Thursday, April 10, 2014

SIKKIM OBSERVER April 9-12, 2014
Read, re-read and read again: jigmkazi@gmail.com, jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com
Those who love Sikkim will vote for SKM: Golay
“Throw out corrupt and dictatorial regime”
Gangtok, April 8: In his final message to the people of Sikkim PS Golay, President of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), has urged the people to save Sikkim from the corrupt and dictatorial regime of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and vote his party to power on April 12.
Addressing a meeting at Rongli, east district, this week Golay said, "People who love Sikkim will vote for SKM on April 12 and throw out this corrupt and dictatorial regime."
SKM, formed about a year back with its call for parivartan (change), has captured the imagination of the people, many of whom see a wave in favour of the party. Significantly, people from all over the State, particularly youngsters, have been actively engaged in the poll campaign this time as never before.
To crown its efforts to root out communalism, casteism and corruption and to usher in a new era of real development and real democracy, two former chief ministers, NB Bhandari and BB Gooroong, have backed SKM. Bhandari is expected to address SKM’s last big public meeting before the polls at Rongpo, east district, tomorrow.
To ensure that most Sikkimese vote for SKM, 8 minority Bhutia-Lepcha organizations, including the Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), representing their communities have sided with Goley and have urged all to vote for SKM. As votes of majority Nepalese get split between the two contending Nepali leaders, Chamling and Golay, votes of the minorities and the business community are crucial
There is excitement in the air as the people see a huge opportunity, after 20 long years, to form their own government and save Sikkim for future generations after Saturday’s elections.
Bhandari backs SKM, to campaign for Parivartan
Gangtok, April 8: Former three-term chief minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari, who earlier appealed for opposition unity in the State and later announced his retirement from ‘active politics,’  has backed the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s demand for change in the former kingdom, which has been ruled by Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front President  Pawan Chamling for two decades since 1994.
Bhandari has also agreed to campaign for SKM to ensure that change comes to Sikkim. Bhandari, who began his term as chief minister in 1979 and later  led the Congress party in the State for ten years in the opposition (2003-2013), also indicated that he would act as a ‘watchdog’ in State politics after the ensuing polls, slated for April 12.
“The people of Sikkim want change and our support for SKM is based on people’s wishes. We are also happy with the pro-Sikkimese manifesto of SKM. The SDF manifesto is nothing but a repetition of failed promises made in 2009 elections. SDF is fooling people with its manifesto,” he said.
"Seeing the wave in favour of change, I decided to leave the field clear. SKM is sure to win minimum 22 seats. It is certain to form the government this time. It is a party of youth, led by a young leader. Golay is my 'meet bhai'. I wish him well. I ask all my workers, supporters and well-wishers to vote for SKM and allow the younger generation to shape a new Sikkim."
During a press conference held here this week, Bhandari said, “We will support SKM because it is time that this 20 year long corrupt and casteist government should go”.
Responding to Bhandari’s timely gesture, SKM President PS Golay said, "Sikkim will not forget Bhandari's sacrifice. His support will be remembered as a milestone in our journey towards change."
Bhandari is expected to address SKM’s last big public meeting before the polls in Rongpo, east district,  tomorrow (Apr 9).
Reacting to the new situation, SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal said, “Bhandari's extending support to the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha has no relevance in this election. He has lost credibility and even failed to field a single candidate from his party. His support to any SKM candidate will not affect the SDF party. He is a spent force.”
Gooroong bats for ‘change’ in Sikkim
Gangtok, April 8: In a surprise move former chief minister BB Gooroong, who is a
former political advisor to Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, has lent his weight to Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s campaign for change in the State.
 “The present election is being fought bitterly and the ruling party has to accept that the youth leadership has emerged who are not going to take things lying down. There is frustration among the educated youths as the government of the day has failed to provide them gainful employment,” Gooroong said in an exclusive interview to Sikkim Express.
“The emergence of Golay as an opposition in Sikkim’s politics has given them a new hope and aspirations. What we see today is an anti-incumbency factor among the people of Sikkim. Yes, change is inevitable and the political baton should be passed on to the younger leadership,” Gooroong, also a former Executive Councillor (minister) of the Chogyal era’s Sikkim Council said.
Give me 10 more years to turn Sikkim into Singapore: Chamling
Gangtok, April 8:  “Give me 10 years more and I will make Sikkim better than Singapore. Singapore is Singapore because the Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew was given 40 years to rule. We have done so much for last 20 years, if you give me another 10 years I will turn Sikkim into Singapore," Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said during his public meeting here at Syari.
“There were two classes in Sikkim, the haves and the have-nots. It was only due to the farsighted pro-poor policies of the SDF government  that all have been able to realize their cherished dreams and aspirations,” Chamling pointed out and added, “Rich people can do with any kind of government but poor people need our care. We don’t want poor to be subjugated. We will make them rich.”
    During his thinly-attended public meeting here at Thakurbari on Saturday Chamling, visibly annoyed rows of empty chairs in front of him, said ‘Facebook’ politics in the State would not be able to compete with his party’s twenty-year rule in the State.
   In another public meeting held here at Burtuk, the SDF chief turned his heat on his rival, Sikkim Krantikari Morcha President PS Golay. "This jilliganthey (meaning Golay) is Buddhist by religion however he does not follow Buddhism because his religion is that of Hitler. Inspite of his efforts this jilliganthey cannot make any difference to our party because our party will swipe all 32 seats in the upcoming polls.”
“His party will be defeated badly on April 12 and will be finished forever.”
 Aware of lack of public participation at the SDF meeting at Thakurbari,  a SDF leader is supposed to have ordered, "Go get some crowds fast. Did you see the photo Talk Sikkim posted? I don't care from where…just get it. We have to quickly post a photo too. Chitto!! Get the cyber army ready."
SIBLAC, 7 BL organizations to  campaign for SKM
Gangtok, April 8: The Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and seven other Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) associations have declared their support for Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM).
The minority BLs are convinced that SKM has given a better deal for Sikkim and Sikkimese, particularly for the minority tribal communities, than the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front. The promises are reflected in the party manifesto, SIBLAC chief and former minister Tseten Tashi Bhutia said during a press conference held here.
Bhutia said for the BLs the most important promise of the SKM is to abolish the Land Transfer Act of 2005, which allows companies from outside to take lands of Sikkimese, including Bhutia and Lepcha communities on lease basis.
“SKM has promised to scrap hydel power projects being constructed in holy places and has given commitment to maintain the sanctity of all holy places in Sikkim. They have also promised to focus on development in North Sikkim and stated that they will form a Dzongu Development Board,” said Bhutia.
Safeguards for old laws and protection given to Sikkim under Article 371F of the Constitution are also other reasons for giving support to the SKM.
SIBLAC chief also pointed out that BL organizations would now go to the districts to urge people to vote SKM to power.
Other BL organizations which have opted for SKM are: National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), Bhutia-Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Save Kabi-Lungstok Committee, Save Sikkim and Monks of Sikkim.
SNPP rejects ‘tribal status’ demand, raises Nepali Assembly seat issue
Gangtok, April 8: The Sikkim National People’s Party (SNPP) has rejected the demand for ‘tribal status’ for the State raised by various parties. Instead, it wants to focus on the ‘Sikkim Subject Certificate’, an identity document of bonafide Sikkimese belonging to the three ethnic communities – Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese of Sikkimese origin.
In a press statement, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari has also emphasized on Assembly seat reservation for Sikkimese Nepalese.
“No political party has talked about seat reservation for Nepali communities in the state assembly. It is a major concern for the people of Sikkim,” Adhikari said.
“All parties including SDF have promised to fully protect Article 371F. Maximum violation of Article 371 has taken under the SDF government and the party should feel ashamed to say that it will protect Article 371F. The party has now stopped even including the assurance of a Local Protection Act in its manifesto,” SNPP release said.
“In the coming elections, Sikkimese should only focus on the special constitutional provisions guaranteed to us – the Bhutia, Lepchas and Nepali. No other factor is as important. People must question the candidates how their parties can restore the violated Old Laws of Sikkim.”
“We don’t agree with the Tribal status for Sikkim that is being promised by parties. We already have the Sikkim Subject Certificate and are being given various benefits because of it so there is no need to make Sikkim a Tribal state,” the release added. (also see Sikkim Liberation Party on seat issue on page 3)
Ghising comes to Mamata’s rescue, backs Bhaichung
Bhaichung belongs to the hills: GNLF
Darjeeling, April 8: In a boost to Trinamool Congress candidate Bhaichung Bhutia's prospects for the Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal, the GNLF on Friday announced its support for the former Indian soccer captain.
"Bhaichung belongs to the hills. We are supporting him," the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) said in statement issued on behalf of party president Subhas Ghising, The Indian Express reported.
Bhutia is engaged in a tough fight for the April 17 polls in the constituency against the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)-backed Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Surinder Singh Ahluwalia and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) candidate Saman Pathak.
   The GNLF spearheaded a violent movement in the 1980s, demanding that a separate state of Gorkhaland be carved out of the north Bengal hills, leading to the formation of the semi-autonomous development body Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in 1988.
Ghising was the chairman of the DGHC for two decades. However, he lost his influence in the hills after his trusted aide Bimal Gurung broke away from the GNLF in 2007 to form the GJM, which has now taken over the mantle of the Gorkhaland movement.
The GJM forced Ghising to leave the hills in 2008. He returned before the 2011 assembly polls but went away again soon after his party received a drubbing in the polls.
Ghising recently returned to the hills for the Lok Sabha polls. There was much speculation on whether he would put up a candidate or announce his support for some other party.
Trinamool leader and West Bengal cabinet minister Gautam Deb welcomed the GNLF's move.
"Bhaichung will win by a huge margin," said Deb.
Editorial
CHANGE VS CONTINUITY
Change That We Seek
   By fielding the ruling party’s old guard Pawan Chamling may be playing it safe – to avoid further dissidence within the SDF – and at the same time rewarding loyalty but this move has proved to be a boon for the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), whose campaign for change is led by a young leader PS Golay and whose followers are mostly youngsters. Those who were 10 years when Chamling came to power in 1994 are now 30. Another 5 or even 10 years under SDF would be disastrous for Sikkim’s future given the fact that the people, by and large, have rejected casteist, communal and corrupt government under one-man rule and one party system. Not being satisfied with two decades of autocratic rule Chamling now wants 10 more years from the people to turn Sikkim into Singapore. Sikkim will and should be Sikkim and this is the will of the people. Sikkim used to be a paradise with beautiful people.
   Real democracy must give people a chance to change things. Any system that fails to do this cannot be following the democratic process. The change that we believe in and seek is simple: we want to live in peace and in harmony with each other and nature; we want the rule of law to govern us and not one-man rule; freedom from fear, end to injustice and strict adherence to the democratic process in all sphere of life is what the people want. The change that we seek should also preserve our rich and unique cultural and natural heritage while safeguarding  Sikkim’s special status within the Union. We gave Chamling a chance to set things right in 1994; give Golay a chance now.
LS seat: SKM’s TN Dhakal to take on ruling party’s PD Rai
TN Dhakal
Gangtok, April 8: Tek Nath Dhakal, a retired civil servant, ought to be lucky that got Sikkim Krantikari Morcha’s ticket to contest the lone Lok Sabha polls. He would be luckier if he wins. And judging by the winds of change blowing across the State Dhakal could well be Sikkim’s next MP in the Lok Sabha.
Dhakal, who many a times courted controversy, first came to limelight in early 1980s when he appeared in the cover of Spotlight of Sikkim, a newsmagazine published by Hill Media Publications, which also publishes Sikkim Observer. The issue was ‘Sikkim Subject Certificate’ and Dhakal put his full weight behind it.
The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s PD Rai is likely to give a tough completion to the SKM nominee. But the anti-incumbency factor and Rai being  renominated again may go in Dhakal’s favour.
PD Rai
AD Subba also seems to be a lucky man. After he packed up his Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad and merged it with the Congress he was made its Working President. When the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee’s President Kunga Nima Lepcha quit the party to join SKM Subba was made SPCC President. And now he is contesting the LS polls as Congress candidate. 
Subba’s constant engagement with street politics may earn him some votes but the Congress party’s poll prospects in the State and in the country is not very encouraging.


NB Khatiwada
   Former SDF’s Lok Sabha MP Nakul Rai, who rebelled against the leadership, is TMC’s LS candidate. TMC being the ruling party in neighbouring West Bengal and given the fact that the party is trying to make inroads in Darjeeling and Sikkim there is every possibility of  Rai getting some support in the State.
Nakul Rai
  Former MLA and merger veteran Nar Bahadur Khatiwada’s efforts to get elected to the Lok Sabha from Sikkim or Darjeeling have been futile. The last time he contested the LS seat in Sikkim he got around 4000 votes only.
But this time its different. Khatiwada is the BJP candidate and Narendra Modi is all set to become the next Prime Minister of the country. So hopes are very high for the veteran politician who is yet to be rewarded politically for his merger moves.
AD Subba
And finally, Aam Aadmi Party’s Kaushal Rai, too, is trying his luck for the lone LS seat. Good luck to him for he needs it to ensure that his security deposit is not forfeited.
Sikkimese will become minority if Assembly seats not restored, influx remain unchecked: DN Nepal
Gangtok, April 8: The Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) has decided to support the NDA. Its Chairman Duk Nath Nepal is confident that by supporting the NDA Sikkim’s long pending demand on restoration of Assembly seats for Sikkimese Nepalese would be met.
  In a press statement, Nepal said the Congress party “ditched and hoodwinked” the Sikkimese people on the Assembly seats issue. Nepal said BJP has always been against influx of outsiders and “Sikkim has became safe den of migrants and illegal influx which need to be checked with immediate effect.”
The SLP also believes that the BJP is perhaps the only party which will be able to rescue the country from “the clutches of near bankruptcy, acute corruption and soaring inflation.”
Nepal said if Assembly seats , which were abolished “illegally and unconstitutionally” , were not restored and influx checked, the ethnic Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali communities in the State  will one day “become minority in their own land”.
The SLP chief also noted that as the BJP is in favour of smaller states it would be able to solve the statehood demand of neighbouring Darjeeling.










Monday, March 31, 2014

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday March 29-April 4, 2014
Email:jigmekazi@gmail.com, Blog:jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com
     In this picture Ramnath Goenka (right), Khushwant Singh and Kuldip Nayyar at a protest rally. (Express archive photo)
SIKKIM BACHAO, CHAMLING WANTS TO FINISH SIKKIM: GOLAY
Confidant Chamling, upbeat Golay keep everyone guessing
Dhakal, ‘PD’, Nakul, Subba, Khatiwada and Rai to vie for lone LS seat


Gangtok, March 28: Caste and community combination will be the deciding factor in the coming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls scheduled for April 12. Two weeks before the polls the two main contenders for the top job – Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) President Pawan Chamling and former minister and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) President PS Golay – have displayed equal optimism on the outcome of the polls.
 “This election is only like renewing of license. SDF will again get 32/32”, Chamling declared at a public meeting in Temi, South Sikkim, this week.
His rival is equally upbeat as he travels round the State and given a rousing welcome wherever he goes.
Speaking at a public meeting here at Burtuk today, Golay urged the people to vote SKM to power to “save Sikkim”.
“This election is the election to save Sikkim,” Golay said and added that Chamling “has started to sell all the rivers, the hills and our identities. He wants to return to finish his job. It is time to take Sikkim back."
Both contenders of the top post are not taking chances and are contesting from two constituencies each; Chamling from Namchi and Yangang and Golay from Namthang and Burtuk, from where he was elected.
The lone Lok Sabha seat will be hotly contested between six contestents: PD Rai (SDF), TN Dhakal (SKM), AD Subba (Cong), NB Khatiwara (BJP), Nakul Das Rai (TMC) and Kaushal Rai (AAP). However, the main fight would be between SKM and SDF.
   In the prestigious Gangtok constituency the fight will be between SDF’s Hissey Lachungpa and SKM’s Pintso Chopel. Other contestants from this constituency are Norden Gyalpo Dorjee (BJP), Tshering Lepcha (TMC) and Maj. Tshering Gyatso Kaleon (Cong).
Another constituency to be watched is Rhenock in east Sikkim where SDF’s Bhim Dungyel faces SKM’s Hemendra Adhikari and former BJP Sikkim unit chief Padam Chettri, who is the Congress candidate. Interestingly, rebel SDF advocate OP Bhandari is also contesting from here as an Independent candidate.
"I joined the Congress as I was let down by the BJP. They believe in the politics of convenience and have betrayed the people of Sikkim. I have always opposed the corrupt practices of SDF government and have filed four PILs against the state government but senior BJP leaders in the centre wanted me to withdraw the cases so I decided to quit the party," said Chettri, explaining his sudden switchover.
Sikkim has been politically divided into four broad categories: OBCs, Bahun-Chettris (BCs), Bhutia-Lepchas (BLs) and the business community. Both Chamling and Golay were earlier bracketed among the OBCs, which form the bulk of the majority Nepalese.    
    Now that the Tamangs and Limbus have got Scheduled Tribes status and the fact that Chamling no longer has backing of the OBCs as he used to much depends on which way  BL and BC voters go. Significantly, former chief minister NB Bhandari, who had a hold among the BCs, has just retired from ‘active politics’. 
This apart, young voters are likely to play a very significant role in the outcome of the polls.
Cong expels M K Subba for filing as an Independent
Guwahati, March 28: The Congress on Monday expelled three-time Lok Sabha member Moni Kumar Subba for anti-party activities including filing nomination papers as an Independent candidate by defying the party decision.
Assam Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Akshay Rajkhowa said Subba, who has filed his nomination papers as an Independent from Tezpur constituency, has been expelled for six years. “The APCC had asked him to withdraw. But when he didn’t, the party was compelled to expel him,” Rajkhowa said.
The APCC general secretary said other party members found campaigning and working for Subba in the Tezpur constituency and against the party’s candidate Bhupen Kumar Bora would face similar action. Subba’s candidature is likely to dent the Congress chances of recovering the Tezpur seat that the AGP had wrested from it in 2009.
Subba (56), who filed his nomination papers on Friday, not only has several cases pending against him – including a rape case – but is also the richest candidate for the first phase of LS election in Assam on April 7.
Subba has declared in the election affidavit total asset worth more than Rs. 205 crore in his name.
Michelle Obama dines at Tibet restaurant in China
“She wanted to meet the Tibetans in Chengdu”
Chengdu, China: U.S. first lady Michelle Obama lunched at a Tibetan restaurant in China's Sichuan province on Wednesday, prompting murmurs about "political overtones" on the country's active Internet social networks.
Michelle Obama spun a row of prayer wheels as she walked the entry bridge to the restaurant, according to the pool report. A group of Tibetan students gave the family ceremonial white scarves – symbolising purty in Tibetan culture.
The Obamas were served traditional foods, including yak meat pie, boiled yak ribs, bread made with barley and yak butter tea.
Obama, her two daughters and mother visited the city of Chengdu as part of a week-long trip to China, where she has sought to promote education and boost cultural ties.
A senior administration official who accompanied Obama said the first lady simply wanted to meet Tibetans in Chengdu. "Tibetans are an important minority group, and there is a sizeable Tibetan community in Sichuan," the official said last weekend.
Protests against what Tibetans say are heavy-handed government policies putting pressure on their culture and Buddhist faith have periodically boiled over into self-immolations by activists.
Nearly half the self-immolations have occurred in Sichuan, lying east of Tibet.
China denies maltreatment of Tibetans, saying it has lifted the province out of poverty and extended considerable autonomy.
China has criticised the White House for its support for exiled Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama, denounced by Beijing as a separatist "wolf in sheep's clothing".
Editorial
RELUCTANT  INDIANS
Why We Are In A Mess
Even after the Supreme Court’s marching orders BCCI chief  N. Srinivasan is reluctant to quit his job. He wants to stay and manoeuvre his way back to power again. This seems to be a typical attitude of those in power in India no matter in which field they belong. TV news channels quoted a defiant Srinivasan as saying, “I have done no wrong and no one can force me out of BCCI." He knows that a probe into his alleged scandals can either be delayed for far too long rendering the whole process a big farce or the verdict managed. This is how India is being run on all fronts, including the media. No one wants to quit even if he or she is well past the retiring age or is in deep trouble (read corruption).
The way the Congress and BJP are sidelining their senior leaders is not the way it should be done. However, the old guard in the Congress paid no heed to UPA’s rampant corruption and when they had their fill they handed over the reins to Rahul Gandhi and in the last hour when it was rather too late. While some of them are reluctant to contest knowing full well they would lose they are either making their way to the Upper House or ensuring their offsprings step into their shoes. And yet there are many senior Congress leaders who are reluctant to leave their constituencies and make way for youngsters.
   Unike Rahul Gandhi,  BJP’s Narendra Modi wants his way all the time. He is being accused of reducing the party into a one-man show. Modi could have evolved a better way of saying goodbye to senior leaders of the party. His inept handling over seat distribution has not only caused major  fission within the BJP it could also spell trouble if the BJP and its allies fail to reach the magic figure of 272. Back in Sikkim a party which has been in power for two decades still wants to hang on to power. Worse is that many of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front’s candidates have been ministers three times. Sikkim is truly in the mainstream of Indian politics.
SIKKIM POLLS 2014: IN A STATE OF FLUX
Bhandari retires, Chettri shifts, Subba takes over Cong, Lepcha gets SKM ticket
Gangtok, March 28: While the two contenders – Pawan Chamling and PS Golay – for the top post are going all out to woo the people, the overall political situation in the State is in a state of flux as never before.
Former Chief Minister NB Bhandari, who was eased out from the Congress party earlier and revived his Sikkim Sangram Parishad, has chosen to retire from ‘active politics’ on the eve of the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls slated for April 12.
NB Bhandari
What happens to the SSP and his supporters? In the past several Assembly polls Bhandari had at least 30% of the votes polled.
Kunga Nima Lepcha who stepped into Bhandari’s shoes as SPCC chief, quit the party and has joined Golay’s Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM). Lepcha has been given SKM ticket to contest from his home constituency of Syari in Gangtok.
Kunga Nima

AK Subba, former President of Sikkim Himali Rashtriya Parishad (SHRP), has taken over the SPCC as its President and is the party’s Lok Sabha candidate.
Sikkim BJP unit President Padam Chettri quit the BJP, joined the Congress and is contesting from Rhenock constituency in East Sikkim.
Gangtok Mayor KN Topgay quit the ruling Sikkim Demcoratic Front and has joined the SKM. He has accused Chamling of dynastic rule.
Former SDF MP Nakul Rai, who broke ties with the ruling party earlier, is now the Trinamul candidate for the Lok Sabha seat. After he quit SDF Rai tried to unite the opposition to topple Chamling.
The BJP has fielded Sikkim merger veteran and former MLA  NB Khatiwada for the lone Lok Sabha seat.
In a move that was anticipated, Congress party’s Anil Lachenpa has joined the SDF. Senior journalist and nephew of former chief minister LD Kazi, NG Dorjee, is contesting from Gangtok constituency as BJP candidate.
Meanwhile, SNPP President Biraj Adhikari and his aide Diley Namgyal have decided not to contest the polls. They will make people more aware of the issues the SNPP has been raising.
Surprisingly, political activist and Sikkim Liberation Party (SLP) President DN Nepal will not be contesting the polls. He, too, is expected to become more active politically now that he is free from electoral politics.
Mamata’s strategy: splits hills, unite plains
Ghising expected to tilt the balance
Darjeeling, March 28: A football star, an academician and a former parliamentarian are locked in a battle in North Bengal’s Darjeeling hills, where the Gorkhaland movement rages. And the results will determine whether Gorkhaland would be the next Telangana.
The ruling Trinamool Congress, which poured cold water on the statehood demand, has fielded India’s former soccer captain, Bhaichung Bhutia.
The two others in the three-cornered contest are BJP’s SS Ahluwalia, and independent candidate Mahendra Lama.
Ahluwalia is backed by the pro-Gorkhaland Gorkha Janamukti Morcha, which recently entered into an alliance with the BJP. But he faces a tough contest, The Hindustan Times reported.
Unlike the last time, GJM’s appeal has diminished considerably.“There is a perception that Bimal Gurung has compromised on the statehood demand. The 40-day strike — after statehood was granted to Telangana — backfired, and people were angry,” admitted a party insider.
But the GJM, he added, still has the best “organisational network”, the reported said.
The TMC is hoping to sweep the plains and get a fraction of the hill votes — the seat has three hill assembly segments, with around six lakh voters, and four in the plains with eight lakh voters.
And party chief Mamata Banerjee has shrewdly played ethnic politics within the Nepali community by creating a Lepcha cultural board and promising a similar set up to Tamangs to wean them away from the broader Gorkha identity.
Bhutia hopes as a person from the hills, he would draw support. But he is from Sikkim, and Gangtokand Darjeeling share cold ties. Plus, there is the extra baggage of hostility to Trinamool.
Lama
“He may be a star, but people here are conscious that the party he represents is against our key issue,” said a Darjeeling lawyer on condition of anonymity.
Lama, a former vice-chancellor of Sikkim University, also poses a challenge.
Lama is committed to the statehood demand and is projecting himself as the ‘son of the soil’ against two “outsiders”. He can cut into GJM votes, but is hampered by the lack of organisational support will hurt him.  
A variable will be the stance of the chairman of Gorkha National Liberation Front, and the man who ran Darjeeling for 20 years, Subash Ghising.
After being hounded out of the hills by GJM seven years ago, he is back in Darjeeling and is understood to control around 80,000 votes.
Which way Ghising will tilt may well determine the outcome.
Election observers in Sikkim to hear grievances
Gangtok, Rarch 28: The observers for the General Election – 2014 are residing at NHPC Guest House, 5th Mile, Tadong and will be interacting with the general public and listening to their grievances  related to elections at NHPC Guest House from 9 am to 10 am every day.
Anyone interested to meet the observers for election related matters  can contact the observers between 9 am to 10 am, an official release said.
The name, contact number and the constituencies assigned to the observers are given below:
1.        Shri B.B.Swain, IAS, General Observer, 7872721137/9978406155

Constituency Assigned: 17 to 31 Parliamentary Constituency

2.       Shri Darse Samuel, IRS, Expenditure Observer, 09530704200/9733834210

Constituency Assigned: 1 to 32 Sikkim Parliamentary Constituency and Sangha

3.       Shri Dinesh Bhoyar, IRS, Expenditure Observer, 9733825593/09545510520

Constituency Assigned: 17 to 24 Assembly Constituency

4.       Shri Rajiv Kumar Singh, IRS, Expenditure Observer, 09490671650/ 07872725199

Constituency Assigned: 25 to 31 Assembly Constituencies

5.       Shri Tshering Angchok, IAS, General Observer

Constituency Assigned: 25 to 31 Assembly Constituency

6.       Shri G.Ashok, IAS, General Observe, 9650428866/7872713819

Constituency Assigned: 1 to 16 Parliamentary Constituency

7.       Shri J.B.Singh, IAS, General Observer, 08527291212/7872728434
HIMALAYAN Heritage
The Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh came under Tibetan influence in 11th century
The Monyul Kingdom existed for a thousand years
    Arunachali Monpa tribal women walk at Sela Pass, at an altitude of 4,100 meters (13,700 feet) near the Indo-China        border, in Arunachal Pradesh.
Earliest records to the area which the Monpas inhabited indicated the existence of a kingdom known as Lhomon or Monyul which existed from 500 B.C to 600 A.D. Subsequent years saw Monyul coming under increasing Tibetan political and cultural influence, which was apparent during the years when Tsangyang Gyatso, an ethnic Monpa, became the Dalai Lama. At that time, Monyul was divided into thirty two districts, all of which spanned the areas of Eastern Bhutan, Tawang, Kameng and Southern Tibet. However, Monyul, also known as Tawang Tract remained thinly populated throughout its history.
In the 11th century, the Northern Monpas in Tawang came under the influence of Tibetan Buddhism of the Nyingma and Kagyu denominations. It was at this time when the Monpas adopted the Tibetan script for their language. Drukpa missionaries made the presence felt in the 13th century and the Gelugpa, in the 17th century, which most Monpas belong to today.
Monyul remained an autonomous entity, of which local monks based in Tawang held great political power within the community, and direct rule over the area from Lhasa was established only in the 17th century. From this time until the early 20th century, Monyul was ruled by the authorities in Lhasa. In 1793 the Manchu-authorities produced a document under the title "Ordinance for the More Efficient Governing of Tibet". It proves that Tibet, included Tawang was considered part of China.
However, in the 19th century, the area began to interest British India. One of the first British-Indian travellers into Monyul, Nain Singh, who visited the area from 1875-6 noted that the Monpas were a conservative people who shunned off contact with the outside world and were making efforts to monopolise trade with Tibet. Owing to its strategic position, subsequently the British sought to make their political influence felt.
In 1914, Britain and its colonial authorities in India drew the McMahon Line, which they claimed to be the border between Chinese Tibet and British India. The line divided the land in which the Monpas inhabited, and became a source of contention in the subsequent years to come owing to ambiguities to the specific location of the McMahon Line.
In subsequent years, China continued to claim the pre-McMahon border as the border between Tibet and India, while British India gradually established effective control over Monyul south of the McMahon line. Following the independence of India and a change of government in China, the dispute became a major issues in the relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India. The McMahon Line was the effective line of control in this period, though the border was somewhat porous. In 1962, a Chinese military patrol which ventured south of the McMahon Line drew a military response from India, which resulted in the Sino-Indian War. During the war, China took effective control of the entire Monyul area south of the McMahon Line as well as some other surrounding areas. However, the war ended with China's voluntary withdrawal north of the McMahon Line. Negotiations on the dispute remain active.
BODY SOUL AND MIND 
Mudras:health at your fingertips
Most people who are always in search of some power don’t realize the value of their hands. The power is in their hands! The mystical pair of hands gifted to mankind by the almighty can do all that one wishes for. The only problem is that most of us don’t recognize its power.
In yoga, hand mudras are termed as the most powerful sources energy. In fact, they are perceived as centres of energy with significant role to play in health and fitness of a body. Regular practice of hand mudras will ensure physical health and peace of mind. No wonder it is known to be a wonderful way for improving overall body strength.
What are Mudras?
These are actually symbolic gestures practiced back in pranayama to stimulate different body organs, glands and nerves and create new energy. A scientific research has also supported the fact that hand gestures and spoken language stimulates the same region in the brain.
Yogic mudras are powerful enough to stimulate the Kundalini power and cure a number of ailments and restore body systems. Hand mudras are of great help in relieving lethargy and improving various psychological problems.
The Powerful Hand Mudras:
Gyan Mudra
As the name suggests, it is the mudra of knowledge. It is known to be an ancient technique practiced by yogis to obtain peace of mind.
How to Practice
Gently press the tip of your thumb to the tip of your index finger.
Keep your other 3 fingers in an upright and relaxed position.
How it Works
The tip of your thumb has centers for pituitary and other endocrine glands. Hence, pressing of a thumb tip activates them.
Benefits of Gyan Mudra
It sharpens memory, enhances mental focus, concentration and spiritual feeling. It is also helpful in dealing with anxiety, sleep problems, hysteria and depressive symptoms.
Pran Mudra
Also known as the mudra of life, it creates energy within the body and enhances strength and immunity to promote a better quality of life.
How to Practise
Bring the points of your little and ring finger in contact with the tip of your thumb.
Keep the other two fingers in a straight position.
Benefits of Pran Mudra
It improves vision.
Apan Vayu Mudra
Also known as Mritsanjeevini mudra or mudra of the heart, it is a first aid step in heart attack.
How to Practise
Touch the hillock of your thumb with your middle and ring finger.
The index finger should touch the base of thumb.
Keep the little finger in erect position all the while.
Benefits of Apan Vayu Mudra
It facilitates heart circulation and relieves pain of angina, a heart disease due to poor blood circulation in your heart.
Prithvi Mudra
The mudra of the earth activates body and reduces physical weaknesses.
How to Practise
Touch the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb.
Stretch out other 3 fingers.
Benefits of Prithvi Mudra
It enhances skin complexion and cures brittle nails, hair loss, premature graying hair, chronic fatigue and any inflammatory diseases.
Linga Mudra
How to Practise
Interlock your fingers together.
Keep the left thumb in upright position.
The upright thumb should be encircled by thumb and index finger of right hand.
Benefits of Linga Mudra
It produces heat in your body and strengthens your immune system. The heat destroys sputum from chest and is suitable for those suffering from repeated colds and coughs.
Varuna Mudra
It is a mudra that balances the water element in your body.
How to Practise
You touch the tip of your little finger and thumb together.
Keep fingers straight.
Benefits of Varuna Mudra
It enhances your physical beauty and is great for asthma, low blood pressure, cold and cough symptoms, and sinus congestion. It restores moisture in dry skin, removes impurities from your blood and keeps you beautiful.
HEALTH Watch
Effects of fear on children’s mental development
By Kuldip Singh Heran
Fear inhibits natural reflexes, natural actions and reactions of children. At the same time children do not know what is right or wrong. In total absence of fear, they may indulge in unwanted activities. Some sort of limited fear or right kind of counselling is also needed for overall development of children.
Excess fear of any kind is very much harmful for mental developments of children. Excess fear will suppress their talent. In presence of fear, children will never express their feelings and their mental developments will not be proper and finally they may be a failure in their career due to mental blocks created by our society members in form of different kinds of fears.
Excess fear can cause different kind of incurable mental diseases. Children must be given some kind of proper freedom but not excess freedom so that there will be proper overall development of personality of children. Such children developed in proper favourable environment will sure to get success in their life. (Kuldip Singh Heran is Principal, Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA), Gangtok, Sikkim)


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

SIKKIM OBSERVER Saturday March 15-21, 2014
Email: jigmekazi@gmail.com; Blog: jigmenkazisikkim.blogspot.com
Fight is between ‘people power’ and ‘money power’: Golay
Cong Prez Kunga Nima joins SKM, says corruption rampant in Sikkim
Gangtok, March 14: Rebel leader and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) President PS Golay has set the agenda for the coming Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in the State. “This election is a battle between people power and money power,” Golay said during a party meeting in Martam, east Sikkim, this week.
“This election this time is not a simple election. It is a battle between Janta Shakti (People Power) and Kalo Dhan ko Shakti (Power of Black Money),” Golay said.
“Many attempts have been made by Pawan Chamling to suppress our movement for change. He has lied continuously. First he said our party was not registered when it was, then rumours were spread that we would not get a symbol.
Golay waves party symbol (lamp)
He even wrote to the Election Commission of India to deregister our party. Many letters were sent. But here also it was a victory for truth,” Talk Sikkim reported.
“I thank the Election Commission and the Government of India for not believing in the false stories and fake letters sent by the SDF party and allotting us the symbol of a lamp,” Golay added.
“This symbol is important to us as it symbolizes light over darkness, the victory of truth over lies.”
Meanwhile, a host of heavyweight leaders from the Bhutia-Lepcha (BLs) community led by Sikkim Congress unit President Kunga Nima Lepcha joined the SKM at the Martam meeting.
The Kaleons, a powerful clan among the BLs, also joined the SKM. They included former minister Sonam G. Kaleon, former Secretary Dechen P. Kaleon and Dup Tshering Bhutia. Former SIDICO General Manager Nedup Tongden Lepcha and DB Gautam also joined the SKM.
Kunga Nima Lepcha
“I am not happy with the way the SDF government is functioning in Sikkim. There has been rampant corruption and mismanagement in the State administration. I feel SKM is a party that can bring a change for good, so I have extended my support by joining the SKM today," said Kunga Nima Lepcha, who quit the Congress recently.
During its meeting, the SKM unveiled the party’s election symbol, a table lamp. Golay said the acquisition of an election symbol from the Election Commission was an achievement for the party which was moving ahead “despite concerted efforts by the ruling party to put obstacles”.
The party symbol was released in the presence of party supporters, locals and 913 persons who joined the SKM. (see edit on page 2)
SDF to make Sikkim ‘self-reliant’: Dahal
Lachenpas feel neglected, remain defiant 
Gangtok, March 14: The ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), which is making concerted efforts to make a comeback for the fifth consecutive term, will focus on making the State ‘self-reliant’ if voted to power again.
“One of the main targets of next term will be to make Sikkim self-reliant,” said SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal at a press conference held here yesterday.
“Our manifesto has been one of the best over the past 20 years which resulted in remarkable growth all over Sikkim. Most of the promises made in the past manifestos have been implemented,” he asserted.
Declaring that SDF will release its election manifesto soon, Dahal said, “Like earlier, this year too we will focus on rural development with 70 % of the budget earmarked for that. Also many hydel projects will be commissioned in coming SDF government.”
The SDF this week declared all its candidates for the coming polls. The list has many former ministers and MLAs and very few new faces. Former ministers such as Ram Bahadur Subba, SB Subedi, KN Rai and Somnath Poudyal have been given party tickets while present ministers DN Takarpa, NK Pradhan, Ran Bahadur Subba and CB  Karki have been dropped.
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will contest from two constituencies: Namchi and Yangang in south Sikkim.
Meanwhile, a large section of SDF supporters have voiced disappointment over allotment of party tickets. Their main grievance is that the old guard has been retained while neglecting the youth.
While Lachen Pipon Cho Rabjor has reportedly welcomed SDF candidate from Lachen-Mangan constituency the Lachenpas feel let down and neglected.
“Young youth from Lachen are really disappointed with the declaration of candidate list whereby no Lachenpa comunity has given a chance to b a representative in SLA not only this time but since from the time when Sikkim join with the mainstream republic of India,” a section of Lachen youths said in a press statement.
“Lachen/Mangan constituency has given a representative from Mangan, Lachung, Chungthang, Singhik but not a single one from Lachen. Are we a second class citizen or neither we have right to choose candidate from SDF side. This shows how much SDF is neglecting the people of Lachen from all point of view.
We have not allowed a hydel project to protect our motherland from exploitation but it doesn't mean that we should be subjected to neglect. Time will come to give a befitting reply in future.” (see edit on page 2)
SDF sabotaging my LS poll campaign: Bhaichung
“Chamling Govt did not give me land for football academy”
Gangtok, March 14: It is not only the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha in Darjeeling which is opposing Bhaichung Bhutia in the coming Lok Sabha polls but the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front, too, is anti-Bhutia.
Former Indian football captain has accused the SDF of attempting to sabotage his Lok Sabha election campaign.
This revelation came during an Bhaichung’s interview with Sikkim Express.
“SDF sabotaging my election campaign. Why is it always trying to create hurdles for me?” the Express reported.
According to Baichung, the SDF is wooing some TMC Hills functionaries and promising to finance them should they contest as an independent candidate against him.
“SDF is strong in financial resources and is trying to sabotage my campaign by offering money to independents to stand against me,” Bhaichung said.
In the interview Bhaichung also revealed how the Chamling government failed to offer him land to set up a football academy in the State. “I tried my best to set up a football academy in my home state despite offers from other state governments. The Sikkim government did not give me land for the academy. Other sports persons also did not get land for their academies. They create hurdles in everything and then accuse us of not doing enough for the home state.”
“Earlier foreign players used to come and play in Sikkim freely but the moment my club got promoted into I-League, the state government imposed restrictions on foreign players coming to Sikkim.”
“The SDF government only talks about cash awards for sportsperson of Sikkim but does not help in making sports persons capable of winning.”
GJM to support BJP’s Alluwalia
Ahluwalia

In its third list for Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday night named 75 candidates for West Bengal, Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Jharkhand and Maharashtra. Seniors leaders like Sushma Swaraj from Vidisha in Madhya Pradesh, SS Ahluwalia from West Bengal's Darjeeling and Kirti Azad from Darbhanga in Bihar feature in the list.
The list has seven candidates who will contest from West Bengal including Ahluwalia with the Gurkha Janmukti Morcha pledging its support for him.
Earlier, Morcha  chief Bimal Gurung  said Trinamool Congress’s candidate from Darjeeling Bhaichung Bhutia will face defeat.
Gurung said on Wednesday that the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal has not done anything for the hills people so far. 
Gurung said, he had full faith in the BJP, which has promised separate Grokhaland state in its manifesto. In 2009, veteran BJP leader Jaswant Singh won the Darjeeling seat with the backing of the GJM.
Media is 'sold', paid to promote Modi: Kejriwal
New Delhi, March 14: Kicking off a fresh controversy, Arvind Kejriwal has alleged that the whole media is "sold" and "heavy amounts" have been paid to promote BJP's prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi.
But he later denied having made the accusations against the media after his remarks came under attack from Congress, BJP and CPI.
"Since the last one year, we have been told that Modi is here, Modi is there. Since one year, Modi has also been saying that. Even some TV channels have been saying that 'Ram Rajya' has come and corruption has vanished....
"Why did they do it? Because money has been paid to TV channels. Heavy amounts have been paid to promote Modi," Kejriwal alleged in a video aired by a TV channel.
"Around 800 farmers have committed suicide in Gujarat in the past 10 years, but none of the channels showed it," he alleged and added that farmers have sold their land to a company for just "one rupee but even this has not been shown by any channel."
Hitting out at the media for focusing on his security deployment, he charged that the "whole media is sold this time, it is a big conspiracy, it is a huge political controversy. If our government comes to power then we will set up an inquiry into this. And along with the media people, all will be sent to jail".
Editorial
SIKKIM POLLS
Old Guard Vs Young Turks
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) chief PS Golay ought to be happy man to see his former mentor Pawan Chamling, Chief Minister and ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) President,  field the old guard for the coming polls, including the lone Lok Sabha seat. For a party which has promised change in how Sikkim is being run the nomination of the ruling party’s old guard for the Assembly as well as the Lok Sabha seat has given much hope and confidence to the Opposition in the ensuing polls. Much of Sikkim’s sad state of affairs can be placed on those who were in power with Chamling ever since SDF formed the government in December 1994. In fact, some of them have been three-term ministers in the Chamling Government. Chamling, therefore,  cannot alone be faulted for reducing Sikkim into a ‘one party system and one-man rule’ State  in the past two decades. His colleagues, who have been allotted Assembly seats, are equally responsible for not speaking up and becoming mere sycophants.
People do not have much hope on Chamling’s old team and will enthusiastically support the SKM. Infact, many SDF supporters have joined SKM after the announcement of SDF candidates this week. The fact is there are very few people in Sikkim who are fit to be elected to the Assembly. Many responsible personalities have opted out of electoral politics mainly because of the corrupt and irresponsible manner in Sikkim has been run in the past so many decades. The Aaam Aadmi Party fever has not come to Sikkim and unlike in the rest of India responsible individuals are not responsive to political situation in the former kingdom. Hopefully, the new breed of young turks in the SKM seeking change will provide the right atmosphere for a more open, free, just and democratic society in Sikkim.
Areas around Sikkim sanctuaries to get ‘eco-sensitive’ tag
New Delhi, March 14: Areas surrounding Sikkim's three sanctuaries, which are home to carnivores, herbivores, birds and magnificent rhododendron forests, will soon be declared as Eco-Sensitive Zones by the Centre.
The Union Environment Ministry this week issued draft notifications inviting suggestions on the proposals to declare environmentally-fragile areas surrounding the Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kitam Bird Sanctuary and Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary as Eco-Sensitive Zones.
The move is aimed at conserving and protecting the ecologically-fragile areas bordering these sanctuaries from developmental activities like mining, PTI reported.
Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuary is a trans-boundary protected area in the West District of Sikkim bordering Nepal. The sanctuary, spread over an area of 104 sq.Km, is a rich storehouse of flora.
Kitam Bird Sanctuary in South Sikkim harbours a unique association of Sal and Chir Pine forests which nestle a large number of peafowl, the national bird.
It also houses the common leopard, Assamese macaque, Rhesus Macaque, barking deer, wild boar, Himalayan Palm Civet and Indian rock python.
Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary, lying over an area of 35.34 sq.Km is home to wildlife, dwarf bamboo thickets, rhododendron forests, patches of chestnut and oak and still undiscovered epiphytes.
China plans taking Tibet rail network near Sikkim
New Delhi, March 14: China last  Thursday announced that an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet railway network will reach Xigase in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), the hometown of the 11th Panchen Lama and located close to the Indian border in Sikkim.
“An extension of the Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world’s highest, will reach the residence of the Panchen Lama at Xigaze, Tibet, the contractors confirmed on Thursday,” the official news agency, Xinhua, said, The Hindustan Times reported..
The headquarters of Beijing-backed 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu is based at Xigaze, also known as Shigatse, located close to North Sikkim border.
China projects the Panchen Lama as an alternative to the India-based Dalai Lama, termed a separatist by Beijing. The announcement of the railway network extension comes during the ongoing sessions of China’s rubber-stamp Parliament, the National People’s Congress and the country’s top advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
The report said the extension will help the faithful to worship “Buddha in Lhasa and Xigase”. Quoting Tob Chung, a lama at the Tashihunpo monastery, the seat of the Panchen Lama, the report said: “It is the common dream of all the Tibetan faithful to worship the Buddha in Lhasa and Xigaze. The railway will make the journey safer and easier.”
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway began service in July 2006 and, according to the report, had positively impacted on Tibet’s tourism, hospitality and manufacturing sectors.
The plateau railway which covers 1,956 km from Xining in Qinghai Province to Lhasa carried 11.7 million passengers and 57.8 million tonnes of cargo in 2013. The announcement comes at a time when the government says that the economy of TAR grew 12.2% in 2013.
Don’t play politics with death, Gurungs tell SDF
Gangtok, March 14: Members of Gurung community from various parts of the State have alleged that the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front is using the death of NK Gurung to gain political mileage.
“The entire Gurung community across Sikkim is deeply moved by the loss of one of the members of the community but the most disheartening part is that NK Gurung’s death is being used by the ruling front for political mileage,” said TT Gurung at a  press conference held this week.
“We appeal to all political parties to remove posters of NK Gurung put up all over the State. We also demand a fair and independent enquiry,” said Bikram Gurung.
 NK Gurung, said to be member of the ruling party, was killed on March 4, the day SDF celebrated its anniversary.
The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha has demanded a CBI probe on the death.
Press under threat in Sikkim, no action taken
Shangrila Times office vandalized
Gangtok, March 14: Media-bashing in India’s youngest State has come to stay. Despite the condemnation and protests the authorities stubbornly refuse to pay heed to press freedom in the State.
Last week, Pappu Mallick, a photo journalist working for UB Photos (A News Agency) in the State, was threatened by “unknown persons” at Indira Gandhi Bye Pass. Mallick’s photographs appear in various publications in the State and outside.
Mallick, in a press release, said he was threatened with “abusive language and warned me to leave my profession as a media person.”
“They warned me to not do any kind of reporting and photo journalism,” Mallick said.
He has lodged a FIR here at the Sadar Police Station.
Earlier this week, the printing press of Shangrila Times, a Nepali daily published from Gangtok by political activist and writer DN Nepal, was “vandalized”.
The office of Nepali daily Sangrila Times was vandalized in what is being said was another attack on the media.
“I am ashamed to say that none from the media [except for SIKKIM EXPRESS] acknowledged or condemned the threats and warnings that we at Talk Sikkim have been receiving and which we complained about publicly or the vile rants on me personally on social media,” said Talk Sikkim editor Mita Zulca recently.
Talk Sikkim, a monthly newsmagazine that highlighted activities of Sikkim Krantikari Morch (SKM) led by PS Golay, closed down recently, leaving Zulca to bring out her own publication, Sikkim Talks.
Recently, the printing press workers of Sikkim Express and Himali Bela, were assaulted by a member of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front.
Sharmila released from custody, supports AAP
“I’m a simple protester”
Imphal, March 13: Manipur’s anti-AFSPA activist Irom Chanu Sharmila was freed from detention on Thursday afternoon, a day ahead of her 42nd birthday.
Sharmila, who has been on hunger strike for the last 13 years and is force-fed, demanding repeal of the AFSPA, is ritually arrested on the charge of attempting to commit suicide on an annual basis.
   She had been similarly released on completion of jail term in past years, but re-arrested after two-three days for refusal to withdraw her fast.
Sharmila, who is confined to a Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) hospital security ward during detention, had launched her fast on November 4, 2000, two days after security forces killed 10 people at Malom on the outskirts of Imphal.
Minutes after being freed following a district court order, Sharmila informed that she will continue her strike.
Meanwhile,  the rights crusader rejected chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh’s offer to join the Congress and instead extended her support to the Aam Aadmi Party led by Arvind Kejriwal.
“The chief minister came on an unannounced visit in February and asked me to join his party for jointly taking up the issue of repealing the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. I did not give any response to the invitation,” Sharmila told reporters on Thursday.
“I am simple protester. I don’t want to join politics. But I want to see a government run by the AAP installed in New Delhi.”
 BJP threatens to review AADHAAR card scheme
“Illegal immigrants granted citizenship”
Bangalore, March 14: Terming the manner in which the Aadhaar project is being implemented as dangerous to the country’s security, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday indicated that it may review some of its aspects if it comes to power.
Speaking to presspersons here on the sidelines of an interaction with college students on election issues, BJP national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi also sought a CBI probe into various aspects of the Aadhaar project, including the manner in which finances had been allocated for it.
When asked if the BJP would scrap the project if it comes to power, Ms. Lekhi said, “Aadhaar needs a re-look to see if anything has gone wrong and to know who stores and shares the biometric data of citizens.”
Earlier, at the interaction, she launched an attack on Unique Identification Authority of India chairman and Infosys cofounder Nandan Nilekani, who is taking on BJP’s five-time MP Ananth Kumar in Bangalore South on the Congress ticket. She said Aadhaar was a project for which one had to be condemned rather than appreciated.
“I will be ashamed to take credit for such a project,” she said.
Without taking Nilekani’s name,  Lekhi alleged that the Aadhaar project was dangerous and also posed a threat to the country’s security as it regularised the stay of illegal immigrants from other countries by granting citizenship to them at the cost of the welfare of genuine residents.
Aadhaar project had violated the Parliamentary norms and the direction issued by the Supreme Court to ensure that it was not made mandatory for offering services and foreign citizens were not enrolled under it, she said.
She also accused the UPA government of ignoring the country’s security interests by providing political positions to some of those who allegedly had links with Maoists.
HIMALAYAN HERITAGE Sikkim
SIKKIM: Sacred Hidden Land of Guru Rinpoche

Statue of Guru Rinpoche in Namchi, South Sikkim.
Guru Padmasambhava was known in Tibet as one of the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism, who appeared in Tibet in 749 A.D, and spent 54 years. Other two founders were Acharya Shanta Rakshita and prevalent King Thisong Deotsen. Padmasambhava’s birth in this world was mixed with myth and legend. The Buddha Shakya Muni’s prophecy about the emanation of Padmasambhava in this world was found recorded in various Sutra and Tantra Texts. Following is one of the records maintained in a Sutra called- “Myang-hDas-mDo”:
“OH MY ASHUSMAN DISCIPLE ANANDA AND OTHERS! AFTER MY PASSING AWAY, THAT IS TWELVE YEARS LATER, (It may perhaps referring to twelve hundred years) A PERSON FAR SUPERIOR TO ME WHO WOULD BE THE LORD OF MASS, NAMED PADMASAMBHAVA WILL BE EMANATED. LIKE A GEM FROM THE SEA LIKE USHNISHA VIJAYA AMONG MEDICINAL DIVINITIES LIKE SUN AND MOON AMONG THE CLUSTERS OF STARS LIKE A LION AMONG THE BEASTS AND LIKE A GAUDA (king of birds) AMONG THE BIRDS.”
It is said that from the Western Blissful Paradise, Buddha Amitabha had committed to take birth in the incarnate form of Padmasambhava for the welfare of sentient beings in the Jambu Dwipa , the spiritual country of Buddha Shakya Muni. The lord Amitabha chooses his birth-place in ‘Dhanakosa Lake ’ in ancient Urgen Country, which is spiritually believed to be a sacrosanct place of Vidhya-dhara, cardinal cemetery of eight great cemeteries and also regarded a centre of Ten Abodes of Heruka Deities.       
As per the text called- ‘rNam-Thar- Zangs-gling’ the Buddha Amitabhava further chosen King Indra Bhuti of Urgen country as his father since he was a Chakravarti Raja embodied with the knowledge of both civil and religious laws, and untouched by denigration to his nature and character. The so called king had no heir although he possesses a large number of queens. As advised by his courtiers the King used his wealth in charity to get himself blessed with child. Obviously, at the end, his entire treasures were exhausted. But he still finds the beggars and mendicants in ques.
In order to procure more wealth he proceeded to Naga Island in the Sea to meet the Serpent Queen to beg for the wishful filing gem. The Serpent queen after having listened to the story of the king felt pity and gave away her most precious gem which produces wealth. While on his way back to Palace he and his crew members came across a lake where a wonderful child about 8 years old was sitting inside a multi-coloured Lotus. Amazingly, the child talks like that of a matured person.
 The king, after interaction with this divine-child, asked him to be his heir, which the child agreed. As per the text called- ‘Phurpa gNam-lChag spu-Gri’ it is described thus:- “Untouched by the defilement of mother’s womb, the Lord took a miraculous birth from the Lotus” After reaching the Palace, the child was ceremoniously placed on the golden throne. Afterwards, king made his wishes by rubbing the gem and his treasure house was refilled with wealth. Then he resumed his charity and satisfied all who came for alms.
 Time went by and Padmasambhava has been grown up to a young man. He thought, if he becomes a king he cannot give mass spiritual benefit to human kind. If he deserts the kingly possession and gain spiritual knowledge, he could disseminate Esoteric Doctrine to lot of yearning practitioners. So in order to get out of the palace he performs a mystic dance on the terrace of the palace with a trident in hand and pretended it fallen off from his hand, which killed the son of a malevolent minister, below.
Following which, Padmasambhava was banished to ‘Silwa-Tsal cemetery, situated in the eastern direction of Urgen country as per the law of the king’s court. Padmasambhava did his mystic practices in number of scary cemeteries like Silwa tsal, Gawo Tsal, Sosaling etc. living his life on cloths and food stuffs of deceased and thereby enhanced his spiritual power. He acquired intensive knowledge on three folds of Yoga tantra from various Buddhist Tantric Saints living in different holy places of India. He earned eight different names in different deeds as ‘Guru Tsen- Gyad’. He specialized in the teachings of Ka-gyad Dershek Dupa, which is a collective term used to denote the group of the deities of eight Sadhana teachings associated with Eight Chief Tutelary Deities of the Mahayoga Tantra.
Guru Padmasambhava obtained these Sadhana Teachings from Indian Buddhist Masters or Vidhyadharas and later transmitted to his chief Tibetan disciples for practicing upon this Sadhana. During the erstwhile Kingdom, Ka-Gyad was adopted as Chogyal’s (King) Tutelary Deity and its ceremony was held at Royal Chapel at Gangtok. During which time Government declared two days holidays in the name of ‘Ka-Gyad dance’ to enable the employees to attend the festival.
   One of the magnificent deeds he had performed in Himachal Pradesh is at present Riwalsar Lake where he was burnt alive upon the piles of Sandal wood with large amount of mustard oil by the order of then King. But as a matter of surprise to the king, he was unaffected by the fire and converted the mustard oil to a lake, and himself seated on Lotus petal floated on the surface of the lake. The king deeply impressed with his feat and embraced Buddhism.
 His arrival in Tibet: In 8th century A.D. Then King Thisrong Deotsen who was incarnate of Lord Manjushri at his twenty became a staunch admirer of Buddhism and in order to propagate the same in Tibet he invited a learned Indian Teacher Shanta Rakshita. The master began his teaching on rTen-hBrel bChunyi (twelve dependent origination) and Gewa Chu (ten Virtues). As an oath of loyalty to the cause of Buddhism, The King committed to construct a monastery and soon started its construction. But local demons and evil spirits cast obstacles and hindered its progress. Whatever was built in the day time by human beings was destroyed by demons at night. This incident disheartened the king but Shanta Rakshita consoled the king to keep courage and advised him to invite Guru Padmasambhava to tackle the evils.
Although Shanta Rakshita was well versed in outer and inner Doctrine yet it was his inability to deal with the powerful local demons. He further narrated to the king about the relation of both of them with the Guru Padmasambhava in previous life and destined to meet in Tibet to consolidate Buddhism. After having learnt this fact the King sent an envoy called Bami Thiser with present to invite Guru Padmasambhava. The Guru however knew about this and went swiftly from Nepal to the Dzara bagya cave in Mangyul, a district in upper Tibet bordering Nepal, where the envoy met him and apprised the guru of king’s wishes. In Tibet Guru subjugated all the evils under his domain and succeeded in completing Samye Monastery. From this monastery he propagated Buddha’s doctrine with the help of Shanta Rakshita fulfilling the wishes of King Thisrong Deotsen.
His visit to Sikkim: Guru Padmasambhava after completing his spiritual mission in Tibet selected four major hidden lands and four minor hidden lands around Tibet. During his quest for hidden lands around Tibet, paid visit to this land along with his twenty five disciples. The purpose of looking for hidden land was to prepare spiritual resorts for the Dharma practitioners who would be taking refuge in these lands in future when Dharma declines with the approach of degenerate age (sNyigs-ma lNga) in Tibet. Guru made his first visit to present Guru Dongmar Lake in North Sikkim to test an omen in the Lake. After finding a favourable sign in the lake, he miraculously landed on Tashidhing hill in west Sikkim, along with his 25 disciples and thereby sanctified entire landscape while marking this hill as a navel point of the sacred land- ‘De-jong’. Thereafter, the Guru explored the entire parts of De-jong blessing and sanctifying caves, rock, lakes, streams and left his foot prints on the rocks.
    Gurudongmar Lake, Lachen, North Sikkim.
He also concealed many religious treasures in its major places of worship for future spiritual followers. At the same time exorcised a number of Demons, Nagas and Yakshas who attempted to hinder his spiritual works and thereby inducted them in the class of the “Ney-Dag Cho-Sung” (the guardian of the sacred places and the defender of Dharma). After consecrating entire holy places he made his last wish to reappear in this sacred land in three incarnate forms in times to come as ‘Naljor Che-Zhi’ to disseminate Buddhas doctrine to his future followers.
About 1372 A.D, one treasure revealer lama called Rigdzin Goedem visited this land, revealed many treasure-texts for restoring Gurus precious teachings and also wrote about the location of the Sacred places, which had been useful to the lamas of later eras. In1642 A.D, arrived three Noble Saints from Tibet who were known as (i) Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo, (ii) Ngadag Sempa Rigzin Phuntshog and (iii) Kathog Kuntu Zangpo. They entered this sacred land from north, south and western gates as a religious way of opening a sacred land in order to carry out their holy mission to introduce Buddhism.
Coronation throne in Norbugang, Yuksam, West Sikkim.
The three Lamas first assembled at a place called NORBU GANG in western Sikkim which was later called “Yuksam” by the then living Lepchas. The lamas, acting in anticipation of Lord Guru’s prophecy, sent a search party towards the east direction to find the fourth person destined to be the Chogyal or Dharma king of this land. The party wandering through the stiff hills and valleys reached finally at present Gangtok and found the man called “Phuntshog” as mentioned in the prophecy text. They first conveyed to Phuntshog the message sent by the Noble Saints.        
  Shortly afterwards, Phuntshog left for Yuksam with his family and attendants. The Three Lamas welcomed him and accordingly consecrated “Phuntshog” as Chogyal of Demo-jong in Water-Horse year which corresponds to 1642 A.D. Four of them were known in the history as “rNal-hByor-mChed-bZhi” or Four Yogi Brothers”.
The stone thrones of the four Yogi Brothers are still stand at Norbugang at Yuksam as a milestone in the history of Sikkim. In the same year, the three lamas built a stupa at Norbugang incorporating rocks and soils collected from all parts of Sikkim to mark this important event and called it “TASHI-HODBAR CHHOEDTEN”. This Chodten may be a first Buddhist Stupa ever built in Sikkim. With the blessing of those three pioneer lamas Six premiers monasteries were founded i.e. Pemayangtse (West),Tashiding(West), Phensang (North), Ralong (South), Rumtek (East) and Phodang (North). In course of time, many other sub monasteries and religious monuments were built by the lamas and Devotees.
Today images/idols of Guru Padmasambhava are found enshrined in each and every monastery in Sikkim as main worshipping objects by the lamas. Especially on tenth day of every Tibetan month Guru Tsechu puja is performed to mark his birth anniversary as well as to pray for peace & prosperity of this land. (Ecclesiastical Department, Government of Sikkim)

The Lepchas campaign for PS Golay’s Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) in remote Dzongu, North Sikkim. 
Just Out!!
Book: The Lone Warrior: Exiled In My Homeland
Publisher: Hill Media Publications, Gangtok, Sikkim
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Monday, March 17, 2014

              BATTLE FOR SIKKIM      
             “It is better to light a candle
                than curse the darkness.”
                                        

                                          FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT
   All those who march forward into battle in Sikkim next month in the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls remember one thing: “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”
  There’s no win without a fight…so fight hard and win…win the hearts and minds of those who have placed their hope on you.
Good Luck and Cheers,
(Jigme N Kazi)

Journalist & Writer