Sikkim Observer Feb 11, 2012

Mamata pits GJM against Centre on GTA delay

Siliguri, Feb 11: In a shrewd move Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today averted a possible attack from Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and set the fuming Darjeeling outfit against the Central Government for the delay in implementation of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) accord.

The Chief Minister, who was meeting a GJM delegation led by Roshan Giri and Harka Bahadur Chetri not only managed to convince the hill leaders that the delay was not on account of the Writers’ Buildings but the Central Government, but also empathised with the delegation for the political pressure they had to handle in the hills on account of the non-implementation of the accord.

“We have communicated our concerns to the Chief Minister and she has told us that she would take it up with the Centre when she visits Delhi later this month,” a visibly satisfied Giri said quickly reminding the March 27 deadline for the implementation of the accord set by GJM chief Bimal Gurung “stands.” Gurung had earlier warned he would tear off and burn the copy of the treaty if the deadline was not met by the Government.

“The GJM leaders have valid concerns about the delay in the implementation of the GTA accord but here I must say that the State Government is not responsible for the delay as it has done its work,” Banerjee said adding the Centre had sought certain clarifications which had already been sent by the State Government and “now it is for them to do the rest.”

The Chief Minister said she had “sought the appointment of the Prime Minister either on 23rd or 24th of February and if I get the appointment I would certainly press for quick implementation of the accord.” The Chief Minister said she would return to Darjeeling on February 27.

Guv urged to protect civil rights

Gangtok, Feb 10: The Joint Action Committee, ‘Common Platform’ yesterday submitted a memorandum to Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh urging him to safeguard fundamental civil rights of citizens in the State.

The appeal to the Governor comes after the recent incident in Singtam in South Sikkim, where two members of the

All Sikkim Educated Self-Employed and Unemployed Association were assaulted while distributing pamphlets protesting against implementation of hydel power projects in West Sikkim.

The Association President Nawin Kiran Pradhan said freedom of speech and expression were part of fundamental democratic rights guaranteed under the Constitution and urged the Governor to safeguard these rights. He said if these rights were suppressed peace in the State would be disturbed.

 “We welcome the decision of the state government of the closure of the two hydro-electric projects 99 MW Ting Ting HEP, 96 MW Lethang HEP being undertaken in Yuksom, Tashiding Constituency in West Sikkim in public interest with immediate effect,” said  JAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia at a press briefing. Bhutia also requested the State Government to scrap the Tashiding hydel project in West Sikkim.

Bhutia body to felicitate CM on closure of hydel projects

Gangtok, Feb 10: The State Government has ordered the scrapping of two controversial hydel projects in West Sikkim: 99 MW Ting Ting and 96 MW Lethang hydro electric projects.

The closure of these projects came through a notification from the Home Department, Government of Sikkim, vide number 12/Home/2012 dated 08.02.2012.

The National Sikkimese Bhutia Orgnisation (NASB0), which is one of the social organizations agitating against projects on historical and religious grounds, has welcomed the closure of these projects and has thanked all those responsible for opposing these projects.

The Organisation said it would felicitate Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for the “historic decision”. It has also urged the State Government to scrap the Tashiding hydro electric project in West Sikkim.

 Sikkim press body expresses concern over Kalimpong media threat

 Gangtok, Feb 10: The Sikkim Federation of Working Journalist (SFWJ) has expressed its concern over the growing fear psychosis that has compelled the electronic news channel in Kalimpong to shutdown.

Media reports of  on the shutdown episode indicate unfavorable situation cropping in around Kalimpong for the safety and secure working environment of the Fourth Estate, Prabin Khaling, the Federation’s Vice-President said in a Press release.

  The Federation is likely to seek the immediate attention of the district administration to ensure the fundamental freedom of the media and the people at large, Khaling said.

“We express solidarity with the aggrieved Press circle in Kalimpong” and intend to “bring the state of affairs at present in Kalimpong to the notice of the Press Council of India,” Khaling said.

The Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) and Journalist Club of Sikkim (JCS) have also raised their voice against those who are threatening the media in neighbouring Kalimpong.

“The media fraternity of Sikkim is sad with this incident and records its solidarity with the mediapersons of Kalimpong,” PCS President Bhim Rawat said in a statement.

Survey for Sevoke-Sikkim rail track approved

Kolkata, Feb 10: The controversial broad gauge railway track, proposed between Sevoke in Darjeeling and Rangpo in Sikkim, has been given a survey approval.

To be conducted by the state forest department, the survey will precede the laying of the track that will run through the Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary. Once the survey is complete, the report will be sent to the Union environment ministry that will revert back to the state forest department with its feedback, The Times of India reported.

It will be followed by an environment impact assessment (EIA) that will decide whether the project will receive a go-ahead. This was decided at a meeting of the State Wildlife Board on Monday.

Editorial

CONG HOPEFUL

UP Poll Prospects

The Congress party is going all-out to regain the confidence of voters in the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh. But despite predictions of a better performance by the Congress in the Assembly elections the grand old party needs to tie up with the Samajwadi Party (SP) to form the next government. According to predictions, SP is likely retain the lead in winning most of the seats in the 403-seat Assembly followed by Mayawati’s BSP. Rahul Gandhi’s statement that the party would “go it alone” in UP and that it “is in coalition only with the poor,” is mere rhetoric as his party will find it almost impossible to form a majority on its own.

Both the SP and Congress are heavily banking on the Muslim community, which comprise 18% of the population. The Mayawati government is clearly on the back foot, with a deteriorating law and order situation and opposition parties going on the offensive. The Congress is in a campaign mode seeking to build on its surprisingly strong showing in the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, with Rahul Gandhi himself resorting to agitational politics, and his pointsman Digvijaya Singh assiduously wooing the Muslim community.

KATHMANDU KALEIDOSCOPE
Politics And The Common Man

Despite the ever-changing political scenario and unfailing load sheddings, coupled with constant traffic jams and the increasing inflow of rural people into the streets of Kathmandu, this ancient city never fails to dazzle and fascinate its constant flow of visitors. Shopping at foreign tourist-dominated area of Thamel, Darbar Marg and some of the city’s many shopping malls is not only fun but interesting, too.

Kathmandu’s heritage sites are everywhere and one can do your purchases as well as visit the many pilgrimage centers  and heritage sites as you move around. Tourism and pilgrimage go together in the overcrowded streets and this is the beauty of the city. The Swoyambhunath stupa overlooking the city and perhaps the largest stupa in the world in Boudha receive constant flow of Buddhist devotees from all across the Himalaya. Politicians ought to give the Nepalese a break. Streets need to be cleaned, power restored, supply of cooking gas and petrol increased and more importantly there should be enough supply of safe drinking water. These are the needs of the common man even as politicians struggle to draft a new constitution while bickering over its federal structure.

Tibet has a friend in the USA: US Congressman

Dharamsala, Feb 10: The United States is likely to urge its Ambassador Gary Locke to raise China’s “repressive policies” in Tibet with the Chinese government.

In a statement on the recent self-immolations of Tibetans in Tibet, US Congressman Frank Wolf said “The stakes are high in Tibet and the Chinese government knows it.  They are tightening their grip on the region.”

He said, “I have urged U.S. Ambassador Gary Locke to raise the government’s repressive policies in Tibet with senior Chinese party officials and publicly use his platform to make it clear to the Tibetan people that they have a friend in the United States of America.”

“I stand in solidarity with all of the friends of Tibet who today have gathered in Washington, D.C. and in cities around the globe to testify to the deepening crisis in Tibet and find common cause with the suffering people of Tibet.

You are rightly holding vigil outside of the Chinese embassy for it is the Chinese government’s brutal and repressive policies which are the source of this human rights crisis.”

Wolf said, “The free world has been horrified by the string of self-immolations of Tibetans over the last year, including several monks and nuns.  These peace-loving Tibetans have set themselves aflame in desperation at the abuses suffered by their people at the hands of the Chinese government.”

Japan funds for Sikkim quake

Gangtok, Feb 10: The Sikkim forest department will receive Rs 13.12 crore from a Japanese government agency to rebuild the infrastructure damaged in last year’s devastating earthquake.

The amount has been sanctioned by the Japanese International Co-operation Agency (JICA) that is funding a project to ensure alternative livelihood for people living on forest fringes in Sikkim, according to a national daily.

The release of the amount was announced by JICA representative Vineet Sarin during a review of the Sikkim Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Management Project (SBFP) here last week. The Rs 330.57 crore project is being executed by the forest department.

“The JICA is extremely sad about what happened in Sikkim on September 18. Although the release of Rs 13.12 crore was not in the original project, it is something which the JICA has offered to the forest department. There has been a lot of destruction and the JICA would like to support the department in whatever way possible within the parameters of the project to restore the damaged infrastructure,” said Sarin.

Farmers undergo training on organic farming in Namchi

Gangtok, Feb 10: An orientation-cum-training programme based on Internal Control System for wider and successful effect of Sikkim Organic Mission was held at the conference hall of District Administrative Centre, Namchi, South Sikkim, yesterday and today.

This two-day workshop was organized by the MR Morarka GDC Rural Research Foundation (Jaipur) in collaboration with Food Supply, Agriculture, Horticulture & Cash Crop Development Department, an IPR release said.

The objective of this programme is to train the field supervisors, panchayat members and local farmers and equip them for successful and efficient implementation of the Sikkim Organic Mission in the rural areas. They were provided with training and information based on documentation of organic farming by the resource persons and officials of the department and Morarka Foundation.

Under this programme, the field supervisors have been selected from the State Livelihood Schools who have undergone three months training in certificate course of Agricultural Management.

Lachen says no to mineral water bottles

Gangtok, Feb 10:  On the occasion of World Wetlands Day on February 2, the Lachen Dzumsa consisting of the Pipons, Gyambos, Chultimpa (representative of Lamas), along with the public of Lachen has decided to ban mineral water bottles in the village of Lachen and higher areas from the upcoming tourist season.

This decision has been made as an initiative for conservation of the holy lake of Gurudongmar situated at 5,183 metres, which over the years has been growing as a tourist destination in the State. The lake area is a biodiversity hotspot, The Assam Tribune reported.

Receiving more than 15,000 visitors annually in the form of pilgrims and tourists, one of the major threats to the holy lake is from garbage disposal.

This was clearly indicated during the cleanliness campaign organised jointly by WWF-India and Lachen Tourism Development Committee in collaboration with the Lachen Dzumsa around the lake side, on the occasion of World Environment Day last year. Thirty big sacks of tins, and plastics of which a large part was mineral water bottles were collected during the drive, the report said.

Understanding the need for having a proper garbage management and regulation process in place, Lachen Dzumsa, with assistance from LTDC and WWF, will develop a strategy for monitoring of the garbage that goes up to the lake, and ensuring that it is brought back to Lachen. A proposal for construction of a garbage segregation chamber at Lachen is also in the pipeline.

Tourists will be sensitised on the matter so that they come to realise that natural mountain water is safer and healthier than those packaged and sold in plastic bottles. With the decision, Lachen becomes the first village in Sikkim to ban the use and sale of bottled water.

The model will look into possibility of complete ban on the use of bottled water in Lachen and Gurudongmar Lake with promotion of filtered water for the tourists at these villages.

Ashit Rai to represent Sikkim at editors meet

Gangtok, Feb 10: Ashit Rai, editor of Sikkim Mail, an English daily, will represent the State at the All India Editors Conference on Social Issue at Poducherry on Feb 10-11.

The conference will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni and the Union Minister for Rural Development, Jairam Ramesh, a PIB release said.

The Conference will enable editors to get a detailed background of the government’s  policies and programmes in the area of social and economic development and provide a platform for interaction with ministers and senior officers. The conference will also provide an opportunity to the government to get feedback from journalist specializing on these issues.

Sikkim/People & Places

Rattled Heritage: Sikkim’s Monasteries after the Quake

By CHETAN RAJ SHRESTHA

For a week after the Sept. 18 earthquake, many towns in Sikkim were cut off from the outside world. The roads slowly became passable and as they did, photographs and video clips began to circulate. Rumors traveled too, especially that the major monasteries – Pemayangtse, Dubdi, Tashiding and Ringhim – were barely standing and that some of the smaller monasteries in Khechiperi and Hongdi (Pawo Hungri)  had been obliterated.

The truth has proven more reassuring. There was damage, but not outright destruction. However, it is clear that the monasteries, chief items in Sikkim’s meager architectural heritage, were the hardest hit buildings in the quake.

After the earthquake, the Cultural Affairs and Heritage Department undertook a survey in Sikkim’s four districts. I visited some monasteries alone, some with local officials, and was given information on others. I also assisted with a report summarizing these assessments that covered 121 religious and cultural properties.

Some trends were apparent. Recent concrete and brick monasteries fared well unless poorly constructed. The older stone and mud monasteries, some of which date back to the early 1700s, were badly affected. Walls had collapsed completely, roofs detached from walls and internal murals were scarred by cracks. A gradual analysis identified four main reasons for the damages: local intensity of the quake, soil subsidence, shoddy construction and age.

Much of the damage was done by two forces – intensity and subsidence. The quake’s magnitude was 6.8, but distributed unequally in Sikkim. In the north, where it was most severe, reinforced concrete monasteries in Chungthang and Lachung were rattled enough to be declared unstable. Subsidence has the greatest potential for long-term danger. The earthquake could be seen as a 35-second repositioning of the mountains and even now reports are coming in of monasteries, such as Ralang in South Sikkim, where cracks are still widening.

What will happen during the monsoon season, when rainwater pours into a loosened mountainside, should but has not caused apprehension among the authorities and the monks.

Proportionately speaking, amateur construction appears to have contributed little to the general damage. But in terms of what it indicates and presages, it is the most worrying. In recent decades, nearly all the monasteries have been constructed or repaired by the monks themselves. “Contract lamas,’’ as they are called, are common in Sikkim. They propose projects, are paid and execute the work in between their religious duties, or sometimes at their expense. The government, anxious to please a powerful constituency, does not interfere.

Some contract lamas are perhaps thinking, with some wistfulness, of the central government’s pledge to “reconstruct’’ Sikkim with a special focus on its monasteries. This relief package is by now mythically generous. Its largesse fluctuates between 2.5 billion rupees (about $49 million) and 10 billion rupees (about $199 million) . But nothing has arrived until now; four months after the quake.

The monks will determine whether the older monasteries, so crucial to an understanding of Sikkim’s architectural history, will be restored or torn down and rebuilt. They will have to choose between demolition and conservation, with persuasions from both sides. Chawang and Hee Gyathang in North Sikkim are two monasteries whose committees have chosen to restore the masonry buildings which were damaged on September 18.

Stone masonry monasteries were the hardest hit, suffering all the effects of a crippling accident in old age. Loose stones, weak mortar and decaying wood members contributed to an overall frailty. But physical evidence and oral records testify that they were regularly rebuilt after disasters like the January 1934 Great Bihar earthquake and the June 1897 Great Assam earthquake, both of which affected Sikkim.

When rebuilding happens now, though, convenience is often the deciding factor. The obvious inflictions on the stone facades of the older monasteries – broken walls, collapsed altars – are contrasted with the relative health of the concrete monasteries and presented as proof of the older monasteries’ weakness. That some of them have stood for a few centuries means little.

A century is an eon in Sikkim. Indians sometimes seem to shrug while treating their relics with cheerful disregard; they contend there is a surfeit of history in India. But Sikkim lacks that dubious luxury. Here, mythical history is abundant, recorded history is recent and tangible heritage is scarce.

Sikkim was annexed into the Indian union in 1975, an act commonly called the “merger.’’ It brought Sikkim statehood and with it, regular and substantial funds from the central government. Most of the newer monasteries date from after 1975, either constructed on new land or to replace older structures.

The Buddhist scriptures do not provide guidelines for concrete constructions, and it is uncertain where the contract lamas acquired their knowledge. Inspections after the quake revealed absurdly bad building practices – beams larger than their supporting columns, improperly cured concrete, inadequate reinforcement. The older masonry monasteries were almost always built by the monks and laity, but they used materials – timber, stone, thatch – that they were familiar with. It is their unfamiliarity with concrete that opens the way for amateur construction and material corruption.

The monks’ fondness for concrete led them to dismantle much of their own heritage over the past two decades. The new monasteries are often built on the site of the previous structures for the opposing reasons of sanctity – the footprint of the existing monastery is itself considered holy – and convenience – the debris is often cannibalized to abet new construction.

This insensitivity is not limited to Sikkim. Tawang, a 400-year-old monastery in Arunachal Pradesh state and the largest one in India, has only one original building. The Dalai Lama reportedly admonished the monks of the ancient Dhankar Monastery, in Himachal Pradesh state, asking them to conserve rather than rebuild, a directive they heeded. His Holiness ought to turn his disapproving gaze eastwards.

Part of the present ugliness in monastic construction may have a bitter root. Sikkim has historically looked up to Tibet for political and religious guidance. After the closure of the Tibet border in 1962 following the Indo-China war, the artery between Sikkim and its cultural heart was severed, and it was isolated from discourses in monastery conservation. There is a nascent admiration for Bhutan, which shares Sikkim’s paucity of heritage items but which has shrewdly managed a sensitive conservation of its monastic heritage.

Competition is common among monasteries in Sikkim. In an attempt to upstage each other, some institutions have replaced stone with bricks, mud with cement, timber with marble. Where marble cannot be obtained, they prefer bathroom tiles, the more luridly colored the better.

If desire is the cause of suffering, as Buddhism holds, how much sadness must there be in the smaller monasteries in Sikkim, which aspire to the opulence achieved by the larger ones? It shows the monks as distressingly human, tormented by the same impulses that beset the laity.

(Chetan Raj Shrestha is an architect currently practising in Sikkim. He specializes in conservation architecture and writes in his spare time: The New York Times)

SIKKIM OBSERVER        Jan 26, 2012

GUV, CM R-DAY MESSAGE

Sikkim is one of the most progressive states: Chamling

Democracy has taken deep roots in Sikkim: Guv

Observer News Service

Gangtok, Jan 25: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said Sikkim is “one of the most progressive States in the country” and the progress made in the State reflects a fine balance of “tradition and modernity.”

In his R-Day message, the Chief Minister said “It has been an arduous journey to bring about emotional integration of our people with the country.”

“I am proud to state that after 36 years of following the democratic principles in the State, we have achieved many milestone after milestone in the development process. Sikkim today stands tall as one of the most progressive States in the Country,” Chamling said.

“Traditional bottlenecks including inadequate connectivity, socio-economic disparity, lack of infrastructure for various high end activities and institute building are being taken care of,” the Chief Minister said.

Governor BP Singh urged the people to “remember, with gratefulness, our freedom fighters who gave up their lives for the cause of securing independence so that we could live as free citizens.”

He said “democracy has taken deep roots” in the State” and “the atmosphere is conducive for the overall wellbeing of the Sikkimese people.”

“The State enjoys unparalleled peace, progress and prosperity. As the State marches towards modernity, we continue to put emphasis on preservation of our rich culture and heritage,” the Governor said in his R-Day message.

SC notice to Chamling on corruption

“Withdrawal of CBI probe malafide”

New Delhi, Jan 25: The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the Centre and the CBI on a plea seeking independent probe into allegations of misuse of government funds by Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling and his ministers who have been ruling the State since 1994.

A bench comprising justices R M Lodha and H L Gokhale also issued notice to the Sikkim government and the chief minister on the petition filed by two residents of the State, Delay Namgyal and Pema Dadul. The petitioners have accused Chamling and others of indulging in corrupt practice claiming that a report by the CBI earlier had confirmed that several others in his Cabinet have assets that cannot be accounted for, PTI and IANS reported.

The petitioners alleged that the order for withdrawal of the CBI to probe into charges of corruption in Sikkim was issued to thwart the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) probe against Chamling and other ministers in his government for their alleged involvement in corrupt practices. Prior to the notification there was a general consent under which CBI could proceed against any official of the state or the central government in the state without any sanction.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior counsel Raju Ramachandran told the court that they have moved the court as it is matter of utmost public importance. He told the court that the decision of the State Government to restrict the jurisdiction of the CBI on the basis of the requirement of prior sanction and refusal to accord such consent against the Chief Minister was vitiated by malafide.

Senior lawyer Ram Jethamalani, appearing for the Sikkim Government, opposed the petition saying that it was politically motivated case but the court observed that it was not getting any picture of it being a political case. Senior counsel K.K.Venugopal, appearing for Chamling, told the court that the petition was against the refusal of Right to Information (RTI) application against the chief minister and thus they should go before the appropriate appellate forum under the RTI Act.

The court too was not impressed by the plea of the State's Advocate General A. Mariarputham that the State Government has already instituted an inquiry into the matter and there was no need for probe by CBI. The inquiry was under the State Government, the court observed.

The petition said that the initial CBI probe has found that Chamling and legislators, during the period 1999-2009 "had indulged in various corrupt practices including the commission of criminal misconduct and acquisition of disproportionate assets".

Cong leader lauds SC order to combat graft

Gangtok, Jan 25: Former Minister and Congress leader KN Upreti has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to begin corruption cases against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.

Reacting to the apex court’s decision to serve notice to the Chief Minister, Upreti in a press statement said the order is a show cause notice why the CBI should not begin probe into alleged corrupt practices of the Chief Minister.

Upreti also blamed the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee President N B Bhandari for entering into a “secret negotiation” with Chamling to ensure that the CBI does not begin investigation into Chamling and his Cabinet colleagues’ “corruption cases and misuse of public fund.”

He blamed Bhandari and Congress senior leader Kunga Nima Lepcha for “betraying the party and the people” on the corruption issue.

“However, Mr Chamling’s money power has failed ultimately and he has to face the consequences of indulging in excessive corruption and misusing power,” the release said. Upreti thanked Delay Namgyal and Pema Dadul, the petitioners, for their effort and “achievement.”

Hissey is Sikkim’s RS candidate

Gangtok, Jan 25: Former minister and three-time MLA from North Sikkim, Hissey Lachungpa, is the State’s lone Rajya Sabha candidate.

The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which has all the 32 seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, on Monday declared Lachungpa as its candidate for the RS seat. Lachungpa was the only candidate to file the nomination papers for the seat.

Lachungpa, who was the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, had resigned from the post.

The present RS MP OT Lepcha is expected to retire soon.

Bhaichung’s rare treat for football fans in Sikkim

Gangtok, Jan 25: Sikkim United on Sunday got the better of 'Super Star XI', which included soccer greats such as former Dutch striker Rudd Gullit and legendary Scorpion guitarist Rudolf Schenkar, in an exhibition match here at the Paljor Stadium.

Organised by former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia in collaboration with the Sikkim government, proceeds from the match will be given to victims of the earthquake that rocked the state in September last year.

People from all over the State flocked to the Paljor Stadium to get a glimpse of the stars who entertained one and all with their talents.

The 'Super Star XI', besides Gullit and Schenkar, included Frenchman Christian Karembu, Tim Tranker (World Motor Sports Champion), former India footballers Shyam Thapa, IM Vijayan and Bollywood actors Rahul Bose and Neha Dhupia to name a few.

The event started with Kolkata-based band 'Under Ground Authority' and rock outfit, 'Still Waters' from Sikkim, jamming with the Scorpion guitarist, belting out numbers like 'Rock You Like a Hurricane', which set the mood for the gala evening, a national daily reported.

USFC struck first with two goals in the seventh and 19th minute by striker Daniel. Thoi found the net in the 12th, Beiko in the 35th, Thupden six minutes later, MD Lepcha in the 57th and Bhupendra Khewa in the 70th minute, as the hosts completed a 7-4 win.

Goals for the 'Super Star XI' came from Marcel Oerlemans who scored thrice, in the 30th, 64th and 68th minutes, and Sushi Singh hit the net in the 32nd minute.

"This is a historical day for Sikkim and the event has been possible only because of the support of the state government and the personal intervention of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling who is also an avid football lover," stated Sports Secretary, Karma P Bhutia.

Ray's 'Sikkim' documentary now in markets

Kolkata, Jan 25: After having dogged controversies ever since it was made four decades ago, Satyajit Ray's rare documentary 'Sikkim' has been released on Monday in the CD format.

The 52-minute documentary, commissioned in 1971 by the last Chogyal (king) of Sikkim - Palden Thondup Namgyal - was banned after a few scenes went against the liking of the rulers, PTI reported.

When the Himalayan kingdom merged with India in 1975, the Indian government also banned it. Two years ago, the ministry of external affairs lifted the ban on the film. Since then, 'Sikkim' has been shown only to restricted audiences at film festivals, including the 2010 Kolkata Film Festival.

 "We do not know why the film was banned for so long But it is not a political film and has no propaganda. It is about the flora, fauna, the natural beauty and diversity of the Himalayan kingdom," Ray's son Sandip said.

After releasing the DVD and VCD release of 'Sikkim', he said that the original negative of the film is lost. A damaged print of the film was restored by the Gangtok-based Art and Culture Trust (ACT) of Sikkim in 2002 with support of The Academy of Motion Pictures, Art and Science in California. "I remember that the original film had excellent colours. But unfortunately now it is lost. However, the present CD version is viewable," Sandip Ray said.

PRIDE OF SIKKIM Bhaichung Bhutia

THE BALLAD OF BHAICHUNG BHUTIA

By Leonard Lefevre

COME GATHER ROUND FOLKS BOTH YOUNG AND OLD TO HEAR THIS TRUE STORY

OF HOW A YOUNG SIKKIMESE LAD BROUGHT THIS FAIR LAND OF OURS SUCH GLORY!!

THE HEARTWARMING STORY OF ONE WHO SHOWED US THAT NO MATTER HOW HUMBLE ONES BIRTH,

HARD WORK AND DEVOTION CAN MAKE YOUR NAME AND FAME SPREAD TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.

FROM A SLEEPY LITTLE VILLAGE IN THE FOOTHILLS OF THE HIMALAYAN SNOWS

WITH ROLLING GREEN HILLS AND WHERE THE CHILL WIND BLOWS,

WAS BORN A YOUNG LAD WITH A BIG DREAM AND A HEART OF GOLD

THE STORY OF WHOSE LIFE AND DEEDS WILL FOR CENTURIES BE TOLD.

THEY NAMED HIM BAICHUNG, WHICH MEANS "LITTLE BROTHER"

AND IF THE TRUTH BE TOLD, HE REALLY WAS LIKE NO OTHER!!

HIS EYES WERE FILLED WITH MISCHIEF AND HE COULD NEVER SIT STILL,

FROM A VERY TENDER AGE YOU JUST KNEW HE WAS 'LICENSED TO THRILL' !

HE WENT SCHOOL IN PAKYONG AND THEN AS A SAI SCHOLAR TO TNA

WHERE HE WAS PURE "NATURAL" AT EVERY SPORT HE DECIDED TO PLAY.

WITH SWEAT DRENCHED JERSEY AND BLOODIED SHINS AND A DIRTY BANDAGED KNEE,

TO FIND HIM JOSTLING FOR THE BALL WITH THE BIGGER BOYS WAS COMMON TO SEE!

HE LOVED A CHALLENGE AND NEVER SHIRKED FROM A FIGHT,

THOUGH OFTEN HE'D LOSE HE WOULD GIVE IT ALL HIS MIGHT.

NOT ONCE DID HE COMPLAIN OR LOOK FOR EXCUSES TO LOSE,

TO WIN EVERY GAME AND KEEP ON TRYING WAS HIS ONLY RUSE.

HE HAD A VERY KIND AND LOVING NATURE AND WAS SOON EVERYBODY'S PET,

FOR WE ALL KNOW THAT KIDS LIKE HIM IN THE WORLD OF TODAY ARE REALLY HARD TO GET!

HE WAS EXTREMELY WELL MANNERED AND NEVER FORGOT TO SAY 'THANK YOU' AND 'PLEASE',

AND WHAT IS MORE HE COULD HANDLE BOTH SPORTS AND STUDIES WITH CONSUMATE EASE!

YOU WOULD FIND HIM PLAYING FOOTBALL ON THE GROUND AT THE CRACK OF DAWN

FOR TO PLAY THE "BEAUTIFUL GAME" I GUESS HE KNEW HE WAS BORN.

HE WOULD ALWAYS BE THE LAST ONE TO LEAVE THE PITCH AFTER EVENING GAMES

AND WOULD HARDLY EVEN NOTICE WHEN THE WARDEN CALLED HIM NAMES!!

HE WOULD PRACTISE BACK VOLLEYS IN THE DORM AT NIGHT

MUCH LONG AFTER THE DORM INCHARGE HAD TURNED OUT THE LIGHT!!!

HE WOULD SKIP HIS SUNDAY OUTINGS AND EVEN HIS TEA,

THE FOOTBALL PITCH WAS THE ONLY PLACE HE EVER WANTED TO BE!!

HE HAD FEET LIKE QUICKSILVER AND COULD TURN ON A DIME,

THE DEFENDERS WHO MARKED HIM JUST DID NOT HAVE TIME.

HE'D DRIBBLE RIGHT PAST THEM AS IF THEY DID NOT EXIST

AND TO CELEBRATE EACH GOAL IN STYLE HE NEVER COULD RESIST!!

NOT BEFORE LONG HE WAS PLAYING IN THE GOVERNOR'S GOLD CUP,

THE SMALLEST AND YOUNGEST IN THE SQUAD LIKE A CUTE LITTLE PEKINESE PUP!!

HE'D SHAKE OFF SEASONED DEFENDERS AND LEAVE THEM FOR DEAD

AND THOUGH HE WASN'T VERY TALL HE COULD EVEN SCORE WITH HIS HEAD!

HIS TALENTS WERE RECOGNIZED AND HE WAS INVITED TO JOIN ONE OF THE 'BIG CLUBS'

PUNDITS SHOOK THEIR HEADS AND SAID "HE'LL JUST WARM THE BENCH AS ONE OF THE SUBS"

BUT HE HAD A DREAM IN HIS HEART AND HE WOULD NEVER LET IT DIE,

SO HE LEFT HIS HOME AND HIS CLOSE FRIENDS AND BADE THEM A SAD GOODBYE.

HE WORKED REALLY HARD AND KNEW HE HAD TO LEAD A LIFE OF SACRIFICE

AND GIVE UP ALL THE THINGS THAT TEENAGERS HIS AGE REALLY FIND NICE.

HE TRAINED AND TOILED NIGHT AND DAY IN THE SWELTERING HEAT,

FOR HE HAD A REALLY RESOLUTE SPIRIT THAT WAS DIFFICULT TO BEAT.

HE SCORED MANY A GLORIOUS GOAL AND WAS THE CROWDS DELIGHT,

THE SAME PUNDITS NOW SAID THE FUTURE OF INDIAN FOOTBALL LOOKED BRIGHT.

THE BACK VOLLEYS HE HAD SO ASSIDUOUSLY WORKED ON IN THE DARK

WERE SCORED AT WILL AS IF IT WERE JUST ANOTHER STROLL IN THE PARK!!

TABLOIDS CALLED HIM "THE TINKITAM EXPRESS" AND "THE BOY WONDER",

AS WITH HIS DEFT SKILLS HE TORE THE BEST DEFENCES ASUNDER.

"THE PIN UP BOY OF INDIAN FOOTBALL" HE WAS SOON TO BECOME

FOR HE HAD GROWN INTO A STRAPPING LAD WHO WAS SO HANDSOME!!

BUT HE WANTED TO LEARN MORE AND FOREIGN SHORES BECKONED,

IT WAS THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE HIS OWN GAME HE RECKONED,

SO HE PACKED HIS BAGS AND BOOTS AND MOVED TO BURY FC IN 'BLIGHTY',

AND WAS A GREAT SUCCESS THERE AS ALL HIS FANS COULD SEE.

HE THEN WENT ON TO PLAY FOR PERAK CLUB IN MALAYSIA,

AND WAS ALSO THE BEST FOOTBALLER IN THE CONTINENT OF ASIA.

STATISTICS WILL RECORD THE THINGS HE DID AND THE GOALS HE SCORED

BUT NO STATS WILL TELL OF HOW HE THRILLED THE FANS AND NEVER LEFT THEM BORED.

HE EVEN FOUND TIME TO DANCE HIS WAY INTO THE HEARTS OF INDIAN FANS

THOUGH I'M PRETTY SURE IT WAS NOT PART OF HIS LIFE'S INITIAL PLANS!

THE ACCOLADES KEPT FLOWING AND HE WON THE ARJUNA AWARD AND THE PADMA SHREE

BUT HE REMAINED SIMPLE AND HUMBLE AND ACCEPTED THEM WITH ALL MODESTY.

ON JANUARY 15TH 2012 AGAINST BAYERN MUNICH IN INDIAN COLOURS HE DID LAST APPEAR,

AND WE WERE FORCED TO BID ADEIU TO ONE WE LOVED AND CHERISHED SO DEAR!

AND THOUGH IT WILL BE VERY LONG BEFORE HIS MANY FANS EVER RECOVER

BAICHUNG WILL LIVE ON AND ON IN THE HEARTS OF EVERY FOOTBALL LOVER.

SO THIS MY FRIENDS IS THE TALE OF ONE I LOVED SO WELL

WHOSE STORY I KNEW I JUST HAD TO TELL.

YOU MAY ASK ME "WHAT MADE BAICHUNG SO GREAT?"

MANY SAY "HE WAS LUCKY AND IT WAS JUST HIS FATE."

BUT I KNOW IT WAS HARD WORK AND A "NEVER SAY DIE" SPIRIT

THAT BROUGHT HIM SUCCESS AND EVERYTHING WITH IT.

WHAT DROVE HIM WAS HIS DEEP PASSION AND LOVE FOR THE GAME,

AND THE 'BY PRODUCTS' JUST MAY HAVE BEEN MONEY AND FAME.

HE KNEW WHERE HE CAME FROM AND NEVER GREW "TOO BIG FOR HIS BOOTS"

HE NEVER GREW WINGS AND ALWAYS STAYED TRUE TO HIS ROOTS .

HIS HEART REMAINS BIG AND FULL OF LOVE AND HE CARES FOR EVERYONE,

AND THERIN GOOD FOLKS LIES THE TRUE GREATNESS OF SIKKIM’S BEST LOVED SON!!

(The writer was a biology teacher and dorm-incharge of Bhaichung Bhutia among other things at Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, Sikkim)

Memories of Sikkim’s date with Romeo in Sikkim

Shyam Pradhan’s Romeo in Sikkim was Sikkim’s first Hindi movie.

By Sheetal Pradhan

Sikkim became a part of mighty Indian Union in 1975 and in the last 37 years a small Himalayan kingdom transferred itself to become one of the most beautiful tourist centers of the world. The same year a milestone was accomplished from Sikkim in the world of Indian Cinema but more than three decades later the story seems forgotten to the wheel of clock.

I wanted to be part of the history in re-introducing behind the stories of Romeo in Sikkim, a Hindi film that had few landmarks still unknown to many. Romeo in Sikkim is the first Hindi film to be produced from Sikkim and first Nepali actor Shyam Pradhan, to play a lead role in a bollyhood film.

Shyam Pradhan went on to act in another film, the first Hindi-Nepali bilingual feature film that never saw the light of the day. He later went on to make two successful Nepali movies Bhool and Sanjiwani. Sanjiwani was made in three languages simultaneously - Nepali, Bengali and Hindi. The Hindi version is yet to be released. 

It was Mohan Pradhan ‘Neeraj’, Sansthapak of famed Singtam Basibiyalo, Praveen Pradhan, President of SPARK NGO from Singtam and me who visited the residence of the Shyam Pradhan a couple of weeks back. He was about to leave for Siliguri but delayed his programme for us. Such was his friendly persona that the anecdote he shared with us about Romeo in Sikkim and his other projects made me just listen to him…silently.

Shyam Pradhan, then a 19 year old from a well-established business family from Gangtok acted in a lead role in a colour Hindi movie Romeo in Sikkim shot exclusively in Sikkim and in some parts of Darjeeling and in Bombay, now Mumbai. With Amina Kareem as a lead actress who had played a small role in Danny Denzongpa’s Hindi film Mere Apne, Romeo in Sikkim had a gifted star casts in the caliber of legendary KN Singh, Kundan, Om Prakash, Seema Kapoor and others. Harikrishna Kaul directed the movie, while the shooting of the film was completed in 3 months and the beautiful songs composed by Vishwanath.

The film was shot in 1973 in 33 mm and released in 1975 at Bombay; in Sikkim it was first released in Denzong Cinema Hall and later on at Vajra Cinema Hall too, where it ran for 15 successive days, says Shyam Pradhan.

I first heard about Romeo in Sikkim from an audio music cassette of legendary Bollyhood Singer Mukesh. Being a big fan of Mukesh, I found it very surprising to read the lines on the cover of the audio cassette that mentioned a song “Jiska Sapna” from the movie Romeo in Sikkim. Similarly in few days I also found another song sung by Mukesh from another Hindi movie that had another interesting title Road to Sikkim.  So when I first got an opportunity to speak to Shyam Pradhan himself, I just wanted to know about his memory of Mukesh.

He went on to say, Mukesh was a big name and he was very interested to know about the place called Sikkim and meet the hero of Romeo in Sikkim. When Mukesh finally met the lead actor, Mukesh was bit surprised and in a sarcastic way asked his music director, “How can I sing for him”. Definitely it was hard for Mukesh to give a feel to the song looking at the young artiste from Sikkim, the place he had never heard. Mukesh just went near Shyam Pradhan, hugged him and told him, “I will try my best.” After 18 retakes the recording of the song was completed and after 37 years of the first release of Romeo in Sikkim, the only thing that remains popular is that immortal song …..Jiska Sapana.

Romeo in Sikkim had four songs and the list of singers just amazing, Mukesh, Mohammad Rafi, and Suman Kalyanpur, a classic collection.

Sikkim on tourism recovery mission

Gangtok, Jan 25: Sikkim government has decided to undertake a year long tourism recovery mission to bring tourism in the state back to its pre-earthquake level and even beyond.

 Tourism minister Bhim Prasad Dhungel said. "A clear-cut message will be sent to the rest of the country and even abroad that Sikkim remains the safest and the most popular destination for the tourists," Tourism Minister Bhim P Dhungel said at press conference in connection with Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival 2012 here, PTI reported.

Describing the Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival scheduled for February 14th to 29 as the first step under the mission, Dhungel said that it will be followed by the Sikkim Youth Adventure Festival-2012 in March. Speaking on the occasion, president of the Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) Lukendra Rasaily said a variety of activities will be organized to woo the tourists during the 15-day long Snow Festival. These will include skiing, mountain biking, trekking, paragliding, rock climbing and other adventures, besides folk song , folk dance and local food festivals,he said. The Tourism Minister also launched the website of the Sikkim Snow and Culture Festival –www.sikkimsnowfest.com and publicity material for the Festival.

EDITORIAL

CORRUPTION IN SIKKIM

Green Signal From Supreme Court

The anti-corruption campaign in Sikkim is likely to take a big leap forward with the Supreme Court taking cognizance of a petition filed against Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who has been in power for the fourth consecutive term since 1994. Realizing the alleged tacit understanding between the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front and the Sikkim unit of the Congress on tackling corruption in the State some political activists took the matter to the apex court recently to seek justice for Sikkim and the Sikkimese people. Legal battles in India take ages to reach a verdict but the decision of the Supreme Court to send a notice to Chamling and his colleagues (former and present) in the Cabinet has got the ball rolling on rampant corruption in India’s youngest State.

It will now be very difficult for Chamling to buy peace with every politician in the State given the support the anti-corruption campaign has among the general public. The Sikkimese people are fed up with the scale of corruption in every sphere of life in the State. Former Chief Minister and Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee President Nar Bahadur Bhandari was only recently convicted and jailed for allowing corrupt practices to cause unnecessary loss to the State exchequer. Now the present Chief Minister has to face the music on the same issue. If the apex court takes a serious view of rampant corruption in Sikkim many heads are sure to roll.

IMPLEMENT GTA

Respect 2011 Accord

The people of Darjeeling district cannot afford another prolonged political stalemate. The allegation that both the West Bengal Government and the Centre have not done much to implement the provisions of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) in the past six years has some basis. Merely announcing development schemes in the hills without financial resources to implement them will further agitate the hill people many of whom have resorted to their original statehood demand.

The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), which has worked very hard to get the GTA, must be given enough time to restore Darjeeling to its past glory. If the Centre and the State Government gives the much-needed backing to the GTA there is every possibility of Darjeeling being one of the top destinations in the tourism sector. If those who run the GTA sets better example in running the administration then the demand for Union Territory status and statehood may be justified.

. HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN         Jan 12, 2012

China for better ties with India

New Delhi, Jan 11: Ahead of their boundary talks next week, India and China Monday rejected an "adversarial relationship" amid recent irritants and called for greater all-round cooperation to scale up strategic trust that will enable them to shape the evolving international order.

In a bid to keep sensitive bilateral ties on an even keel, China's Ambassador to India Zhang Yan acknowledged that there are "differences and challenges left over by history," alluding to the decades-old boundary dispute, but pitched for greater trust and cooperation to resolve these issues, The Economic Times reported.

Without naming anyone, the Chinese envoy said that "some are trying to create a wedge between the two countries but asserted that they will not succeed".

The cooperation between India and China will benefit each other and the confrontation will hurt us, Zhang said.

Despite prophecies with evil intentions, India-China relations will take their own course and go where their national interests lie, the envoy said.

Ex-Nepal king embarks on a two-week India visit

Kathmandu, Jan 11:  Nepal's ex-King Gyanendra today embarked on a two-week long personal visit to India during which he is expected to meet political leaders.

Gyanendra is accompanied by his wife Komal and daughter- in-law Himani Shah. He will be visiting Jaipur for attending a wedding function in the family, PTI reported.

However, he will have a stopover in Delhi during the two week visit where the ex-monarch is likely to meet some political leaders, according to sources close to the ex-King.

Meanwhile, Nepalese people today observed the 290th birth anniversary of late King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who is known for unifying the modern day Nepal by joining smaller states.

The visit of ex-King comes at a time when the two major political parties, the Unified CPN-Maoist and the Nepali Congress are at loggerhead over the issue of system of governance as the process of drafting the new constitution is underway in the Himalayan Republic.

A fitting farewell for Bhaichung

New Delhi, Jan 11: Bhaichung Bhutia, the face of Indian football for more than a decade, is hanging up his boots in a blaze of glory.

In a glowing tribute to the icon from Sikkim, India played an exhibition match against Bayern Munich at New Delhi on Tuesday. Bayern, one of the top clubs in the world, are among the frontrunners to win the Uefa Champions League this season.

C.M. Ranjith, former junior Indian player and current coach of national junior teams, said Bhutia is a self-made super star.

“Whatever Bhutia has achieved in his life is through his hard work. He had no godfathers. Bhutia continues to be an inspiration for players from northeastern states,” he added.

According to Ranjith, Bhutia’s commitment made him a standout among his peers. “He gave his all for every team he played for. Bhutia was a born goal-getter. He always knew where the goal was. It is rare in our country to find a player of Bhutia’s goal-scoring ability,” the State Bank of India officer said.(Deccan Herald)

You can now fly to Bumthang in Bhutan Airlines

Thimphu, Jan 11: Drukair, the national airline of Bhutan, and Tashi Air, also known as Bhutan Airlines, Bhutan's first private airlines, will now fly to Batpalathang airport in Bumthang, the stunning valley of pick buckwheat fields, and Yonphula in Tashigang, which may be declared the most stunning airport yet.

The mysterious east of Bhutan has never been more accessible. With the launch of domestic air services to two of the most beautiful regions of the country, Bhutan travel has become simple like never before says Karma Tshering of BhutanTravelAgency.

Drukair, the national airline of Bhutan, and Tashi Air, also known as Bhutan Airlines, the country's first private airlines, will now fly to Batpalathang airport in Bumthang, the stunning valley of pick buckwheat fields, and Yonphula in Tashigang, which may be declared the most stunning airport yet.

The journey, which would otherwise take one day by road to Bumthang from the capital Thimphu or the international airport at Paro, will now take a mere 25 minutes, and the journey to Tashigang, the remote and even more mysterious far east of the exotic travel destination that is Bhutan, which would take two days by road from the capital, is now only 30 minutes away.

Bhutan Airlines also offers chartered flights and long mountain flights to make travel Bhutan luxurious, which promises to be exceptionally beautiful airplane rides, thanks to the stunning white peaks and emerald mountains of Bhutan, with glistening ribbons of rivers running through them, dotted with rural homes and an occasional enormous red roofed dzong or monastery high up in the mountains.

Bhutan Airlines charges 350 USD for a flight to Yonphula, and 600 USD for a return flight, while a flight to Bumthang from Paro costs 250 USD or 400 USD for return. Promotional introductory fares are offered till the end of February 2012 and can also be combined with various Bhutan tour packages.

Bumthang in the north of Bhutan is already a traveller's paradise, with broad expanses of valleys, and a strong presence of local businesses famous for naturally produced honey and cheese. It is also a well known religious and cultural destination, with Jampay Lhakhang, a venerated monastery known as the place where the 8th century saint Guru Padmasambhava performed miracles to secure the land, subduing malicious deities and converting them into protectors of the land and the people. This is also where the famous sacred naked dance is performed at midnight during the Jampay Lhakhang Festival in October-November.

The valley is also well known as the birthplace of the treasure-hunter or Tertoen Pema Lingpa who discovered many religious artifacts left behind by Guru Rinpoche. Lake Mebartsho, or the Burning Lake, is one of the most holy sites in Bhutan, and was the place where Tertoen Pema Lingpa is said to have dived into the rushing waters with a lit butter lamp, and emerged with religious artifacts and the lamp still burning, giving the lake its name.

Coming soon: An English journal on Tibet from Lhasa

Himalayan News Network

Lhasa, Jan 11: Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region plans to launch its first English language periodical on Tibetan studies this year, a publication for global researchers on Tibet and its culture.

"The proposal for the English version of 'Tibetan Studies' was submitted early last year and received a warm welcome from the central government," said Lan Guohua, a researcher with Tibet's regional academy of social sciences, at the annual regional political advisory session in Lhasa on Tuesday.

Lan is a member of Tibet's regional committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

His academy has been publishing Tibetan Studies, a bimonthly periodical, in Chinese since 1981 and in the Tibetan language since 1982.

The publication focuses on Tibet's economy, history, religion, culture, archeology, language, traditional medicine, art and folklore.

Lan said Tibetan Studies has a circulation of about 2,200, including 1,200 Chinese and 1,000 Tibetan copies.

"It's mainly distributed to foreign embassies and diplomatic missions in China, as well as universities, research institutes and worldwide Confucius Institutes."

The English publication will help foreign Tibetologists learn more about the plateau region, he said.

Lan said the first issue will be published later this year, but the exact timetable is not immediately available.

On the other hand, Lan said his academy was also expanding cooperation and exchanges with foreign research bodies, hoping to share the ideas and research findings of their global colleagues.

Edittorial

CIVIL SOCIETY

Keep Away From Electoral Politics

Team Anna has succeeded in creating greater awareness of rampant corruption in Indian society. It has also aroused the national consciousness, particularly among the middle class, of the need for citizens to get involved in daily affairs of society to cleanse the system. Both the Congress party and the Opposition have been galvanized into action in giving the nation a strong Lokpal Bill. In the process the political establishment in the country has been thoroughly exposed. This in itself is a great achievement and people have to now take greater interest in matters that concern their life.

Democracy without active participation of the people in matters great and small will ultimately lead to dictatorship of the politicians, who have been working together with the bureaucrats and business houses in looting the nation for decades. Now that the ground work of national consciousness to eradicate corruption has been laid Team Anna needs to make a nation-wide tour to form credible platform for civil society in every state and region. Anna Hazare and his colleagues should refrain from taking active part in electoral politics. They should focus on major issues that are linked to cleansing society of corruption.

Morcha for speedy implementation of GTA

C. Tamang

Darjeeling, Jan 11: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha wants speedy implementation of the

Gorkhaland Territorial Administration pact.

This was indicated by Morcha General Secretary Roshan Giri during a tripartite meeting in Delhi on Monday.

 Giri said: "We have asked for speedy implementation of the GTA. We are not being able to start development work until the GTA is formed. Today we asked the Centre to release Rs 93 crore immediately for projects in Darjeeling. We have also submitted the project proposal to the Centre. This fund will come from the Rs 200 crore central aid that was declared in the agreement earlier."

He added: "We have also requested the central government to arrange for election, and the election must take place in Darjeeling and Terai and Dooars regions simultaneously. The central government representatives told us that the GTA is expected to be implemented by January 15. The GTA bill has been sent for inter-ministerial comment by the MHA. Then it will be sent for presidential assent."

 “We have also asked to expedite the process of the high power committee, which was formed to determine the territory of the GTA. We want the election to be held in the GTA area as soon as possible and for that, area determination is needed," Giri said.

Oz couple back in Darjeeling for Christmas 

Darjeeling, Jan 11: With the arrival of the Gates couple it is Christmas in the Queen of the Hills. This Australian couple has been celebrating Christmas in Darjeeling for the past 20 years and plans to continue doing so. “Christmas is very different here than other parts of the World.

The hangover of the days of the Raj complete with the traditional Christmas spread draws us to Hotel Windamere in Darjeeling each year” stated David Gates, talking to Hindustan Times.

This septuagenarian couple from Kiama, 130km from Sydney, Australia had visited Darjeeling for the very first time in the winters of 1991. “It was a trip around India and Darjeeling was part of the trip. It was Christmas. We just loved the way Windamere celebrated Christmas- the carol singing, the entertainment and the Christmas dinner. Since 1991 we have not celebrated Christmas anywhere else” stated David’a wife Pat.

Soon the couple became a part of the town. “Over the years we have befriended many of the town’s folk. We pay them a visit every year. Many of them have passed away” stated David.

 “Darjeeling is a safe place. It is amazing that different communities, speaking different languages, practicing different religions, coexist peacefully here. One does not feel threatened here. There are a very few places in the world where one feels such nowadays” stated David.

Earlier the couple used to visit Sikkim after Christmas and then return to Darjeeling for the New Year’s celebrations. “For the past few years we have been staying in Darjeeling throughout. We arrive before Christmas eve and leave Darjeeling on the 3rd or 4th of January” stated Pat. From Darjeeling the couple will visit Goa. “We have many friends in Goa too,” added David.

 “The couple have become a part of the Windamere family. We look forward to their visit each year. We try to keep our Christmas celebrations as authentic as the Christmas celebrations of 1939. There are many tourists who keep coming back just because of this,” added Shubhana Rai, Sales Manager, Windamere.

Bhaichung thanks Yuvraj for helping earthquake victims in Sikkim

New Delhi, Jan 11: Bhaichung Bhutia expressed his gratitude towards star cricketer Yuvraj Singh for standing by victims who were affected by earthquake in Sikkim, last year.

"I can't thank Yuvraj enough for his support in the hour of crisis. After the earthquake, he was one of the first sportspersons who tweeted and pledged his support for the victims who were affected by the tragedy. I spoke to him after that and he has also given a lot of donation," Bhutia, who was present at a function organised by NGO Khushi Centre for Rehabilitation & Research, said on Monday.

To raise funds for the earthquake victims, Yuvraj has given one of his bats, Ashish Nehra  gave his India jersey, shooter Ronjan Sodhi has given his shooting jacket while pugilist Vijender Singh gave his boxing gloves.

"I thank all of them for this nice gesture which will help us a lot in making a bit of difference to the families who are trying hard to overcome such a tragedy," he concluded.

Nagaland church celebrates golden jubilee

Kohima, Jan 11: Rev. Dr. Neikedozo Paphino, President Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC), last Friday unveiled the golden jubilee stone. Earlier, the NCRC relic hall was dedicated by Rev. Dr. D.L. Sanchu. Rev. Beilieu Shuya unfurled the golden jubilee flag.

The golden jubilee flame was ignited by Vihoto Lohe, first pastor and oldest person in Gariphema. A new song book was released by Rev. Zhangulie.

Dr. Sanchu stated that NCRC was born on January 9, 1962 at Gariphema village and this church was

“an Asian indigenous local church” free from “foreign hierarchical rules or control.”

The celebrations concluded yesterday.

Art exhibition in Mizoram

Aizwal, Jan 11: A painting exhibition was recently held in Mizoram's capital Aizawl where several artists from the region exhibited their work.

The exhibited paintings gave a glimpse of "Traditional Mizoram" to the visitors. Paintings depicted women in indigenous attire,and showed age-old practices and rituals and traditional Mizo villages.

The paintings were the work of 12 veteran and budding painters including Lalbutta, Biaklara, and Jerry, who have been exhibiting their work throughout the country, ANI reported.

"Most of our painters paint realistic paintings like nature, traditions and cultures. Most of our audiences like such paintings. I started painting since my childhood and this is my hobby," said Lalbuta, a veteran painter from Mizoram.

The visitors who came to the exhibition appreciated the works of the artists and considered them at par with their contemporaries residing in cities.

"Most of the people participating here are good and talented. They care about their work and have given good strokes in the paintings. I believe our artists have the talent to compete with other artists in plains or other cities," said V L K Dawngluina, a visitor.

The artists association has asked for support from the government to level the ground with artists from other states.

"I have been running a school in Mizoram since 1986 where I have been teaching painting but nothing other than that. So if a school of art is there it will be good for the students," H K Jerry Ramliana, a veteran painter in Mizoram

The exhibition was organized under the aegis of Mizoram Academy of Fine Arts.

  INTERVIEW/ Justice Rajindar Sachar

  ‘An independent CBI director can still be held answerable and accountable’

    Not many people know that former chief justice of the Delhi and Sikkim High Courts, Justice Rajindar Sachar, was also a trade union leader and was jailed during the Emergency in mid-seventies. After retirement from the judiciary, he was elected president of the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL). In 2005, he was named the chairperson of the high-level committee formed by the prime minister to look into the state of Muslims. In an interview, Justice Sachar tells Tehelka’s Ashish Khetanthat the first step in the direction of curbing corruption is to free the CBI from government control.

Ashish Khetanthat: The burning issue right now is what we should do to free the CBI from political meddling. What is your prescription?

Rajindar Sachar: One view is that why don’t you just make the CBI more autonomous, in the sense, let the director be appointed by a congregation of the Lokpal and a Parliamentary Standing Committee that comprises of different political formations. Give the director a fixed tenure, to start with, say, of five years.

In the US, the FBI director is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate. But we can’t have it here because we don’t have the presidential system. So let him be appointed by a panel of the Lokpal combined with the Standing Committee.

Q: With the government being in minority in the selection panel?

A: Frankly, if you ask me, we are very suspicious people. I mean, after all, Lokpal is also a part of an organisation. Whether you have the government representatives in minority or majority in the panel, I don’t mind. You could say that the CBI director should be appointed by consensus or say, by a minimum of two-thirds majority. You can work out any reasonable formulation. But give him a fixed tenure of five years so that he is secure in his job. And vest the administrative control of the organisation with him. Of course, the Lokpal may have the power to ask for information, periodical reports and give overall general directions.

Q: But no day-to-day monitoring or supervision of the CBI by anybody?

A: What I have just suggested is good enough supervision, which is the Lokpal could ask for reports, refer matters to the CBI, take periodical reviews, etc.

Q: And the power to do transfers, postings, promotions.

A: Let it be with the director.

Q: Many are arguing that it’s not a good thing to give absolute power to any police agency. Also extending your argument about unnecessary mistrust in elected governments, we are ready to repose our full faith in a non-elected CBI director who is not answerable to Parliament, but are not willing to trust elected representatives. After all, we are parliamentary democracy and not an oligarchy.

A: He would certainly be answerable and accountable. He could be subject to removal by Parliament or by the Standing Committee or by the consensus of both the Lokpal and the committee. There are many ways to make him accountable to Parliament.

The idea is to create a mechanism that allows the CBI investigator to act in an independent and honest way. And not to be deflected in any way or be afraid of anybody.

After all, the judges are only removable by Parliament. Even the magistrate of ours has so much of independence and irremovability with him. Then there’s no way even the prime minister can interfere in his work. That’s the theory.

Now, if he chooses to be dishonest, what can you do? We are all human beings. The idea is to create a mechanism that permits you, on the assumption that the person is honest, you also remain honest, and therefore it will be a pressure on him to be honest.

Q: The way going forward is to create a system of checks and balances.

A: That’s always very important.

Q: But Team Anna is advocating that only the system devised by them is perfect.

A: That’s too presumptuous. Frankly, they may have a point of view. For example, if you ask me, I’m not in favour of having this so-called C and D grade employees under the Lokpal. That’s ridiculous. See, I think it’s a very bad situation, where you are told that barring 9-10 people, everybody else is dishonest. Or anybody who differs with their views is dishonest. The whole idea of creating a Lokpal is to deal with big cases of corruption.

TRAVELImpressions

Prayer flags at Changu Lake

Arun

Changu Lake (Tsomgo Lake) in east Sikkim was one of the places that I was eager to see during my recent trip to Sikkim. But when I got there, somehow I wasn’t charmed by it as I hoped for. It could be all the touristy construction and army bunkers around it or it could just be me. Indian Army has a considerable presence near Changu Lake, thanks to our friendly neighbours across the border who love our land so much that they get possessive about it.

My attempt to get good pictures of the lake failed miserably, but I did not give up completely on it. It did not help that I spent very little time next to the lake. What did help a bit is a magic formula that the mountain people in the Himalayas use for making anything and everything pretty. The fluttering prayer flags along the shore brought alive the lake that otherwise lacked luster.

SIKKIM OBSERVER  Jan 8, 2012

China denies visa to pilot from Arunachal

New Delhi, Jan 7: Sino-Indian relations are under strain again after the proposed visit of a 30-member Indian military tri-services delegation to China starting Sunday was put on hold on Friday evening following China’s alleged refusal to grant a visa to an IAF fighter pilot from Arunachal Pradesh who was part of the delegation.

China allegedly refused to grant the visa to Group Captain M. Panging, an IAF Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter pilot posted at Tezpur, Assam, sources in the armed forces said.

But there appeared to be another twist in the tale of the visas for the 30-member delegation. Other sources, however, blamed the armed forces for reportedly not taking the mandatory approval of the screening committee of secretaries comprising the Cabinet Secretary and the secretary (expenditure) in the finance ministry. They said the delegation submitted their passports for visas without this approval. On realising this, they decided to withdraw the passport applications of all 30 members.

The claim, however, was disputed by sources in the armed forces who maintained that there were no procedural glitches and that there were problems in obtaining the Chinese visa only for the IAF officer from Arunachal.

The frontline Sukhoi squadrons in the Northeast have significantly bolstered India’s defence preparedness. China has been maintaining for long that Arunachal Pradesh is part of its territory which it considers as south Tibet. The Chinese do not grant visas to anyone from Arunachal due to the Chinese claim that the people of Arunachal are Chinese citizens. India considers Arunachal Pradesh an integral part of its territory.

  Sources said the Indian military delegation was to visit Beijing and Shanghai and that the visit was a reciprocal one.

This is the second time in the recent past that China has denied a visa to an Indian military officer. Two years ago, China had denied a visa to the then Indian Army Northern Command chief, Lt. Gen. B.S. Jaswal, following which defence exchanges between the two countries were suspended but later restored last year.

NIT to set up disaster management centre in Sikkim

Allahabad, Jan 7: The upcoming National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Sikkim will set up a disaster management centre to carry rescue operation in times of natural disasters, revealed the newly appointed director of NIT-Sikkim, Prof AB Samaddar.

Prof Samaddar, who till recently headed the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, was in the city on Saturday. The decision, he said, has been taken in wake of the powerful earthquake that hit the Himalayan state last year, The Times of India reported.

He said the Ministry of Human Resource and Development has given nod to the centre and the Sikkim government too has pledged support for it.

The eco-friendly campus of NIT-Sikkim is being developed with an initial budget of Rs 150 crore on an area of 300 acres.

Prof Samaddar said Sikkim has immense potential for tourism and in the wake of this MHRD will try to develop NIT-Sikkim on Education -Tourism policy. This would pave the way to attract foreign students vying to get admission in NITs, he added.

Prof Samaddar said the institute would focus on inter-disciplinary studies along with special emphasis on research activities.

Besides, the institute is also planning to set up an Intellectual Property Cell to help locals and tribes preserve and safeguard their traditional knowledge in the field of medicines and other crafts.

RS seat: Aspirants remain mum

Gangtok, Jan 7: Former ministers and several founder-members of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) are hoping to become the State’s next Rajya Sabha member.

The term of the present Rajya Sabha MP OT Lepcha expires next month on February 23.

The notification for the election would be issued on January 13 and the last date for making nominations is January 20.

While the scrutiny of nominations would be done on January 21, the last date for withdrawal of candidatures has been fixed as January 23 for polling to be held on January 30, 2012. Counting of votes would be held the same day.

Though the lone RS seat has been unofficially reserved for minority Bhutia-Lepcha tribals the possibility of the vacancy being filled up a member of the majority Nepalese community cannot be ruled out.

The Election Commission has declared that the poll process has to be completed by February 3.

A staunch senior member of the SDF from south district who is hoping to get the nomination said, “It is up to the Chief Minister to decide on the matter.”

Hermonites back Jigme Kazi for post of Mt. Hermon School Principal

Gangtok, Jan 7: Author and journalist Jigme N Kazi is likely to say “yes” if he is asked to be the next Principal of his alma mater Mount Hermon School, Darjeeling.

George Fernandes, the present Principal of the school, retires in March 2012 and Hermonites all over the world want a “Hermonite” to head the school to pull through this very difficult period for the school.

The Sikkim Hermonites Association headed by Karma Bhutia, presently Secretary, Sports Department, has urged global Hermonite fraternity to support Kazi’s candidature. The Association has passed a resolution urging the authorities to make Kazi the next Principal of the school and also to nominate two Hermonites in the school’s Managing Committee, which not only appoints the principal but also frames all policies of the school.

While most alumni bodies in India and abroad are likely to back Kazi’s candidature the decision to appoint the new principal lies with the Committee, whose members belong to the Methodist Church of India.

Kazi not only did his schooling in Mt. Hermon he also did his teachers’ training at the school and also taught there for four years.

Prominent among the former principals who are likely to back Kazi are Rev. DG Stewart, Mr. GA Murray (New Zealand), Rev JA Johnston (Australia) and Mr. Jeff Gardner (India). Apart from ex-students of the school Kazi will also have the backing of influential former teachers of the school.

While Kazi edits two English weeklies owned by him, Sikkim Observer and Himalayan Guardian, his wife TT Namgyal is a senior teacher at the prestigeous Tashi Namgyal Academy.

Editorial

CONG-TMC RIFT

Regain Mamata’s Confidence

The Congress party cannot afford to annoy the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) particularly when Assembly elections in several key states, including Uttar Pradesh, are round the corner. Realizing that the Samajwadi Party (SP) cannot be trusted to ally with it the Congress party is trying to play down the rift between its close ally Trinamool saying it is open to having a UPA co-ordination committee, a suggestion mooted by Banerjee. This indication when the Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the “disagreements between both parties” are part of a “coalition politics” and the Congress was ready to “solve this problem by discussions.”

Apart from disagreement between the two parties on key issues – Lokpal and FDI for instance – Banerjee has alleged the Congress of working in collaboration with Communist Party of India (Marxists) against TMC in the West Bengal. Banerjee’s outbursts against Congress should not be taken lightly: "If Congress feels they can go with CPI-M, they can do it. (The) Door is open for them," she threatened. The Congress may improve its tally in UP polls but it has a long way to go in forming its government there. Therefore, it must regain TMC’s confidence as early as possible.

RAJYA SABHA SEAT

Wanted: Competent & Credible Candidate

If Chief Minister Pawan Chamling wants to win back the support of the Bhutia-Lepcha tribals of Sikkim he must choose a competent and credible person to represent the minority community for the lone Rajya Sabha seat. The present Rajya Sabha MP OT Lepcha comes from the Lepcha community and it is expected that the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front opts from someone from the “Sikkimese Bhutia” community this time. However, if the candidate is a “Bhutia” as per the definition of the Scheduled Tribes Order of 1978 and not a “Sikkimese Bhutia” then Chamling is likely to face the wrath of the Bhutias of Sikkimese origin in the next Assembly polls.

Sikkimese people in general are acutely aware of the manner in which “non-Sikkimese” have been given party tickets and elected to the Assembly/Parliament. The minority community have always been demanding “genuine representation” of their community in the Assembly as well as in the Parliament. Though most people expect Chamling to opt for a pliable person for the RS seat he may also surprise his critics and choose a credible candidate to represent Sikkim in the Upper House of the Parliament.

Sikkim Lotteries banned in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 7: Though the ban on Sikkim Lotteries is a victory of the State’s long-drawn efforts, it is unlikely to have any effect on the lottery market in the state.

Following the state government’s refusal to collect advance sales tax from Bhutan and Sikkim lotteries in 2009, the agents of both the lotteries had allegedly been carrying out illegal trade in the Kerala market.

A couple of police cases were also registered in various parts of the state on the illegal two-digit and three-digit draws carried out by some leading agents based on the Sikkim and Bhutan lottery results.

The State Lotteries Department had recently cancelled the agency of one of its leading agents after it was found carrying out the illegal trade of other-state lotteries.

Some also suspect that the Centre’s move is to give a clean chit to the agents of Sikkim Lotteries.

It is also to be noted that the Centre has not taken any such measure against Bhutan Lotteries which is also alleged of violating rules in the State.

A solution to the current violations is by strengthening of the Lottery Monitoring Cell which became inactive after the cases related to lottery rule violations were transferred to the CBI. It is learnt that the proposal submitted by the State Lotteries Department is being considered by the Taxes and Home Departments. "The new cell which will have senior-level police officials will help the government clamp down on the illegal trade,’’ said a senior official of the Lotteries Department.

The state government had started to put pressure on the Centre for a ban on other-state lotteries as early as in 2004. In 2006, only Bhutan and Sikkim Lotteries applied for sales tax registration in the State. Later, following widespread complaints of violations of Central Lotteries (Regulation) Act, the State Government refused to collect advance sales tax from both the lotteries.

Karmapa calls for Tibetan unity in Bodhgaya

“Preserve Tibetan culture and religion”

Bodhgaya, Jan 7: His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje has called for unity among Tibetans to preserve their religion and culture.

Addressing more than 8,000 Buddhist devotees, including Tibetans, here today the Tibetan spiritual leader said “We received the Buddhadharma that is so precious to us directly from India. Now, many of us have settled here in exile. Therefore, I do not need to tell you how close and profound this relationship between Tibet and India is. From the hardships you yourselves were willing to undertake to come here to this holy place of Bodhgaya, you can perceive this directly. This alone shows very clearly the deep sense of devotion and affection that we Tibetans feel for India.”

The Karmapa described His Holiness the Dalai Lama as the sole person for uniting the Tibetan people. He praised His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his activities and the vast scope of his vision in leading the Tibetan people.

“The main job of you Tibetans within Tibet is to guard and preserve Tibetan culture and religion,” the Karmapa said. “It is the job of us Tibetans in India and other free countries to let the world know what is going on within Tibet.”

He went on to stress, “I want you to know that we here in exile are well aware of the sufferings and problems you face in Tibet. Do not despair, please think long term and seek out skillful means to guard the Tibetan religion and culture.”