Himalayan Guardian August 10, 2011

Lobsang Sangay sworn-in as Tibet's PM-in-exile

NEW ERA FOR TIBETAN DEMOCRACY

Himalayan News Network

Dharamsala, Aug 9: Harvard scholar Lobsang Sangay was on Monday sworn in as the new prime minister of the Tibetan government-in-exile, succeeding the Dalai Lama as the movement's political leader.

43-year old Sangay, who replaces Samdong Rimpoche as Kalon Tripa (prime minister) of Tibetan Central Administration, was administered oath by Ngawang Phelgyal, the chief justice commissioner, at a public function presided over by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

Over 5,000 Tibetans, including community leaders settled outside Tibet and India, braved heavy showers to witness the ceremony, PTI reported.

In his brief speech, the 76-year-old Dalai Lama expressed his gratitude to the Tibetans in exile for participating in the democratic process by electing the Kalon Tripa and members of the Tibetan parliament.

"We have handed over all political responsibilities and all the powers now vest in democratically-elected leadership of Lobsang Sangay," the Dalai Lama said in his speech in Tibetan language. The Dalai Lama remains the spiritual head of the Tibetans.

A senior fellow of Harvard Law School, Sangay steps into the shoes of 73-year-old monk-scholar Samdhong Rinpoche, who was elected twice as Kalon Tripa and held the post for the past 10 years.  

Rinpoche, in his address both in Tibetan and English languages said, "This is a new chapter in Tibetan history and a joint step towards a genuine democracy."

Recalling the sacrifices made by his elders, Sangay in his first speech said, "I am here not because of my personal achievement but as a result of the hard work and sacrifices made by older generations in Tibet and in exile and today I pledge to carry forward and build upon the great legacy of our elders".

Cong files PIL against Chamling on corruption in Supreme Court

Gangtok, Aug 9: 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 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 Lepcha, the apex court after hearing his petition asked him to file fresh petition challenging the State Government’s decision not to allow CBI to probe into cases in Sikkim. This decision refers to the “letter” given to the CBI in this connection, Lepcha said.

I’m not pro-China: Prachanda

Kathmandu, Aug 9: Nepal's Maoist supremo Prachanda has rejected the tag that he is pro-China, saying that he is neither against China nor India.

“I am not pro-China. It is wrong to label me pro-China simply because I was supposed to attend the meeting of the Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation for the development of Lumbini,” he said prior to his departure to Malaysia.

He will attend the meeting of Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation in Malaysia, scheduled to kick off on Monday.

Prachanda is one of the 10 co-chairmen of the Hong Kong based foundation, which had signed a MoU with United Nations International Development Organisation (UNIDO) for bringing a $3 billion project to convert Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha on the Nepal-India border, into a “Mecca for Buddhists.”

 “India has also launched so many projects in Nepal. I had proposed to construct east-west railway line in Nepal during my Prime ministership... It would be wrong to label me as pro-India on that basis,” he said.

Nepal, due to its geopolitical position, needs to maintain equal distance while developing friendly relations with both of its neighbours, the Maoist chief said.

Prachanda said he has initiated talks to bring international aid to develop Lumbini as Mecca for Buddhists.

“This will not only develop Lumbini, but also bring economic prosperity to the entire country,” he said.

Chinese delegation to visit Nepal next week

Tibet, security concerns  on agenda

Himalayan News Network

Kathmandu, Aug 9: A 50-member official delegation led by a senior leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) will be visiting Nepal next week.

The delegation will discuss various issues including bilateral cooperation, investment and, most significantly, China’s concern over “activities detrimental to Chinese interest”, according to information conveyed to the Nepali side.

The delegation will be led by Zhou Yongkang who is the ninth ranked official in the all powerful standing committee of the CPC. Zhao, who heads the Central Political and Legislative Committee, was China’s security Minister between 2003 and 2007. He was also a member of the high-level committee to oversee Tibet affairs.

The Chinese ambassador Yang Houlan, while briefing Nepal’s Deputy Prime Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha Prakash Saturday, is believed to have said that China’s security concerns are the top priority.

 During the three day visit, Zhou is scheduled to meet President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal. He is also likely to meet Maoist chief Prachanda and Nepali Congress chief Sushil Koirala.

 Immigrants from Nepal, Bhutan, Burma growing in US

Sam Levin

Burmese, Bhutanese and Nepalese immigrants are flocking to Queens in such large numbers that they've earned their own separate categories in the U.S. Census count.

Breaking out from the "Other Asian" grouping, these South Asian residents have planted roots throughout the city, together quadrupling in size over the past decade.

"In Queens, there's a fast-growing South Asian community," said Howard Shih, the Census programs director for the Asian American Federation advocacy group, which recently released a report. "Once there's a core immigrant group, you start drawing more people."

In 2000, the "Other Asian" category included fewer than 2,000 Queens residents but has since skyrocketed to more than 7,000 in the 2010 count - including 240 Bhutanese, 2,132 Burmese and 4,930 Nepalese.

The actual numbers may also be much higher due to undercounting, experts said.

These three groups are concentrated in Sunnyside, Maspeth, Elmhurst, Woodside and Jackson Heights, according to the Asian American Federation.

"Because of the way the U.S. has grouped everyone together, the South Asian community has often been less visible," said Seema Agnani, executive director of Chhaya Community Development Corp., a South Asian housing group in Queens.

Recognition through new categories is significant, said Bishnu Pradhan, 40, a Woodside resident formerly on the board of the Association of Bhutanese in America.

"It's important for us to have a separate category, rather than be lumped into one," said Pradhan, an accountant. "The population of the Bhutanese will grow."

Like many Bhutanese immigrants who end up in Queens, Pradhan is a refugee who originally moved to Nepal from Bhutan, a small South Asian country in the Himalayas.

Pradhan was one of the first from Bhutan in the borough in 1998, he said, adding that he has seen the population grow.

"In Queens, because there are people from several South Asian countries, they feel like they are at home," he said.

"We have a lot of people from Nepal and India who are already established in the Queens area," said Ravi Gurung, a Bhutanese resident of Woodside, who moved to Queens 12 years ago. "Every corner, we find someone we can talk with."

Pema Dorji, a 35-year-old Woodside resident from Bhutan, said it was an important step for him to come to Queens - and he's glad the Census Bureau is recognizing that.

"My dream was to be here," said Dorji, who works for a shipping company. "I'm very proud to be Bhutanese. We are a small country, but we are known in the world.

Defiant Tibetan official arrested, released

Jamyang Dorjee

Kathmandu, Aug 9: The daring press conference by the new Honorary Chief Coordinator of the Tibetan welfare office Thinley Lama, in Kathmandu on 7th August 2011, itself merits news.

At a time when the Tibetan welfare office is officially closed and when former coordinators feel hesitant to introduce themselves and even handout visiting card to friends, Lama came out openly in the press and informed about the purpose of the Tibetan welfare office in Nepal and how it can serve both the Tibetans and also the host Government of which he is a citizen.

He said, “After coming into exile, Tibetan Welfare Office is established as a non political, nonprofit social organization and actively working to help the Tibetan refugees and to reach their voice to the Nepal Government.  This office is not against any individual, society or any country. It only aims to be a coordinator between the Tibetan refugees and Nepal Government and to acquaint the Tibetan refugees with the law of the land and also provide various protections guaranteed by the international organizations for refugees.”

Secondly, he once again informed the Nepali national media, the unchangeable historical facts . He said “In fact the marriage of Nepalese princess Brikuti of Patan to the king Songtsen Gampo of Tibet sealed our relationship further not only as neighbor but our ‘Samdi’ marriage relationship”

He also highlighted the plight of the undocumented Tibetan refugees and urged the Government to make laws addressing the welfare of the Tibetan refugees and include in the new constitution.

Naturally, Lama was arrested after 20 minutes and taken to Hanuman Doka police station where, according to him, the Superintendent of Police, like a pressure cooker, about to burst from pressure above, received him with his belt in  hand ready to hit and shouted at him.

But. Lama, who also worked as a village development officer of Langtang village and who had a stint in Nepali politics, knows how to shout back and things cooled down. The arrival of HURON (Human rights group) team led by Sudhir Pathak ensured that law took its own course and he was released by 8 pm on the same day.

Bhutan falling behind in foreign investment: UN

T. Dem

Bhutan, Aug 9: Despite revising the foreign direct investment policy with extensive investment liberalisation measures, Bhutan is not able to attract foreign investment, according to a recent UN World Investment Report.

The report which studies global FDI inflow has put Bhutan at the bottom with Nepal, Afghanistan and the democratic people's republic of Korea.

A survey carried out by the world bank earlier this year called the investment climate assessment also rated Bhutan as not very 'investment friendly' and that access to finance was one major constraint.

The world bank survey pointed out lack of infrastructure as a major reason for poor performance in the investment sector despite doing well in terms of peace and political stability.

Large transnational companies which form the majority of global investment frequently bypass investment opportunities in LDCs where markets are typically small and operating conditions are costly and challenging stated the WIR report.

The report called for prudent measures to attract investment like capitalising on external economic conditions, economic reforms, infrastructure and private sector development.

It stated governments in LDCs should liberalise the infrastructure sector with a stable regulatory framework. Similarly development partners, the report suggested should also provide direct participation in infrastructure development, technical assistance and soft lending.

A major constraint for Bhutan, which is categorised as a landlocked least developed country is small market, locational factor, poor infrastructure and transport bottlenecks.

Separatist leaders put under house arrest in J&K

L. Verma

Srinagar, Aug 9: Several top separatist leaders, including chairmen of both factions of the Hurriyat Conference were put under house arrest here on Monday.

The hour arrest is seen as a preventive measure to ensure that violent protests are avoided following the death of a youth recently.

Hardline Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani was not allowed to move out of his Hyderpora residence. Geelani had called for peaceful protests against alleged human rights violations, including the custodial death of Nazim Rashid in Sopore town of Baramulla district on July 31.

The  moderate Hurriyat Conference faction's chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also confined to his house at Nigeen, official sources said.

Other leaders who were put under house arrest included Shabi Ahmad Shah, Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and Shahidul Islam, sources said.

Sources said the separatist leaders were put under house arrest as their presence at Friday congregations could have led to protests, which sometimes turn violent.

The separatist camp expressed resentment at the government's decision to put curbs on their movement on the first Friday of the Islamic fasting month of Ramzan, PTI reported.

"This is interference in our religious matters. Muslims wait for 11 months to be able to observe Ramzan but this government is insensitive to Islamic beliefs," a spokesman of the Geelani-led Hurriyat said.

EDITORIAL

BATTLING CORRUPTION

Tough Days Ahead For Chamling

When Congress leaders filed a petition before the Supreme Court on graft charges against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and others a few years back the apex court headed by former Chief Justice KG Balakrishanan kept the case dangling for a long time even after the judgment was reserved. Finally in March 2010 the case was dismissed much to the disappointment of not only the Congress party but all those in Sikkim who have been fighting an unsuccessful battle against rampant corruption in the State. While passing its judgment the Supreme Court said the court cannot give direction to probe against corruption charges against politicians. But Justice Balakrishnan gave one ray of hope to the petitioners; they may take up the case with investigating agencies.

The Congress party then promptly took up the matter with the CBI. However, it faced another hurdle as the State Government by a gazette notification issued in July 2010 passed an order which disallowed the CBI from investigating any case in Sikkim with the State Government’s approval. The recent PIL filed by the Congress party in the Supreme Court seeks to annul this notification so that the CBI may proceed with its investigation against Chamling & Co.

While former Chief Minister and Chamling’s arch rival Nar Bahadur Bhandari has already given a detailed account of disproportionate assets case against Chamling and his present and past Cabinet colleagues  in the party’s Sikkim Brahmaloot magazine, the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front has rejected allegation of corruption in high places as “baseless” and “politically motivated”. With the Supreme Court clamping down heavily on alleged graft cases where politicians and bureaucrats are involved Chamling & Co are likely to face an uphill task battling charges of corruption, especially when there is a nation-wide campaign against corruption led by social activist Anna Hazare and Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev. What is worse for Chamling is the fact that the Congress party and the BJP in Sikkim are united in their fight against corruption and most people in Sikkim want them to win.

J&K people favour unity, political settlement

Holding that a majority of people in J&K are against any division of the state and favour a political settlement, central interlocutors on Wednesday said they will submit their final report to Government without including the separatists’ views if they fail to come forward for talks.

Wrapping up their tenth visit to Jammu and Kashmir, head of the panel of interlocutors Dileep Padgaonkar said four “common” views have emerged from the team’s interactions with the people with the other two being -- power sharing among the state’s regions and restoring the pluralistic and tolerant culture.

Referring to separatists’ position so far, he said, “We have repeatedly said we are ready for talks, either open or closed door, whenever and wherever they want. The decision has to be taken by them.

“However, if they don’t come forward we will still submit our report on the basis of interactions we have had with people from various walks of life,” Padgaonkar told reporters.

He said the panel has laid down a “roadmap” for the Centre to carry forward the suggestions that have been made by it.

To a question about demands for trifurcation of the State, Mr. Padgaonkar said that people are against the division of the State and want it to remain united.

He said the last meeting between foreign secretaries of India and Pakistan “gives us hope that there will be movement forward in weeks to come towards a peaceful resolution of the situation”.

Ms. Radha Kumar, a member of the interlocutors’ panel, said that “everybody in the State is looking for solution that will accommodate each aspiration to largest possible extent”.

“They are looking for a practical, feasible, workable solution. That is something very unusual. They (people) have such practical, feasible, imaginary and visionary approaches,” Kumar said.

Asked about the outcome of the various interactions and round table conferences, Padgaonkar said, “As far as commonalities are concerned, first and foremost, everyone is convinced that only way to achieve a political settlement is through a process of dialogue.”

He said that there is a clear understanding that militancy and violence have not served any purpose and have worsened the situation.

“Second view is that there is need to maintain the integrity of state. The third commonality is the need for power sharing between regions and sub-region and within region to communities,” he said.

Interlocutors have undertaken 10 visits to Jammu and Kashmir covering 18 districts, met 550 delegations of political parties, academicians, NGOs, social, religious organisations and civil society, besides newly elected panchayat members.

“The fourth and most important is what has happened in past 20 years, everybody agrees to the need to restore the tolerant and pluralistic culture of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

On whether they “felt embarrassed” after the separatists declined to meet them, Padgaonkar said, “We are not embarrassed. They (separatists) too have constraints and compulsions. But they alone can decide what and where to talk to us. As I said if they come forward (for dialogue) it will enrich our report.”(PTI)

Eyeing China, India plans railways in disputed State of Arunachal

JASON OVERDORF

India will build 3 railway lines to Arunachal Pradesh to counter Chinese infrastructure projects along the disputed border

In a move to counter China's efforts to claim territory along the disputed border, India plans to build three railway lines in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, including one that will connect the ethnic Tibetan center of Tawang to the state of Assam, the Indian Express reports.

In the past, India has avoided developing infrastructure along the border, with the logic that roads and railways might facilitate an invading army. But in recent years, China's moves to develop its side of the Line of Actual Control have prompted India also to consider development and tourism as political instruments to bulwark its claims of sovereignty over the region.

Of the railway lines that have been proposed, the Tawang line is the most significant, considering the strategic importance of the area which is also a major Indian military base, the paper said. At present, the only way to reach the area is by helicopter or a road that frequently closes down in bad weather.

Beijing lays claim to 90,000 sq km of land in the border state, which it claims as part of southern Tibet, and has reacted angrily to visits by state dignitaries and especially the 2009 visit of the Dalai Lama.

Many observers type China's bellicose stance on the border as part of an effort to tie India down with regional issues and military worries so that it cannot expand its power in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.  But border disputes in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh lay at the heart of the 1962 war between the two nations, and they have never been resolved.

SIKKIM: REMEMBERING THE LOST KINGDOM

Sikkim is high in the Himalaya Mountains of India, bordered by Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. The setting is remarkable, with steep slopes, thatched cottages, Buddhist temples, cobbled paths and terraced fields. During many visits from 1965 to 1971, Alice S. Kandell photographed vivid scenes from daily life, documenting the culture of the tiny kingdom before it vanished.

Three hundred of these extraordinary photographs, showing both people and landscapes, are now online at the Library of Congress. Photographer Kandell has dedicated the rights to the public to encourage worldwide access. Researchers who visit the Library can consult the entire collection of 15,000 color and black-and-white images, which Kandell donated to the Library in 2010.

Sikkim was an independent kingdom in the Himalayas ruled by a hereditary line of kings (Chogyal) from the 17th century until it became a British protectorate, then an Indian protectorate in 1950. Sikkim was formally annexed by India in 1975. In culture and religion, it has been linked closely with Tibet, from which its first king migrated.

In 1963, the last Chogyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, married Hope Cooke, an American student at Sarah Lawrence College. Cooke then became the Queen of Sikkim and lived with the king and their children during the final years of the kingdom. Due to this fairy-tale romance, Sikkim became well known in America through major magazines and newspapers.

Kandell, Cooke’s college friend, became a frequent visitor to the small, mountainous kingdom and, at the Chogyal’s request, embarked on a project to document the Buddhist way of life in Sikkim. While traveling extensively through a country not much larger than Delaware, Kandell went high in the mountains to meet farmers and traders and photograph their families and homes. She visited monasteries and attended religious ceremonies with monks and lamas, captivated by the music, masks and dances. She captured formal and informal scenes with the royal family in Gangtok, as well as artisans with their crafts, children in schools and the mountainous landscape.

"I tried to use my camera to communicate the warmth and openness of the people of Sikkim. I wanted to capture the beauty that is everywhere," Kandell said.

Prince Palden Namgyal of Sikkim, who lives in New York, said "Dr. Kandell’s collection of photographs represents a rare and valuable snapshot of an era that many young Sikkimese have very little knowledge of today. The pictures are not only beautiful but represent an important historical record of our family. More importantly, they capture the culture, tradition and daily life of a far simpler and more innocent time. We are very grateful to the Library of Congress for preserving Dr. Kandell’s collection and making it accessible to all."

Inspired by her experiences in Sikkim, Kandell assembled a major collection of Budhhist art and religious objects. She also retained her connections to the Sikkimese people. In 2010, Hope Cooke joined Kandell at the Library of Congress to describe their work in Sikkim. The webcast from this program, "A Tour of the Lost Kingdom: Sikkim," can be viewed online.

The Prints and Photographs Division is responsible for acquiring, preserving, securing, processing and serving the Library's unique and vast collection of visual materials, which includes more than 14 million photographs, historical prints, posters, cartoons, fine-art prints, and architectural and engineering designs. (artdaily.org)

OPINION

The Murdoch crisis and lessons for India's media

PRAFUL BIDWAI

Much of our media is no longer geared to report on the reality of Indian society or inform the public on the socio-economic and political processes at work, including shifts in the balance of power between different groups -- leave alone promote comprehension of the complex dynamics that are shaping decision-making structures and India's changing relations with the rest of the world.

The mainstream paradigm in the Indian media, with a few honourable exceptions, is shockingly insensitive to the real concerns of flesh-and-blood people, especially the poor and underprivileged. Its principal -- and matter-of-factly stated -- aim is to "pump sunshine" into the life of the consumerist elite.

There is a major lesson for the Indian media in the crisis besetting the Murdoch empire. Murdochisation will not work, and cannot succeed commercially, beyond a point. It won't be a surprise if News Corp is subjected in Britain to restrictions on its news-gathering and business practices. Ultimately, Murdochisation will be damaged irreparably by its crisis of credibility. There is simply no substitute for the basic values of journalism -- truthfulness, accuracy and relevance in reporting pluralism in the expression of views, and functioning with a sense of social responsibility.

In the British case, the exposure of News Corporation's serious wrongdoing was driven strongly by public outrage and revulsion at NOTW's involvement in sleaze. In India, middle-class conscience has not been outraged enough by the illegitimate interaction between corporate interests, mainstream politics and journalists, exposed in the Radia tapes. Most of the journalists implicated in that episode have had to pay a very low price for their power-broking activities.

Much of India's big corporate media has acquired a conservative and retrograde character. It faces a serious crisis of credibility. If it does not reform itself, it will find its greatest asset getting rapidly devalued and eventually vanishing. Robbed of authenticity, reliability and credibility, the media will no longer matter to large numbers of people except as a source of cheap entertainment.

Journalism will then cease to be all that makes it worthy and socially relevant: an honest, investigative, analytical, public-oriented and ethical enterprise. That would be a grave tragedy and a terrible disservice to democracy. (rediffnews)

EDITOR’S Choice
Book Review: The Breath of God
The Adventurous Pursuit of a New Truth
John Berten
More than a hundred years ago, Nicholas Notovitch, a Russian journalist, made an astonishing discovery. Hidden within an isolated monastery in the Himalayan Mountains, Notovitch stumbled upon a text that could provide a link between Eastern and Western religions. According to this remarkable ancient book, the world’s various faiths are not as disparate as they seem. But the book never reached the public, and its mighty secret disappeared with it…
In our present day, scholar Grant Matthews is determined to find this enigmatic book so that its reality can be shared with the world. Of course, Matthews has no idea what such a quest entails. As if the terrain of the Himalayas was not rough enough, he now has the weight of a conspiracy on his shoulders, one hatched by fanatical believers who refuse to recognize the potential of this mystery’s full realization. In their eyes, it would shatter faith and lead to the instability of the world’s great religions. And they will stop at nothing to keep this book from being made public. Matthews could with his success change our very understanding of divinity, and religion would never be the same, but first he has to survive.
Join Matthews on his exciting journey in The Breath of God: A Novel of Suspense. Based upon actual historical accounts, this piece is fast-paced and purpose-driven, the perfect read for any suspense fanatic. Lovers of thrilling, religiously-oriented fiction will thoroughly enjoy The Breath of God. Jeffrey Small, the author of the novel, is an award-winning writer and speaker who has a passion for and expertise in the area of religious studies.
About the Author: Jeffrey Small
Jeffrey graduated summa cum laude from Yale University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. While at Yale, he served as Publisher and Senior Editor of the Yale Herald. He then graduatedmagna cum laude from Harvard Law School where he was elected to the Board of Student Advisors and taught speech, legal writing, and research. Jeffrey next earned a Masters in the Study of Religions from Oxford University in England where he was a member of Oriel College.
Jeffrey is active in the Episcopal Church, current serving as a member of the Board of Trustees at General Theological Seminary in New York, but he has also studied Yoga in India and practised Buddhist meditation in Bhutan.

GJM team meets PM, PC with reserve forests demand

 ‘Gorkha Certificate’ issue raised

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, Aug 9: A Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) delegation led by its chief Bimal Gurung last week met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Minister P. Chidambaram and Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and raised several issues, including transfer of reserve forests in Darjeeling under the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA), tax exemption and ‘Gorkha Certificate’.

Led by GJM President, the delegation comprised of General Secretary Roshan Giri along with Central Committee members Jyoti Rai and Diwakar Gurung.

During its meeting with Chidambaram on Friday the GJM demanded that at least 1,115 sq km of the reserve forest under the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC), which is said to cover almost 40 per cent of the geographical area of Darjeeling hills, be transferred to the GTA.

Along with the transfer of the Tauzi department and inclusion of Terai and Dooars in the GTA, transfer of the reserve forest has been a key demand put forward by the GJM to the central and state governments.

The Morcha has also urged the Centre to provide tax benefits to the GTA provided under the North East Council (NEC)

During their meeting with the Prime Minister the Morcha delegation raised the issue of the establishment of a central university and an IIT or an IIM in Darjeeling.

"We requested the Prime Minister along with the Union Finance and Home Minister for an extension of the special benefits enjoyed by the North East States to the GTA. The seven north east States enjoy tax holidays, subsidies and special grants. All these benefits should be extended to the GTA,” said Rai.

The GJM delegation also requested that the GTA be made the authority for handing out "Gorkha Certificates." Gorkha Certificate is a proof of identity (for a Gorkha) required for availing physical exemption in armed and paramilitary forces and for joining the Gorkha Brigade of the Indian Army.

"Till date there is no agency or person assigned to issue this certificate and persons requiring Gorkha Certificates have been filing affidavits. The GTA should be given the power to issue Gorkha certificates,” said Rai.

GJM students wing stops civil society rally in Darjeeling

Himalayan News Network

Darjeeling, Aug 9: Civil society in Darjeeling was not allowed to support social activist Anna Hazare’s nation-wide anti-corruption campaign.

The Darjeeling Civil Society had to cancel its rally in support of Anna Hazare on Saturday after the Vidyarthi Morcha, the student wing of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, objected to the involvement of students without its permission.

The rally had to be called off much to the disappointment of those who had assembled at Chowrasta.

 “A section of the student leaders came up to us and objected to the rally. They said we should have taken permission from them, as students were being involved in the rally,” said B.K. Pradhan, the president of the civil society, a national daily reported.

“We had already informed the district magistrate and the superintendent of police about the rally. We did not know that we even had to seek permission from student leaders,” said Pradhan.

“Normality is slowly returning to the hills and democratic voices should be respected.”

Morcha vice-president Amrit Yonzone said the Vidyarthi Morcha fully supported the fight against corruption but it should have been informed about the event.

 “If any untoward incident had occurred while taking out the rally people would have blamed the Vidyarthi Morcha as we are the sole representative of the students,” Yonzone said.

KURSEONG: A historic place where Sikkim king was born and Subash Chandra Bose sought refuge

Kurseong, a lesser known destination on the tourist map lies between Siliguri and Darjeeling at an altitude of 1458 mts. The rich flora of Kurseong is so fascinating that it has aptly been described as a ‘Botanists’ Paradise’. White orchids grow in plenty around picturesque Kurseong. All around Kurseong are some of the famous tea plantations, growing some of the best varieties of famous Darjeeling tea.

Peace, serenity and healthy climate of Kurseong have attracted many a great person to this place. Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore and the great composer Atul Prasad Sen got inspiration for some of their famous works while staying at Kurseong.

Sister Nivedita, the great disciple of Swami Vivekananda, made Kurseong her home. Even Mark Twain is believed to have spent some time in Kurseong in 1885.

Fazul Haque, the Prime Minister of undivided Bengal also stayed here. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was interned by the colonial Government for a couple of months in a house at Giddhapahar near Kurseong town in 1936.

Even Chogyal (king) Thutob Namgyal of Sikkim spent some time in Kurseong when he was under house arrest under the British. Sikkim’s 11^th Chogyal, Sir Tashi Namgyal, was born in Kurseong in October 1893 to Thutob Namgyal’s wife Yishey Dolma when the couple were under house arrest.

Darjeeling, which includes Kurseong, was once a part of the kingdom of Sikkim. After it was ‘gifted’ to the British in 1835, the Raj annexed Darjeeling in 1860, leading to bitter opposition from Sikkim and the royal family, the Namgyal Dynasty, which ruled Sikkim effectively since 1642.

Greater Cooch Behar statehood stir reaches Delhi

Hunger strike began on July 18, the day GTA was signed

Jalpaiguri, Aug 9: The hunger strike observed by members of Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association (GCPA) for their demand of the separate state of Cooch Behar entered eighth day on Monday.

After remaining silent over the issue for more than five years, nearly 10,000 members of GCPA began an indefinite hunger strike at the district headquarter on July 18 to coincide with the signing of the tripartite agreement between Bengal government, Centre and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha that paved the way for setting up of an autonomous council for the Hills.

The movement almost lost steam in the last five years after most of its prominent leaders, including Banshibadan Burman, and many others were sent behind the bars. Till date, 125 people, who were on hunger strike, have been hospitalised. The GCPA is also holding a simultaneous hunger strike with 80 activists at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.

“We are now peacefully agitating through hunger strike, but if we are not paid attention, we will launch a greater movement,” Burman added.

Sikkim’s Rhenock post office to get heritage tag

Rhenock (Sikkim), Aug 9: Rhenock post office in east Sikkim is likely to get heritage status.

The post office, believed to be the first in Sikkim, came into existence in 1910, ANA reported.

Ganesh Kumar Pradhan, owner of the Ram Gauri Sangralaya museum, said the post office’s seal was stamped on a catalogue of Rhenock’s Chandra Nursery that began in 1910.

"The famous Chandra Nursery began its service in 1910, this post office would have existed even before that. The catalogue shows its postal address at Rhenock post office that is why I believe the post office has been there before that," said Pradhan.

Pradhan added that the post office deserved to be accorded the heritage status as it was the oldest in the State.

 "I had seen the post office when I was a kid and from here used to send flower saplings to outside Sikkim and clients in Britain. From there, mail also used to be sent to Tibet through the Jelep La Pass," said 91-year-old Chaygu Tshering Bhutia, headman at the time of Sikkim kingdom.

 Rhenock bazaar, close to Kalimpong, Bhutan and the Chumbi Valley in Tibet, was an important trading centre during the Raj period. After annexing Darjeeling from Sikkim in 1860 the British Raj gradually focused on building a trade route to Tibet through Jelep La in eastern Sikkim. Rhenock, due to its location, naturally became an important trading town in early part of the 20^th century. The town still maintains its old-world charm.

Dinakaran resigns, Wangdi is Acting CJ of Sikkim High Court

SIKKIM OBSERVER   Aug 6, 2011

Dinakaran resigns, Wangdi is Acting CJ of Sikkim High Court

Justice Sonam P. Wangdi

Gangtok, Aug 5: Justice Sonam P. Wangdi has taken over the Sikkim High Court as its Acting Chief Justice following resignation of its Chief Justice Paul Daniel Dinakaran.

The High Court with a strength of three judges had only two judges – Justices Dinakaran and Wangdi. One post is presently vacant.

 Sources said Justice Wangdi took over as Acting CJ of the High Court on July 30. He will continue in the post till a new CJ is appointed.

Dinakaran, against whom charges of corruption and misuse of office is pending in Rajya Sabha, submitted his papers to President Pratibha Patil in New Delhi last Friday.

Soon after the announcement of Dinakaran’s elevation as a Judge of the Supreme Court by the Supreme Court collegium in August 2009, the Chennai-based Forum for Judicial Accountability (FJA) opposed the elevation on grounds of alleged corruption land grabbing.

Subsequently, the collegium dropped his elevation and transferred him from Karnataka High Court to Sikkim High Court in July last year.

Despite opposition from the legal fraternity and Opposition parties in Sikkim on Dinakaran’s transfer he was sworn in as Sikkim High Court Chief Justice in first week of August 2010.

The Bar Association of Sikkim (BAS), which had questioned the move to transfer the “tainted” Judge to Sikkim, threatened to boycott Dinakaran’s swearing-in function if he took over the High Court as its Chief Justice.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, criticized the move to transfer Dinakaran to Sikkim stating that the State should not be made a “dumping ground’ for all unwanted elements.

However, after he took over as CJ local lawyers refrained from their anti-Dinakaran stand. During his short tenure in Sikkim Justice Dinakaran spent much of his time shuttling between Gangtok and Delhi battling charges of corruption.

In his two-page resignation letter sent to the President on Friday, Dinakaran said he was victim of “vested interests,” which had targeted him because he was a Dalit.

“I have been targeted at the instance of vested interests,” Dinakaran said in his letter.

“I have a sneaking suspicion that my misfortune was because of my circumstances of my birth in the socially oppressed and underprivileged section of the society,” he added.

With his resignation all proceedings against him would be rendered infructuous.

The former Law Minister Veerappa Moily had earlier warned: "The hand of law is quite long enough to catch anyone. I don't think Justice Dinarakan is above the law, or he is beyond the reach of the law."

One of Dinakaran’s last public appearances in the State was during the inauguration of the Auditorium hall of the High Court of Sikkim in mid-June 2011. Justice Dinakaran’s remarks in his address during the function when he said Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, who was the chief guest for the function, “is a political icon of the State and also the most respected and influential leader in this part of the nation” was not well received by those who are convinced of the alleged rampant corruption in the State administration. (see edit on page 2 – JUSTICE FOR ALL)

Editorial

FINAL EXIT

Justice For All

Transferring Justice PD Dinakaran to Sikkim High Court last year was not a wise thing. His quiet exit as Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court last week proved that Justice Dinakaran did not want to be impeached by the parliamentary panel probing his alleged corrupt practices and other irregularties, including land grabbing, while in office. Legal luminaries, being aware of the prima facie evidence of his alleged malpractices, were unanimous in their opinion that Justice Dinakaran should tender his resignation to uphold the dignity of the judiciary. And yet the former Chief Justice chose to hang on to power and carry on with his legal battle. He was sent to Sikkim as there was very little work there. It was a punishment posting and with his appointment as High Court CJ the Sikkimese people’s feeling that the nation, after taking over the former kingdom, was using it as a “dustbin” was further reinforced.

That the resignation came a day ahead of the hearing of the three-member inquiry committee appointed by Rajya Sabha chairman to probe into charges of land grabbing and acquiring of assets disproportionate to his income go to show that Justice Dinakaran did not have much faith in the panel. It also shows that he was on an unsound legal footing to carry on with his case. He fought fruitlessly in the Supreme Court to get some reliefs. With less than a year before his retirement Justice Dinakaran did a wise thing by putting in his papers. Judges and former Judges of Sikkim High Court have evoked much controversy in recent years: one allegedly committed suicide or was murdered while in office, one faced corruption charges after being transferred, one died of liver cirosis while in office, one had to resign as chief justice of Bombay High Court and now Justice Dinakaran has resigned. The Judiciary, along with the Legislature, are still on trial in Sikkim but for how long. The warning given in this column when Justice Dinakaran took over the High Court of Sikkim in August 2011 needs to be repeated: “India is on trial in Sikkim, not Justice Dinakaran.”

GJM makes U-turn on Jalpaiguri, proposes two districts in Darjeeling

Observer News  Service

Darjeeling, Aug 5: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung said he was prepared to allow the State Government to go ahead with the proposed bifurcation of Jalpaiguri district without first settling the issue of territorial jurisdiction of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).

At the all-party meeting held in Kolkata on Wednesday, Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri had said asked the government not to bifurcate Jalpaiguri to create a separate Alipurduar district till the issue of the territorial jurisdiction of the GTA was sorted out.

   Morcha’s stand changed after Gurung met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after the all-party meeting. “Madam (Mamata Banerjee) is doing so much for us after 34 years. She has given us a tangible dream of development, besides the GTA. We can set aside some minor differences to co-operate with the government and not obstruct it in what it wants to do,” Gurung said.

Giri was present during the Morcha leaders meeting with Mamata, who is believed to have persuaded Gurung to be more magnanimous.

“This government is doing more than any government has done for the hills since Independence. The chief minister asked the Morcha to appreciate that and set aside such minor differences. The Morcha was told to understand how much co-operation it was receiving from our government and therefore it should reciprocate accordingly,” said a minister.

In the all-party meeting, the Morcha had also demanded that GTA should be split into two districts.

“Population should not be the only criterion for creating new districts. Topography, lack of development and infrastructure should also be considered. Proximity to the international border also has to be taken into account. Darjeeling should be divided into two districts,” Giri had demanded.

Giri said later that he had suggested at the meeting that the population of Darjeeling district had grown much and it would help in better administration if the district was bifurcated. Being a hill area, districts of smaller size were preferable, he argued. The GJM delegates, including Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri, wanted one district to comprise Darjeeling and Kurseong subdivisions on the western part of the Teesta and the Terai areas included in the present Darjeeling district and the second district to comprise the Kalimpong subdivision on the eastern part of the Teesta and parts of Dooars. Both the districts should be placed under GTA, Giri argued.

 “The Morcha was clearly told that there was no question of dividing Darjeeling at the moment and the government expected it to not create any new trouble on the issue. The Morcha leadership agreed,” said a Writers’ source.

The all-party was convened to discuss on creation of five more districts in West Bengal and renaming the State.

 “The name should have a historical perspective and preserve the state’s heritage. We want a name that shouldn’t hurt anybody,” Mamata said.

The next all-party meeting will be held on August 19.

Gyatso takes over as Chief Secy

Chingapa honest & committed: CM

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Aug 5:  Karma Gyatso, a 1977 batch IAS officer, is Sikkim’s new Chief Secretary. He took over the post on Monday from the outgoing Chief Secretary, Norbu D. Chingapa.

Rinzing Ongmu, IAS, wife of Health Minister D N Takarpa, has been appointed Additional Chief Secretary. Both the officers hail from the minority indigenous Bhutia-Lepcha tribal community in the State.

In a farewell function held here yesterday, Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, while welcoming the new Chief Secretary, said Chingapa was an able administrator, honest and a hardworking person.

The Chief Minister said the outgoing Chief Secretary, who is a Bhutia, always had a sense of commitment for the people’s welfare. Chamling described Chingapa, who held the post twice, as a man of sound moral character and a thorough gentleman.

Gyatso and Ongmu’s appointment has been welcomed and appreciated by the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), an umbrella organization of the State’s indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha tribals.

In a statement, SIBLAC President Tseten Tashi Bhutia said the appointment of the two officials was “long awaited and deserving.”

Gyatso, an alumnus of St. Augustine’s School (SAS – Kalimpong), who belongs to the ethnic and indigenous Lepcha community, is a close relation of Sikkim’s first chief minister Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa, a Sikkimese aristocrat from the Lepcha community.

Observers believe that after Gyatso and Ongmu’s retirement in a few years it would be very difficult for bonafide Sikkimese from the three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese – to hold the highest position in the State administration.

Late T W Barfungpa, a Secretary in the State Government who was killed in a tragic car accident in April 2009, would have been the last local to hold the Chief Secretary’s post.

Chamling demands ST status for ‘Sikkim Subjects’

Gangtok, August 3: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has reiterated his proposal to include bonafide Sikkimese in the list of scheduled tribes in the State.

During his on-going village-to-village tour of the State here last week, Chamling said the Centre should meet his government’s demand for inclusion of all ‘Sikkim Subjects’, who possess Sikkim Subjects Certificate, in the list of scheduled tribes in the State.

While speaking to the people here the Chief Minister said he was hopeful that this demand would be fulfilled as the Centre had given income tax exemption to “Sikkim Subjects” a few years back.

Presently, only four communities in the State have been declared STs in the State. While the minority indigenous Lepchas and Bhutias were declared STs three years after the merger in 1978, the Limbus and Tamangs, who are Nepalese and earlier included in the list of ‘other backward classes’ (OBCs) in the State, got ST status in 2003.

Notable among the Nepalese ‘Sikkim Subjects’ who are in the State’s OBCs’ list are Gurung, Rai, Mangar and Sunmar. Upper caste Nepalese such as Bahun, Chettri and Newar, who are ‘Sikkim Subjects’, do not figure in the list of OBCs. The other section of the Nepalese community in the State who also possess Sikkim Subjects Certificate are Kamis and Damais and they belong to the scheduled caste community.

Around 70 per cent of those who were issued Sikkim Subjects Certificate during the Chogyal rule prior to the merger in 1975 were Nepalese.

The Chief Minister who began his village campaign in mid-May will wrap up his state-wide tour shortly with a short tour of the tribal-dominated north district.

Sikkim streams, rivulets to be tapped for power generation

CAG had indicted govt on hydro power projects

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Aug 5: Even as nearly 30 mega hydro power projects in the State faces opposition and criticism from many quarters Sikkim will from this month begin tapping its streams and rivulets for power generation.

The Sikkim Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) will begin its survey to explore mini-hydropower potential in the State which is estimated to be around 500 MW.

The electricity harnessed from the rivers will be supplied to the villages near the project sites.The project will also be used for irrigation and water supply in the villages, according to SREDA sources. To begin with at least 13 mini power projects have been earmarked for north and east districts.

As the State embarks on a new venture on exploiting the State’s mini-hydro power potential, estimated to cost around Rs 20 crore, it would be worth while to note how mega hydro power projects in the State have been handled.

The 2011 annual Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has strongly indicted the State Government on its handling of the power sector in Sikkim:

“Even though the State Government has not framed any PPP (Public Private Partnership) policy for the State the Government opened the power sector to private developers with the objective of gaining in a big way by exporting electricity to other States. The State Government commenced award of hydro power projects to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) without working out any effective modality and finalizing any plan or policy.”

The report said, “Projects were awarded at throwaway charges which compared very poorly with the charges imposed by all other hydro power States in the country in respect of royalty revenue, upfront premium, penalty for delay, local area development, etc.

Effective safeguards were not incorporated in the agreements against delay in completing various milestones laid down for completion of the projects and negligence in maintaining the projects after commissioning.”

The CAG report also slammed the authorities for environmental neglects: “Environmental issues such as identification of proper dumping sites, safe disposal or excavated material, compensatory afforestation, catchment area treatment and biodiversity preservation were neglected and delayed.Monitoring of execution of the projects was virtually non-existent.”

2 killed, 3 injured in Lachen car mishap

By A Staff Reporter

Lachen, Aug 5: Two Lachenpas died in a tragic car accident here on Saturday.

Mr and Mrs Dotam Lachenpa died when the private vehicle in which they were traveling skidded off the road and fell into the Teesta river at about 9 a.m. at Dho-kya-rho, about one km above Thangu in northern Lachen, north Sikkim.

While Dotam died on the spot his wife died three hours later in an army hospital at Thangu.

Three others, including the driver, who were in the same vehicle incurred minor injuries and were hospitalized.

National media tour of Nepal in November

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Aug 5: A delegation of National Federation of Working Journalists (NFWJ) is expected to visit Nepal in November this year for a study tour.

Before visiting Nepal the delegation will participate in the two-day 3^rd National Media Convention at Gorakhpur. The focus of the convention will on India’s media coverage of events in Nepal, state of the Indian electronic media and media and election coverage in the light of ‘paid news’ reports.

The IFWJ working committee will hold its 120th session along with the convention, according to IFWJ President K. Vikram Rao.

On their way to Kathmandu the participants will visit Lumbini in Nepal where Gautam Buddha was born. Lumbini at the Indo-Nepal border is a sacred pilgrimage centre for Buddhists.

Delegates will meet high dignitaries of the Nepal Government during their stay in the Himalayan State.

Members of the Sikkim Federation of Working Journalists (SFWJ), which is affiliated to the NFWJ, have been invited for the convention and four-day study tour of Nepal, according to Federation General Secretary Khagendramani Pradhan.

New Ben gompa body takes charge

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Aug 5: The newly-formed 7-member committee of Ben monastery (gompa) in south district, which has been approved by the Law Department of the State Government, formally assumed its responsibility on Wednesday, an auspicious occasion of Drukpa Tseshi.

The committee headed by its President Karma Tsering Nadik has the following members: Lhendup Dorjee, (Vice-President) Tshering Thendup Nadik (General Secretary), Gyatso Dokhampa (Joint Secretary), Lama Yangching Kaleon (Treasurer) and two executive members.

The meeting on Drukpa Tseshi was attended by lamas, nuns and villagers of Ben and adjoining Nampric bustee, a release by Major T. Gyatso said.

The committee urged all villagers to maintain the monastery. It decided that all works related to the monastery be approved by the committee, a body recognized by the State Government. Members during the meeting urged the State Government to help meet portion of funds for works undertaken by the monastery.

Most Sikkim vehicles yet to get high security number plates

By A Staff Reporter

Gangtok, Aug 5:  Since the implementation of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) in the State in 2009 only 11,508 vehicles have been fitted with HSRP till date.

According to N. Sharma, Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) technical (Headquarters), all vehicles in the State are legally bound to affix HSRP number plates before payment of next token tax.

Those who fail to do so will face legal action under the provision of the Central Motor Vehicle Act-1988, Sharma said. He added the Department will seek the help of the police to take action against those who fail to get the new number plates.

Sharma said that there are approximately 46,995 vehicles plying across the State currently but the exact figure of vehicles are still unknown.

One of the main reasons why vehicle owners have not got HSRP number plates is mainly due to their high cost. While the cost of such number plates in other States such as neighbouring West Bengal is around Rs 500, in Sikkim the cost for light and heavy vehicles is Rs 2048 and Rs 821 for two-wheelers.

Sikkim’s population is 6 lacs, 75% rural

Gangtok, Aug 5: Its official now – the population of Sikkim is pegged at 6,07,688.

The provisional population of Sikkim stands at 6,07,688 persons consisting of 4,55,962 rural and 1,51,762 urban population as on 1st March 2011.

This was disclosed by Dr. Dilip Kumar Dey Jt. Director, Directorate of Census Sikkim, while formally releasing the Provisional Population Totals Paper-2 of the year 2011 here last week, according to PIB.

Paper-I of the Provisional Population for the state of Sikkim released on 7th April, 2011 emphasized on density of the population and literacy rates, Paper-2 released on Thursday made an attempt to present an important profile of the state, like rural – urban distribution, the trend of urbanization and distribution of literate population at rural and urban areas at the district level.

According to the Provisional Population, East District is the most urbanized district in the state, Three major statutory and one census town is located in the district with 1,20,750 population pocketing 79.59 percent of the total population.

 Sikkim is an agrarian State with 75 percent rural population, which also includes the population of the forest villages, tea estate and monastery. The fall in the decadal rural population in Sikkim has happened mainly due to the decision of the government to upgrade the existing towns into Municipal Corporation and municipality by merging a number of villages adjoining to these towns, which is also witnessed by significant growth of 153 percent recorded in the urban population.

The provisional census 2011 shows that the sex ration in Sikkim (Number of Females per 1000 Males) is 889 while the percentage of child population in the age group 0-6 years in Sikkim is 10.37.

The figure also shows the decadal growth of child population 0-6 years per person 2001 to 2011 is -21.89 percent.  The literacy rate of the state, according to the provisional figures 2011 released stands at 76.04 with 87.80 urban and 74.50 in rural areas. 

The Jt Director, Census D K Dey informed that the Socio-Economic and Caste census is likely to begin in the state in October this year.

 STATEHOOD DEMAND - III

“Technically speaking, Darjeeling is not part of Bengal”

The distinct political identity of the hill people for which the guaranteed safeguard provides is contained in the meaning of the Govt. of India Absorbed Area (Laws) Act 1954, which describes Darjeeling District as a Partially Excluded Area was transferred for the administrative management only to the State of West Bengal within the provisions of the Fifth Schedule.

Technically speaking, Darjeeling District is only temporarily merged with the state of West Bengal within the provision of V Schedule. All areas in India under the provision of the V & VI Schedules are under the President of India and perceptually not within the territory of the state who is managing the administration. Therefore, it is a total misconception of the people of the state to allege the right to demand a state tantamount to division of the state territory.

This misunderstanding is causing immense damage to the psychic of the people on either side of the board and unnecessarily fanning pervasive ideas and eluding the truth. It is only proper and fair the state, now under intellectual dispensations requires addressing this problem once and for all so that divisive elements are disabled from interpreting the constitutionality of the demand otherwise.     

It is therefore most relevant to mention this in the first paragraph of the petition before submission. In the constitutional roadmap of state formation, demand for Gorkhaland at this moment of time seems an aberration, and unacceptable within the provision of the V Schedule. However, if in the new Census 2011Gorkhas  are listed as Scheduled Tribes this would complete the second criteria of the V Schedule  - Scheduled Area, which can in fact help the ‘hill people’ and the constellation of ‘Gorkha’ new Scheduled Tribes combined, in legally demanding maybe even Gorkhaland. Hence at this moment Gorkhaland is possible within the state only.  

The present contemplated setup Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GAT) has the face of the provisions of the [PESA] Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act 1996 (No. 40 of 1996). This was particularly formulated for V Schedule –Scheduled District Areas as an extension of Part IX (Article 243) of the Constitution. This is a perception in noting that “GTA would be above the Zilla Parishad. it will also supervise the functioning of the Zilla Parishad”. If PESA seems to be implied then out of constitutional constraints Scheduled Area (to list new members of Scheduled Tribes) requires to be effected before election to GTA.

If this perception inclines to be authentic then, whether ignorantly or wisely, the hill people’s legal right is seemingly further marginalised to a point of its extinction in recognition of the fact Darjeeling District will become and a part of West Bengal permanently, seen as legally repealing the Govt. of India Absorbed Area (Laws) Act 1954 – the Absorbed Areas of Sikkim and Bhutan constituting Darjeeling District, democratically applying for amalgamation with West Bengal in the Union of India .

This is observed because only in 2011 the Sikkim Legislative Assembly passed a Resolution No. 3 demanding a state for the people of Darjeeling, this combined with the new Indo-Bhutan treaty 2007 wherein Rs. 5 lakhs annual gratuity is seen to be omitted, inferring in international understanding, the non acceptance of the annual gratuity is seen as a resolution guaranteeing Darjeeling District (Kalimpong and the 11 Dooars included) to demand a state in India.

With all these constitutional and international understanding perceived, the question to be asked at this moment of time is whether the hill people of Darjeeling District generally wishes to remain within the State or as frequently demanded since time immemorial has demanded a separate administrative unit outside it by demanding a separate state within the Union of India. This is a subject which requires a seminal discussion.             

This seems to be the reckoning of the program being followed by the GJM representatives, perceptually.  Which if misplaced otherwise the there is a reasonable possibility the hill people will (a). wait till the next Census 2021 and (b). there is an element of constitutional interpretation of Article 1(3c ) implied to Article 3 (a or b whichever applicable) which may allow if confirmed by the MLAs and MP (democratically) to apply for permanent merger into the state, Constitutionally but seemingly unconstitutional. The reality is at hand and very soon to come about. The thrill is in the anxious wait.

The Darjeeling Dooars Peoples Forum (DDPF) is urged to read the above thoroughly before needlessly citing the cases of Meghalaya –PEA (VI Schedule)-1972; Tripura- CAA, UT (VI Schedule)-1972; Arunachal Pradesh – EA-UT (VI Schedule) -198; Mizoram –EA, UT-Sixth Schedule (1987). (Hillman the analyst – concluded)

         

MAOISTS FORCE KHANAL CABINET EXPANSION

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN AUGUST 3, 2011

MAOISTS FORCE

KHANAL  CABINET EXPANSION

Nepal PM survives yet another crisis

Kathmandu, Aug 3: Nepal's Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal has once again proved his skills to stay in power. On Monday he inducted nine Maoist lawmakers and one from the Terai’s  Madhesi Janadhikar Forum to the 34-maember cabinet, days after the former rebels threatened to withdraw support from the government and trigger its collapse.

Khanal had earlier rejected Maoist demands to appoint its lawmakers as cabinet ministers.

But Khanal gave in on Monday after the Maoists reduced the number of cabinet seats they were demanding to nine from 19.

The Maoist chief Prachanda proved his control over the Khanal Government by forcing a cabinet reshuffle despite stiff resistance from the premier's own party as well as the biggest opposition party.

"The prime minister administered the oath of office to nine lawmakers from Maoist party and one from Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (party)," the prime minister's press adviser Surya Thapa said.

The withdrawal of Maoist backing would have meant the collapse of the five-month-old Khanal Government.

Khanal was chosen as premier by lawmakers in February after winning the support of the Maoists following a damaging seven-month-long leadership vacuum in the poverty-stricken nation.

The new Maoist ministers include one of the three deputy chiefs of the party, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, who got the coveted home ministry, Hisila Yami (land reforms), the wife of another deputy, Dr Baburam Bhattarai, and Jayapuri Gharti Magar (women, children and social welfare), who is from the faction loyal to the third deputy, Mohan Baidya, and had refused to take oath of office for the same portfolio two months ago.

Involve Kashmiris in Indo-Pak talks on J&K: JKLF

Islamabad, Aug 2: While welcoming the on-going dialogue between India and Pakistan on J&K the need to involve the Kashmiris themselves and their genuine representatives for success of the talks featured high during a conclave here on Sunday hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).

Terming Kashmiris as the principle party to the dispute speakers at the conclave said association of Kashmiris’ genuine representatives was imperative to bring about a lasting solution of Kashmir imbroglio.

“Both the countries should engage seriously and settle the long-pending issue in order to mitigate sufferings of the bleeding nation”, the speakers maintained.

Demanding Kashmiris’ inclusion in the talks process, JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin

 Malik said that it was the basic right of the people of Kashmir to be part of the decision making process.  “The two countries are talking about Kashmir issue that consumed four generations of Kashmiris and they are discussing about the future of a nation having five thousand year old history, isn’t it our right to be part of that discourse?” he asked.

Chaired by Malik, the Kashmir Conference titled “Present political situation and Kashmiris’ role” was attended by journalists, scholars, intellectuals as well as the Kashmiri political and religious leadership.

The participants of the conference after having an intense brainstorming session resolved that all out efforts would be made to strengthen the ongoing peaceful, non-violent, democratic movement in Kashmir.(also see page 2 and edit on page 4)

SDF rebels may join Golay camp

“Chamling undemocratic, autocratic and corrupt”

Gangtok, Aug 2: Four senior and influential members of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) last week resigned from the party alleging that the ruling government was involved in rampant corruption, undemocratic practices and dictatorial tendencies.

 Kiran Chettri, Sonam Bhutia, Neema Theeng and Sonam Sherpa submitted their resignation letter to Chief Minister and SDF President Pawan Chamling on Friday.

While  Chettri is a former SDF publicity secretary, Bhutia and  Theeng are members of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC).

In their 2-page resignation letter the four have alleged that largescale corruption and autocratic style of functioning of the party chief were responsible for them quitting the party.

“Presently, no ones voice is heard apart from yours (Chamling) in the party,” the resignation letter said while adding, “Those who give good suggestions are labeled as anti-party.”

The four have also criticized Chamling for indiscriminately allowing corporate houses to exploit the State’s natural resources, including hydro power potentials, without looking into the adverse affects of such projects on ecology, environment, culture, religion and displacement of local people from their ancestral land.

While Bhutia, former general secretary of the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) and former police officer, is an influential member of the minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals,  Theeng, a former chairman, comes from the Tamang community, which is one of the scheduled tribe communities in the State that is likely to play a decisive role in the outcome of the next Assembly polls in the State scheduled for 2014.

Theeng, who was recently removed as advisor of State Trading Corporation of Sikkim (STCS), is believed to be in touch with former minister and dissident ruling party MLA, PS Tamang, locally referred to as “Golay”, seen by many as the chief-minister-in-waiting.

Chettri has been an active politician since the time he was in the Naya Sikkim Party in the early 1980s. Chettri, who was also the former President of the now-defunct Sikkim Krantikari Morch (SKM), reportedly said the four are likely to join Tamang soon.

Karmapa wants India to play greater role in China-Tibet talks

New York, Aug 2: Ugyen Thinley Dorje, the 17^th Karmapa, wants India to be "an active participant" in talks with China on the Tibetan people's rights.”

"It is not inappropriate for India to raise its voice and be a very active participant in

this discussion," said the 17th Karmapa, one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, reported PTI.

India was "not just another county" of the international community, the 26-year-old monk said, adding "Tibetan culture was Indian culture" as well.

"Right now we find the environment of Tibet in a perilous condition," he said.

He charged that the Chinese government had continued its "repressive acts in an uninterrupted fashion since 2008."

The Karmapa said that Tibetans were "not political people", but were fighting for basic human rights like freedom of speech and religion.

The Karmapa, who is on his second visit to the US after 2008, also warned against the construction of dam that China is building on the middle reaches of the Brahmaputra.

He said the dam was "not a small deal" and it would impact India and its neighbouring countries.

It was "important" for the Indian government to speak on the matter, said the Karmapa, who also accompanied the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on his trip to Washington DC last week to attend the 'Kalachakra' ceremonies.

"One of the things that the Chinese do not understand is that the Tibetans are seeking basic human rights - freedom of speech and freedom to practice our religion. The Chinese frame it as a political issue, but the Tibetans are not a political people," the Karmapa said, according to The Huffington Post.

His Holiness the Karmapa is quick to point out: "I am not anti-Chinese. I am a spiritual teacher and am working for the welfare of all sentient beings. I am not anti anything, including China. But I will advocate for the truth and I want the truth to be known," the Post reported.

Amidst hectic lobbying by his followers in the corridors of power, the Centre last month allowed the Karmapa to travel to United States to attend the Kalachakra puja performed by the Dalai Lama.

Pashupatinath temple  trust wins Supreme Court case

Kathmandu, Aug 2: The Maoist Government’s decision to dissolve Nepal’s trust of the Pashupatinath temple has been quashed.

The Supreme Court last week allowed office-bearers of the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) to resume their duty.

Judge Prakash Osti on Sunday dismissed communist Culture Minister Khagendra Prasain’s bid to sack all seven officials of the Trust amidst allegations of corruption.

Prasain, also the chairman of the Trust that runs the affairs of the shrine, through a letter to member secretary of the Trust had notified that the temple's executive committee has been dissolved on charges of misuse of the fund.

The office-bearers of the Trust resumed their duties after the apex court reversed the decision made by Minister for Culture to sack them, said Sushil K Nahata, member secretary of PADT.

"The court has dismissed the corruption charges leveled against us by the minister," a member of the Trust said. "The minister has no authority to sack the office-bearers of the trust, who are appointed for the term of four years," he pointed out.

Pashupatinath temple is believed to be the biggest Hindu temple of Lord Shiva in the world located on the banks of the Bagmati river in the eastern part of Kathmandu. The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Meet mainstream politicians, Omar tells Pak

Srinagar, Aug 2:  Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said Pakistan will have to talk to mainstream politicians also if the leadership of Jammu and Kashmir is to be included in dialogue between New Delhi and Islamabad for resolution of Kashmir issue.

"If they want inclusion of Kashmiri leadership in the dialogue, then Pakistan will have to talk to the mainstream leadership also," Omar told reporters on the sidelines of a function, CNN-IBN reported.

He said separatists were not the only leaders in Jammu and Kashmir as the mainstream political parties have proved their representative character from time to time.

Omar said there was nothing to worry about the meeting between visiting Pakistan Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and separatist leaders in New Delhi on Tuesday.

"There is nothing new in Hurriyat Conference leaders meeting Pakistani dignitaries. This is not happening for the first time and there is nothing to worry about," he said.

"It is a welcome step that the cross-Line of Control bus services in Jammu and Kashmir will be now open for pilgrims and tourists from the state," he said.

While welcoming the increase in number of trading days on cross-LoC routes, Omar said more needs to be done for making the trade sustainable.

Meanwhile, former home secretary G K Pillai on Thursday said Pakistani foreign minister should have met Jammu and Kashmir CM instead of Hurriyat leaders as he was the actual representative of the people.

"Pakistani leaders usually meet Hurriyat leaders. It is no big deal, but it would have been useful had she met Omar rather than the separatists who represent a section of the society," Pillai said.

J&K interlocutor in Fai controversy

New Delhi, Aug 2: The Centre is not annoyed about Central interlocutor for Jammu and Kashimir Dileep Padgaonkar attending a function organized by separatist Ghulam Nabi Fai in the US in 2005.

In fact, the Home Ministry reportedly is not too pleased with the remarks of MM Ansari, one of the interlocutors, who is believed to have opposed Padgaonkar’s presence at Fai’s meeting.

Terming his fellow member's decision to be a guest of Fai's Kashmir American Council (KAC) as "very strange and unfortunate", Ansari had even questioned whether the government was aware of Padgaonkar (a senior journalist) attending the seminar before it appointed him (as one of the interlocutors), the Times of India reported.

Giving 'clean chit' to Padgaonkar, a senior official of the Home Ministry, however, said the ministry had minutely examined the content of the recorded speech delivered by him at the seminar, and found nothing that could even remotely point at something that can be interpreted as 'anti-India'. "Padgaonkar spoke there as a journalist, and there is nothing wrong in it," he said,

Padgaonkar said that he did attend the seminar in 2005, but he did not have the faintest of idea about Fai's affiliations with the ISI. "Had I known who Fai 'actually' is, I would not have attended the seminar," he had said.

The episode came to light when the FBI arrested Fai in Virginia on July 19. Fai was held on charges of lobbying for Pakistan among US legislators at the ISI's behest.

 The KAC had been regularly organizing seminars/conferences on Kashmir in the US, which were attended by a number of Indian journalists and civil rights activists over the years.

The Centre had on October 13, 2010, appointed the group of three interlocutors, entrusting them "with the responsibility of undertaking a sustained dialogue with the people of J&K to understand their problems and chart a course for the future".

Mired in internal strife and controversies, the scheduled visit of the interlocutors to J&K on July 29 was abruptly postponed. (also see edit on page 4)

China-India apple growers compete in Indian market

Shimla, Aug 2: More than a month after senior Congress leader Vidya Stokes raised her concerns about apples from the State receiving a severe beating in Indian markets, following bulk imports from foreign countries, especially China, Horticulture Minister Narinder Bragta admitted that China has dumped its apples at some ports, including Kolkata and Mumbai.

Its arrival at the time when the home produce has just hit the market has created an intense competition, which the domestic produce may not be able to withstand, he added.

Bragta went on to blame the Centre for not taking steps to protect the interests of Himachal Pradesh farmers, despite the fact that he had raised the issue with Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma in September 2009. Later, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal had also written to Sharma and informed Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar about the matter.

 “During NDA regime, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had raised import duty up to 50 per cent to give relief to the apple growers of the country. There is a need for raising the import duty under WTO up to 75 per cent,” said Bragta.

He plans to meet Anand Sharma as well as Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Virbhadra Singh — both hailing from Himachal Pradesh — to seek their support in making the Centre agree to the state’s demand for a higher import duty on apples shipped to the Indian markets.

The minister wondered how state Congress leaders are targeting the state government, instead of putting pressures on the UPA government to save the apple growers.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh horticulture director Gurdev Singh said that apple production, which had crossed about 4.50 crore boxes last year, is likely to be remain at 2.50 crore this year. He said that total loss of fruit crops has been estimated to be around Rs 347 crore. He disclosed said that apple production is likely to come down to 9 lakh metric tonne per hectare this year from 11 lakh MT tonne of last year.

Singh attributed decrease in apple production to inclement weather.

Uttarakhand HC stays arrest of Ramdev aide

Nainital, Aug 2: The Uttarakhand High Court on Friday granted a stay on the arrest of Yoga guru Ramdev's close aide Acharya Balkrishna, who has been charged by the CBI for procuring fake educational degrees and using them for getting a passport.

Hearing a petition, a single-member bench of the High Court headed by Justice Tarun Agrawal also asked the CBI to file a reply on the petition before it in three weeks time, said Rajendra Dobhal, counsel of Balkrishna.

The court also asked Balkrishna to cooperate with CBI in investigations against him and also to appear before the investigating agency on Aug 4.

The petition for stay on arrest of Balkrishna was earlier put before Justice P C Pant yesterday. However, he recused himself from hearing the petition and referred it to Chief Justice Barin Ghosh.

Balkrishna, who is charged with procuring fake educational degrees and using them for getting a passport, was summoned by the CBI to appear in its office here yesterday for interrogation. There were also reports that he might by arrested by the investigating agency. 

EDITORIAL

STATEHOOD FOR KASHMIR

UT Status For Jammu & Ladakh

Why is the State called “Jammu & Kashmir”? Why shouldn’t it be called  “Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh”? Why should Ladakh’s name be excluded from J & K State? Why not a separate State called “Kashmir”?. Before a permanent “political solution” is reached in J&K the State could be divided into three units: Union Territory status for Jammu and Ladakh and a separate state for Kashmir Valley with greater autonomy. This may not be a permanent solution but could lead to some sort of a start to solve the J&K issue. For a while forget the “plurality and diversity” of J&K. If States within the Union cannot live together for a long time in peace and unity as is the case with J&K don’t force it on them.

Rather focus on “plurality and diversity” of the nation. What is wrong if more states are carved out of the sub-continent and yet India maintains its “unity in diversity?” The main problem in J&K is not Jammu or Ladakh but the Kashmir Valley. Separatist leaders are saying that Kashmir, not Ladakh nor Jammu, was "illegally occupied". Buddhists in Ladakh have been demanding UT status for a long time. If UT status is not possible Ladakh may be combined with Kullu & Manali and made a separate State. Geographically and culturally the people from these areas share much in common. Jammu could also become part of Himachal Pradesh. Instead of getting stuck in the mud there is no harm in trying new ways to solve people’s problems in a democracy.

The central interloculors for J&K are likely to say that the solution “must come from the people”. Both the Centre and the National Conference Government seem to be keen on providing greater degree of autonomy to J&K. Certain areas of J&K are either under Pakistan or China. Its in India only on the map. The road-map for the troubled-torn State must begin taking into account the ground realities. And the ground reality is that we are just talking; not moving ahead.

“GTA another version of DGHC”

 The new deal is not a sellout, but a temporary relief

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) is another version of DGHC provided by the State to prolong existence of Darjeeling District within West Bengal till the period the people of the District demand a State of its own under the provisions of the V Schedule in which the District is framed for safeguard and protection within the Constitution of India. This aspect has not been implied at all in the GTA setup which happens to be a provision within the state laws and therefore require to be ratified by the West Bengal Assembly.

For some unseen reasons the Morcha seem to be afflicted inducing it to climb down on the statehood demand, which according to a Press statement, by West Bengal Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh, ‘the issue of statehood never featured during the talks. The matter was not ever raised”. Hence the GTA setup without the legal constitutional guarantee of safeguard which has been provided for Darjeeling District since the very inception of its creation in 1866.

In simple language when this constitutional aspect is translated to common understanding Darjeeling District, within the context of the V Schedule requires to be integrated within the Union of India. As a constitutional perception Darjeeling District is still recognized as an extension of Sikkim and Bhutan, which however, is now neutralized by the former passing a Resolution in the State Assembly withdrawing its right to claim Darjeeling (1835), Kurseong (1835) and Siliguri Terai (1850), South of Rummam river and east of great Rungeet river to Singaleelah range (1861) by transferring this right to the people of Darjeeling District to form a state of its own.

In a similar stance the new Indo-Bhutan Treaty 2007 the document totally omits mentioning the annual gratuity of Rs. 5 lakhs payment to them indicating Bhutan too has withdrawn its right of claim to the ceded territories in 1865 (Kalimpong subdivision and the 18 Dooars).  Incidentally, the 18 Dooars composed of 11 Bengal Dooars and 7 Assam Dooars. The latter under the aegis of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) is now integrated within the Sixth Schedule aspects of Assam as a matter of constitutional implication. It would be interesting to know whether the Dooars Terai will be delivered within West Bengal under the VI Schedule in replication to its other counterpart BTC in Assam.

The GTA as a perspection carries no constitutional legality which Darjeeling District   qualifies within the provisions of the V Schedule which mandates the composition of a statutory body Tribes Advisory Council (TAC) consisting of not more than 20 members (15 elected and 5 nominated). This body was first established during 1952-56 under explicit instruction of the President of India as well as the Governor of the State citing Rule 4 of the V Schedule.

This body legally provided specifically on account of Darjeeling District as a Partially Excluded Area, instead was applied by the State somewhat scrupulously to include the entire scheduled tribes of West Bengal. This is perceived to be an infringement of constitution misapplication wherein the rights of the hill people of Darjeeling District was compromised and considered marginalization of the V Schedule safeguard rights. This is of pertinent incident as both the V and VI Schedule areas are provided with financial guarantee by the Centre under Article 275 (1) which is specifically targeted to finance development programs for the ST.

How the State is managing this constitutional provision without the TAC is a question which requires to be answered at some point. In actuality what seems to have been engineered by the State is the creation of DGHC in 1988 to cloak the statutory TAC being seen and receive the Central annual grant under Article 271(1) and use it instead for development plans, without Central sanction. It seems in the same light, the GTA has been created to mimic DGHC and give the State enough time to glut over the revenue resources of the District and once again to waylay the constitutional program of Darjeeling District (without any territorial detachment) into becoming a State. This has been the political stance of the state vis a vis the people of Darjeeling District since past decades.

The present political unit spearheading the statehood demand is a cautious lot and seemed fully aware of its legal posture in demanding a State. This is clearly indicated by the fact the GTA agreement is not signed by the democratically elected representatives of the people but the office bearer of a political party. This confirms that the GTA is not a sellout deal but a temporary relief before the next thrush begins, finally to arrive at a State – which still maybe considered as Gorkhaland, temporarily.  It is expected when Telangana duly receives statehood surely the people of Darjeeling will not remain behind. Or will they? Subhas Ghissing burnt his finger doing so is a lesson for the future generation. (KTPaynee)        

“Government cannot arrest 120 crore Anna Hazares”

Raise your voice against corruption on August 16

ANNA HAZARE

A decisive battle against corruption has begun. We are not against any political party. We want systemic reforms. We want a corruption-free India. After all, what are the people asking for – a strong anti-corruption law which provides for honest and time-bound investigations and trials that result in jail for the guilty, confiscation of embezzled money and their dismissal from service? Are we asking too much? For two months, we were talking to the government. Government seems unwilling to take even small steps against corruption. Government appears insincere.

We have met all prominent political leaders. We have tried everything. What do we do now? When I announced my indefinite fast from 16 August, the government threatened that they would crush us the way they crushed Baba Ramdev's peaceful agitation.

Friends, this is a historic opportunity. We can't afford to lose it. We are determined to fight to the end. If they arrest us, we will peacefully offer ourselves. If they use batons and bullets, we will happily lay down our lives but will not leave the place. We will not retaliate. It will be a completely non-violent movement.

 “If you fast on 16 August, you will be crushed” – this is what they are saying. “We will impose section 144 on Jantar Mantar” – this is what they are thinking. But I say that if every citizen in this country takes off from his work from 16 August, comes on the streets in front of his house, at the crossing, with a tricolor in his hands shouting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and raising slogans against corruption, they will fall short of batons and bullets. The government may arrest one Anna Hazare but how will they arrest 120 crore Anna Hazares? They may impose section 144 at one Jantar Mantar but will they impose section 144 on the whole country? And let me tell you – the police and army is with us. At traffic signals, policemen stop us, express their support and wish us well; at Raj Ghat, the policemen donated generously for the movement!

So, will you take off from your work from 16 August? Will you descend on the streets with me?

This year, the country will wait for 16 rather than 15 August.

Ethnic groups in Assam against mega dams, influx

Guwahati, Aug 2: At least 25 tribal and students organisations led by All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have warned the Congress Government in Assam to face any eventualities if it goes ahead with its mega dam hydro projects in the State.

The protestors held a massive rally here on Saturday in protest against the construction of Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHP).

“Our opposition is only to big dams. We don’t want dams that will ravage a civilization,” AASU general secretary Tapan Kumar Gogoi said.

The LSHP is a central government project which aims to generate 2010 MW of power. It was approved allegedly without any proper study of the geotectonic and seismic conditions.

The study conducted by the expert committee constituting Gauhati University, Dibrugarh University and IIT Guwahati, had highlighted the seismic vulnerability of the dam along with many other design related faults.

"AASU has been asking the state government to halt the ongoing construction for a long time but it's sad that the state government has paid no attention to our demands. We are not against power generation, we are only against the construction of the mega dam. Even the expert committee constituted by state government has scrapped the idea of a mega dam in the region," said ASSU advisor Samujjal Bhattacharjee.

AASU also slammed the state government's reluctance in updating the National Registrar of Citizenship (NRC). "The government is trying to guard a section of the population by not updating the NRC. It is only concentrating on the vote bank politics, ignoring the greater interest of the state and the Assamese community," said AASU president Shankar Ray.

Echoing ASSU's demand, the Takam Mising Parin Kaubang (TMPK), a tribal group, asked the state government to start updating the NRC immediately.

Meanwhile, Rabha Students' Union demanded that the NRC should be updated on the basis of the cut-off year of 1971."The historic Assam Agitation happened to solve the influx problem of the state, followed by the signing of Assam Accord. But neither Delhi nor Dispur is acting efficiently to implement the accord. The NRC should be updated on the basis of 1971 as the cut-off year. Anyone who came after this period should not be considered as the legal citizen of the state," said Raghunath Rabha of Rabha Students' Union.

Tribal body welcomes Gyatso’s appointment as Chief Secy

Gangtok, Aug 2: The appointment of Karma Gyatso, IAS of 1977 batch, as the new Chief Secretary of Sikkim has been welcomed by the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), an umbrella organization of the State’s indigenous Bhutia and Lepcha tribals.

In a statement, SIBLAC President Tseten Tashi Bhutia said the appointment of Gyatso as Chief Secretary and R. Ongmu as Additional Chief Secretary, both from the tribal community, was “long awaited and deserving appointments.”

Gyatso formally took over from the outgoing Chief Secretary, ND Chingapa, on Monday.