HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday March 20-26, 2013  

DALAI LAMA TO VISIT SIKKIM NEXT WEEK

Buddha Statue consecration on March 25, White Tara Tsewang at Ravangla on March 26

Gangtok, March 19: His Holiness the Dalai Lama will perform the much-awaited consecration ceremony of the Buddha Statue at Ravangla, South Sikkim, on Monday (March 25).

The Tibetan spiritual leader, who will arrive in the former Buddhist kingdom, will perform the Vajrakilaya (Dorjee Phurba) ceremony at the Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) on Monday morning. In the afternoon he will give teachings on 37 practices of Bodisatva in Ravangla, an official release said.

On Tuesday, the Dalai Lama will bestow White Tara Long Life Empowerment. The State Government and the Tibetan community of Ravangla will offer long life offerings (Tenshuk) to the Dalai Lama on the same day. After lunch on Tuesday His Holiness will depart for Gangtok.

He is expected to leave for Salugara in Siliguri on Wednesday morning, the release said. In Salugara, His Holiness will give teaching on Je-Tsong Khapa’s Concise Stages for the Path to Enlightenment (Lam-Rim-Du-Don), and Kun-Kyen Long-Chen Rabjampa’s Relaxing the Mind Itself (Sem-Nyid-Nye-Sol).

He will also confer Avalokiteshvara Initiation (Chen-Re-Zig-Wang-Chen) on Friday (March 29) at Salugara.

Bhutan says no to Situ Rinpoche visit

New Delhi, March 19: Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has asked India not to allow Situ Rinpopche to visit his kingdom.

The Home Ministry, therefore, may not allow Situ Rinpoche, a high incarnate lama of the Kargu order of Tibetan Buddhism, to visit Bhutan, sources said.

The Bhutanese King has requested the Indian government to restrain Tai Situ Rinpoche, mentor of 17^th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje, from travelling to Bhutan, top government sources said, The New Indian Express reported.

It is learnt that Situ Rinpoche, who resides in Himachal Pradesh, wants to visit Bhutan.

The Centre is understood to have rejected Rinpoche’s request on the pretext that he could “meddle” with the clergy (Drukpa Kagyu) in Bhutan.

Bhutan is also said to be “wary” of Tai Situ’s visit, although he holds a Bhutanese passport. Situ Rinpoche reportedly sent the request to Delhi recently asking to be allowed to visit Bhutanese monasteries and then return to India.

New Delhi has imposed some curbs on Dorje too — especially on visits to the Rumtek monastery in Sikkim. Rumtek monastery is the exiled seat of the 16^th Karmapa.

Beijing supports Nepal’s ‘sovereignty’: Wu Chuntai

Kathmandu, March 19: The newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Wu Chuntai said Beijing respected Nepal’s unity and sovereignty.

Briefing a select group of the media here on Sunday, Wu said, “The Chinese policy is to support Nepal’s sovereignty and unity,” and added that China intends to build long term ‘comprehensive cooperative partnership” with Nepal.

The new Chinese Ambassador took his Kathmandu assignment only last week after the energetic but highly arrogant Yang Houaln was recalled by the top level Chinese administration.

Wu said that there has been significant growth in people-to-people relations and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Bhutan to hold general elections next month

Thimphu, March 19: The tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan will go to polls for the second time in its history next month for elections which will consolidate its transformation to democracy, according to a royal decree.

A vote for the 25-member upper house will take place on April 23, said the decree which was posted online. An election date for the larger and more influential lower house has yet to be announced but is widely expected in May.

“It is important that all voters take their right and duty seriously, exercise their franchise and choose the most competent and deserving candidate as their representative,” said the decree, AFP reported.

The landlocked Buddhist nation wedged between India and China held its first vote in 2008 after its beloved royal family opted to step back and peacefully turn the country into a constitutional monarchy.

Almost 80 percent of Bhutanese turned out to vote, handing a landslide to the Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) or Bhutan United Party led by Jigmi Thinley — a two-time former premier under the previous royal governments.

Political parties have flourished since the last polls with a total of five parties set to contest the elections in the lower house, two of which are led by women.

Bhutan follows a unique home-grown development model focused on boosting Gross National Happiness instead of economic growth, putting respect for the environment and well-being of citizens at the heart of its policy-making.

The Kuensel newspaper said voting for the new 25-member National Council would take place at 850 polling booths dotted around the mountainous country, with results to be declared on April 24.

Dissident Tibetan writer faces further restrictions

Dharamsala, March 19: Chinese authorities have further tightened restrictions on Beijing-based Tibetan poet and blogger Tsering Woeser, moving police guards to the floor of her apartment building a day ahead of a US State Department ceremony honoring her for her courage in striving to uphold Tibetan rights.

Beijing has blocked Woeser from traveling to Washington to receive the award, which she has dedicated to the more than 100 Tibetans who have self-immolated in protest against Beijing’s rule in Tibetan-populated areas.

Woeser said she and her husband have been placed under 20 days of house arrest at their Beijing home while meetings of China’s National People’s Congress, the country’s rubber-stamp parliament, are in session.

Restrictions on her movements, already strict, have now been tightened, Woeser told Radio Free Asia by phone on Thursday.

“Today at around 7:00 p.m. [local time], I saw that two security officers were stationed at the door to the elevator of my apartment building,” Woeser said.

“They look friendly, but my movements are now even more restricted than before,” she said.

“They suspect that the U.S. Embassy might organize an event [for me], and that if that happens there could be media people present. So I was told that I cannot go out.”

“If these restrictions last for just a few days, I can cope, but it will be difficult for me if they go on for 20 days,” Woeser said, adding, “If they block my Internet and website, that will be a real problem for me.”

A total of 107 Tibetans have set themselves on fire so far in protests challenging Beijing’s rule in Tibetan areas and calling for the return of the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual leader, who lives in exile in India.

Woeser has said that the self-immolations have given her the courage to continue with her own struggle for Tibetan freedom.

Woeser “has emerged as the most prominent mainland activist speaking out publicly about human rights conditions” for Tibetans, the State Department said this week in a statement.

Her website Invisible Tibet, together with her poetry and nonfiction and writings on social media have given voice to millions of Tibetans “who are prevented from expressing themselves to the outside world due to government efforts to curtail the flow of information,” the State Department said.

Jammu and Kashmir not part of India: Gilani

Srinagar, March 19: In occupied Kashmir, the veteran Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani has said that Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory and has never been a part of India.

Gilani in response to the resolution passed by Indian Parliament about Kashmir said that the rulers, opposition and media in India had been deceiving their own people by keeping them in dark about the reality over the Kashmir dispute.

He maintained that the Kashmiris had been struggling for implementation of the relevant resolutions of the United Nations to decide their political future by themselves through plebiscite.

Senior APHC leader, Bilal Ghani Lone in a statement in Srinagar welcomed the passing of a resolution by the Pakistan’s National Assembly supporting the Kashmiris’ movement for securing their inalienable right to self-determination, Kashmir News Service reported.

People staged a protest demonstration against the continued arrest, harassment and atrocities committed by the Indian Paramilitary forces in different areas of Langate in Handwara.

An APHC delegation comprising Zafar Akbar Butt, Hakeem Abdur Rasheed, Syed Bashir Andrabi and others visited illegally detained Hurriyet leaders, Nayeem Ahmad Khan and Ghulam Muhammad Nagu, at Central Jail in Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities continued to place the APHC Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, veteran Kashmiri Hurriyet leader, Syed Ali Gilani, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chairman, Mohammad Yasin Malik and APHC leader, Mukhtar Waza under house arrest. The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party castigated the authorities for prolonging the detention of the party Chairman, Shabbir Ahmad Shah.

The Chairman of Jammu and Kashmir People’s Freedom League, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, in a statement said that historically and legally Jammu and Kashmir had never been part of India that had illegally occupied the territory in 1947.

Editorial

HOPE IN ASIA

Suu Kyi’s Next Challenge

Myanmar’s general elections in 2015 is critical for a nation that has lived under an iron fist for decades. The outcome of the elections also pose a big challenge to its two giant neighbours – China and India. The elections will also have a direct bearing on the economy in Thailand and Bangladesh. Hopefully, Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace laureate, will come to power after the polls. Over the years she and her National League for Democracy (NLD) have come to symbolise the struggle of Burma’s people to be free.

Suu Kyi's struggle for democracy now enters a new phase. She was recently re-elected Myanmar’s opposition leader at a landmark congress of the NLD. It is heartening to note that Myanmar President Thein Sein, who recently visited the United States for attending the UN Genral Assembly session, is doing all that he can to bring change and reforms in Myanmar. Suu Kyi has tremendous support in the West and this will surely not only help her to win the polls but to bring peace, freedom and prosperity to Myanmar. One of the toughest challenges that Suu Kyi faces comes from Kachin tribals and Muslim Rohingyas.

Myanmar has been under military rule since General Ne Win seized power in 1962 and remained so still now even though the regime claims that it has a representative government following the 2010 controversial elections. It is a nation where Suu Kyi, known as "icon of democracy", has been struggling for last many years for establishing popular rule and her difficult task for democracy earned her the Nobel Peace Prize. But Aung San Suu Kyi, who earlier was denied power despite winning the elections way back in 1992, still remains midway through the complex task of democratisation of her country.

China appoints new Tibet Governor, hardline policies to remain

By BEN BLANCHARD

Losang Gyaltsen, new Tibet Governor

China appointed a new governor for remote and restive Tibet on Tuesday, naming a hardline ethnic Tibetan in a signal that the government has no plans to ease up on its tight control on the Himalayan region.

Losang Gyaltsen, 55, was elected at the end of the annual meeting of Tibet's largely rubber stamp regional assembly, and replaces previous governor Padma Choling, according to an announcement by the official Xinhua news agency.

Losang Gyaltsen is a former mayor of Tibetan capital Lhasa and once taught Marxist theory, according to his official biography. His name is also spelled Losang Jamcan in English.

He reports to Tibet's top official, Communist Party chief Chen Quanguo, a position which traditionally has always been held by a Han Chinese rather than an ethnic Tibetan.

"He's rather hardline, but all officials at that level are the same," said prominent Tibetan writer Woeser. "There will be no real change in Tibet."

China has defended its iron-fisted rule in Tibet, saying the mountainous region suffered from dire poverty, brutal exploitation and economic stagnation until 1950, when Communist troops "peacefully liberated" it.

A post in Tibet is one of the most challenging positions for Communist Party officials, but can also be a route to higher office if they are judged to have performed well.

President Hu Jintao served as party boss in Tibet from 1988-1992, while rising star Hu Chunhua, recently appointed party chief in booming Guangdong province and seen as a possible future president, has some two decades of Tibet experience.

Speaking to Tibet's legislature on Tuesday, the new governor, Losang Gyaltsen, said the government would "resolutely struggle" against exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who China accuses of promoting violent separatism, charges he denies.

"We will unswervingly protect the unity of the motherland and ethnic harmony ... and maintain harmony and stability in Tibet," the China News Service quoted him as saying.

"Harmony and stability are the basic guarantee of Tibet's development and prosperity," he added.

China has tightened already strict controls in Tibet since an upsurge in self-immolations by Tibetans protesting Chinese rule over the past two years, though most of the burnings have happened in heavily Tibetan areas outside of what China calls the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Almost 100 Tibetans have set themselves alight since the protests began in 2009, most of whom have died.

Despite expectations for improvement, the crackdown inside Tibet could become even worse once Chinese Communist Party boss Xi Jinping becomes president in March as he seeks to cement his rule, said an overseas Tibetan rights advocate.

"I wouldn't be surprised if at the beginning of his tenure things might get worse before they get better, because he will want to stamp his authority early on," said Kate Saunders of the International Campaign for Tibet.

Xi's late father, Xi Zhongxun, a liberal-minded former vice premier, had a close bond with the Dalai Lama before the monk fled into exile in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule. (Reuters)

New Delhi floods northeast with cash to appease locals

Not treated as equals, India’s north-easterners can still feel like foreigners

IN THE evening shadows television crews line the way to room 305 in Manipur House, in Delhi. Perched inside, tiny on a leather chair, is Irom Sharmila. A long plastic pipe is taped inside her nose. An activist usually confined to a hospital in Manipur itself, a state in India’s north-east, she is dazzled by the camera lights. Microphones are thrust towards her mouth. She murmurs and stutters, her head gently rocking. But the aim of her protest is clear: India must scrap a law giving impunity to soldiers who rape, abduct, murder or torture her fellow north-easterners.

On March 4th Ms Sharmila was charged with attempted suicide. This has become an annual routine, punctuating what has become the longest hunger strike by anyone anywhere. The “Iron Lady of Manipur” has not willingly eaten or drunk since a Sunday in November 2000 when she learned of the killing of ten civilians at a bus stop in Manipur by men of the Assam Rifles, a paramilitary force supposed to fight separatists. The soldiers enjoyed the protection of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, a crude law applied in much of the north-east for over half a century (and more recently in Kashmir).

Until the law goes, Ms Sharmila will accept only food that her jailers force through that tube. For how much longer? “That I can’t say.” Her protest should shame India’s elected leaders, army and highest courts. The law’s defenders point to the continuing low-level insurgencies that plague Manipur and parts of other north-eastern states, notably Assam and Nagaland. For locals, it means dread and uncertainty. Many leave. A few speak out.

Lift the law, as the United Nations and others demand, and a modestly hopeful story could be told of the north-east, a long-neglected corner of India with 46m people, connected to the rest of the country by a thin strip of land to the north of Bangladesh. Most of the region’s dozens of armed insurgencies are dormant or defunct. In February three states—Nagaland, Meghalaya and Tripura—completed untroubled elections, with high turnouts voting incumbents back in. Corruption and cynicism over politics may be spreading, but everyone prefers that to bombs and bullets. Soldiers are mostly kept to barracks, so their abuses are now thankfully getting rarer. Yet the army insists on the utterly free hand the act allows it.

Delhi pays some attention, and lots of cash. Eight small, poor states—mountainous Sikkim, and the “seven sisters” of the north-east—enjoy annual allocations of public funds ($4.7 billion in 2010-11, the most recent year for which figures are available). A diplomat who watches the area talks of a “devil’s bargain”, as money floods in to appease ex-insurgents and uppity local politicians. They squander much of it on cars and mansions, while dependency on the central government grows.

“Insurgency has become a cottage industry for all,” says a journalist and poet in Dimapur, Nagaland’s main, dusty, trading town. Its streets are filling with new shops that sell pricey handbags, electrical goods and luxury accessories. Election time, when candidates hand voters wads of notes, is a bumper shopping season. More darkly, a psychiatrist in Kohima, Nagaland’s hilly capital, talks of addictions to alcohol, heroin and other drugs, and the spread of HIV and other infections through shared needles. Some ex-insurgents prosper through extortion, crushing businesses. Organised crime often moves in where conflict winds down and guns are plentiful. Yet it hardly justifies deployment of soldiers, rather than police, against Indian citizens.

India boasts a “look East” policy, partly intended to enrich the north-east by increasing trade with South-East Asia. The plan has been boosted by reform in Myanmar, which borders Manipur and three other north-eastern states. India’s and Myanmar’s armies this year began joint border patrols. Palaniappan Chidambaram, India’s finance minister, says talks are at an “advanced stage” with the Asian Development Bank on financing new roads to allow large-scale trade across the border. There is even a plan for a road, and perhaps even a railway, all the way to Thailand.

Some natives of Nagaland fret that their forested land could become a mere corridor for others’ business. Probably more important are ties back west, to the rest of India. Cheap private airlines represent rapid change: over 250 weekly flights now connect the region to the rest of India. Improving roads, mobile phones, broadband and television broadcasts all bind the north-east in a way hard to imagine even a decade ago.

Meanwhile, people leave. In Khonoma, a hillside village of stone houses and Baptist churches surrounded by paddy fields, a graduate boasts of plans to teach at a university in “mainland” India. He says a third of his village have left. The train from Dibrugarh, a region of tea plantations in Assam, the north-east’s most populous state, is crammed with youngsters eager to work or study in southern India. Better educated, on average, and proficient in English, north-easterners are prominent among the staff of many of India’s technology firms, call-centres and hotels.

Yet discrimination goes on. Too many Indians make racist remarks about north-easterners’ “chinky eyes”. Strict Hindus and Muslims shun north-eastern Christians fond of beef and pork. Violence in Assam last year between Muslims and Bodos, a tribal group, led tens of thousands of north-easterners in Bangalore and other cities facing threats to their safety briefly to flee.

Sanjoy Hazarika, an Assamese writer in Delhi, says it is more revealing that hundreds of thousands chose not to flee and that anxiety dissipated fast. The sense of belonging to India could grow stronger. As a senior civil servant in Kohima puts it: “We have had 50 years of insurgency basically because people here don’t feel Indian.” That attitude, he says, is evolving—though slowly. A good way to help it change faster would be to give in to the Iron Lady’s demand. (The Economist)

China to finish Tibet rail line close to Sikkim soon

Beijing, March 19: China will finish its rail network in Tibet up to Xigaze (Shigatse) city located close to Sikkim by next year, allowing its military to move men and material with relative ease besides beefing up transportation in the strategically important Himalayan region.

The extension line of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to link provincial capital Lhasa to Xigaze, second largest city in Tibet, is expected to be completed by next year, Chairman of the Tibet regional government Losang Jamcan said.

"Hopefully, the Lhasa-Xigaze rail line will be completed at the end of this year or the beginning of 2014," Jamcan said in a group discussion of the government work report at the annual session of the China's parliament here, PTI reported.

He said the completion of the project would facilitate the development of an ecological tourism zone that covers Lhasa, Xigaze and Nyingchi cities.

Xigaze and Nyingchi are the Tibetan city located closest to Sikkim, Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Xigaze City is the administrative centre of the Tibetan prefecture of the same name, a 182,000 square km area that borders India, Nepal and Bhutan.

Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city is close to Sikkim and has historical links with the former Buddhist kingdom of Sikkim.

It is also famous for Qomolangma (Mount Everest in the West), which rises up from within it.

China began the construction of the 253-km line from Tibet's capital Lhasa to Xigaze in September 2010.

China has extensively developed road rail and air infrastructure in Tibet connecting remote parts of the the Himalayan region to the mainland, which in turn helped the development of Tibet.

China so far built five airports in Tibet at Gonggar, Lhasa, Bamda, Xigaze and Ngari, which is located close to Himachal Pradesh.

Stretching through five counties as well as over the 90-km long Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) Grand Canyon, the line is expected to bring rail network for the first time to the south western parts of Tibet, which now rely solely on roads for transport, state-run Xinhuna news agency said.

This is the first extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway that opened in July 2006.

The Lhasa-Xigaze railway, with a budget of 13.3 billion yuan (about USD 2.1 billion) is capable of transporting 8.3 million tonnes of cargo every year.

It is also regarded as a noted major engineering achievement as its designed route detour around nature reserves and drinking water sources to better protect the fragile plateau environment, the report said.

Jamcan said Tibet will continue to boost infrastructure construction to bring out the potential for tourism while protect the ecological environment in the region.

Tibet received 11 million domestic and overseas visitors last year, bringing in a total tourism revenue of 13.2 billion yuan (USD 2.1 billion).

Xigaze, with a history of more than 600 years, is Tibet's second largest city and the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas.

Sikkim Cong chief, Pro-Sikkim editor hospitalized in Delhi

NB Bhandari

                                                                                 

Gangtok, March 19: Both the two well-known Bhandaris of Sikkim – NB Bhandari and Hem Lall Bhandari – have been hospitalized in Delhi and undergoing treatment.

While Harvard-educated Hem Lall Bhandari has been in Delhi for treatment of his spinal chord for over a month, the former chief minister and State Congress chief, has recently been hospitalized for his ‘back problem.’

Hem Lall Bhandari

Hem Lall, who took over as editor of Pro-Sikkim after the death of its editor Tenzing Bhutia, fell into a gorge near his home in Rawtey (Rumtek) recently. He was hospitalized at Manipal Hospital and STNM and later referred to Delhi. According to the editor, his spinal chord has been badly damaged.

Thailand keen on investing in northeast: Thai Minister Taveesin

“Northeast a bridge between India and ASEAN”

Shillong, March 19: Thailand seems eager engage the peoples of the northeast to ensure the success of India’s Look East policy.

During her tour of the northeast and eastern region Thai Minister Nalinee Taveesin stressed the importance of her country’s active participation in trade and economic activities in the region involving the northeast.

 “I am glad that north east is showing active participation in this tri-lateral trade between India, Myanmar and Thailand and I assure that we will invest on what north east market has to offer”, Taveesin said here on Saturday.

Addressing a gathering at a summit on Integration Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), organised by Indian Chamber of Commerce at Pinewood Hotel, the Thai Minister stressed on the need to improve connectivity in all spheres, be it infrastructural or technological connectivity to ensure a healthy trading relation and create synergy between the integrated Asian countries.

Stating that north east is blessed with rich resources, Taveesin said that this provides immense opportunities for both the countries and that they are looking forward to tap these energy resources.

Pointing out the fact that Thailand and north east shared a similar ethnicity, Taveesin said “This is a common thing that can take us forward with a sense of belonging besides proximity with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh is also another opportunity for the investors”, she said.

Taveesin, who had her schooling in Darjeeling’s Mt. Hermon School, however, stated that no matter how plentiful the resources and how keen the investors might be, without the support of  respective governments, nothing significant can be achieved, The Shillong Times reported.

Highlighting on the current perspective of BIMSTEC, Joint secretary (South), Union Ministry of External Affairs, Sanjay Bhattacharyya, said northeast has many chances to progress and become the focal point for all BIMSTEC activities.

“The government is focusing not merely on external economic policy but on strategic shift (Look East Policy) of which northeast has been identified as a bridge between India and the Asian countries”, Bhattacharyya said.

Stressing more on connectivity in the region, Secretary General of International Chamber of Commerce of Bangladesh Ataur Rahman said Bangladesh is looking forward to help build and improve connectivity and developmental infrastructures.

He also stressed on the need for public and private partnership on successful implementation of India’s Look East policy.

Earlier, the delegates from different Asian countries also met Chief Minister Mukul Sangma here on Saturday to discuss on issues to strengthen trade relations between the State and the neighbouring countries.

The summit was also attended by delegates from Korea, Singapore, South Asia Department, Myanmar and experts from different parts of the country.

INTERVIEW PA Sangma

“Northeast doesn’t matter in national politics”

P A Sangma, former Lok Sabha Speaker and President of the National People's Party, tells Business Standard’s Gyan Varma he has joined the National Democratic Alliance for the general election next year.
Gyan Verma: It was quite evident from the beginning that Pranab Mukherjee would win the presidential election because the Opposition did not have the required number. Why did you agree for a token contest?
PA Sangma: It was not a token contest; it was a contest to send a strong message that the 100 million tribals have been ignored, and the country should seriously think things over henceforth. We have been able to achieve this goal. Now, people have come to realise that tribals have been ignored in the past. In the last 66 years, candidates from different communities, except from a tribal group, have become presidents of the country.
Q: Till the point of the presidential election, you held the record of never having lost an election. But all that changed with the big loss against Mukherjee. Do you think you run out of luck?
A: I don't think it's a question of luck. Yes, it's true that I had never lost any election. I won parliamentary elections nine times, and Assembly elections twice. But the presidential election was different. It's an indirect election by the elected representatives of the people. Had it been a direct election, perhaps the result would have been different. Therefore, I don't think it is serious. Winning and losing are both part of the game. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gave me its full support during the presidential election. I knew we didn't have the necessary numbers. The election was an aspiration of the 100 million tribals that needed to be articulated.
Q: The National People's Party (NPP) didn't perform well in the Assembly elections. It was the very first election of this new party. You're the only national face from the northeast region and yet, it did not work for you? What do you think went wrong?
A: Well, several factors went against us. First, it is a newly formed party, and voters are not very familiar with the symbol. The change of the symbol was a big factor. Second, the ruling Congress has the power of money both in the Centre and the state. I had challenged the leadership of the Congress by running for the presidential election. I was certainly a target of the party. It's a conspiracy - the party used its monetary strength, while I didn't have any money at all.
Q: Of the 33 candidates the NPP had fielded, only two won. In fact, your son, too, lost the poll. What lies ahead for you and your party in Meghalaya and outside?
A: When people asked me whether the Meghalaya election was a make-or-break affair, I said in politics, there was no question of "do or die" or "make or break". It is a question of up and down. We have lost the election but it doesn't mean we will lose the election next time, too. In 1977, the world thought Indira Gandhi was completely out and finished. But in three years, she came back with a thumping majority. That's how politics works.
Q: It has been long speculated that you will join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and will lead the alliance during the Lok Sabha election from the northeast...
A: The question of joining the BJP doesn't arise. As far as the national politics is concerned, since the country is now divided between the NDA and the UPA, I have to be somewhere. I cannot be in the UPA because it will not accept me. Therefore, the only choice left with me is to join the NDA. I insist on saying "at the national level" because it has nothing to do with the State level. At the State level, we can go on our own. I have already spoken to leaders concerned, and joined the alliance formally at the national level.
Q: You have demanded a 10 per cent reservation in the Central jobs for the northeastern states. Was it only a demand to win over voters during the Assembly election, or would you try to build a national consensus on the issue? 
A: It was not committed for the purpose of the State election. It is a genuine demand of the people from the northeast that they must have their due share in employment in the Central government. We will pursue this matter further. In fact, the NPP as a party is meant for everybody, but I must admit it is certainly tribal-centric and northeast-centric. And this is the forum through which we will fight for our rights.
Right from the beginning, the northeast has not been considered an important part of the country because of its small population. Every northeast state has either one or two members of Parliament, and it doesn't matter much in the national politics.
Q: Your decision to contest the presidential election against Mukherjee in hindsight appears to have cost you dearly. Your daughter Agatha Sangma was dropped from the ministerial post and the Nationalist Congress Party was ready to take disciplinary action against her...
A: I have not lost anything by contesting the presidential election. In fact, I have gained. So long, people had been saying I was a national leader from the northeast region; now, by contesting the presidential election and forming the NPP, I have perhaps become a leader of the 100 million tribals in the country. So, it is not a loss; it is a gain. You can see the kind of response the new party is getting in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. As far as my children are concerned, I never told them to do politics in my name. If you want to do politics, you do it on your own merit. It is good that some are losing and some are winning, that's part of the game.
Q: The Congress came back to power in Meghalaya, the Naga People's Front (NPF) won in Nagaland and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI (M) returned in Tripura. It seems anti- incumbency is not an issue at least in the northeast...
A: As far as Tripura is concerned, there is practically no alternative to the Left. In West Bengal, the CPI (M) was ousted and the Trinamool Congress came to power in the last state election. But one year later, and people are repenting. It's the same with Tripura. Besides, the Congress has no leadership in Nagaland. As far as Meghalaya is concerned, the State never had a stable government for the past 35 years. It was expected that there would be a fractured mandate, but it is true that we never thought that we will perform so badly.

FASHION

Prabal Gurung: From Nepal to global fashion stardom

New York City stands to make over $400 million this week at New York Fashion Week and designer Prabal Gurung's runway show will be among the most anticipated of the global fashion event.

And Gurung is taking his look from the runway to the real world, going mass market with his new line for Target.

"I have this ... niche audience, it's at a certain price point ... for me, it's it more about, 'How do I get to the audience, the larger audience, the rest of America and let them know my own story?'"

His rise to success is a story of ambition -- since launching his own line and company just four years ago, his designs have been worn by some of the world's most famous and powerful women -- from the first lady, to the Duchess of Cambridge, to the Oprah Winfrey, who unknowingly helped push Gurung to begin his design journey, according to CBS News.

"I was in Nepal and I watched Oprah Winfrey's show. I had no idea as a kid in Nepal who she was. But I remember watching an episode of hers about living your dreams. And I still remember telling my sister, 'You know what? I've never been to America. I want to give it a shot and if it's a mistake, it's a mistake but at least it's my mistake."

Gurung left his family in Nepal 14 years ago, gaining entry into the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York. The up-and-coming designer then worked his way through the fashion ranks alongside the likes of Donna Karan, Cynthia Rowley and Bill Blass, before he decided to start his own company.

"Everyone had told me not to do it," he said of the risky choice to start his own line, "I had no savings, no investors, So I went on unemployment. It is challenging and I'm a creative person, I come from a design background. I don't come from a business background."

But soon enough, Hollywood starlets from Rashida Jones to Zoe Saldana to Demi Moore took note of the young designer, helping to catapult Gurung to star status.

Some of his big breaks have been outside of the traditional, Hollywood-centric fashion world, like when Michelle Obama donned his dresses in 2010 and 2011. Gurung acknowledges he has worked closely with the White House, but shied away from offering details about the working relationship.

He told CBS News' Norah O'Donnell that he was again "shocked" when Kate Middleton took Gurung global, wearing his dress on her official trip to Asia. He had not sent the clothes to the Duchess, and recalling the moment, he said "I don't know how it happened and I was in shock."

Despite his staggering success, he remains acutely aware that his in an industry many consider "frivolous," a claim he says he understands. However, he said, "Let's not forget that the fashion industry is a billion dollar industry. It generates employment."

Over the weekend, celebrities flocked to Gurung's show in New York as expected and this week, his style will be available at a much lower price point through his Target collection.

So what would Gurung say to his younger self, the little boy in Nepal?

"I'm a little emotional about it," he said, "I would say, 'You'll turn out just fine.'"

HIMALAYAN GUARDIAN     Wednesday March 13-19, 2013  

Nepal's Supreme Court defers Chief Justice's case to March 14

Rigme

Kathmandu, March 12: Nepal's Supreme Court on Thursday deferred the case of the chief justice, who was proposed by the political parties to be the interim prime minister of Nepal, by one week to March 14.

The case was supposed to deliver the final verdict pertaining to a constitutional question on whether the chief justice can lead an interim election government or not.

"The case was deferred, as there is one more writ petition filed at the apex court. Hearing for both the petitions will be held together," Bharat Jangam, the first writ petitioner told Xinhua.

Jangam defended his petition at a special bench of Justices Kalyan Shrestha, Girish Chandra Lal Das and Sushila Karki amid a huge crowd gathered inside the court on Thursday.

He told the court that it is entirely unconstitutional to appoint the chief justice as the executive head of the country.

"The government cites Article 106 of the Constitution as the basis for the appointment. But, that particular article has no mention about appointing the chief justice as the executive head," Jangam said.

Talking to Xinhua, the second petitioner, Om Prakash Aryal, who will present his logics to the court next week, said, his arguments will be based chiefly on the principle of separation of power between judiciary and the executive.

"On constitutional basis, chief justice does not qualify for the post of prime minister. Political parties are attempting to misinterpret Article 106 of the Constitution," Aryal said.

"Article 106 (1) prevents a sitting chief justice to hold the position of executive head, while Article 106 (2) bars even a former chief justice to hold the position of prime minister," he said.

More than two dozens of lawyers are arguing for and against the case, which has drawn attention of the whole country and will also decide the future course of Nepali politics.

Having failed to form a unity government, Nepal's political parties last month agreed for an interim government to be led by the sitting Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi.

The interim body will have the mandate of holding the second Constituent Assembly elections in June this year, according to the parties' proposal.

Regmi was initially hesitant, but later conditionally accepted the offer saying that he would have no problem once the supreme court tests or interprets the constitutionality of the proposal.

JKLF Chairman placed under house arrest

Malik

Srinagar, March 12: Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was placed under house arrested soon after he arrived here from New Delhi on Sunday after spending one and half month in Pakistan.

Malik, who had created a stir in India after 26/11 Mumbai attacks mastermind and Lashkar-e-Tioba founder Hafiz Mohammad Sayeed shared stage with him in Pakistan during his hunger strike, was detained by police at Srinagar airport and taken to his residence at Maisuma where he was placed under house arrest, DNA reported.

Police sources said he was placed under house arrest to prevent him from leading the ongoing agitation in Kashmir.

Malik, who arrived in Delhi on Saturday evening from Pakistan, was heckled by protestors at the airport. Contrary to the reports, he was not questioned by any security agencies neither in Delhi nor in Srinagar.

Scores of Malik’s supporters were waiting to receive him at the gate of Srinagar airport. However they created a scene by raising anti-government slogans after learning that police has picked up Malik though it later proved that he was only escorted to his residence to be placed under house arrest.

Malik is the third top separatist leader after Hurriyat hawk Syed Ali Shah Geelani and moderate Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who have been placed under house arrest soon after arriving from Delhi following the execution of Afzal Guru on February 9.

JKLF chairman also asked the people to follow the programme of Majlis Mashwarat (advisory council) spearheading the agitation for the return of remains of Afzal Guru and JKLF leader Mohammad Maqbool Bhat who was hanged and buried in Tihar jail in 1984.

J&K High Court gets its first judge from Ladakh

Srinagar, March 12: Tashi Rabstan on Friday became the first Buddhist and the first person from Ladakh to become a judge of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. He has been an advocate at the Jammu wing of the Court for the last 20 years.

Chief Justice M.M. Kumar administered the pledge to senior advocates Ali Mohammad Magray and Dheeraj Singh Thakur, and two incumbents from the state’s Higher Judicial Service, Bansi Lal Bhat and Janak Raj Kotwal, besides Rabstan.

The High Court has a sanctioned strength of 14 judges — 9 permanent and 5 additional — but currently has only seven judges, including Justice Kumar. After Friday it will have 12 judges for the first time in about a decade.

Though Rabstan broke the barrier for Buddhists and Ladakhis, no Jammu Muslim or woman has broken the barrier.

Justice Rabstan may soon be elevated as Permanent Judge as one post from the lawyers’ quota is falling vacant this year due to the superannuation of Justice JP Singh.

Editorial

KHADAS FOR XI JINPING

Give Him Some Time

As the new Chinese leader Xi Jinping takes over the reins of power in China 108 high ranking Tibetan monks offered khadas to wish him good luck. This is a good gesture and Tibetans and those who support their cause for a just and free Tibet must give enough time to the new leader to set things right in Tibet. To a delegation of Tibetans who met him Xi responded positively: "Please convey my best wishes to all. Tashi delek.” Xi’s election as China’s new boss coincides with the 54^th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan Uprising. It is worth noting what Taiwan’s Tibetan Youth Congress chairman Tenzing Chompel said this week on March 10: “We will not believe the lies of the Chinese again — from the 17-point peace agreement to the Sino-Tibetan talks, China has never kept its word… We will never give up pursuing independence for Tibet, because we can only be truly free once Tibet is independent.”

However, Taiwan Tibetan Welfare Association adviser Tashi Tsering said Tibetans do not hate Chinese. “Tibetans and Chinese are all humans. As long as Chinese respect Tibetans’ rights to our own culture, religion, language and self-determination, we will respect the Chinese as brothers and good neighbors,” he said. To arrive at a lasting and enduring solution for Tibet there has to be a fine balance between the hardline stand adopted by Tibetan youths and the exiled government which wants to pursue its ‘middle path’ policy on Tibet. Xi surely will be more sympathetic towards Tibet and Tibetans given the fact that his father had some connection with the Dalai Lama. He must, therefore, be given enough time to work out an amicable solution for Tibet.

After Prez meet GJM calls off agitation in hills

Shinde, Gurung and Giri in New Delhi on Tuesday (pix: The Telegraph)

Darjeeling, March 12: The Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, spearheading the agitation for a separate Gorkhaland on Friday decided to call off the protest scheduled to begin last Saturday in the Darjeeling hills.

It was decided at the GJM's central committee meeting at Kurseong during the day to call off the the agitation from March 9 till April 9announced earlier, GJM General Secretary Roshan Giri said, PTI reported.

The agitation was to demand creation of Gorkhaland and protest alleged interference by the West Bengal government in the functioning of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

Giri said that GJM called off the agitation accepting appeals made by the President, Union Home and Finance Minister to concentrate on development work for the people of the hills.

The GJM delegation that met the President in Delhi on Wednesday said it would take a final decision only after returning to Darjeeling. "The President asked us to call off our strike and other agitations that we announced earlier for creation of a separate Gorkhaland state. We will, however, decide only after a central committee meeting of our party back in Darjeeling," Roshan Giri said.

 The delegation comprising GJM president Bimal Gurung, general secretary Roshan Giri, Darjeeling MLA Trilok Dewan and Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri complained to the President against the West Bengal government for its interference in the running of the GTA.

"The state government is unnecessarily interfering in our jurisdictions. We cannot run the GTA properly if the state government continues to interfere," said Giri.

With the Union government giving positive vibes regarding formation of a Telengana state of late, the GJM leadership has gone all out in pursuing the Gorkhaland demand with UPA leaders in Delhi. It has also been staging a dharna at Jantar Mantar since January this year. In addition, the GJM chief has announced a series of agitations which includes bandhs on March 14, 15, 21, 22 and closure of all government offices from March 9-27.

A day before their meeting with the President Pranab Mukherjee, the delegation also called on

Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to put across the Gorkhaland demand.

 In the meeting, the GJM President raised the issue of granting tribal status to the entire Gorkha community of the Hills, barring schedule castes.

Aaadhar card not citizenship certificate, will not replace Sikkim Subject Certificate: Secy

Namchi, March 12: Department of Economics, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation (DESME), Director General-cum-Secretary S.D Tshering said Aadhaar card is not a citizenship certificate but only an identification certificate. It will also not replace certificate of identification of the Sikkimese people.

Speaking at a seminar on Unique Identification Programme & Aadhaar Enabled Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme held here yesterday, Tshering said “Aadhhar card is not citizenship certificate, but only an identification certificate which can be easily verified and therefore Certification of Identification or COI of the Sikkimese people is not in danger due to this card,” a PIB release said.

Talking about the importance of the Aadhaar card the Secretary informed that all the cash benefits, from maternity cash benefits to old age pension and the payments of MGNAREGA to scholarships of the students and the 34 schemes of Government of India will be now directly deposited in the bank account of the concerned person, which gets the middle men out of the way, he informed.

The main aim and objective of issuing Aadhaar cards is to see that that money or the cash benefits and the subsidies for the poor reaches the right person, the Secretary said.

 He urged people not to pay heed to those who allege that Adhaar cards are aimed at replacing Sikkim Subject Certificates, a valid identification of bonafide Sikkimese.

Chamling to demand ‘peace bonus’ for Sikkim

Gangtok, March 12: Sikkim is once again preparing to reiterate its demand of 'Peace Bonus' for remaining 'free from insurgency or political disturbances. However, the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling himself agrees, getting this approved by the Centre is not going to be an easy task.

"We are making this rightful claim as reward for our exemplary efforts to maintain peace and tranquility at a time when other states, especially those in North east region, are faced with insurgency and terrorism related problems. We are going to make this issue a priority," Chamling told the Economic Times.

The root cause for this demand lies in the monetary incentive given as 'peace bonus' to other North eastern state Mizoram, for over a decade now, for being a peaceful state. In addition to the direct monitory favour, Mizoram was also given a Thermal Power Project (23 MW) at Bairabi as a peace reward.

"If Mizoram gets it, why not Sikkim? We should get double than what Mizoram has received so far," said Chamling.

Sikkim first made the demand for Rs 1000 crore Peace bonus in 2001. But the then Home Minster L K Advani turned it down saying, "The case of Sikkim is not comparable with that of Mizoram. Peace bonus was given to Mizoram after taking into account the fact that the state had faced over two decades of militancy and very little development had taken place in the state during the period." That poured water on Sikkim's demand, ET reported.

However, West Bengal's Darjeeling hills, adjoining to Sikkim has gone under wildfire of political chaos on the demand of separate statehood under a strong ethnic sentiment since 2007. Neither the erstwhile Left Front government nor present TMC ruled Government could cool it down. But "Sikkim, despite being socially or geographically attached to Darjeeling hills, remained free from this kind of chaos. That might have encouraged it to demand for peace bonus afresh," said political experts.

However, it is becoming evident that new political or ethnic conflicts are brewing up even in Sikkim and it won't take long before becoming clearly visible. Naturally, "This is the high time for Chamling to place his demand. Otherwise it may become a never ever game," they said.

Implement Assam Accord, update NRC: ASSU

“Unless the Assam Accord is implemented, the future of indigenous people is bleak”

The signing of Assam Accord in 1985

Guwahati, March 12: Accusing the State Government of totally failing in updating the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has demanded that both the State Government and the Centre take urgent initiative to implement the Assam Accord in its letter and spirit.

The AASU will resort to a Statewide 30-hour fast from 6 am on March 19 at every district headquarters where a 30-member body of the AASU would take part, Assam Tribune reported.

The AASU said that the Government had been sitting over the all-important issue of Assam Accord implementation with many crucial clauses such as NRC update, sealing of the porous Indo-Bangladesh border, safeguarding the rights – including the right of land and political rights – of the indigenous people.

“Unless the Assam Accord is implemented in its entirety, the future of the indigenous people is bleak in the face of large-scale cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh. Both Delhi and Dispur have so far displayed a cavalier attitude over a matter of utmost significance for Assam and its people. The Congress Government in the State, in particular, has been exposing its love for the Bangladeshi infiltrators all these years,” AASU president Sankar Prasad Ray, general secretary Tapan Gogoi and adviser Dr Samujjal Bhattacharya said in a statement.

The AASU leaders said that the tripartite talk chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in May 5, 2005 had resolved to have the NRC updated within two years but almost eight years passed since without any concrete measures on the ground. “Even the promise made by the Group of Ministers (GoM) of the Assam Government about starting the process of NRC update from July 2012 has not materialized,” they added.

Centre approves Border Haat in Arunachal Pradesh

Itanagar, March 12: The Centre has approved opening up of a Border Haat at Pangsau Pass along the Indo-Myanmar border in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh to boost border trade with South East Asia in tune to its Look East Policy.

Chief Minister Nabam Tuki had last year written a letter to the Prime Minister requesting for opening up border trade on few specific points along the International border that Arunachal Pradesh shares with neighbouring countries, PTI reported.

The Union External Affairs ministry has now informed Tuki that under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on establishment of Border Haats along the Indo-Myanmar border, which was signed during the visit of Prime Minister to Myanmar in May last year, the Centre has approved opening of a Border Haat at Pangsau Pass, official sources said.

The modalities for operationalisation of the Border Haat have been finalized at technical level discussions that were held in October last year in Myanmar, informed Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai.

Once established the Border Haat would be the first of its kind along the border with Myanmar and its operationalisation is expected to provide impetus to development activities for the people living close to the border areas.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   March 9-15,  2013    

Dalai Lama on 3-day visit to Sikkim in March

     The Dalai Lama at the Pemayangtse Monastery in West Sikkim in December 2010.

Gangtok, March 8: The Dalai Lama will be visiting the State for the consecration ceremony of the Buddha Park (Tathagata Tsal) at Rabong in south Sikkim during the last week of this month.

State officials said he will be reaching Rabong on March 24, as part of his three-day tour.

The Dalai Lama will be offering the long lime empowerment after his arrival in Rabong.

The consecration ceremony will take place on March 26 morning, after which the Dalai Lama will reach the State capital to interact with students and youths here in the Mannan Kendra in the same afternoon.

A group from the Tibetan Institute of Performance Arts from Dharamsala is also coming to perform cultural items along with the troop of the state's culture department during the ceremony.

Chief Secretary R Ongmu has visited Buddha Park and inspected the area.

She also chaired a meeting regarding the preparation of the opening ceremony and the visit of the Dalai Lama in the conference hall of Buddha Park. The meeting was attended by the Chairperson of the Sakyamuni Committee and former area MLA and Minister D.D Bhutia, DGP Jashbir Singh along with heads of various departments.

 Chief Secy briefed on ASESEUA demands

Gangtok, March 8: Members of the All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Unemployed Association (ASESEUA) met the newly-appointed Chief Secretary Rinchen Ongmu here on Tuesday and congratulated her for being appointed Chief Secretary.

Association President Nawin Pradhan said members highlighted and reiterated the demands of the Association during the meeting.

The Chief Secretary was apprised of the Association’s demands such as constitution of interlocutors committee to study the violation of 371-F, equality before law, no back door/illegal appointments, free and fair recruitment policy, action against fake COI holders, end to service extension, tapping of unnecessary expenditure, proper public site distribution policy etc.

The Association has opposed service extension of the outgoing chief secretary Karma Gyatso and reappointment of A. Dutta (ex-ADGP) as Security Advisor.

Sikkimese students, Tenacians toppers in IHM exams

Gangtok, March 8: Sikkimese students and ex-students of Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA  - Gangtok) have performed remarkably well in the recently-held exams at Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) in Rumtek, East Sikkim.

Kunga Chukie Namgyal Kazi (TNA - Tenacian), Rajshree Chettri and Rahul Tewari ranked 1^st position in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year exams (first semester) respectively.

The performance of Tenacians in the 1^st year’s first semester is also noteworthy. Apart from Kunga, other TNA ex-students who did well are Kunzang Chukie (Dolly), who came 3^rd, Rajdeep Gurung (6^th), Laden Gensapa (7^th) and Sonam Deki Namgyal Kazi (11^th).

IHM Principal JT Gyaltsen said “Students from Sikkim undergoing B.Sc degree in Hospitality and Hotel Admnistration” at the IHM have “shown excellent performance.”

Gyaltsen, who seemed happy and excited on Sikkimese students doing well in the exams, is hopeful that those who performed well will find their names in the toppers list at the all-India level. “In the near future Sikkimese students will bring the Institute’s name to the limelight at national level and also get employment in India and abroad,” Gyaltsen added.

IHM, affiliated to National Council for Hotel Management under Ministry of Tourism (Govt of Indai), is among the top ten colleges in India that offers degree and diploma courses in hotel management.

Bhaichung launches fitness studio in Gangtok

Bhaichung launching Sparrc Institute in Hyderabad (file pix)

Gangtok, March 8: Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia haslaunched his first fitness studio named `BB15 Fitness` here.

Bhaichung said he would like to launch his BB15 Fitness studio in other cities in the country also.

"Fitness has always been a part of my life and with the start of BB15 Fitness Studio I want people to start taking care of their health and enjoy fitness," he said.

"I have brought state of the Art equipment’s Techno gym to give the very best to people here. I wish to bring about BB15 Fitness studio across other towns and cities in India very soon," said Bhaichung.

Sikkim courts big corporates for tourism growth

Gangtok, March 8: Tourism Secretary KS Tobgay has invited big business houses to invest in the State’s tourism infrastructure by setting up premium hotel chains and other entertainment  industries.

He assured them that the State Government will facilitate them for setting up their units in the State.

Speaking at a function on promotion of tourism in Sikkim in New Delhi yesterday, organized by Sikkim Tourism and Civil Aviation Department in New Delhi this week, Tobgay explained in details the various incentives being provided for tourism sector in Sikkim. He said the State’s peaceful atmosphere and better road connectivity held immense potential in adventure, culture and nature tourism.

The function was attended by Ninong Ering, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs,  P.D. Rai and Hishey Lachungpa, Sikkim’s Lok Sabha  Rajya Sabha M.Ps respectively, Gudmundur Eiriksson Ambassdor of Iceland  in India  and central and State Government officials.

Representative of leading tours and travel industry, various business chambers, corporate houses and prestigious hotel chains attended the meet and showed keen interest in investment in tourism sector in Sikkim, an official release said.

Ongmu takes over as Chief Secy, thanks CM

Gangtok, March 8: Chief Secretary Rinchen Ongmu chaired her first coordination meeting with secretaries and heads of departments here on Tuesday after taking over  charge as head of the administration.

She thanked Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and the State Government for giving the opportunity of shouldering the  responsibility of the State as Chief Secretary, an official release said.

Ongmu also said that it will be a great privilege and honour for her to work with such experienced officers who are heading various departments of the state government and have contributed a lot to the development of the Sikkimese society. At the same time she also urged everyone to feel free to interact with her in their day-to-day activity and share their opinions and experiences in the interest of the State.

 “This is a learning process and I am also a part of it,” she said. 

Taking a review of the previous coordination meeting the Chief Secretary dealt about the decisions taken by the previous coordination meeting and urged the department heads to submit their action taken report on the 42 days tour of the Chief Minister to the office of the Chief Secretary.

As of now only 23 departments have submitted their report. The commitments given by the Chief Minister during the 42 days tour should be taken very seriously by heads of the departments, she added.

She also dealt in detail about the activities taken on the rehabilitation and reconstruction process of the  September 18, 2011 earthquake. Ongmu asked departmental heads to expedite the matter so that the funds allocated are used in time and proper Utilization Certificates are submitted to the government of India for the release of further funds.

60-day handloom weaving training concludes in South Sikkim

Gangtok, March 8: A 60-day handloom weaving training (20 weavers of batch) sponsored by office of the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organized by Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd. Zero Point, Gangtok at Goom - Kitam, South Sikkim was concluded on February 19, 2013.    

     The Chief Guest for the Valedictory function was Sunita Tamang, Zilla Member of 31 – Sorok – Shyampani GPU, South Sikkim. The programme was also attended by Durga Kumar Rai, Assistant Director (South), DHH and Jigme Pintso Bhutia, Assistant Director (Production) I DHH, Gangtok and all the Panchayat Members of  31 – Sorok – Shyampani GPU, South Sikkim and local gentry.

During her address the Chief Guest stressed on women empowerment, self -reliance, and income generation. Tamang urged the trainees to take full advantage of training and also thanked the department for organizing such programmes in their area.

Bhutia and Rai talked about various centrally sponsored schemes on handloom sector like Weavers Identity Card, Weavers Credit Card, Life and Health Insurance of Weavers, Yarn Pass Book, 10% subsidy on yarn purchase etc.

The weavers were awarded certificates by the Chief Guest.

Spices Board awards large cardamom growers of Sikkim, Darjeeling

Gangtok March 8: Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India organised a function for Presentation of Productivity Awards for Large Cardamom Farmers of Sikkim and Darjeeling at a local hotel here in the state capital.

 The function was graced by the Minister for Food Security and Agriculture and Horticulture and Cash Crop Department, D.N Takarpa as the chief guest.

The chief guest presented the Productivity Awards to the large cardamom farmers for the year 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 with the cash prize of  Rupees one lakhs, citation and certificate to the first prize winner and Rupees twenty five thousand each to two farmers, one of which was reserved for woman, PIB release said.

The first winner of the award for the year 2009- 2010 was Tashi Thendup Bhutia of Mangan, North Sikkim, and second was Lakpa Sherpa of Darjeeling District and Anden Bhutia of Singyang, West Sikkim.

The first prize winner of the year 2010 - 2011 was  Rukmani Rai of  North Regu, East Sikkim and second by  Dali Bahadur Chettri of Kalimpong, Darjeeling District. Similarly, the first prize winner of the year 2011 - 20012 was K.B Rai of South Regu, East Sikkim and second prize was bagged by Nimching Bhutia of Sribadam, West Sikkim.

Addressing the function Takarpa congratulate the award winner and expressed his gratitude to the Spices Board for providing such award to the farmers to encourage cardamom growers for improvement of quality production. He suggested the farmers to adopt latest technology for the production of qualitative product which could compete in the competitive market.

He also hoped for the cooperation from spices board and other agencies with the state government for providing support to farmers of the state. He also informed about the state government schemes and intensives to the farmers of the state. He also thanked for the farmers of Darjeeling District for their participation on the programme. On the occasion Takarpa also released a book, naming “Large Cardamom Package of Practices 2013”

While addressing Professor  Kalyan Dewan of Gorkhaland Territorial Admistration, Darjeeling said that the government of Sikkim has done tremendous development in agriculture which has become a guide map for GTA.

The function was also addressed by S Siddaramappa, Director Spices Board, Kochi and the Secretary, Food Security and Agriculture Development and Horticulture and Cash Crop Department Santa Kumar Pradhan.

Editorial

ONGMU’S BURDEN

Difficult Task Ahead

Being Sikkim’s first woman and perhaps the last local Sikkimese to head the State administration as Chief Secretary, Rinchen Ongmu has a tough task ahead. Her tenure may also witness far-reaching changes in the administrative and political set up in a State which has seen one-party rule in the past two decades. The declining strength of local Sikkimese civil servants in the top echelons of the State administration will surely lead to new political awareness and social changes in a society that is still not used to ‘outsiders’ taking over reins of power in the former kingdom. Ongmu is one of the very few IAS officers whose IAS tag is not a gift of the Centre; she got it on her own. Her sound family and educational background and her wide experience as a civil servant will surely be put to test as she takes over the administrative in these very difficult period.

After years and decades of being under one-man rule people are now eagerly looking towards a rejuvenated opposition led by rebel MLA PS Golay, who recently formed his own political outfit – Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) – whose main objective is to bring real change and establish true democracy and sound economic development in Sikkim. As the next Assembly polls draw nearer the 55,000 government employees in the State will surely play a leading role in who forms the next government. Therefore, the new CS, who has a good rapport with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, will surely find her new task more challenging and difficult. She will forced to serve her political masters who will surely misuse the administrative machinery blatantly to stay in power. But if Ongmu follows the rule of law keeping the interest of the people, particularly the Sikkimese, in mind and yet keep her bosses quite happy she would have done justice to the post she holds. She, therefore, deserves our congratulations and good wishes.

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday   March 2-8,  2013    

Justice Pius tipped to be Sikkim High Court CJ

Gangtok, March 1: Justice Pius C Kuriakose, a judge of the Kerala High Court, may well become the next Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim. The Supreme Court collegium has reportedly recommended Justice Kuriakose’s name for the post.

Justice Kuriakose, born on October 2, 1951, enrolled as an advocate in 1974 and was made an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court on September 9, 2002. He was made a Permanent Judge on September 8, 2004.

If the appointment goes through, Justice Kuriakose will replace Chief Justice Permod Kohli who became the Chief Justice on December 12, 2011.

Born in Tripunithura in 1951, Justice Kuriakose did his schooling at St Mary’s Lower Primary School, Tripunithura, the Leo XIII English Medium High School, Alappuzha and Govt Boy’s High School, Tripunithura.

Later, he joined the Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam, and then Law College, Ernakulam. He enrolled as lawyer in 1974 and started practice in Ernakulam.

Sikkim needs rail connectivity: PD Rai

New Delhi, March 1: The railways should create a mountain unit within the ministry to plan connectivity in the Himalayan region, lone Sikkim Democratic Front member in the Lok Sabha, P D Rai, said on Wednesday while noting that his State, which borders China, remains cut off from the national network till date.

"Till date there is no rail link to Sikkim. There is no strategic thinking. Why can't we have railway when China has built rail connectivity till Lhasa in Tibet," Rai told IANS.

"I will write to Railway Minister P K Bansal to create a mountain railway division. Railway can be a clean form of transport in the Himalayan region," he said.

Rai said the need for connecting Sikkim with rail network was being felt more as it has become the fastest growing state, especially in tourism.

"We get around 7 lakh (700,000) tourists per year," said Rai.

According to Rai, the foundation stone of the 52 km Sevok-Rangpo rail link in the northeastern state was laid in 2009 but there has been no progress since then.

"The rail link will help as the highway connecting Sikkim (with North Bengal) has become overloaded," he said.

Chief Secy Karma Gyatso retires

Gangtok, March 1: Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso retired yesterday after serving the State Government for over three decades.  Gyatso first joined service in the year 1974 and was inducted into the IAS in 1977. 

During his long tenure as a civil servant Gyatso served in various capacity in almost all departments.  He is notable for having been the architecture of establishing Tourism Department and putting Sikkim in the tourism map of India and abroad. 

Amongst the various high points of his career he was the Deputy Leader in the Indian delegation to China to sign the MoU for Nathula trade.

  During the Chief Minister’s address to the Sikkim Legislators here on Thursday,  Chamling paid glowing tributes to the outgoing Chief Secretary and termed him as a man of generosity, frankness and easy disposition.

 The Chief Minister stated that he was indebted to the help and support that Gyatso rendered to the Government during his 18 and half months tenure as the Chief Secretary.

  Gyatso is appointed as Administrative Advisor to the Government of Sikkim with Cabinet rank.

 Sikkim has achieved new heights in development: Chamling

Sikkim Assembly passes Bills

Gangtok, March 1: The second day of the Eighth Assembly of Seventh Session presided over by  Speaker K.T. Gyaltsen  saw passing of bills: Amendment Bills, Appropriation Bills, First Supplementary Demands for Grants 2012-2013  and Vote on Account 2013-2014.

 The Bills were the Sikkim Earthquake Rehabilitation Management Fund Bill, Bill No 4 of 2013, and the Sikkim Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, Bill No. 5 of 2013, which was presented by Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who is also the Minister-in-Charge of Finance, Revenue and Expenditure Department on the first day of the session.

During the financial business, the House considered and unanimously passed the Excess Demands for Grants for the financial year 2007-2008.

 The Chief Minister introduced the Sikkim Appropriation Bill, Bill No 1 of 2013 for Excess Demands for Grants 2007-2008 which was considered and passed by the House unanimously.

The First Supplementary Demands for Grants 2012-2013 and the Vote on Account 2013-14, which were introduced on the first day of the session by the Chief Minister was also passed by the House unanimously.

The Chief Minister also introduced the Sikkim Appropriation Bill, Bill No. 2 of 2013 for the First Supplementary Demands for Grants 2012-2013 and the Sikkim Appropriation Bill, Bill No. 3 of 2013 for the Vote on Account 2013-14 were considered and passed by the House.

Chamling presented the Finance Accounts 2011-2012 (volume I and II ) and Appropriation Accounts 2011-2012, the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Report No.3) of the year 2010-11 on impact of implementation of developmental schemes in South district, ‘Half yearly review” report of trends in receipts and expenditure in relation to the budget 2012-13.

 The Speaker also announced for laying ‘White paper on Chief  Minister’s Relief Fund’ on the table of the House and the presentation of annual report of the State Government departments.

 The Minister for Rural Management and Development Department, C.B. Karki, presented the annual technical inspection report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the year ended 31st March 2011 on Panchayati Raj Institutions, Government of Sikkim.

The Leader of the House while delivering his vote of thanks said that the two days session saw the passing of new bills, Appropriation bills, Amendment Bills, Supplementary Demands for Grants, Vote on Account. The Vote on Account 2013-2014 for three months starting from April to June 2013 is due to non finalization of annual budget of the country. The funds are required for the disbursement of the salaries, wages and other expenses to the state government. The Leader of the House said that the state government is trying its best to avail maximum development in the state with the allotted annual fund by the centre government.

He further stated that the state government has achieved fast development in a span of his tenure of 18 and half year in all sectors. In this regard, the Chief Minister also informed that under his tenure the state has taken giant leap forward in taking the state to newer heights. He stated that a good leadership is required for the development of the State as well as the smooth functioning of the Government. Therefore, the present Government is working day and night to make Sikkim capable, skilled and prosperous. 

 He also thanked the Chief Secretary Karma Gyatso who is retiring from his service and acknowledged him as dynamic, capable, free and frank person. Further, he said that, Gyatso has worked for the State Government with dedication and honesty and further wished him success and best in his retirement life.

The Chief Minister further informed that Mr. Gyatso will be further appointed as the Administrative Advisor to the Government and he expected that  Gyatso will provide his contributions with the same commitment.

Japan helps Sikkim preserve its biodiversity

Ten villages targeted for development of eco-tourism

Gangtok, March 1: A team of experts from Japan recently visited remote areas of Sikkim to review work on a biodiversity conservation and forest management project.

Representatives of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) interacted with members of the Joint Forest Management Committee and reviewed their work in Sikkim, which is known for its rich biodiversity, ANI reported.

JICA is an independent governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance (ODA) for the Government of Japan.

"Sikkim was chosen for the biodiversity conservation project as JICA felt that the State had unique flora and fauna that deserved attention. JICA treated the Sikkim project as its flagship biodiversity program which would serve as a model for other States of India and other parts of the world," said Vineet Sarin, Principal Development Specialist, JICA.

The JICA team also met various self-help groups and interacted with youth from the region.

Ten villages in Sikkim are being targeted for the development of eco-tourism.

The scheme has already been implemented in Okhrey, Kitam and Dzongu villages in West and North Sikkim.

"I see lots of potential in Sikkim, it has a beautiful diversity. In the field of eco-tourism, local can share to tourist and get a benefit from them," said Miho Horikawa, representative, JICA .

This project will cover key areas of biodiversity conservation, eco tourism and scientific management of forest areas with active involvement of local communities.

It will help local people who are dependent on forests and will promote biodiversity conservation in the State.

Dutch, Thai agencies to help Sikkim develop floriculture

Gangtok, March 1: Floriculturists from Netherland and Thailand, who  participated in the International Flower Show here, will sign an MoU with the State Government soon to help the State develop its potential in flower farming.

The agreement would be to make Sikkim, the geographical and environmental conditions of which are ideal for floriculture, better equipped to cater to demands and requirements of the international market, Horticulture Secretary Santa Pradhan, said.

Editorial

NORTHEAST POLLS

Status Quo Maintained

While the CPI (M)-led Left Front returned to power in Tripura for the fifth consecutive term, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has performed better this time and is all set to form the government in Nagaland without the help of other Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) partners. In both these states the Congress has been almost totally wiped out. Only Meghalaya offers a ray of hope for the Congress but here, too, the party missed the simple majority mark of 31 in a House of 60 by two seats. A big relief for the Congress in Meghalaya is that former Speaker PA Sangma’s newly formed National People’s Party won only two seats. He will, therefore, be unable to unite the opposition to dislodge a Congress-led government in Meghalaya.

The NPF will now play a bigger role in the Naga peace process. The poll verdict has given its chief and the likely chief minister,  Neiphiu Rio, who is very positive on the Naga issue, the mandate of the people to bring about an amicable solution at the earliest. Tripura is now the last bastion of the Left and as of now none of the opposition parties are likely to make much inroads in the State. This will be Tripura’s fourth term under Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, who made peace and development his main poll plank. All set and done the Assembly poll results are a repeat of the 2008 polls.