HIGH COURT CONVICTS BHANDARI, SENT TO JAIL
I may float a regional party: Bhandari
Jigme N Kazi
Gangtok, Aug 14: Former Chief Minister and State Congress President Nar Bahadur Bhandari has threatened to quit the Congress party and float a regional party to give a new direction to State politics.
Aggrieved by the Congress high command’s neglect over charges of corruption leveled against him by the CBI that led to Tuesday’s verdict of the High Court of Sikkim sentencing him to one month’s imprisonment, Bhandari said the Congress party had conspired against him in the case. “I will not go for an appeal. I will go to jail instead,” he said.
“When I come out of jail next month I may float a regional party and get involved in politics in a big way,” he threatened.
After submitting himself in the court on Wedesday, as directed by the High Court, Bhandari reported to the jail authorities and was subsequently hospitalized in the STNM hospital here. He was having some heart problems and was placed in the cardiology section of the hospital here.
After battling in the courts for 27 years in corruption cases initiated by the CBI the Sikkim High Court headed by Acting Chief Justice SP Wangdi on Tuesday sentenced the former chief minister to one month’s imprisonment for causing loss to the State exchequer to the tune of Rs 2,14,120 when he was the chief minister.
In this case, Bhandari and P K Pradhan, former chief secretary, who then headed the Rural Development Department, were accused of favouring some local contractors in the award of contract works in 1983-84 during Bhandari’s first term in office.
Bhandari and others appealed to the High Court after the designated CBI court convicted them in 2008 and sentenced them to six months’ imprisonment.
While reducing his jail term from six to only one month, the High Court also acquitted Bhandari in another disproportionate assets case that relate to Primula Cottage, Bhandari’s residence in Gangtok before he became chief minister in 1979.
After ousting Bhandari, who headed a Congress government, from power in 1984 and then taking over as Chief Minister, the 13-day-old BB Gurung government allowed the CBI to come to Sikkim
Bhandari was a Congress chief minister when he was asked to step down because of the CBI cases in May 1984. When he refused to do so he was sacked by the Governor Homi J. Taleyarkhan. A born fighter, Bhandari fought back, quit the Congress party and formed his own political outfit – Sikkim Sangram Parishad. (SSP).
In the March 1985 Assembly polls Bhandari returned to power triumphantly winning 30 of the 32 seats in Assembly, leaving the Congress with only one seat; the other went to an independent candidate, Balchand Sarda, who won from Gangtok.
The SSP won all the 32 seats in the 1989 Assembly polls. However, Bhandari failed to complete his third consecutive term in office. Dissidence within the SSP led to his untimely downfall in May 1994 over the income tax issue.
In August 2003, Bhandari returned to the Congress party and headed the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee as the President following the SSP’s merger with the Congress party.
Though the Congress party drew nil in the 2009 Assembly polls the party managed to secure nearly 30 per cent of the votes polled. Almost the same percentage of votes was secured in 2004 Assembly polls after Bhandari took over the party in 2003. The Congress party won the lone Sangha seat in 2004 Assembly polls.
Prior to Bhandari’s entry into the Congress in 2003 the party failed to get more than 4 per cent of votes polled. So far the Congress party, which was responsible for Sikkim
“Bhandari is at his best when he is struggling and fighting. He is a wounded tiger now,” said an observer. Though many want him to quit the Congress and launch his own party there are others who want him to stay in the Congress.
Team Anna firm on fast over bill from Aug 16
Observer News Service
The Core Committee of India Against Corruption met on Thursday morning to finalise the strategy of the movement which starts with this fast.
Team Anna had to come out with this clarification following a statement of Swami Agnivesh on Wednesday on a national TV channel in which he asserted that the team was “very very flexible” on issues like inclusion of prime minister or higher judiciary in the ambit of the Lokpal but the sticking point is bringing lower bureaucracy in it.
“We are not ready to compromise with anyone till our demands are met. The deadlock continues. We are open for any dialogue but there is no invitation from the government yet,” said Arvind Kejriwal.
Though Team Anna is sticking to its position, it is also reciprocating to the government’s soft gestures. The team has shown openness to any dialogue with the government. Apart from demonstrating its firmness in their stand on Lokpal, Anna’s team is trying to answer Congress’ allegation of its proximity to Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh.
India Against Corruption organised an all-religion prayer meeting at Jantar Mantar in the evening which was attended by Hindu, Muslim and Christian priests who supported the anti-graft movement. Meanwhile, the anti-graft agitators have started preparing for the Gandhian’s fast at the Jaiprakash Narayan Park near Feroz Shah Kotla cricket ground in central Delhi
Anna threatened to stop drinking water if the government arrested him before or during the fast and tried to force feed him.
Opp to boycott Raj Bhavan I-Day function on ‘Black Bill’
Observer News Service
Gangtok, Aug 14: Opposition parties in the State, including Congress and BJP, are all set to boycott Raj Bhavan’s I-Day high tea function in protest against the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s ‘Black Bill’ tabled in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly by Chief Minsiter Pawan Chamling on Thursday.
Reacting against the introduction of the controversial Sikkim Prevention and Control of Disturbance of Public Order Bill, leaders of Opposition parties and social organisations not only condemned what they termed as the ‘Black Bill’ but also decided to boycott the high tea invitation of the Governor, BP Singh, on the Independence Day.
In a joint press conference held here on Wednesday, opposition leaders said the provisions of the Bill violated the fundamental democratic constitutional rights of the people.
Sikkim National People’s Party President Biraj Adhikari said opposition parties has decided to hold protest rallies in the State to oppose the “dictatorial” proposal of the ruling party.
Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRPP) led by its President AD Subba, who took part in the meeting, said party workers burnt Chamling’s effigy in west Sikkim
According to SHRPP General Secretary Tara Shrestha, police arrested 8 party workers here today after they burnt the chief minister’s effigy below the main bazaar.
The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee’s Acting President Kunga Nima Lepcha has appealed to the Governor to “save democracy” from the acts of the ‘Sikkim Autocratic Front’ (Sikkim Democratic Front).
In a press statement, the SPCC said the “hurried manner” in which the “draconian and conspiratorial” Bill was introduced in the House is aimed at curtailing “all oppositions” against the “misdeeds and anti-people activities” of the Chamling Government.
CPIM leader Anjan Upadhyaya said, “The Black Bill is unacceptable in a democracy. It is aimed at throttling the voice of the people.”
Sikkim BJP President Padam Bahadur Chettri while condemning the Bill as “undemocratic” appealed to dissident SDF leader and MLA PS Tamang to raise the issue in the Assembly and stop passage of the Bill. There is no opposition legislators in the 32-member House.
Representative of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association also took part in the joint meeting of the Opposition.
The Bill, which will be debated in the House on August 26, seeks to curtail freedom of expression and movement in the State by imposing heavy penalties. Anyone who engages in rallies, processions, hunger strikes, shouting slogans, waving black flags and thereby disturbing public peace and order will be fined Rs 50,000 and sent to jail for five years.
Those who take part in extortions, drug abuse, employ children for household work, and children under 18 years caught smoking, visiting bars and discotheques would also face severe punishment under the Bill.
SHRPP burns Chamling’s effigy, 8 arrested
By A Staff Reporter
Gangtok, Aug 14: Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRPP) burnt the effigy of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling here today in protest against the ‘Black Bill’, the Sikkim Prevention & Control of Disturbances of Public Order Bill.
The Bill was introduced in the House by the Chief Minister on Thursday.
SHRPP members burnt the effigy at Sisa Golai at around I p.m. on the national highway. Shouting slogans against the Chief Minister party supporters demanded immediate withdrawal of the Bill aimed at curbing public nuisance.
For about 20 minutes the highway was blocked as party supporters were actively participating in the protest.
Briefing reporters, SHRPP General Secretary Tara Shrestha said 8 party workers were arrested by the police during the protest.
Shrestha said Chamling’s effigy was burnt in Yuksam , Sikkim
He said the party will continue with the anti-Black Bill campaign until its withdrawal. He said the Bill was against the people and the constitution.
SNPP demands Bhandari’s release, says he is “pro-Sikkim”
Observer News Service
Gangtok, Aug 14: The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has decided to launch a State-wide campaign for the immediate release of former Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who was sentenced to one month’s imprisonment by the Sikkim High Court.
SNPP President Biraj Adhikari appealed to political parties and social organisations and the people in general to support the campaign for Bhandari’s immediate release.
During its meeting held here on Wednesday, a day after the conviction, the party said President Pratibha Patil should be approached “to grant amnesty” to Bhandari (71), who is also the President of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC), according to press release of the party.
While the party “respects the decision” of the High Court it objected to the manner the case was conducted and the lengthy process that took nearly three decades.
Adhikari said, “While the CBI has convicted an ex-chief minister, it is not being allowed to probe into charges of corruption against the present Chief Minister (Pawan Chamling).”
“The fact is that there are two laws operating in Sikkim
Describing Bhandari as “pro-Sikkim” and the “real leader” of the people,
“who held Sikkimese interest in his heart and never compromised with them as compared to today’s situation, where the massive influx and hijacking of the economy and political rights by outsiders has become a normal feature,” the SNPP has urged political parties, social organisations and others to appeal for Bhandari’s immediate release.
Bhandari, who was convicted by the Sikkim High Court headed by Acting Chief Justice SP Wangdi here on Tuesday in a corruption case leveled by the CBI in 1984 when he was the chief minister, was on Wednesday hospitalized after he reported to the jail where he was to undergo a month’s imprisonment. Presently, he is being kept in the ICU section of the cardiology department of the STNM hospital here.
Thank you for your show of “solidarity & concern”: SPCC
“Vested interests trying to cause rift within Congress”
Observer News Service
Gangtok, Aug 14: While expressing its “deep gratitude” to “well-wishers” and “members of the press” for showing their “solidarity and concern” for Congress President Nar Bahadur Bhandari during the time of “distress and difficulty”, the State unit of the Congress said there was a conspiracy by “vested interests” to cause “rift” within the Congress party.
A press release issued by SPCC General Secretary D B Basnet after Bhandari’s conviction on Tuesday, said Bhandari has accepted the High Court verdict that sentenced him to one month’s imprisonment “sportingly.”
The party “wishes to express its deep gratitude to all well-wishers and members of the press for showing their solidarity and concern” for the former chief minister “during the time of distress and difficulty,” the release said.
Following Bhandari’s conviction “certain group of vested interests is trying to bring rift” within the Congress party in the State, the release said.
It made reference to newsitems and contents in ‘Letter to the Editor’ column of two local Nepali and English dailies, which alleged that SPCC Vice-President Kunga Nima Lepcha is being projected by a “lobby” within the SPCC to replace Bhandari as party chief.
The release added that those who were bent on creating “misunderstanding” within the Congress party with an ulterior motive should note Lepcha’s dedication and loyalty to the party chief and his “sincerity” in the PIL on corruption filed by him in the Supreme Court against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and others.
Lepcha “is an asset and not a burden” to the party and “no force can disturb” the party’s “unity and solidarity,” the release said.
Cong dissidents sympathize with Bhandari, tells him not to blame party, govt
Observer News Service
Gangtok, Aug 14: Dissident Congress leader KN Upreti has objected to SPCC President N B Bhandari blaming the UPA government and the Congress party for his “misfortune” on being convicted by the Sikkim High Court for corruption and misuse of power.
Upreti, who was a minister in the Bhandari Cabinet during the former chief minister’s second and third terms in office (1985-1994), said many “Congress stalwarts” were facing corruption charges leveled by the CBI and the party and the UPA government are helpless and unable to do anything.
In a press release issued after a meeting of the dissident faction of the party, Upreti said, “… the meeting expresses shock for his uncalled for remarks blaming the UPA Govt. and the Congress party for his misfortune. The meeting strongly condemns the irrelevant statement and say that neither the centre nor the State Congress party has any role to play in his conviction by the court of law as this is purely a legal battle under the absolute domain of the judiciary.”
Notable among those present in the meeting were Phuchung Bhutia, Laxuman Gurung, Arun Rai and Nima Wangchuk.
The dissident group also sought clarification from Bhandari on his reported remarks such as “Resolve to teach Congress a Lesson” after he was convicted.
Was such remarks “intentional” or a reflection of his “frustration”, Upreti asked.
The meeting, however, noted that it felt “sorry for the conviction” and expressed “sympathy” with Bhandari.
Cong raises Chamling’s CBI case in Supreme Court
Observer News Service
Gangtok, Aug 14: The Supreme Court has asked the State Government to respond to a petition filed by a State Congress leader urging the apex court to annul a decision taken last year by the State Government disallowing the CBI to probe into charges of corruption against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his past and present cabinet colleagues.
The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) spokesperson Bhim Dahal has admitted that the apex court had issued a notice to the State Government to submit its argument in response to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Sikkim Pradesh Congress Vice-President Kunga Nima Lepcha.
While briefing the media here on Saturday, Dahal said corruption cases against the Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues were “politically-motivated.” He added that petitions against members of the ruling party was based on “fake statements” aimed at “inflicting mental pressure” on the Chief Minister and his family members.
Former Chief Minister and Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) President Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who is under increasing pressure to go against Chamling on the corruption issue, said the Congress party was compelled to move the apex court since the State Government issued a notification last year disallowing the CBI to probe into charges of corruption against Chamling & Co.
Bhandari had earlier stated that the State Government’s refusal to allow the CBI to probe into charges of corruption against Chamling was proof enough that the accused are guilty and are trying to save their skin.
According to Congress sources, the CBI had approached the State Government to allow it to probe into corruption charges against Chamling and others after it found prima-facie case following its preliminary investigation.
Bhandari had also appealed to Governor BP Singh to use his special power under Article 371F of the Constitution and dismiss the Chamling Government for gross economic misconduct and also to ensure free and fair investigation.
State Congress leaders approached the CBI against Chamling after the Supreme Court dismissed their petition in March 2010. The apex court directed the petitioners to approach investigating agencies with the “incriminating material.”
In March 2010, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking a CBI probe into alleged disproportionate assets case against Chamling.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan directed petitioner Kunga Nima Lepcha to approach the investigating agencies concerned if he had any such grievance. The court directed the petitioner that if he felt he had sufficient material, he could place it before the probe agencies under the relevant provisions of the Cr.PC.
Subsequently, the SPCC approached the CBI after getting “green signal” from the Congress high command. State Congress leaders had threatened to move the Supreme Court if the authorities are not responsive on the CBI case.
Bhandari had earlier stated that the CBI does not need permission from the State Government to conduct probe in the State. The former chief minister said he would re-double his efforts on the CBI case against Chamling after he completes his jail sentence next month.
EDITORIAL
‘AUTUMN UPRISING’
The Gathering Storm
No one thought that former Chief Minister N B Bhandari would spring back to life politically with the CBI, Pawan Chamling and vested interests gunning for his blood. Ironicallly, the Sikkim High Court’s verdict placing Bhandari in jail for a month has almost united anti-Chamling forces in the State. Because of the verdict there is a visible show of support and sympathy for the 71-year-old man, who still remains Chamling’s arch rival. Even those who suffered heavily under the Bhandari regime in the ’80s and ’90s have openly criticized Chamling while sympathizing with Bhandari. While one of the chief architects of Sikkim’s ‘merger’, Nar Bahadur Khatiwada, alleged that Bhandari, who suffers from heart ailments, was not being properly looked after in the government hospital where he is being treated and even threatened that the government would be held responsible if his health deteriorates, former ruling party general secretary Biraj Adhikari, who now heads his own political outfit (Sikkim National People’s Party), has urged all, including political parties, to campaign for Bhandari’s early release. Adhikari’s accusation that while the CBI has targeted Bhandari it has refrained from probing into charges of corruption against Chamling will surely ring an echo in the hearts of many Sikkimese.
While many in Congress circles believe that the former chief minister would come out strongly politically – and hopefully a bit wiser – after his release next month, the ageing politician has indicated that he may float a regional party to take on the powers-that-be. Whether this is just an emotional outburst or a well-calculated move is yet to be seen. Already, the Opposition has come together in taking on Chamling on the proposed “Black Bill”, which will surely turn Sikkim Sikkim ready and eager to take on Chamling head-on on the corruption issue and the proposed ‘Black Bill’ the State seems poised to witness an Autumn Uprising in the tiny Himalayan State
Bob Khathing: The Man Who Brought Tawang Under India
Dirang Dzong in Arunachal was under Tibetan administration long after the Indian tricolour had been hoisted at the Red Fort on 15 August 1947.
YAMBEM LABA
TAWANG was lately in the news because of the unfortunate demise of Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Dorjee Khandu, who hailed from the area, in an unfortunate helicopter crash. But last year Tawang made headlines for a totally different reason: China ’s reassertion of its claim over the area prompted Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to declare time and again that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral part of India India Assam ”, meaning that the Indian Army was withdrawing to defend the Indian mainland, leaving Assam
Why that country withdrew thereafter is for contemporary historians to ponder, but the fact remains that as late as 1951 the entire area up to Dirang Dzong was under Tibetan administration, long after the Indian tricolour had been hoisted at the Red Fort on 15 August 1947. Dzong in Tibetan means a fort, where sat the magistrates or dzongpens to administer the area. That is why the Chinese had once stated that Tawang would have been their territory had it not been for Manipuri adventurer Major Bob Khathing who, in 1951, occupied the area for India
Born Ranenglao Khathing on 28 February 1912 in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, he was a Tangkhul Naga. He studied initially at Sir Johnstone High School in Imphal, completed his matriculation from Shillong and later joined Cotton College Assam Ukhrul High School , and when World War II broke out over Europe and soon found reflections across Asia , he bade the blackboard farewell and enrolled at the Officer’s Training School.
Commissioned into the 9/11 Hyderabad Regiment, he had General Thimaya as his company commander and there was another person who was later to became Chief of Army Staff — General TN Raina. By 1942, Khathing was transferred to the newly raised Assam Regiment in Shillong and became a captain. It was in the officer’s mess at Jorhat that he acquired the name Bob. Apparently the Americans found it difficult to pronounce “Ranenglao” and instead called him Robert, then truncated that to Bob. It was also at this time that the Allied Forces fighting the Japanese decided to raise V-Force, a guerrilla outfit like Wingate’s famed Chindits but comprising hill people of the region, led by an Allied officer. These people, because of the topography and their ability to live off the land, sometimes operated 150 miles from the nearest supply base and inflicted heavy casualties on the Japanese behind their own lines, acting as a screen for the 14th Army of the Allied forces.
Khathing was sent to command a V-Force group in the Ukhrul area, his happy hunting ground. He shed his army tunic, shaved his head like a typical Tangkhul tribesman, with a thick mane running down the middle of his scalp. Mohawk style. On his back he carried a basket with dried meat and salt, rations for two weeks, and concealed his gun in his Tangkhul shawl. It is believed that he himself killed some 120 Japanese soldiers. He was awarded the Military Cross and made a Member of the British Empire .
With the war won, he was, on request by the late Maharaj Kumar Priyabrata Singh, returned to Manipur in 1947 and joined the then interim government as minister in charge of the hill areas. In 1949, when Manipur merged with India
That was when Sir Akbar Hydari, then Assam Assam
On 17 January 1951, Khathing, accompanied by Captain Hem Bahadur Limbu of 5th Assam Rifles and 200 troops and Captain Modiero of the Army Medical Corps left Lokra for the foothills, bound for Tawang. They were later joined by a 600-strong team of porters. On 19 January, they reached Sisiri and were joined by Major TC Allen, the last British political officer of the North East Frontier Agency. Five days later the party reached Dirang Dzong, the last Tibetan administrative headquarters, and were met by Katuk Lama, assistant Tibetan agent, and the Goanburras of Dirang. On 26 January, Major Khathing hoisted the Indian flag and a barakhana followed. The party stayed in Dirang for four days, during which time they received airdrops. On 1 February, they moved out and halted at Chakpurpu on their way to Sangje Dzong. On the third day, they made a five-mile climb to cross Sela Pass and pressed on to what was entered in Khathing’s diary as the “Tea Place
On 4 February, they reached Jang village where two locals were sent out to collect information and gauge the people’s feelings towards their coming. The next day, the headmen and elders of Rho
On 6 February they camped at Gyankar and Tibetan representatives of the Tsona Dzongpens came to meet them. It was also Tibetan New Year or Lhosar, the first day of the Year of the Iron Horse. In the evening it snowed heavily and the villagers took this as a very good omen. Tawang was reached on 7 February and two days were spent scouting the area for a permanent site where both civil and military lines could be laid out with sufficient area for a playground.
A place was chosen north-east of Tawang Monastery and a meeting with Tibetan officials was scheduled for 9 February, but they had shown a reluctance to accept Indian authority overnight. Khathing told me in 1985 — when I’d accompanied him on his last trip to Tawang – that, left with no option, he told Captain Limbu to order his troops to fix bayonets and stage a flag march around Tawang to show he meant business. By the evening it had the desired effect and the Tibetan officials and elders of the monastery came to meet him. They were then given notice that the Tsona Dzongpens or any representatives of the Tibetan government could no longer exercise any power over the people living south of the Bumla range.
On 11 February, Khathing visited the monastery, called on the abbot and presented him and the other monks gifts that comprised gramophone players, cloth and tiffin-carriers. The next day all the chhgergans (officials) of the 11 tsos or Tibetan administrative units were called up and a general order was issued directing them not to take any more order from the Dzongpens or Drekhong or pay tribute to them any longer. That afternoon, Tibetan officials and the Nyertsang called for time and permission to exercise their authority till they heard from the Tibetan government in Lhasa Lhasa India
BOB Khathing stayed on in Tawang, established Bomdila town and later became the first Indian political officer of Nefa, taking over from Major Allen. A grateful government of India
In 1962, he was made development commissioner of Sikkim but when he heard Tawang had “fallen” to the Chinese he at once asked the Chogyal of Sikkim to relieve him and then requested the government of India
After the Chinese withdrew, Khathing returned to Tawang, helped form the Special Security Bureau and served as its first divisional organiser of the area. This force was meant to stay behind enemy lines and conduct guerrilla activities in case the Chinese overran the area again. He returned to Nagaland as chief secretary in 1967 and stayed on till 1972, after which he was made India ’s ambassador to Burma
Kumar Priyabrata Singh.
(The writer is The Statesman’s former Imphal-based Special Correspondent)
Doubts over Cong handling of Chamling’s CBI case
Letter to the Editor,
Sir,
Most of the major and minor Gangtok-based local newspapers recently reported that the case pertaining to challenging of the State Government notification that bars CBI investigation in Sikkim as being ‘dismissed’ while directing the petitioner, Kunga Nima Lepcha (a Congress leader), to once again petition the Court on the same.
However, it is very surprising to get to see the original Court order that I managed through my own fraternity from New Delhi, which mentions that the “ …Permission to withdraw the petition, as prayed, is granted. The petition is disposed of as withdrawn”.
The order also mentions that “the learned counsel for the petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the petition and prays that liberty be reserved to the petitioner to file another petition challenging order by which Government of Sikkim has been declined to give consent under Section 6 of Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 for registration of regular case…”
Lepcha’s claim that he would re-petition the case has created a lot of confusion and doubts. If he is to re-petition again in the Supreme Court to challenge the controversial State Government notification in question, then why should he ‘withdraw’ the ready-made case-in-hand on the very day of its admission-hearing on August 8, 2011 in the Supreme Court?
Isn’t it somewhat like tempering with the feeling and emotion of the dedicated Congress supporters of Sikkim
The most important question is why should Lepcha ‘withdraw’ the present petition? Isn’t it the dubious acts of the so-called Congress workers that have ironically landed one of Sikkim
Lepcha owes an explanation to dedicated Congress workers for his dubious, unconvincing and irresponsible act.
Tilak Prasad Tewari, LL M (Munshi Colony), Development Area, Gangtok.
Bijoy Subba, Development Area (Gangtok)
Bikram Rai, Development Area (Gangtok)
Prem Prasad Mahat, Development Area (Gangtok)
Peden Lhamu Lepcha, Naya Bajar (Gangtok)
Bal Bahadur Basnet, Development Area (Gangtok)
Gautam Thapa, Namnam (Gangtok)
Sonam Tsering Bhutia, Upper Sichey Busty (Gangtok)
(All well wishers and supporters of the Sikkim
