at a regular press briefing. "The Japanese side has clarified that its cooperation with India is not in disputed areas between China and India," Hong said.

Bhaichung conferred AFC 'Hall of Fame Award'

Manila, Dec 2: Former Indian national football team captain Bhaichung Bhutia was Sunday honoured with the AFC Hall of Fame Award on occasion of the Asian Football Confederation's 60th anniversary here.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter presented the award to Bhaichung on the Awards Night here. AIFF president Praful Patel was also present as were a host of other dignitaries from all over the footballing World.

Moments after receiving it, Bhaichung said the award was not solely for him "but for Indian football".

"It is an honour to be accepting this award not on my behalf, but for football, for India and for all Indian footballers who have to struggle against all odds to prove themselves every single day," he told www.the-aiff.com.

"This is an award for Indian football," he reiterated.

"When I first started playing football as a kid, I never imagined where the game would take me. As I moved up through various stages of my playing career - from a teenager with East Bengal to captaining the national team - I had to face obstacles at every single step of the journey," he recollected, IANS reported.

"But I loved the game. So, I stuck to it and every challenge I faced only made me push harder. I know most Indian players today still face many of the same challenges I did, and this award is for the passion and dedication that makes them continue to play the game," he said.

"Bhaichung has been the flag-bearer of Indian football in over 100 international matches. He deserves this award for sure. My heartiest congratulations to him," Patel said.

"AIFF has been keen on using his experience and post retirement, Bhaichung has been closely associated with AIFF and we expect to work closely for the development of football in the country,"

Patel added.

Pix of Nina Harkness's books

RN Chamling finally takes oath

Assembly pays tribute to Prince Jigdal Namgyal

Gangtok, Nov 29: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s  younger brother Rup Narayan  Chamling, who was elected to the Assembly from Rangang-Yangang constituency in south Sikkim recently, last week took oath of office.

Speaker KN Rai administered the oath to the newly elected during the Assembly session here last Friday.

RN Chamling contested as an independent candidate from the constituency vacated by the Chief Minister, who contested from two constituencies in south district. The by-election was held in September this year.

Rup Narayan Chamling defeated Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) candidate Kumari Manger, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Bikash Basnet, and the Congress’s Bishnu Prasad Adhikari. The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha, which had a poll alliance with the  BJP, opted out of the fray.

The Speaker and the  Chief Minister in the obituary reference on the passing away of Late Gyalsey Kushyo Jigdal Tsewang Namgyal, former Prince of Sikkim, expressed their deep and profound sorrow on the sad demise of late Prince, the youngest son of Lt. Chogyal Tashi Namgyal who passed away on 30th October 2014.

The Chief Minister, during the obituary reference, said the late Prince was fondly remembered as Gyalsey Georgela, who received his education at the most prestigious schools in India and was a brilliant student  and majored with history honours. He was a man of the people who loved him profoundly for his simplicity and modesty.

After completing his education, the late Prince became the first Development Commissioner of Sikkim and initiated various developmental works and made immense contribution in shaping the state in the right direction. His demise has created a huge void in the Sikkimese society, he said. He also prayed for the departed soul and expressed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

As a mark of respect to the departed soul, the House also observed a two-minute silence.

During the two-day session, three new Bills were introduced: Sikkim Agricultural, Horicultural input and Livestock Feed Regulatory Bill, Sikkim Determination of Lease Bill and the Sikkim Anatomy Bill.

Sikkimese protested against ‘merger’ in 1975

By N G Dorji Khangsarpa

In 1975 near the last days of the reign of Chogyal Palden Thondup Namgyal, the last king of independent and free Sikkim, when it was more than evident that Sikkim was to be “merged” with India, the people of Sikkim and particularly those of Gangtok and the surrounding areas, finally threw away the shackles of fear and for two glorious days staged a major rally against Indian intentions with Sikkim.

The second day rally was short-lived after Indian Army personnel, especially some Gorkha Rifle units and Assam Rifles jawans staged a flag march from the Palace ridge down to Tadong army camp. This even as the CRPF personnel were busy firing tear gas canisters and lathi-charging the people gathered for further protests.

The first day’s rally, however, saw at least four thousand people (a massive gathering in those days of a Sikkim with a barely 200,000 lakh population) march up to Mintokgang, which was then used as the residence of B S Das, who was supposed to have been brought to assist the Chogyal of Sikkim, but was working more on the orders of New Delhi. The protestors shouted anti-Indian slogans and demanded that Sikkim be left alone.

Since the rally was one of the biggest gathering of Sikkim’s population during the last days preceeding the merger, the majority of Indian print media and a few foreign ones carried stories and posted pictures of the rallyists gathered at Mintokgang within the next few days.

However, the headings and captions for that particular picture more or less, read: “People of Sikkim from all walks of life surround the palace demanding merger with India”.

Similarly, with regard to the now famous Gurudongmar Lake and the recent controversies vis-a-vis Guru Rimpochhe and Guru Nanak I have the following opinion:

Prior to 1975 very, very few people actually went there, Sikkimese or otherwise.  I have been given to understand by older Lachenpas and Lachungpas that before 1947 there was no Gurdwara at the Gurudongmar Lake.

After Independence from the British almost 40% of the Indian Army consisted of Punjabis/Sikhs, as the British had recognized and preferred them as a martial race. It was no wonder that after the 1950 treaty between Sikkim and India, the first units of the Indian army to enter Sikkim were the Punjab Regiment and Sikh Light Infantry.

Though their forward base was at Chungthang, the Sikhs would patrol the barren North from camps situated all over North Sikkim.

One such camp was near Gurudongmar Lake, where they set up a Gurdwara. Suddenly, near the end of the twentieth century we are told that Guru Nanak had travelled to Sikkim and was responsible for Gurudogmar being named after him etc. etc. (N G Dorji Khangsarpa is editor of The Encounter newspaper)

FIX ACCOUNTABILITY

CBI Chief Cannot Go Scot-free

Noted advocate Prashant Bhushan, who represents the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), has rightly lodged a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi Government seeking registration of an FIR against CBI Director Ranjit Sinha under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA). Bhushan, who sought a thorough investigation against Sinha, alleged that Sinha had attempted to influence various cases including the 2G scam and coal block allocation scam after meeting the accused persons or their representative at his residence at 2 Janpath in New Delhi.

On Bhushan's plea, Supreme Court has removed Sinha from 2G case last week for his interference in 2G case. Bhushan is convinced that offences of bribery can be established by a thorough investigation and has sought for a "thorough and impartial" investigation against Sinha, who is due to retire next week. The petition has alleged that the CBI Director had "deliberately" tried to save certain influential persons from prosecution in the 2G scam, coal scam, etc by abusing his position. Those safeguarding corrupt elements in power must be thoroughly exposed and accountability fixed if India is to forge ahead.

Japan assures China it will stay out of projects in Arunachal

The Japanese side has clarified that its cooperation with India is not in disputed areas between China and India: Beijing

Beijing, Nov 29: China said last Tuesday that it had received a "clarification" from the Japanese government saying Tokyo would not involve itself in infrastructure projects in Arunachal Pradesh.

Responding to reports in India which said the Border Roads Organization (BRO) had given 'strategic' projects to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) along the China border, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the Japanese government had made clear that it would not involve itself in projects in 'disputed areas' between India and China. Officials clarified this included Arunachal Pradesh, which China has territorial claims on.

"China has noted the report and has checked with the capable authorities," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei told reporters, in response to a question on the issue raised by an official Chinese media outlet at a regular press briefing.

"The Japanese side has clarified that its cooperation with India is not in disputed areas between China and India," Hong said.

While China and Japan have recently been grappling with tense relations over disputed East China Sea islands, relations have begun to thaw after Chinese President Xi Jinping met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Beijing last week, on the sidelines of the APEC Summit. Both sides signed a four point agreement to cool tensions.

India's BRO has sought help from the JICA to push forward long-overdue infrastructure projects in India's Northeast. The JICA has been roped in to provide assistance for a number of road projects. According to the Japanese agency's website, it is currently involved in various projects in the Northeast in Sikkim, Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.

The Japanese government's clarification suggests that at least in Arunachal - and along the strategically significant China border where India's infrastructure is especially lagging behind that of its neighbour - the BRO will have to move forward without Tokyo's assistance.

Sikkim’s Karma Bhutia felicitated, places India on Global IT software landscape

PM Modi’s “MakeInIndia” campaign gets a boost from Sikkim

Gangtok, Nov 29: Sikkim-based Demi Solutions founder Karma Bhutia was felicitated and awarded “Best Exhibitor” at CeBIT India – Bangalore ITE.biz, the biggest Information Technology event held in India with over 600 brands and more than 300 exhibitors and over 1 lakh visitors and participants from over 35 countries.

Bhutia has been invited to participate and showcase these innovations and solutions at CeBIT - Hannover Germany, which will be held in March 2015.

CeBIT is the World’s leading Business IT and ICT event held annually in Hannover in Germany. This year for the first time CeBIT tied up with BangaloreITE.biz to launch the CeBIT India a 3-day event from the 12th – 14th November 2014.

In this event, STPI a lead sponsor hosted 127 MSME units from 21 states across the country at STPI “MakeInIndia” pavilion to showcase the potential of the IT/ITeS/ESDM start-ups in India. This is to enable the prospective investors for supporting the “MakeInIndia” programme, which was recently launched by Prime Minister. Narendra Modi.

As part of “MakeInIndia” pavilion Karma Bhutia – an entrepreneur/innovatorwith expertise in eGovernance, BigData, Cloud Computing, Mobility & Product Innovation -showcased Demi Solutions’ frugal innovation built and developed in Gangtok.

Demi Solutionssetup India’s first 3D Printing and Prototyping Lab in Gangtok and it has filed the first patent/intellectual property in software technology in the whole North East region.

Bhutia, Founder of M/s. Demi Solution said, “Firstly, I would like to thank Department of IT, Government of Sikkim and STPI for recognizing our work and nominating us to showcase our products & offerings to people from other states in India & to the World at CeBIT India. We at Demi Solutions take immense pride in showcasing Sikkimese grit, ingenuity and innovation that has been highly appreciated by participants, delegates and exhibitors from all over the world.

This is a proud moment for Sikkim/Sikkimese and the people of the North East region of India that we have finally etched a mark on the Global IT software landscape. I’d also like to thank my team for their dedicated effort in helping build these amazing solutions.”

Among the awardees were IT software conglomerates like Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro, GoldmanSach, Ernst & Young, SAP, HP and DELL.

Earlier on 3rd November 2014 , Karma Bhutia received the Finalist Award at the 5th eNorthEast awards held in Aizwal Mizoram in the “eGovernance & citizen service delivery” category.

Thank you!

The family of the late Denjong Gyalse Kushon J.T. Namgyal is truly touched by and deeply appreciative of the outpouring of sympathy and support we received in the wake of his demise.

While it is not possible for us to thank everyone individually, we would like to place on record our heartfelt gratitude to all those who condoled with us in the time of our bereavement and extended much support during the funeral.

The late Gyalsey Kushon was not able to lead much of a public life. Despite that, all of Sikkim gave him such a poignant and emotional farewell. Mere words are thus inadequate while trying to convey how overwhelmed we were by the massive support we received all the way to Lukshyama.

We would like to thank the Hon’ble Chief Minister for declaring a public holiday on the day of the funeral, as also all the shopkeepers for keeping their business establishments closed to express their solidarity.

We are grateful for all our friends, family and well-wishers for rallying around us and for all the kindness and commiseration.

To all the many people, too innumerable to mention here, who supported us in every way, we wish to reiterate our earnest gratitude.

ENVIRONMENT

TASHIDING HYDRO POWER PROJECT

The fate of Sikkim's sacred river hangs in balance

Sikkim High Court wants Central Govt to decide on controversial hydel project in West Sikkim

By S. Dutta

Having drastically curtailed the width of eco-sensitive zones in Sikkim, the MoEF seems intent on ignoring local sentiment as well as environmental norms in order to push forward the Tashiding HEP on the sacred Rathong Chu river. Soumik Dutta reports on the latest in the case.

The judgment in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding the scrapping of the 97-MW Tashiding Hydro Power Project (or Tashiding HEP) on the sacred Rathong Chu River in West Sikkim, was pronounced on World Environment Day, 5 June 2014 by the Sikkim High Court.

The petitioners in the PIL, both of whom were from the Buddhist minority community of Sikkim, demanded the scrapping of the project, citing violation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, apart from gross violations of the report of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) and the Supreme Court order of 2006 in the Goa Foundation case.

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991, extended to Sikkim in 1998, details a list of sacred shrines, rivers, lakes, caves, mountain peaks and even sacred groves in Sikkim and strictly specifies that no construction or development projects should be allowed to be undertaken in the vicinity of these places.

There is a notification by the Sikkim government that reiterates the provisions of the Act and also identifies the Rathong Chu as a sacred River, along with the Tashiding Monastery on its banks that is deemed ‘extremely sacred’ and revered by the Buddhists.

The judgment pronounced by the division bench of Chief Justice N K Jain and Justice S P Wangdi passed the ball to the court of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), asking it to take a final call on the matter within six months from the date of the order.

However, given the recent notifications from the MoEF on the matter of eco-sensitive zones and buffer areas, this judgment does not bring any cheer to those protesting the project on the holy Rathong Chu.

The history of the Tashiding HEP and protests

The genesis of protests against hydro power projects on River Rathong Chu in Sikkim dates back to the mid-nineties, when the Sikkim Democratic Front Party (SDF) government under Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had decided to go ahead with a proposed 30 MW Rathong Chu hydropower project on the River, despite tremendous pressure to scrap the said project, mainly on religious grounds.

Rathong Chu is considered to be a ‘sacred’ river, the water of which is used even today for an annual Buddhist festival – Bum Chu, at the Tashiding Monastery. This has been an important Buddhist tradition since the time of the erstwhile Chogyals (Kings) of Sikkim from the Namgyal dynasty.

The earliest protests were led by prominent citizens in the state, and supported by Buddhist associations, monks from almost all the prominent monasteries of Sikkim and devout Buddhists from across the state.

Eventually in 1997, under scathing criticism of infringement on cultural and religious rights of Buddhist minorities, the Chamling government decided to scrap the project. Ironically, the same Chamling-led SDF government allotted another project on the River Rathong Chu, a little further downstream, in the year 2006. In fact, the project capacity now was enhanced from 30 MW to 97 MW! While the earlier project was called the Rathong Chu HEP project, it was now rechristened the Tashiding Hydro Power Project.

Regulatory lapses

The Tashiding HEP is presently operating in violation of guidelines issued by both the Central government and the Supreme Court.

According to the Supreme Court order in force in the Goa Foundation case, there can be no construction within a 10-km radius of any national park; the Tashiding HEP being developed by Shiga Energy Private Limited (part of the Dans group), however, falls well within the 10-km radius of the Khangchendzonga National Park.

The MoEF incidentally came out with a draft notification dated 3 February 2014, by which the width of the buffer zone around Sikkim’s lone national park and four wildlife sanctuaries has been reduced from 10 kilometres to between 25-200 metres!

Moreover, while this particular project received Environmental Clearance (EC) from the MoEF on 29 July 2010, neither the project developer nor the state government has obtained statutory clearance from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) under the MoEF.

The NBWL standing committee, which sent a fact-finding team to Sikkim in July-August 2013, had in fact warned the environment ministry in August 2013 that at least six hydro-electric projects in Sikkim were coming up without mandatory clearance. These include the proposed Teesta V Project, and the ongoing Teesta III, Dik Chu, Panan, and Tashiding projects.

Damming and damning the Teesta

While clearance has still not been granted, construction activity continues at the project site. The High Court had earlier stated in its interim order in a PIL against the Tashiding project that this would be at the risk of the project developer.

Documents in possession of this correspondent reveal that the Wildlife Division of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had written to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sikkim in May 2013, about the status of the Tashiding HEP.

The letter, issued by Mr. Vivek Saxena, DIG Forests (WL), MoEF, sought to know "... whether the construction of the 97 MW Tashiding HEP in West Sikkim is already underway,” and directed, “if yes, the same may kindly be stopped immediately until further orders as they do not have necessary recommendations of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife." Despite this, construction continued unabated.

Concerned officials in the Forest Department consistently avoided enquiries seeking clarification in this regard. Officials in the Energy and Power Department meanwhile denied any knowledge of the said communiqué, stating that the Forest department had not forwarded any such letter to the Power department.

Protests by civil society fall on deaf ears

Meanwhile, on 20 August, 2014, the president of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Mr. Tseten Lepcha served a legal notice to the Secretary, MoEF on the same issue.

ACT is an NGO fighting for the cause of the Teesta River and Sikkim’s fragile environment. The said notice, a copy of which is available with this correspondent, has challenged the draft notification of the MoEF issued on 3 February 2014 as mentioned above. The notice has called for an interim buffer zone of at last 7 to 8 km, instead of the 200 metres as proposed by the MoEF.

The notice also made clear that any failure on the part of the MoEF to reconsider its earlier decision and proceed arbitrarily would compel the ACT to take further appropriate legal action.

In a memorandum to the MoEF, objecting to the same notification, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) alleged that the proposal would facilitate unrestrained exploitation of natural resources to the detriment of the state's ecology and heritage.

“The draft lacks scientific assessment and overrides the findings of the National Board of Wildlife, which is part of the ministry and comprises a panel of academics,” SIBLAC convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia told this correspondent.

“Any project on the Rathong Chu is not acceptable to us since it is on the waters of the most sacred river according to Neysol and Neyig Buddhist texts. The water of Rathong Chu is used by the Tashiding Monastery for the annual Holy Bum Chu festival,” says Tseten Bhutia, adding that despite so many representations over the Tashiding project and the sensitivity of the issues involved, the Indian government had remained adamant and aloof.

“How can the MoEF decide on the Places of Worship Act and its possible violation?” asks Bhutia, questioning the recent order passed by the Sikkim High Court of the Tashiding PIL.

The angst of the people notwithstanding, with the MoEF notifications in place, the fate of Tashiding HEP and that of other HEPs in Sikkim, operating in violation of environmental norms, appear to be secured favourably as far as the government and project developers are concerned. Environment, ecology, indigenous people, their culture, identity, religion and in fact, very existence have taken a back seat.

BOOK Review

Mothers and daughters stretch India’s social boundaries

The Jewel Daughters

By Nina Harkness

278 pages. Trade paperback $14.00. Kindle $2.99.

Like her debut novel A Sahib’s Daughter, this new title by Ms. Harkness is a multigenerational and multicultural exploration of life during and after India’s period as a British colony. Spanning forty-five years, it has as one area of interest the relationships between Indian natives and British tea plantation administrators, revealing the cultural and racial social structure during a period of change. 

The central character is Cara Powell, daughter of a Welsh Presbyterian pastor in Shillong, a small city known for its beautiful rolling hills and as a regional administrative center. The pastor dies when Cara is fourteen, and her mother Beula, an orphan of mixed race, struggles to raise her on a slim pension from the church. Fearful for beautiful Cara’s future, Beula is anxious to marry her off. Rather than encourage a relationship with a local boy, Avon, she insists on a marriage to the self-centered and ill-tempered Scottish sahib, Gerard McKenzie, manager of a tea plantation near Sonari in the state of Assam.

McKenzie takes Cara to Sonari, but he never takes her in marriage. McKenzie is both crude and cruel. Cara’s life with him provides some degree of luxury, but she is disrespected and abused. A man of little education and no tact, he eventually finds himself overwhelmed by social change, labor agitation and other changes in the tea business, and especially by the responsibilities of domestic life and fatherhood.

Cara raises three daughters. Two are her children by McKenzie. The third is the daughter of a neighboring indentured laborer named Saptamita, who has returned McKenzie’s attraction to her. However, this woman realizes that both she and the child would be better off if the girl (McKenzie’s one year old daughter) was taken into the McKenzie household and raised as Cara’s daughter.