TUESDAY, AUGUST, 19, 2008

4th Pay Commission constituted
2-member Commission to study existing pay structures and make feasible recommendations by next March 31

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 18: The State Government today constituted a two member 4th Pay Commission headed by former Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court RK Patra to examine the pay structure of different state services and submit its final report with appropriate recommendations by March 31, 2009.
Managing Director of State Bank of Sikkim, Bijoy Pratap Pradhan is the other member of the newly constituted Commission that was notified today by the Department of Personnel.
The 4th Pay Commission has been entrusted to examine pay scales of all categories of state government employees and to suggest changes which may be feasible and desirable.
After studying the existing grades in Government Services, the Commission will suggest changes for ensuring uniformity in scales of pay commensurate with duties and responsibilities expected from each grade and also to suggest increase or reduction in the number of grade.
The Commission will also suggest the date to the State Government from which the changes or improvements recommended by it should become effective.
The Commission will examine the variety of allowances and benefit in kind that are presently available to the employees in addition to pay and to suggest rationalization and simplification thereof with a view to promote efficiency in administration.
Existing rules relating to death-cum-retirement benefits and to suggest desirable changes will also be examined by the Commission besides studying the existing rates of TA/DA and to suggest changes, if necessary.
Leave and travel concession facilities to be extended to state government employees have also been entrusted to the Commission.
The Commission has also been empowered to co-opt services of other officers of the stat government if required.
The Commission shall submit its final report to the state government by March 31, 2009, the notification reads.

SE Report
SILIGURI, August 18: Chote Ustaad finalist Prakriti Giri inaugurated Neeldavid’s Hair and Beauty Academy here yesterday.
Neeldavid, who has three saloons and a hair academy in Kathmandu is running a beauty saloon in Siliguri for the past four months.
The saloon located at City Mall Bazar Kolkata, Sevoke Road in Siliguri also offers one month, three months and six months and six months hair, beauty and make up course.
The famous hair designer promises value services for both men and women. It offers 100 percent guarantee hair straighten, latest hair cuts like Razor, slice and Korean, multi colour hair extension and hair treatment. Besides, it offers different facial, bleach, manicure, pedicure, threading and face pack while makeup & Bridal & Groom Package will be through home service.
Registered members will be availing a discount of 25 percent.
Interested people can contact Santosh Upadhaya (MD), Neeldavid’s Saloon or call 973591215.

MCIC operators demand transparency on privatization drive
Indefinite pen down strike from Aug 20 if MoU is not made public

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 18: Fears of downsizing and pending salary payments have forced the operators of 45 Community Information Centres (CIC) in the State to resort to a threat of indefinite pen down strike if the state government does not make public the privatization drive of the CICs.
Or rather it should be can be termed as a ‘mouse down’ strike as these 90 operators man and run the CICs spread in remote corners of the State including the highest CIC in the nation located at Sherathang at an altitude of above 13,000 ft.
The State-wide withdrawal from service will begin from August 20 unless the concerned Information Technology does not come public on the privatization of the CICs based in Sikkim within the next 24 hours.
If the department does not show the memorandum of the understanding signed between the state government and Comet Pvt Limited within 24 hours, then all the CIC operators will go for an indefinite pen down strike from August 20, said Raju Pradhan, president of the CIC Employees Association.
Comet Pvt Limited, a Bangalore based IT company has been handed to run the CICs by the State Government.
The Association has requested an urgent intervention from the Chief Minister over the issue.
According to sources, the agreement was inked on April 28 this year after the Centre rolled back its funding to the CICs set up in all the NE states.
The Union Ministry of Communications had earlier set the deadline of February 2007 for the roll back of the Central assistance to CICS in the NE states triggering demands for more continued assistance for a period of five more years from the states.
The Ministry had said that after termination of the Central assistance, all the states have to adopt their own CICs.
In an ambitious project launched in 2002, the Centre government had created more than 500 in rural areas of the eight northeast states with the objective bridge the digital gap between the northeast region and rest of the country besides building human resources of the region in IT sector.
The Sikkim CIC operators have strongly opposed the State CICs being handed to the private company and have demanded the centres to be taken under the state government.
The operators further claimed that they have not received their salaries in the past 3 months this year. They also expressed their concerns that manpower will be downsized after the private company takes over the CICs.
The company is likely to get operational from the month of September.
Being employed since 2002, age issue is also major problem for the CIC operators at this state of life as they are gradually graying to qualify for other government jobs.
“The company is carrying out survey in the state that too without the permission from the state home department”, said Pradhan in the press meet.
The operators have demanded an increase in the pay scale or upgrade the posts to that of work charge.
Citing the example of the Tripura government where the concerned department Rural Management Department has taken up all the CIC’s in that state, Mr. Pradhan said that the same can be done here as well.
The CIC operators’ association president expressed his regrets that there has been no increase in the salary of the operators since start of the CIC’s in the state.
The concerned department has been accused of illegally issues a certificate of training in other company’s name for the training which is being imparted by the CIC operators.
“During the last six months we have tirelessly working day and night to impart the education of computer knowledge to the rural people including Panchayat, students and the local village people and this is what we are getting in return”, Mr. Pradhan said.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 18: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) today accused the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling of maintaining double standards on the issue of pay revision for the state government employees.
A press release issued by SPCC generals secretary KN Lepcha accuses the Chief Minister of ‘misleading’ the State Government employees and their families by declaring that ‘pay revision would take place immediately’ in his I-Day address. The announcement came at a time when the state government had not even constituted the Pay Commission to examine the pay structure of the state government employees, he said.
The state government notified the constitution of the 4th Pay Commission only today contrary to the Chief Minister’s I-Day declaration, said the Congress party.
As per the notification, the 4th Pay Commission will be submitting its final report by March 31, next year.
“The 4th Pay Commission ought to have been constituted much before in view of the fact that the pay revision had fallen due in 2006. Delay in constitution of the Commission has resulted in denial of justice to the Sikkim Government employees”, said the SPCC general secretary.
The party also claimed that the notification is ‘silent’ on the benefits to be accrued to the retired state government servants of all categories. The Centre has already declared that existing pensioners will have their new pension fixed at half of the starting salary of the rank they retired besides dearness allowances they are entitled to, said SPCC.
“The retired government servants are in dilemma whether they will come within the purview of the pay revision and if not why such step motherly treatment”, the party said.
The Union cabinet has already approved the recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission giving the Central employees around 21 percent pay hike.
SPCC has suggested the state government to take ‘immediate’ actions expedite its pay revision process and provide relief to the state government employees against the ‘vagaries of inflation’.
The party also warned the SDF government to ‘refrain’ from taking ‘political mileage’ from the pay revision on the eve of the state elections.

Our Correspondent
DARJEELING, August 18: Reiterating that the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) will ‘walk out’ if Gorkhaland agenda does not figure in the upcoming tripartite talks, party chief Bimal Gurung said today that “if needed be, a call will be given to the Gorkha brothers guarding the border” in the final showdown.
“We will simply walk out if there is no discussion on Gorkhaland in the tripartite talks. We will give a call to our brothers guarding the nation’s borders and those working in police forces in the final moment”, said Mr. Gurung.
The tripartite talks are scheduled possibly at the end of this month between GJM, Centre and West Bengal government. The state government has already rejected the Gorkhaland demand.
On the other hand, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi has directed Union Minister Pranab Mukherjee to hold initial parleys with GJM to give a shape on the agendas to be placed before the proposed tripartite talks.
“We won’t accept anything less than Gorkhaland and we also know how to attain our rights”, said Mr. Gurung to a strong contingent of people from Dooars-Siliguri-Teria region at Darjeeling.
Around 680 people from Siliguri-Dooars-Terai region had marched on foot to Darjeeling today morning. They had began their march on August 16 demanding that Nepali dominated areas in Jalpaiguri district should be included in the proposed Gorkhaland territory.
The people from this region have not forgotten the bitter somersault of Subash Ghisingh in 1986. The Nepali dominated areas of Siliguri-Dooars-Terai have been left out of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) in the peace accord signed that year by Ghisingh despite their sacrifices in the agitation.
Fearing a repeat of 1986, the Nepali speaking people of these plain areas mobilized a strong contingent and made a strong presentation before the GJM chief.
In response, Mr. Gurung committed that the territories of Siliguri-Jalpaiguri will not be left out. He also claimed that those CPIM families who have been displaced in the 1986 by GNLF from Darjeeling hills and forced to rehabilitate in Siliguri are now leaving the party and coming in support of Gorkhaland movement.
GJM Siliguri unit general secretary Madhusudhan Thapa who had accompanied the marchers said that businessmen from Siliguri are completely supporting the Gorkhaland demand. Even the Adivasi people from the plains are with us and are demanding Gorkhaland, he said.
“We request a representative from Siliguri to attend the tripartite talks which should only discuss on Gorkhaland”, said GJM Siliguri vice president Bikram Chettri. There should be no compromise on the proposed map of Gorkhaland, he said.
42- year old Sadu Mukhia who was part of the marchers said that he had undertaken the three day march to Darjeeling for the future of the coming generation. “This new movement will be successful. We must get freedom from the Bengal exploitation”, he said.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 18: Former minister and high profile businessman, Thukchuk Lachungpa was today arrested by the Ranipool Police after his bail petition was rejected by the Chief Judicial Magistrate (North/East district) in connection to the May 29 bridge collapse at Chingey near Adampool, Rumtek constituency.
Four labourers had been killed and scores of other people including the contractor, Mr. Lachunpga himself had been injured in the incident.
While hearing the bail petition case today, the CJM rejected the bail petition of Mr. Lachungpa on the ground of ‘violation of police bail condition’.
Later at around 3 pm in the afternoon, Ranipool police station in charge and the investigation officer Arun Thatal affected the arrest of the accused.
Mr. Lachungpa will be produced before the CJM tomorrow for further remands.
An appeal has been filed at Sikkim High Court today by the legal counsel of Mr. Lachungpa and hearing is expected to take place tomorrow.
The case has been registered under section 304/336/337 of the Indian Penal Code at Ranipool station against Mr. Lachungpa.
The RMD department under which the PGMSY road and bridge falls had lodged a FIR at Ranipool police station accusing the contractor of complete departure of departmental guidelines and going ahead with the casting process despite being directed not to do so. The 15 m long bridge was part of a PGMSY road project linking Rumtek with Lower Chingey.
Mr. Lachungpa escaped police arrest for more than a month after getting an interim bail from the district court on medical grounds. He had also refuted the allegations of the RMD department and claimed that he was fully complying with the departmental guidelines and the concerned authorities had been ‘satisfied’.
“I was doing construction under the guidance of the department. I was following the guidelines and drawings supplied by the department time to time”, he had said to media while under treatment at the Manipal CRH.
He had also informed that on the day of bridge collapse, the DE, AE, JE and supervisor were present at the spot monitoring the casting processing.
All the four RMD officials have already been placed under suspension.
Mr. Lachungpa is also the Chief Convener of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 18: A large number of regular customers of the State Bank of India were hit hard with the daylong strike called by the Bank today.
Officers of State Bank of India and its seven associate banks went on a day-long nationwide strike today to protest the government's decision to merge the State Bank of Saurashtra, an associate bank, with it.
The strike was also observed all over the State with the officers of all branches of SBI boycotting work. “Our other demand includes the extension of super annuation benefit of SBI officers to the officers of associate banks,” one of the bank employees told SIKKIM EXPRESS.
The most affected were the ones who had come to the Capital for the transactions through ATM counters and those who had come to the main branch for deposits.
“I had to deposit some money for my son but due to strike, I had to go home without any works done. I need to come again from Pakyong tomorrow,” said Karma Bhutia.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 18: The Travel Agents Association of Sikkim (TAAS) will be embarking on an enhanced tourism sensitization and promotion drive besides providing backend support to all the tourism stakeholders in the state.
The decision to play a more proactive role was reached after the body presented its roadmap to the State tourism minister RB Subba and tourism secretary, SBS Bhaduria here today.
The tourism minister gave a green signal and assured to help TAAS to take the tourism drive to village level stakeholders.
As per the drive, TAAS will assist the promotion of tourism taken up by various stake holders such as Tourism Development Committees, Home Stays, Village Tourism Bodies, Ecotourism Committees and societies at an institutional level, informs a press release issued by TAAS general secretary, Lukendra Rasaily.
The apex tourism body in the state has decided to visit each and every organisation to support their promotional venture. It is also decided that institutional and village level training for stake holders and trainers will be conducted. Meetings will be conducted to find out the needs and aspiration of various stake holders of the state, Mr. Rasaily said.
TAAS will be embarking on a Mumbai Road Show where different tourism product packaged by various tourism stake holders located in different parts of Sikkim will be showcased.
“TAAS will play a vital role in publicity and marketing of tourism product on sustainable development process so that the economic benefit of tourism is percolated to the masses directly”, the general secretary said. Associate membership will be accorded to different village level organisation to achieve a proper dissemination of information and close co-ordination of stake holders for the promotion of quality tourism, conservation of environment and culture, he added.
In this tourism drive, TAAS will be voicing issues on behalf of Ecotourism Committees, Tourism Development Committees and Village Tourism Committees. Workshop and seminar will be conducted for the entire tourism stake holders by the body.
Village level committees can contact TAAS president or the general secretary for any support for the promotion of tourism in their respective areas.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 18: NINE on 91.9 FM, Sikkim’s own first ever private FM Channel, is all set to hit the air waves any day now.
A “station for the people by the people” promises quality entertainment with programming of international standards with a local flavour. It promise also includes state of the art "customized" equipment from Clyde Broadcast, Scotland and Harris, USA.
Celebrating 61st year of Independence, NINE organized the “The Nine Freedom Rock Tour 08" in collaboration with the Sikkim State Aids Control Society here at the Guards Ground, Tathangchen on August 17.
With the organization of the rock show, NINE has spread the cause of AIDS Awareness in a way befitting those who are genuinely socially conscious.
NK Pradhan, MLA Gangtok, who was the chief guest at the show, said “The old media, radio today has taken a new avatar which the people of Sikkim were missing. I believe NINE will bridge the gap".
Other dignitaries included NT Sherpa, Project Director, SSACS and Tshering Bhutia, Assistant Director, SSACS.
The star attraction at the Concert was the band from Kolkata "Hip Pocket" who shared the stage with 'Om' from Darjeeling and Sikkim's home boys 'Still Waters'. The show was a smashing success and many who attended wanted the station to start right away.
Bobby Gupta, the CEO of Chinar Circuits Limited, the promoter of the company, said that he was extremely honoured to be part of this historical moment where Sikkim will get its own private FM Radio Station. “This form of media has never been explored in the State before which will be presenting a platform for the immensely talented individuals here, generating local employment, expanding economies… and of course providing entertainment.”
NINE 91.9 FM was launched in Siliguri on March 12, this year. Mr. Gupta said that the Union information and Broadcasting Ministry had awarded the company with a license to operate two FM stations, one in Siliguri and the other in Gangtok. “Our motto is to provide the listeners with the best available quality and the technology. We would not compromise on these two things,” he said.

MONDAY, AUGUST, 18 , 2008

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, Aug 17: Rising above their ideological differences, the Opposition and the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party today agreed to submit an all party representation under the banner of Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) to the Sikkim government requesting it to pass a resolution in the State Assembly in favour of Gorkhaland.
However, this all party accord does not include the CPIM party who went unrepresented in this historic hour.
This consensus was reached upon after a fiery interaction of almost five hours between the representatives of all the political parties in a seminar organized by the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh, the apex body of 1.5 crores Indian Gorkhas living in different parts of the country.
Today’s attendance list figured prominent faces of Sikkim politics.
Nar Bahadur Bhandari (president of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee), HR Pradhan (president of Sikkim unit of BJP), GM Rai (president of Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party), Jigme N Kazi (founder member of Sikkim United), RC Poudyal (president of Rising Sun), former minister KN Upreti, Tseten Lepcha from Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad and SAFE convener, Bharat Basnett.
Kiran Chettri, publicity secretary of SDF represented the ruling party in the seminar.
Amidst the plethora of suggestions and some frank admonishment, all were unanimous in their support to the Gorkhaland cause taken up by the Parisangh and other political parties of Darjeeling including the most prominent of them, the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.
Summing up today’s intellectual exercise, BGP working president and renowned figure of this region, CK Shrestha concluded that all political parties in Sikkim “seemed to be in favour of Gorkhaland” and proposed an all party memorandum to be submitted to the Sikkim Government.
The proposed memorandum seeks to request Sikkim government to pass a resolution in the State Assembly in favour of Gorkhaland, a separate state for Indian Gorkhas in the country.
“Since all parties in Sikkim are in favour of Gorkhaland and agrees that the Sikkim government should play a proactive role, Sikkim should take the lead and be the first state pass a resolution in the Assembly before any other states does it,” Mr. Shrestha said. He claimed that BGP was working on war-footing with its units in 22 states of the country to get a similar resolution passed.
“In other states, we are almost near to get similar resolutions passed,” he said.
All representatives of the political parties present in the seminar gave their support to the resolution.
“It’s a part of the democratic process to approach an elected government for a representation. We should send the resolution collectively under the banner of Parisangh”, the state Congress chief, Bhandari said. It is up to the State Government to whether to entertain or reject it,” he added.
The SDF representative Kiran Chettri also nodded his agreement.
The memorandum will be submitted to the Sikkim Government under the banner of BGP in a later date.
“The Sikkim government has also a commitment to fulfill”, Mr. Shrestha said, referring to the statement made by the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling a couple of years back for passing a resolution on Gorkhaland in the state Assembly.
The BGP also adopted another resolution to start a national-level signature campaign to get support from as many as MPs as possible in support of the Gorkhaland demand.
Earlier during the seminar, the political leaders spared no words to voice their support to the Gorkhaland and pinned responsibility on the Parisangh to take the movement on the national level.
Opening up today’s discussions, Bhandari conceded that Sikkim’s role is limited to state level and suggested BGP to make the Gorkhaland movement into a national agenda. The Parisangh should unite all the Indian Gorkhas and their leaders and similarly all of us should shed our egos and narrow mindedness and work for the greater cause, he said.
Sikkim Congress Pradesh Congress is whole heartedly supporting the Gorkhaland demand above our party politics, said Bhandari.
The State Congress chief opined that Gorkhaland realization is easier than the Nepali language recognition movement. “Language recognition was not easy because it was not constitutionally binding. But Gorkhaland demand is valid as there are constitutional provisions for creation of separate states”, he said.
“The proposed Gorkhaland territory should give leadership to all the Indian Gorkhas living in the nation”.
Stating that the MP signature campaign for inclusion of Nepali language in the 8th Schedule worked as a ‘Ram Bhan’, Bhandari urged the Parisangh to work on similar lines as GJM’s role is confined to a regional level.
Kiran Chettri, the SDF publicity secretary suggested the Parisangh to take up the role as a guardian to all the political parties identified with the Gorkhaland demand adding that the parties should also attach itself with the BGP.
“If BGP does not take into its fold all the parties and organizations of Gorkhaland, demand then there will be doubts raised whether the movement will be fruitful,” he observed.
“The BGP’s guardian role is important so that our demands are institutionalized and we reach the ears of Delhi through the Parisangh,” Mr. Chettri said.
Having offered his suggestions, the SDF leader expressed the support of Sikkim to the Gorkhaland demand. “I feel that nobody from Sikkim will back out from supporting the Gorkhaland demand,” he said. There will be constant support from Sikkim and Sikkimese people, he asserted.
State BJP president, HR Pradhan observed that an intellectual front is also necessary in the movement apart from political fronts. “The BGP should prepare a proper documentation justifying the Gorkhaland demand to the Delhi leader”, he said.
The Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP) president, GM Rai presented a strong cause for more proactive support from Sikkim government and people. Sikkim’s potential for the Gorkhaland movement is being wasted, he said.
Mr. Rai urged the Parisangh to use its 22 states network more effectively and work in tandem with GJM taking each other into confidence.
For example, whenever GJM calls for a bandh then BGP should be able to simultaneously use its units in 22 states to take up processions, posterings and slogan shoutings, he said.
“BGP has nationwide network but we are not using it”, Rai stated.
Sikkim United party leader Jigmee N Kazi also offered his personal and party’s support to the Gorkhaland demand.
Former minister and a stalwart in Sikkim politics, KN Uperti observed that the stand taken for separate state for Indian Gorkhas will not be successful if confined to Darjeeling region only. “It will not be successful unless it becomes a national issue”, he said.
Mr. Uperti also gave a call for separation of politics and the Gorkhaland cause and appealed that all the warring factions within the movement should be brought together on a common platform.
SAFE convener Bharat Basnett suggested BGP should not discard other political parties in Darjeeling apart from GJM and said that intellectuals should not be kept out of the movement.
Expectedly, the fireworks came from RC Poudyal.
In his brief and philosophical address, Mr. Poudyal rationalized that the erstwhile ‘king of Darjeeling hills’ and GNLF supermo Subash Ghisingh should be taken into the movement and his earlier misgivings be forgiven. “We should take good qualities of Ghisingh and use him in the movement and not treat him like his is being treated presently,” he said.
Mr. Poudyal also slammed the GJM’s antics to ostracize Ghisingh and said that it does not figure in his dreams for Gorkhaland. “The mass have no minds but leaders should be able to control the masses”, he said.
The Rising Sun leader opined that the definition of Indian Gorkhas must be expanded and rope in more people from other communities for a larger support base.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 17: The All Sikkim Government Employees Association (ASGEA) is set to conduct a two-day Mahayagya in support of the aspirations of the government employees brethren from the Darjeeling District.
The puja ceremony will start from August 19 morning at the Saraswati Mandir, 6th Mile, Tadong, informs a press release. The ceremony is being conducted for the fulfillment of the government employees brethren of Darjeeling district and to impart moral support to the Gorkha Janmukti Karmachari Morcha from their counterparts of Sikkim, the release adds.
The ASGEA informed that delegates from government employees association of Darjeeling and Kalimpong are expected to attend the ceremony on August 19.
The body has invited all the members of the association to participate in the ceremony and pray for early realization of the demand for separate homeland for the Gorkhas.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 17: Several families have been rendered homeless after landslides triggered by incessant rainfall in the vulnerable areas of Marchak under Rakdong-Tintek constituency in East Sikkim damaged four houses yesterday besides making other houses vulnerable.
The slides took place at around 5 pm on Saturday morning rolling down boulders and slush below the Yen village.
Durga Bahadur Rai’s two houses including a model house was completely damaged in the slide along with considerable loss of property. His two cows were killed and several other cattle injured. His six member family has also been left without a shelter.
Similarly, the kitchen and toilet of Indra Kumari Rai were also damaged along with the houses of Kamal Kumar Chettri and Laxmi Prasad Bhattarai.
Other villagers and Dickhu police rushed in to evacuate the affected families.
Area MLA Norzang Lepcha along with Tintek BDO visited the spot the same day.
SDM Gangtok also made an assessment trip of the affected area.
Today, the BDO directed the families of 8 houses considered vulnerable to shift to a safer location. The families have been given temporary shelter at Marchak primary school for a couple of days and later they will be shifted to a rented house at Aap Dara.
The BDO also distributed a sum of Rs. 10,000 to Dhan Bahadur Rai as shifting advance relief from Natural Calamity funds. Monetary relief was also presented to other families ranging from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 2,500 to other families as per norms.
The official informed that he will submit a detailed report to DC (East) on Monday and further actions will be taken after this.
It is also been informed that strong protective wall is required below the Yen Village from where the slides occurred.
Interestingly, the families of three houses totaling to around 16 people including children had taken shelter at the house of Durga Bahadur Rai for safety on the night of August 15.
Fortunately, the families made a timely escape after hearing the first rumblings of the impending landslides.
The slides also disrupted the traffic of Singtam-Mangan Highway whole day and was finally restored by the evening
The concerned department has been directed by the area MLA to erect halogen lamps in the area to offer some relief to the traumatized families. Slides had damaged the electricity poles in the area plunging the villages at App Dara, Marchak and Jang into darkness.

SE Report
RANGPO/GANGTOK, August 17: Five persons including two students from Sikkim were swept away when a private van suffered a mechanical defect and plunged into the raging Teesta river yesterday night along the NH 31A near Rangpo border of West Bengal and Sikkim.
The van SK02-5918, was travelling from Munsang under Kalimpong subdivsion to Rangpo in East Sikkim when the mishap just half a kms away from the Rangpo gate.
There were six persons in the van including three students from Industrial Training Institute located at Rangpo.
Only one student Krishna Bahadur Subba (20) managed to survive the accident and swam himself to safety after the van plunged into the Teesta River. The others were swept away by the River and are feared to be dead.
Among them were Golden Rai from West Sikkim, Bikram Mangar from Ravangla, South Sikkim, driver Hari Chettri and Sanjay Raj Bangshali. The fifth person swept away has not been identified so far.
So far no bodies have been recovered.
Local volunteers and West Bengal Police had launched search and rescue operations from yesterday night itself after the mishap occurred.
The incident area falls under West Bengal jurisdiction and the Bengal Police have registered a case.
The sole survivor was rushed to Rangpo primary health centre from where he has been sent to STNM hospital in Gangtok for further treatment.
Narrating the incident, the lone survivor of the accident so far, Subba said that he remembered the driver Hari Chettri shouting ‘Brake fail!’ seconds before the vehicle flew and plunged into the river.
Subba hails from Simbaley village, Uttarey west Sikkim.
“I went down with the van into the water and it was very dark. I remember kicking to open the door and managed to come out. I then swam up to the surface. Although it was dark, I could see a little bit further where there were rocks. I swam further and clung onto a rock. I then managed to get on top of it and then went unconscious”, said Subba.
He also expressed his gratitude to one local lad, Deepen, who saved him from the grasp of death.
The youth regained conscious later when local people rushed to save him. “I woke up only when I saw people with torches waking me up who brought me to the hospital”, he said. He had joined the one year basic training course at Rangpo ITI five months ago.
Subba recollected that he and two other friends had boarded the taxi at the Monsang Golai just minutes before the accident.
His friends, Golden Rai and Bikram Mangar had come to his rented room at Monsang Golai that evening. He had accompanied them back to spend the night in their room at Rangpo bazaar.
Sanjay Bangshali who had also boarded the taxi from the same place lived in that same area.
Later, the mangled wreck of the van was recovered near Sukia Khola, about three kms from the accident site on the Sikkim side of the Teesta bank.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 17: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said that the State Government will soon implement Sixth Pay Commission in the State.
He announced this during the 61 Independent Day Celebration, which was observed at Paljor Stadium here.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stated that the people of Sikkim should live with utmost dignity and self-respect.
He also recounted the achievements attained by his Government during the past 14 years.
The Chief Minister further stressed on a point that there should optimistic and constructive thoughts in the mind of every individual in order to have a better State and a nation as a whole.
Mr. Chamling also made a number of announcements, which in majority includes the construction of green field airport at Pakyong, alternative highway, construction of Degree colleges in Gyalshing and Mangan and several guesthouses among others.
Talking about the hydel power projects, eco tourism, horticulture and floriculture, the Chief Minister said these are the thrust areas, which the State is focusing to generate more revenue for the State.
“We need continuous support from the people for the success of various plans and developments,” he appealed the gathering.
Saying that there is prevalence of a “vibrant democracy” in Sikkim, the CM urged the people not to pay heed to rumors, which are being spread by the opposition parties.
Earlier, the celebration kicked off with the hoisting of the national flag by the CM, who was accompanied by the DGP and the Chief Secretary. A march past was performed by ITBP, SSB, SAP, IRBn, Civil Police, Home Guard, NCC Platoons, Scouts and Guides, DHH platoons, road safety platoon, army pipe band, police (brass and pipe band) and TNA brass and pipe band.
Students from various schools in and around Gangtok also presented a mass drill followed by a cultural show.
Later, several people were presented with meritorious service awards in various categories.
Indian Police Medal: Askshay Sachdeva, DIG, Sikkim Police
Fire Service Medal: Mani Kumar Pradhan
Service awards: Pintso Wangdi Bhutia, Jyotsna Subba, Deepa Basnet, Santa Kumar, Meena Mukhia, Thendup Lepcha, Kharka Bahdahur Karki, Janardhan Rai, Amrit Bahadhur Chettri, Prabhakar Sapkota, Devi Prasad Sharma and Basant Kumar Suzi.
LD Kazi Award: Tashi Lepcha
Manav Sewa Puraskar: Garjaman Rai
Rajya Ban Sangrakshan Evam Paryavaran Pursakar: Durga Man Limboo.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 17: Biographies of 105 personalities of Sikkim who have ushered in landmark changes in the mindset of the society towards culture, music, art and journalism spheres along the contemporary history now awaits a deserved response from the people.
The much anticipated book book-‘Itihas Nirmata: Sikkim ka Pramukh Diwangat Shrasthra ani Drashtra Haru’-that chronicles the above legends received a release from the hands of the advisor to the Chief Minister, SM Limboo during a function held at the auditorium of Sikkim Government College among a galaxy of literary stars.
In his foreword, the author and 2008 Bhanu Purashkar awardee, TB Chandra Subba underlined that the book seeks to acknowledge the contributions of 105 personalities of Sikkim who have rendered valuable contributions and brought changes through their respective fields such as literature, music, art, academics, journalism and others.
Jeewan Namdung, a writer while talking about the book said that to write and publish a book is not less than winning a battle. He further said that the book has earmarked a historical achievement adding new milestones in Sikkimese literature.
Famed writer Krishna Singh Moktan who chaired today’s programme said that all books and literary works from the region should be preserved as heritages similar to Mt. Khangchendzonga, Samdruptes and other awe-inspiring sites.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, SM Limboo lamented that fact the love for one’s language especially among the younger generation was on the brink of a collapse.
“We know how much struggle we had to do to recognize Nepali language in the Eight Schedule but now we don’t even bother to speak properly in that language,” he said.
Citing the example of Prashant Tamang, Mr. Limboo said that the Indian Idol 3 winner has imparted a valuable lesson of singing a song of unity adding that brotherhood and love amongst the people is the need of the hour.
The occasion also witnessed presentations of old Nepali songs by the local artists.
Various personalities were also felicitated during the occasion for their contribution in promoting the Nepali language.
The felicitated personalities included, Mahendra P Lama, Shanti Chettri, Laxmi Meenu (Mizoram), Sanu Bhai Sharma, RP Poudyal, Krishna Raj Ghatani, Praduman Shrestha, Dr G Nepal, Dhurva Lohgan, CL Ghimerey, Gahar Udashi, KS Ranaphali, Pempa Tamang, Nirmal Kumar Puna, TB Thami, SD Dhakal, Goverdhan Bastola, Bijay Kumar Subba, Kishore Moktan, Pravin Rai Jumeli, Veeru Bangdel, Ganesh Pradhan, RK Pradhan, Bir Bhadra Karki Doli, Hemant Giri, Dharma Bhushan, Chakrapani Bhattrai, Jagdish Chandra Sharma, Neelam Neopaney, Bhanu Pradhan, Chandra Rai, Tirtha Subba, Laxmi Prasad Gurung, SM Basnett, Balman Mukhia, Deoraj Sharma, Uday Chettri and BK Roka.
Earlier the HRD minister GM Gurung placed the welcome speech while Gangtok MLA NK Pradhan proposed the vote of thanks.

Our Correspondent
NAMCHI, August 17: Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said today that no efforts should be spared in the ongoing beautification works being undertaken at Namchi bazaar during an inspection trip here.
The Chief Minster directed the concerned officials engaged in the beautification drive to check all possible shortcomings and stressed that there should be no flaws. The beautification drive should make Namchi Bazaar like Time Square in New York, he said.
Chamling also made several on the spot suggestions in the ongoing works. He directed that the police assistance booth that is presently lying unutilized to be replaced by a public toilet which is one of the sorely need infrastructure in the bazaar area.
Calling for more public participation and cooperation with the government, the Chief Minister appealed the locals to give their house matching looks with the new envisioned Namchi bazaar. This will also enable the tourists to find the South district headquarters more attractive and better place to visit, he said.
The government has already committed to help if needed for completion of all the incomplete structures in and around bazaar areas and has appealed the people to paint their buildings in green colour.
After finding several old wooden houses in the bazaar which look out of sync with the beautification drive, the Chief Minister met the house owners and tenants and suggested them to construct new buildings. He assured them to provide necessary loans from the government side.
If it is not possible due to personal disputes, the Chief Minister appealed them to resolve them as it was related with the greater objective of a beautiful Namchi bazaar.
He also told the attended officials of the concerned departments to look upon the growing problems especially in the Gallis of the town and urged then to work on its improvement.
After visiting the construction site of musical fountain and its surroundings, the Chief Minister visited a site at Kechu Dumbra, Kamrang at the outskirts of Namchi for the construction of Industrial Training Centre for which 10.5 acres of land is required as informed.
The classes for the same would start by the end of December this year, for which the OBC building at Lower Kamrang will act as the venue till the completion of the newly proposed building, Chamling said.
The Chief Minister was escorted by all the district officials along with both the SDMs (South), ADC (South), SP (South) and Zilla Adakshya South.

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 15 , 2008

CM focuses on development and responsibility on I-Day
People need to draw lesson from history to make correct political decision: Chamling

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 14: The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling has focused on the twin ideas of development and citizens’ responsibly on the occasion of Independence Day.
Highlighting an impressive array of achievements recorded under his fourteen and half years governance, the Chief Minister has presented a series of futuristic activities for the people of Sikkim to be undertaken on an urgent basis including addressing the connectivity issues.
In his Independence Day address, the Chief Minister informed the people that announcement for an alternative highway for Sikkim has been announced by the Centre. “The work will commence soon”, he said.
“Construction of Green field Airport at Pakyong shall commence within a month and shall be operational by July 2011”.
Connectivity issues have been long pending demand of Sikkim with its sole road link, NH 31 A subject to natural and political disturbances triggering hardships and financial losses to the state.
Raising this issue in his Independence Day address, the Chief Minister said that loss Sikkim have suffered on a daily basis during such disturbance have been over Rs. 4 crores while the mental agony and other forms of sufferings inflicted by such closure and disturbances are ‘too large’ to assess.
The Chief Minister also announced that construction of Degree College at Geyzing and Mangan will start early. He also expressed his commitment to develop the Sikkim Central University into a world-class educational destination.
Other undertakings slated to be conducted early were construction of Teachers’ Guest House at Syari and guest houses for C & D group employees at Namchi, Geyzing and Gangtok. A statue of Chenrezi shall be installed at appropriate location in West Sikkim.
A 500 bedded modern hospital at Sokethang near Tadong with state of art technology equipments for specialized treatment was announced by the Chief Minister. Government grants of Rs.50,000 for construction of cultural bhawans for Mangar, Tamang and Newar communities was also announced by the Chief Minister. Traditional healers also stand to gain with a monthly pension of Rs.500 under Samajeek Seva Bhatta scheme of the state government.
As to where Sikkim stands today, the Chief Minister claimed that his government has been able to successfully provide the basic necessities of life to the people of Sikkim besides working to shift the mindset of the people from the consumerism culture towards productive human resources by tapping the abundant opportunities that nature had bestowed the state.
“As part of our thrust areas and engines of growth, we have hydel power projects, eco-tourism, horticulture and floriculture, among others”, he said.
With hydel power to be the major source of revenue for the state, Chamling said that the revenue will be Rs.1140 crores by 2020 from the agreements signed with the independent power producers for generation of 3364 MW of hydel power.
Mr. Chamling pointed that this year is “little different” from the previous years for the “obvious reason” and appealed the people to “draw lesson from history” to reach a correct political decision.
“Our endeavour has been to make our people politically conscious and they need to draw lesson from history to make correct political decision through their own discretion and wisdom. If they are unable to take lesson from history and exercise their democratic rights fully, people will be forever betrayed and let down”, Mr. Chamling said. He appealed the people to continue to fight against all the ‘anti-people and anti-developmental elements’ within the state.
Introspecting on the early days of government formation in 1994, the Chief Minister recollected that challenges were many and with limited means to address them.
“…today we have vibrant democracy in the State with peace and tranquility as our hallmark. This is clearly reflected in the image we have projected and built about Sikkim and the Sikkimese people at the regional, national and international level”, he said.
Deliberating on rights and responsibilities, Mr. Chamling said that the two were “two sides of the same coin.” “One can not sustain in the absence of other. For the society to prosper, each member should be conscious about his rights and also fully committed to carry out his responsibility. People should be adequately empowered to be more responsible and responsive and also capable of utilizing their rights and privileges provided under democratic system,” he said.
“The dream of self-sufficient Sikkim and the self-contented Sikkimese shall not be fulfilled unless we shed off our lethargy and soft life syndrome. Every citizen will have to be more responsible towards his family, society, State and the nation,” he added.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 14: The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for grant of Additional Central Assistance to the Government of Sikkim and Union Territory of Puducherry for long-term reconstruction of the infrastructure damaged during floods of the 2005 season at a total cost of Rs.115.71 crore during 2008-09 with a grant component of Rs.84.87 crore and a loan component of Rs.30.84 crore.
This will enable the Government of Sikkim and Govt. of Puducherry to undertake long-term reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 14: A meeting of the SDF’s women wing, Cheli Morcha was conducted today at the party head office located at Indira Byepass, Gangtok. The meeting was a part of the ‘village level public awareness’ campaign of the Cheli Morcha for the Ranka constituency.
Addressing the meeting, MLA and general secretary of the Morcha, Manita Mangar appealed the women members of the party to give a fitting reply to the ‘misinformation’ campaign of the opposition parties.
There is all round development in Sikkim under the leadership of the party president and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, said Mangar.
During the programme, several speakers highlighted the policies, programmes and principles of the SDF party while expressing full confidence on the leadership of the party president. The members were urged to use the organization for the benefit of the people.
Some key points on tomorrow’s announcements by the Chief Minister in his Independence Day address were also highlighted during the meeting.
All women members of the Ranka constituency Cheli Morcha unit, youth conveners, Zilla Panchayats, panchayats and other party workers had attended today’s deliberations.

Our Correspondent
RANGPO, August 14: As Sikkim gears up for the 61st Independence Day celebrations, the Sikkim Police have started special checking at all the check posts in the State.
The vehicles entering and leaving Sikkim are being thoroughly checked at the Rangpo checkpost, the main entry point of Sikkim. Rangpo Police & ITBP personnel are jointly carrying the inspection of all the vehicles.

Our Correspondent
DARJEELING, August 14: Even as the hills continue to run on auto-pilot, the West Bengal government has not displayed its cards for an amicable solution to the political issue of Darjeeling.
Burning question is-What is the West Bengal government doing to evolve a solution?
Another poser-Is the Writers Building properly conscious of this political problem and the true aspirations of the hill people?
Frustration point is that the government is intentionally trying to distance itself from the Darjeeling demand for a separate state.
As history records, the demand for a separate state by Darjeeling hills have been a century and a century of intrigue has happened to derail the demand. Now, the demand for separate state has transcended into a sensitive matter of identity struggle for the 1.4 crore Indian Nepalis.
If the present situation is looked into the archival records of 1975, a major root can be unearthed. In that year, the Delimitation Commission divided the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency into two parts as a part of the greater conspiracy of the state government and Centre. Nepali dominated areas of Dooars were snipped off from Darjeeling and trusted into Islampur-Chopra constituency. This was a deathblow to the aspirations of Darjeeling people from both ends making the divide and rule policy of the state government transparent.
Eleven years later, the slipshod attitude of the GNLF supermo Subash Ghisingh was exposed and encashed by the state government that led the state demand being compromised with a bunny Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC).
Ghisingh saw through the conspiracy of the state government only belatedly. True to his form, he did not let others an opportunity to understand this.
The maverick ‘king of the hills’ was allowed to run DHGC as his personal fief by the state government who did not questioned where the developmental funds meant for the Darjeeling people was being spent.
Betrayed in 1988, people from Dooars have now risen with a new hope only after Bimal Gurung led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) started raising the separate state demand. Attempts are being made to paint communal colours to the support given by Terai-Dooars areas.
Why is the West Bengal government trying to stop the separate state demand by all possible means? Why was the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency bifurcated in 1975? Why Isamlpur-Chopra areas were added? Why did not the Delimitation Commission delimit the Darjeeling Lok Sabha constituency in 2005?
The questions stands rooted in marginalized people of Darjeeling.
Centre must also make its stand clear on the separate state demand. But first, Centre must comprehend the sensitivity of the issue properly.
Also, the common stand of the Centre and West Bengal governments on this issue must be understood.
National recognition for Nepali language was supposed to be smooth process but received endorsement only overcoming several hurdles along the way.
The issue of community was not there in language recognition.
However since this time the separate state demand is intrinsically linked with community, there may be connection between the state and Centre. The haste shown by Centre to extend Sixth Schedule Status to Darjeeling despite Constitutional violations is a recent example of such inclination.
Despite knowing the objectives behind the movement of Darjeeling and Dooars people, the CPIM government in West Bengal passed a resolution to give more powers to DGHC.
Why?
Why such a resolution was adopted while knowing fully that it will not suffice the aspirations and solve the problems of Darjeeling?
Why this resolution on the eve of tripartite talks?
This reflects the conspiracy against the separate state has not ended even after a century. The West Bengal government must shed its double standards and come ahead with an honest and intrigue free solution to the political issue of Darjeeling.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 14: The Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh has congratulated the Indian Football team on its AFC Challenge Cup victory.
“On behalf of the people and Governor of Sikkim, I convey heartiest congratulations to Bhaichung Bhutia, Captain Indian Football team for India’s spectacular victory in the AFC Challenge Cup Final against Tajikistan,” the Governor said in his message to the team led by Bhaichung Bhutia.
He also said that Sikkim in particular is proud of the team’s achievement, team spirit, skills and sprint of sportsmanship.
The Governor has also sent hearty greetings to Sunil Chettri for hat-trick and other team members for their magnificent performance in the final match.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 14: The convener of all Sikkim Scheduled Caste Women, Geeta Ruchel yesterday said that the notion of referring to womenfolk as the weaker section of the society is just a myth.
She was addressing a programme under the banner of Gaon Mukhi Jan Chetna Abhiyan of the Cheli Morcha, East held here yesterday.
According to her, the objective for conducting the event was to generate awareness among the elderly women from rural places about their rights guaranteed by the State Government. In regard to this, the maiden constitutional level awareness drive started from July 20 at Lossing Pacheykhani, which will be followed by similar camps scheduled to be held on August 16 at Tumin Ranka and at Rolep on August 17.
The vice convener, East Block, Lakit Lepcha said that various schemes initiated by the Chief Minister for the welfare of the women in terms of uplifting their socio economic condition, including the right to property for a girl child, 40 percent seat reservation and alike provisions are great achievement for women.
The campaign for Gangtok block constituency was attended by the area MLA, NK Pradhan, as the chief guest accompanied by Jasoda Gurung, Sabha Adyakcha, Geeta Ruchel, All Sikkim Schedule Caste Women convener, Bishnu Sherpa, president , Manita Pradhan, chairmen grievances cell , SDF , Lakit Lepcha, vice convener, East, Karma Ongmu Bhutia, secretary east, Bharati Sharma, MLA Lossing Pacheykhani, Manita Mangar among others.

THURSDAY, AUGUST, 14 , 2008

MORCHA FOR CONTINUATION OF EMOTIONAL TIES BETWEEN SIKKIM AND DARJEELING
“Minor misunderstandings can be resolved through talks”-Gurung
“The Sikkim CM’s support could have worked as a balm”

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 13: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief, Bimal Gurung has said that the emotional bond shared by the people of Sikkim and Darjeeling will withstand the test of time and any misunderstanding between the two neighbours can be resolved amicably through talks.
He said this during an informal interaction with mediapersons from Sikkim at the Morcha office in Patlebas in Darjeeling Tuesday.
Reacting to the recent incidents which soured the relations between Sikkim and Darjeeling, especially over the frequent blockade of the National Highway 31A because of the regular bandh calls by the GJM, Mr. Gurung said that it was a minor issue, which could have been resolved through across the table talks. “It was a small issue, which could have been solved through talks instead of going to the Court.”
Mr. Gurung was referring to the PIL filed by OP Bhandari against the bandhs in response to which a division bench of the apex court has asked the Centre to ensure that the highway remained free for traffic.
“The misunderstanding over the frequent blockades on NH31A could have been easily resolved through talks. However, the issue has taken another proportion after OP Bhandari filed the PIL in the Supreme Court. This could have been sorted out amicably through talks,” Mr. Gurung said.
“We could have sorted this out between ourselves. We could have even provided protection to Sikkim vehicles during the bandhs from Rangpo to Sevoke. Now, if any anti-social groups take advantage of the situation and any untoward incidents happen during the bandhs and the Highway is kept open for Sikkim vehicles, who will take the responsibility?” he said.
The GJM chief said that the party is ready for talks with the Sikkim government to clear doubts and sort out problems faced by Sikkim.
Stressing on the need for Sikkim to “understand” the real motive behind the statehood demand, Mr. Gurung said that fight that the GJM has undertaken today for a separate state of Gorkhaland is also for the Gorkhas of Sikkim.
“Sikkim and Darjeeling are like the Teesta and the Rangit. We have close social, cultural and emotional ties with Sikkim. More than anything else, the Gorkhaland statehood demand is a fight for our own identity. The Gorkhaland movement is not for money, it is about our pride and our identity. And this Gorkha identity is not only for the people of Gorkhaland, but also for the identity of Gorkhas residing in Sikkim as well,” he said.
“We do not want to behave badly with Sikkim or spoil our relations. We are grateful to Sikkim and its people for the love and support they have given us during the Gorkhaland agitation in the 1980s. We are forever indebted to Sikkim and the then Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari for supporting us giving us and food and shelter during the 40 days strike in 1986. But we have to understand what is happening between Sikkim and Darjeeling right now,” he said.
“We have to analyse where we are going wrong. In my opinion, we have not done anything wrong to Sikkim. We have no hard feelings towards Sikkim. We have no intentions of putting Sikkim in any kind of difficult situations or problems. We do not want the people of Sikkim to die of hunger. We feel Sikkim’s pain and we know that Sikkim feels ours. We have emotional ties with the people of Sikkim. But the way Sikkim is moving now with a narrow outlook, it should not happen.”
On the hardships faced by Sikkim during the frequent bandhs and the closure of the NH31A, Mr. Gurung said that whatever Sikkim has been facing today (because of the frequent bandhs) was because of the circumstances. “We have not gone and agitated on Sikkim’s roads. The fact is that NH31A falls within the proposed Gorkhaland area. We are compelled to keep the NH31A closed during our bandh calls,” he said.
“The Highway is part of the proposed Gorkhaland state. It will automatically get affected whenever there is a bandh in the Hills. We have no control over that. The Sikkim Government should understand that it is part of our fight and our movement. There was no need to go to the Court. We do not want to unnecessarily put Sikkim in any kind of hardship,” he said.
On the “misunderstanding” during the Gorkhaland signature campaign in Gangtok, Mr. Gurung said that he was “deeply hurt” by the actions of the Police.
“The signature campaign is part of our efforts to garner support for the Gorkhaland demand. It has been launched in various Nepali-speaking regions of the country and has been successfully held in many other areas as well. We received good response from all the top leaders in those states we carried out the campaign. But why was this peaceful campaign disrupted in our neighbourhood Sikkim?
Mr. Gurung said that the blockade of the HN31A by GJM supporters following the incident was a spontaneous reaction of people of Darjeeling over the “insult.” “I was told of the blockade at around 6 pm. The blockade was lifted after I spoke to the SP in Gangtok. We will take disciplinary action against those who staged the blockade without our knowledge,” he added.
On being asked what he expected from the Sikkim Government, Mr. Gurung said that while he “respected the Sikkim CM and his leadership and his vision,” he was “saddened” by the apparent lack of support from the other side of Teesta.
“The CM had said in 2004 that he was willing to pass a resolution in the Sikkim Assembly in support of the Gorkhaland demand. This year alone, we send our delegations to Gangtok thrice to meet the CM in this regard but all efforts to meet him was in vain,” he said.
“All we expect from the Sikkim CM is to speak a few words in support of Gorkhaland demand. Our ties cannot be overlooked. If the CM speaks in our favour, it will act as a balm. It is a great morale booster when your own people lend some support”, he said.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 13: There is hope for Umesh Pradhan, the 6-year-old boy battling for his life in the STNM Hospital here.
The boy is suffering from acute Hydrocephalus (water in the brain) for the past three months and has been reduced to just skins and bones in less than a month. He is presently being treated at the STNM Hospital here and has been referred to the AIIMS, New Delhi. Hailing from a poor family, his parents were not in the position to take him to New Delhi for the extensive treatment.
After his story was carried by this newspaper, help has been pouring from all quarters for his treatment. Local people and organizations have come forward and contributed money for Umesh’s treatment. The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling has given a sum of Rs 50, 000 for the treatment.
“Despite his busy schedule, the CM took some time and met me. He is a real messiah for poor people like me. I will never forget the generosity,” Damber Pradhan, the father of the ailing child told SIKKIM EXPRESS.
Umesh can be now taken for treatment outside of the State.

The list of the contributions made for Umesh Pradhan till date:

1. The Chief Minister of Sikkim:               Rs. 50,000
2. TNA Alumni Association:                    Rs. 5100
3. Guru T. Ladakhi, CEO, Entel Motors: Rs. 1500
4. Hotel Royal Plaza:                               Rs. 2001
5. Anonymous:                                        Rs. 600
6. Mrs. TO Tashi:                                    Rs. 1000
7. Tenzin C Tashi:                                    Rs. 1000
8. Mrs. Mala Rana Patro:                        Rs. 500
                                                     Total: Rs. 61, 701

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 13: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung has warned of a ‘walkout’ if the upcoming tripartite talks between GJM, Centre and West Bengal government do not deliberate on the Gorkhaland statehood demand.
Talking to mediapersons from Sikkim at the Morcha office in Patlebas in Darjeeling Tuesday, Mr. Gurung said that it is Gorkhaland and nothing less than that.
“If Gorkhaland is not part of the agenda, we will walk out of the meeting. For 22 years the West Bengal government did not talk about the development of Darjeeling, so what does it want to prove by talking about it now? We will not settle for anything less than Gorkhaland,” the GJM chief said.
“Gorkhaland is a demand for our identity and no other points will be discussed apart from this,” he added.
The GJM chief was responding to West Bengal minister Asok Bhattacharya’s assertion that ‘Gorkhaland’ demand will not be discussed in the upcoming tripartite talks.
On Sunday, Mr. Bhattacharya had said that alternatives to Gorkhaland will be raised by the West Bengal government during the talks for more development of the Darjeeling Hills. “Development did not happen in the past 22 years. Will it happen now?” Mr. Gurung said.
Asked for his expectations on the tripartite talks, Mr. Gurung said he cannot say anything now adding that there will be more talks in the future. He reiterated his party’s claim that Gorkhaland will happen by 2010.

PMGSY contractor cry foul; says complaints against him are “politically motivated”

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 13: RP Poudyal, the contractor of the PMGSY road at Ralap under the Khamdong constituency said that the news report on the damages caused by the “reckless” road construction has been “politically motivated”.
“The complaint against me is a conspiracy to tarnish my good image within the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front party,” Mr Poudayl said in a press release.
Stating that he has extended all possible help to the people who had been affected during the road construction, the contractor informed that the water supply pipes were damaged by a dozer and the repair of which was in progress.
“I have deployed two people to repair the pipes and have procured 300 GIC pipes on my own expense,” he said.
The contactor alleged that the news reports were planted by people who worked for him after being prompted by others with vested interests.
Stating that one of the complainants Poshan Dhakal was his relative, the contractor said that he had personally sought a compensation of Rs 3.5 lakhs from the Rural Development Department for Poshan.
He also added that the land compensation would be given by the land revenue department and will be paid once the road construction is over.

NIRMAL MANGAR
GANGTOK, August 13: The second phase of the beautification of the MG Marg from the Kiran Dry Cleaners point up to Star Cinema Hall is expected to be over by September this year, just in time for the festive seasons.
The people can enjoy the pedestal walks from the last week of August itself.
C. Zangpo, the additional Chief Engineer of the State Urban Development and Housing Department confirmed this here today.
Informing that the pace of work was in its full swing to meet the deadline, the chief engineer said that some of the problems like incessant rains and the installation of water supply lines and sewerage pipes were hindering the work progress.
“We have to co-operate with them as it is also a part of the beautification of the Marg,” Mr. Zangpo said.
The beautification of the New Market stretch of the Marg would cover an area of 270 meters.
The new look of the second half of MG Marg would be different from the Old Market stretch.
As per the proposed plan, there would be a pedestrian walk at either side of the New Market stretch while the middle black top road would be used for the one way vehicular movement of the vehicles plying from Tibet Road towards Nam Nang.
According to the chief engineer, kaddapa stones would be laid on one side of the pedestrian walk and the entire building housing the tailors and handicrafts showroom would be dismantled to give way for a spacey sit outs with chairs similar to that of the Titanic park.
“We have already shifted the tailors temporarily to the Old Children’s Park complex. We will later relocate them to the top floor of the Khanchendzonga Shopping Plaza at the Lall Market here,” Mr. Zangpo informed.
He further said that the installations of horizontal foaming fountains in four different locations of the stretch would be an added feature this time. It was also informed that colouring of rooftops in green would also be made mandatory for all the building owners.
The cost of the renovation of the second phase of MG Marg is Rs 4 crores while the total estimated cost of the renovation of MG Marg from Titanic park to Star Cinema hall is approximately Rs 9 crores.

NEW DELHI, August 13: Civil servants, armed forces and paramilitary personnel will get to rejoice this Independence Day with the government all set to approve the Sixth Pay Commission report in its Cabinet meeting tomorrow.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today chaired a meeting attended by External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Minister A K Antony and Finance Minister P Chidambaram and discussed the pay commission report and the recommendations of the empowered committee of Secretaries that went into the anomalies.
"The Cabinet is likely to take up the sixth pay panel report for approval tomorrow and the matter was discussed at a meeting chaired by the PM today," official sources said.
Though the sources refused to share details of the meeting or the amendment to the pay panel report submitted by its chairperson Justice Sri Krishna earlier this year, the increase over the commission's recommendations are likely to be the tune of 1.83 times of the net pay for the armed forces personnel and a substantial raise for civil servants too.
The pay commission had originally recommended that the pay for the armed forces be hiked by 1.74 times, calculated on the basis of the inflationary factors.
When the Sixth Pay Commission had submitted its report, armed forces personnel had expressed their resentment, openly that also led to protest rallies by retired personnel, demanding a better deal considering the hardship factor involved in their services.
The tri-services top bosses too had done some hard lobbying with the Defence Minister, who in turn had batted on behalf of the armed forces with the Finance Ministry.
The government then set up a high-powered committee headed by Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar to look into the anomalies pointed out by different sections of the government servants, including those from the defence services.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 13: The Sikkim State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that the Sikkimese individuals are not exempted from Wealth Tax.
Vandana Ramachandran of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Government of India has said this in a reply when the BJP sought information whether Sikkimese individuals are exempted from Wealth Tax, Gift Tax, Property Tax.
“Wealth Tax is chargeable @ 1% of net wealth exceeding Rs. 15, 00, 000. There is no gift tax liability as gift tax has been abolished. Property tax is not a direct tax since it is a tax levied by local municipal authorities on property,” it was informed.
In a party communiqué, general secretary, CB Chettri has said that any Sikkimese having assets as movable and immovable combined together above Rs 15 lakhs may have to pay wealth tax.
“This is nothing but imposition of tax which Sikkimese had never paid earlier. Let the SDF party and the SDF Government explain the fall out of this to the people of Sikkim,” he said.
Reiterated that the extension of Indian Income tax with exemption to Sikkimese individual is the dilution of the provision of the Article 371 F (k) of the Constitution of India and that there is nothing to celebrate by the SDF party and the SDF Government, the general secretary, Sikkim State maintained that the income tax exemption to Sikkimese individual could have been probably given even by amendment of the Sikkim Income Tax Manual.
“It was rumored there was some secrete understanding reached before extending the Indian Income Tax with exemption to Sikkimese individual. One of the understandings might be the extension of the Wealth tax,” the release added.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 13: The Chairman of Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee, Gangtok, Thukchuk Lachungpa has said that the Pang Lhabsol festival will be celebrated in a grand manner as usual as Unity Day in the Capital on September 14 and 15.
In a press meet organized today, Mr. Lachungpa informed that a competition based cultural programme among the different schools including social organizations will be an integral part of the celebrations. The winners of the cultural programme will be given bigger prize money as compared to last year.
“This time, Pang Lhabsol will be celebrated in different places of Sikkim just like the observance of Bhanu Jayanti,” Mr. Lachungpa said.
The chairman also informed that the Governor will attend the programme as the chief guest along with the Chief Minister as the guest of honour.
Mr. Lachungpa also congratulated the Pang Lhabsol Celebration Committee of Rabongla on its 25th anniversary celebration.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST, 13 , 2008

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 12: A 70-year-old Poshan Prasad Dhakal is unhappy with the new road constructed in his village.
The reason certainly is not the late development in his village but the fact that with the construction of the new road, this old man has lost his dwelling house.
For the past one year, he has been living in a shack along with his 67-year-old wife and four sons and daughters.
Resident of Ralap busty under Khamdong constituency, Dhakal is not the only victim in the vicinity. There are many like him.
The construction of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna at Singtam Dickhu road leading to Dun Dung village has made the life of the people of Ralap miserable.
Talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS, Poshan Dhakal said that his wooden house collapsed last year due to “reckless” construction of the road, after which he was compelled to take shelter in a temporary hut in his brother’s field. It is also learned that the concerned authorities failed to compensate his losses despite his yearlong suffering without a proper house. “Our MLA had promised to provide us with the Chief Minister Awas Yojna but ended up in smoke,” Dhakal lamented.
Tek Nath Sharma, another victim of the construction said that the contractor of the said construction had broken the promise to construct a house under the Rs 3 Lakhs housing scheme. Sharma has still been spending countless days and nights in a temporary shed.
Similarly, 16 other family members headed by Gauriman Subba have similar tales to tell.
Besides losing his dwelling house, Subba has also lost a piece of cultivable land, the only source of their livelihood.
According to the residents, the entire cultivatable land is being hampered with the road construction although 36 feet land was given for the construction.
Drinking water pipes have also been damaged with the construction work resulting in a huge water crisis in the area, it is learned. The people also complained that neither the concerned authorities nor the local Panchayats showed any interest in the matter.
They further demanded that a compensation and rehabilitation package from the government be immediately paid to the victims.
The eight kilometer stretch constructed at a cost of Rs 396.64 Crores was completed and got functional last year on July 27, 2006.

Monastic land sale opposed
Irate public of 13 blocks under old Rumtek Monastery meet Chief Minister

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 12: The involvement of a handful of people in selling the land of the old Rumtek Monastery to a private company at a “paltry” sum has received severe criticism and objection from the people of 13 blocks, falling under the monastery.
Representatives from all the 13 blocks, comprising of both monks and villagers attended the hearing called by the District Collector, East, Vishal Chauhan here today.
Terming the selling of the monastic land without the knowledge and consent of the people of 13 blocks as illegal, the villagers demanded that the DC should come at the immediate conclusion without “dragging the issue for long”.
As per the lease deed, a total of 7.694 acres land, which is located at Namli in Ranipool, bearing Khatiyan No 8, Khasra No 209, 210 and 212 was leased out to M/S Alembic Limited, New Delhi.
An agreement was signed on September 16, 2007 between M/S Alembic Limited, New Delhi and Duche (Committee) of the monastery headed by head monk, Lama Dup Tshering and Secretary Phurba Bhutia, who happens to be an engineer in the State Government.
The letter of intent for purchase of land for a minimum period of 99 years plus 99 years was sent by the company to the secretary of the monastery on September 7, 2007.
In retaliation, on November 16, 2007, about 16 signatories from Rumtek, Reymindu, Samlik Marchak, Sajong, Tadong, Martam, Nazitam, Chuba, Sang and Ranipool wrote to the DC objecting to the registration of the monastic land stating that the land in the holding of Rumtek is the only source of income of the monastery.
“Duchi is appointed by the people and monk community of the monastery, to perform puja and to look after the internal matter of the monastery. They have no locus standi to sell and lease out the monastic properties,” they said in the letter.
“The Rumtek Kagyu Gompa is the head monastery consisting of 13 small monasteries each of which has one monk representative to the Rumtek monastery as a member committee. The Duche has no right to sell/lease out the monastic property without the consent of the 13 blocks,” it said.
People, who were gathered outside the DC’s chamber today, alleged that the monastery has been managed according to the “whims and fancies” of Dubo Bhutia and his son in law, Phurba Bhutia.
When SIKKIM EXPRESS asked the DC about the position of the hearing, he refused to comment stating that case is sub-judicised. “Proceedings are going on in my court,” he added.
After about 30 minutes of closed door meeting between the representatives of both the parties and their respective lawyers, the DC fixed August 23 for the next hearing.
The date of hearing had to be shifted as no one from the Alembic Limited was present in today’s hearing.
Distressed over the matter, Leti Bhutia from Rumtek vehemently opposed the proposed project saying that no amount of compensation granted by the company will be accepted. “This is a united decision of the rural folk of Rumtek,” she said.
Unhappy with the outcome of the hearing, the irate gathering met with the Chief Minister this evening. “Our meeting with the Chief Minister was positive. He was in favour of the people,” a youth from Martam told SIKKIM EXPRESS.
It is also informed that the Chief Minister directed KT Gyaltsen, political secretary to the CM to understand the problem so that a final decision would be given to the villagers in the next hearing on August 23.
At the same time, the representatives and well-wishers of all the 13 blocks have expressed their gratitude to the Chief Minister for the support.
Earlier, during the process of making the lease deed as well as obtaining NOC from the State Ecclesiastical Department, the signatories, representing the Duche claimed to provide better facilities to the resident monks by leasing out the Gompa land adding that the annual budget of the Gompa is so less that it can hardly meet the annual puja expenditure.
As per the document availed through RTI Act, the Duche secretary informed the department that they will be getting around Rs 4 crores from the company. “The total amount will be kept under fixed deposit and interest will be utilized for the purpose of constructing car parking, widening and carpeting of approach road, monk quarters and museum, protection works, depri painting works and fencing works of Gompa compound,” the document reads.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 12: The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has criticized the recent meeting of the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) at Malabassey stating that the people are happy with the SDF government.
A party press release informs that SPCC has lost its credibility after its shameless defeat in the Panchayat election.
Slamming SPCC chief Nar Bahadur Bhandari, the party said that Limboos and Tamangs would have got the seat reservation long time back in the year 1987 and 1976 had Bhandari made the right approach. “The SDF government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling corrected this historic blunder and approached the Central leaders,” the release read.
It further said that Mr. Bhandari “should better understand that the functioning of the Panchayat in SDF regime is much better than that in his tenure.”

Sikkim CIC Operators Association demands white paper on privatization of CICs

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 12: Sikkim Community Information Centre Operators Association has demanded white paper within 48 hours over the State Government’s decision to hand over all the CICs to a private IT company.
Talking to SIKKIM EXPRESS, members of the association said that a total of 90 computer operators of 45 CICs in the State have still not received their salaries of two and half months.
They also expressed their unwillingness to accept the signing of the MoU between the State Government and the Bangalore based IT Company stating that the CICs of Tripura were taken under its Rural Management Development Department in 2007.
“We are not against the State Government but we are helpless. Who will come to the rescue of the 90 operators if not the State Government,” they said.
The members of the association also informed that the Chief Minister had already assured to look into the matter. “We wanted to meet the CM again, but we are yet to get appointment,” they added.
According to sources, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the State Government and Comet Pvt Ltd, an IT company on April 23, 2008 after the completion of the tenure of the Central Government in the project. The company is likely to get operational from the month of September in Sikkim.
However, the computer operators are demanding that the State Government should prepare adequate policies to adopt the project and ensure its smooth implementation in the State.
In a list of demands made today, the association has asked the State Government about the terms and conditions in the selling of the CICs to the private company, age factor of the employees, tenure of services, working hours, salary, facilities like medical treatment, etc.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 12: At least 97 people joined the Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) during a recent public meeting held at Malabassey in West Sikkim.
All the people had resigned from the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) to join the SPCC.
Among the 97 persons, 81 are from Rinchenpong, eight from Melli, seven from Ralang and one from Dentam in West Sikkim.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 12: The Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Central University, Dr. Mahendra P Lama today informed that the reformative education and the inter-disciplinary courses are the new and unique features offered at the varsity.
He was addressing a gathering of students and teachers in the 19th Foundation Day Celebration of the colleges managed under Rhenock Educational Society held today at the auditorium of Himalayan Pharmacy Institute in Majhitar.
The VC also said that the varsity will focus on preparing an army of knowledge and wisdom with its wide range of courses adding that “dedication, hard work and commitment from the students are crucial at this stage.”
Dr. Lama also urged the students to go for more intensive research works in various subjects such as biodiversity, biotechnology, environmental science and many more.
“Preparation of human resources in Sikkim is the need of the hour and this area need to be given top priority,” he added
Highly appreciating the management of Rhenock Educational Society, the Vice Chancellor said, “This is what we exactly want from the colleges to be under Sikkim University.
DK Sarkar, the Registrar of North Bengal University, who was present as the guest of honour said that the effort put on to impart the quality education by Rhenock Educational Society is commendable.
HP Chettri, the Director of the society highlighted several hardships faced by the college during the time of getting affiliation. He said that the Society has always focused on imparting the best education and knowledge to the students.
Later, the chief guest handed away trophies and certificates to the participants and the winners.
The day also featured staging of cultural shows and fashion show.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor visited the building of HPI and also interacted with the students and the faculty members.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 12: The 61st Independence Day Celebration will be held at 9.00am at Paljor Stadium here.
Members of the public are cordially invited to witness the celebration. The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will take the salute, it is informed.

TUESDAY, AUGUST, 12 , 2008

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 11: The statue of Guru Rinpoche, maintained by Dodrupchen Rinpoche at Chorten Lhagang was today carried in the Guru Chyendren procession with the chanting of Vajra Guru mantra to mark Guru Rinpoche’s Trungkar Tsechu.
Led by the monks blowing ritual instruments and followed by devotees and students, the solemn procession followed the route from Deorali, Metro Point, Zero Point, Dukhi Pan Dokan, Sonam Tshering March, Nam Nang, Deorali and back to Chorten Gonpa.
Revered as the patron saint of Sikkim, the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava is observed every year with prayers organized for all sentient beings.
The rally was organized by the Sikkim Buddhist Duechen Organization along with other associations.
Talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS, Passong Namgyal, the president of Sikkim Duechen Organization said that Maha Guru Padmasambhava popularly known as Guru Rinponche or the precious master is the supreme tantric master and had exhibited mystic feats in sub duing evil spirits and demons thereby reforming them to guard the religion and protect the followers of Dharma.
“Guru Rinpoche had performed miraculous feats on the tenth day of every month of the year to defeat the evil forces and negative elements thereby establishing his invincibility. That is why every 10th day of the lunar month is observed as Guru Tsechu, Mr. Namgyal said.
Meanwhile, a complete reading of the 108 volumes of Kajur texts was also performed from August 8, particularly to generate blessings for harmony, peace and happiness for all sentient beings.
“Tshogs and Choedmes along with prayers were offered at Tsukhakhang Gnyamu Lakhang, Decehen Choeling Gonpa, Sichey, Uygen Choling Gonpa, Burtuk, Guru Kusum Lhakhang, Deorali and Gyaltsen Tshogpa Gonpa, Arithang on the Drukpa Tseshi day,” he added.

Abhinav Bindra creates history, wins gold in 10m air rifle event at the Olympics

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 11: Abhinav Bindra created history for India at the Beijing Olympics today when he won the country's first-ever individual gold medal in the men's 10 metre air rifle event.
The country’s first ever individual Olympic gold medal win was greeted at home with disbelief and joy -as well as renewed hope the country could break with its total obsession with cricket. “This is a great moment for all of us. We are very proud that we finally managed to win a gold medal at the Olympics,” Satish Chettri, a young entrepreneur in the Capital said.
“This is my first Olympic Games. I have been watching it on TV. I am very happy that India won a gold medal. I want to be sportsman when I grow up,” 7 year old Tenzing from Nam Nang said.
“I hope that someday even sportsmen and women from Sikkim will take part in the Olympics one day and win medals for the country,” Lakpa Tamang, a businessman said here today.
India, winners of eight field hockey gold medals, had never won an individual Olympic title before Bindra's feat. Bindra's historic feat makes him India's first-ever individual gold medalist, bettering the silver medal feat of double trap shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore in Athens 2004.
Bindra, who was the youngest Indian participant at the 2000 Olympic Games, won six gold medals at various international meets in 2001. In the Air rifle event at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, Manchester, he won gold in the Pairs event and silver in the individual event. At the 2004 Olympic Games, he broke the Olympic record but failed to win a medal.
He is a recipient of the Arjuna award in 2001 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award for the year 2001-2002.
President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have congratulated Bindra for his sterling performance. Lauding the achievement of the 25-year-old, the Prime Minister described the feat as a "golden performance".

List of Indian medal winners at the Olympic Games

Congress on election mode
Bhandari confident of people’s support to head the next government in the State

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 11: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) president Nar Bahadur Bhandari seemed to have his sights firmly set on the 2009 general election as he claimed that only a Congress government can deliver justice to the Sikkimese people in all spheres and root out corruption from the State.
Addressing a well attended public meeting at Malbasey in West Sikkim on August 10, he said that “Congress will form the government this time both in Sikkim and Centre. “Congress governments here and Centre will solve all issues of Sikkimese people. Elections will be held on February-March next year and as per the new delimitation report, he said.
The state Congress chief then outlined the issues which he accused the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) government of failing to resolve and promised to disentangle them within months after ‘forming the next government.’
Predictably, Limboo-Tamang issue was foremost among SPCC's campaign.
“The Limboo-Tamang communities need not harbour any false hopes that they will get reserved seats in the elections from the SDF government. There are no seats reserved for them in the delimitation report. Next delimitation will be done only in 2026 and political rights of the two communities have been deprived till this period", Mr. Bhandari said.
The SPCC chief also accused the government of destroying the political rights of the business community by making Jorethang, Gangtok, Rangpo-Singtam areas as reserved seats in the new delimitated constituencies.
Leveling charges against the present government in several spheres, Mr. Bhandari announced a slew of pre-poll promises for the people that he said, will be implemented once Congress forms the government.
“Corruption will be removed from the dictionary of Sikkim,” he said adding that the business community and those working here in Sikkim without subjects will be exempted from direct taxes. “Congress will give free power to all BPL families. There will water supply facilities to each household in Sikkim. Prices of essential items will be cut down to half.”
Stating that new young faces with proper education and zeal to work for Sikkim will be given party tickets, Mr. Bhandari said that unemployment will be addressed effectively by his party.
“There are 22,000 educated unemployed youths. We will give jobs to 10,000 youths in the first year itself either in the state, other Congress ruled states or foreign shores. We will sponsor jobs for youths in abroad", he said.
Highlighting that party based Panchayats is the root of injustice and discrimination in villages, the former Chief Minister said that the Congress party will dismiss all Panchayats within 'one month' of coming to power. "We won't impose Panchayats on the people. People themselves will select their Panchayats", he said.
The Congress president promised to break large sum contracts into smaller works in order to enable village people to afford and undertake the works.
"There will no such thing as discos or gambling dens like casinos in Sikkim", SPCC president said while promising to usher in people-centric medical and educational reforms.
Mr. Bhandari further sounded a warning to the people on the eve of elections. "Crores of fake rupees are being printed in Sikkim. Beware of new notes before elections. We don't want you to be arrested later", he said.
Stressing strongly on the importance of May 8, 1973 Agreement and Article 371F of the Constitution for the people of Sikkim, he exhorted the people through his speech to preserve them with their heart and soul. He expressed his concern over the alleged attempts of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and his Government to dilute the Protective provisions of Article 371F and cited enforcement of Direct Central Income Tax in Sikkim by repealing the Sikkim Income Manual of 1948 as an example. Mr. Bhandari questioned why the contents of the secret deal entered between the Central Finance Ministry and the State Government is not being made public as the innocent people of Sikkim have every right to know about such an important matter invariably concerning their life. He fuehrer warned that the Central Income Tax exemption granted to the Sikkim Subject holders is nothing but a temporary relief as nobody knows the terms and conditions of the Secret Deal. All India Service Officers, officers and employees belonging to other states and the members of the business community have been made to bear the brunt of the enforcement of the Direct Central Tax in Sikkim, he added.
Earlier, the AICC secretary and in charge of Sikkim, Sanjya Bapna said that the Central funds and developmental schemes meant for the people of the state has not materialized due to the 'undemocratic' activities of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party.
In his address during the public meeting, Bapna blamed the SDF government on not implanting the Central funds and development schemes on 'ground'. Hundreds of crores of rupees have flowed in Sikkim as Central funds but that type of developmental activities has not happened here, he said.
"Where has the money gone?", questioned Bapna who blamed the SDF government of being embroiled in corruption.
“If democracy is to be restored and development to happen in Sikkim, then people must support Congress to form the next government", Bapna said. He also said that Pawan Kumar Chamling was ruling the State as a despot and cited recent attacks on the press and the journalists and preventing the lone Congress MLA from presenting his argument in the Monsoon Session of the Assembly as examples. Mr. Bapna also urged the people to take fullest advantage of NREG and Right to Information Acts of 2005.
Lone Congress MLA, Acharya Tshering Lama, SPCC general secretary KN Lepcha and new youth face of the party, KB Rai also addressed the large gathering of party workers who had assembled from different parts of the State.
Nar Bahadur Bhandari, President, SPCC presided over the meeting and Sanjay Bapna, Secretary, AICC and In-charge for Sikkim attended the same as the guest of honour. Besides, the Congress Legislative Party Leader, Acharya Tshering Lama, members of AICC and PCC, DCC and the members of Frontal Organizations were amongst the huge gathering.

ACT allege environmental and human rights violation in North Sikkim by power project developer
Large presence of endangered animals in the Teesta Stage III project area: ACT

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 11: The Affected Citizens of Teesta (Act) has raised serious concerns over the grave violations of environmental and human rights violation in North Sikkim, especially in the project site of the Teesta Stage III, being developed by the Teesta Urja Limited.
ACT’s Tseten Lepcha has said that the violation is due to the unconstitutional protection given to the Teesta Urja Company Limited by various department of the State Government.
Concerned by the discovery of a dead “Serrow” or Thar, listed on the Scheduled I of endangered animals list in the project site contrary to the findings of “doctored studies of agencies like WAPCOS and the connivance of the Chief Wild Life Warden of the State Forest Department” that there are no wild animals in the project area, Mr. Lepcha said that the same was a proof that the agencies who carried out the studies were incompetent or doctored their findings. “Even the State Forest Department failed in their role to carry their basic duty of protecting the Wild Life,” he alleged.
“Despite the fact that the damsite is located within the buffer zone of the Khangchendzonga Biosphere reserve, all studies carried out by agencies like WAPCOS at the behest of the Teesta Urja company for the Environment Impact Assessment and subsequent EMP have stated that there are no wild animals in the project Area,” Mr. Lepcha said in a press release.
On objection by the people in the public hearing to this issue, the Central government had asked the opinion of the State Wild Life Department. But the Chief Wild Life Warden without even giving a thought to the actual facts gave an NOC saying that there is no threat to wild life, he said.
The forest officials, who were present in the public hearing, are also alleged to have not pointed out the facts of the existence of wildlife in the proposed project area.
Informing that a case was registered and that the IOU has recorded presence of blood in around the area where the animal carcass was found with a horn broken, Mr. Lepcha said that it was shocking that the post mortem report of the Veterinary Doctor of Chungthang concluded that the animal died of respiratory problem after eating some cardboards and plastics.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 11: The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has expressed its shock over the statements made by the West Bengal Urban Development Minister Asok Bhattacharya, in which he had alleged that democracy did not prevail in Sikkim.
The party, in a press communiqué has said that the allegation is “unfounded, a blatant lie and ridiculous.”
On the other hand, the SDF party has said that the West Bengal urban development minister has failed to provide rights to his own voters in his constituency as a result of which many labourers were committing suicides owing to poverty and financial crisis. “The incident of Babu Ram Dewan, who recently committed suicide, is a living example of the torment of CPI (M) leaders on its workers in West Bengal,” the party said in the release.
Responding to Mr. Bhattacharya’s demand to implement Industrial Dispute Act and Labour Act, the party said that the labourers working in various factories and industries in Sikkim enjoy full financial rights with Rs 150 per day and that no other States in the country has adopted this wage so far. “Labourers in Sikkim enjoy every right under the leadership of the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling,” the release added.
To the condemnation on the attack on journalists, the SDF party said that unbiased and proper investigation by the Police is on into the case.
In response to the issue of Limboo and Tamang seat reservation, the party informed that the Chief Minister had recently brought the issue to the notice of the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Major General Sanjeev Chachra of Sikkim Black Cat Division receives Eastern Command Banner

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 11: It was a proud moment for Sikkim when Major General Sanjeev Chachra, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Black Cat Division received the ‘Eastern Command Banner’ for the year 2007-08 from lieutenant General VK Singh, AVSM,YSM, GOC-IN-C, Eastern Command on August 9 in Kolkata.
The ‘Eastern Command Banner’ is given to the Division which has earned maximum points in various sports and professional competitions which include Squash, Volley ball, Football, Aquatics, Wrestling, Cross Country and Kabaddi in a year.
“Despite the Division being actively deployed on the border in Sikkim, it has proved its mettle in the field of sports in the Command Championship amidst stiff competition from its rivals,” states a pres release.
The prestigious Command Banner was keenly contested by eleven other teams, primarily to keep up with the great sporting traditions of the Black Cat Division which has produced a number of national champions and international players.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 11: UKFC (United Kurseong Football Club) ousted Tarun Khel Khud Sangh (Darjeeling) with two goals to one in the third quarter final round of the Independence Day Football Tournament for Sir Chogyal Tashi Namgyal Memorial Cup 2008 played here today morning at TNA ground.
While Biren Gurung and William Pradhan scored the goals for the jubilant team in the first 22nd and 25th minutes, Nilendra Dewan scored the lone goal for Tarun Khel Khud Sangh in the 28th minutes of the overall 90 minutes match.
Organized by Sikkim Football Association in collaboration with the state Home Department, the football tourney which started from August 10 carries prize money of Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 for the winner and the runner-up team respectively.
A total of eight teams, two from Darjeeling and one from Kurseong are taking part in the tournament.
The first semi-final match between USSC (United Sikkim Sporting Club) and Khanchenjunga Football Academy (Darjeeling) is slated to be played at Paljor Stadium at 2:00 pm on August 12.

MONDAY, AUGUST, 11 , 2008

NIRMAL MANGAR
GYALSHING, August 10: Gyalshing, the West District headquarters will soon get its own degree college.
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced this here today.
Addressing a huge meeting organized by the Cheli Morcha wing of the SDF party, the Chief Minister said that as part of his Government’s efforts to bring higher education to the rural masses, a degree college will be set up here to cater to the needs of the students of the West District.
Speaking on the various welfare programmes launched by his government towards the development of the State, Mr. Chamling said that the Gyalshing town is next on the list of towns that would undergo extensive beautification like Gangtok and Namchi. “We will ensure that the West District will not be left out of the developmental process which is proceeding rapidly in the State,” he said.
In another announcement, Mr. Chamling said that his government would provide pensions to the Shamans of the State like Bongthings and Jhankris from the month of September this year.
Talking about women empowerment, Mr. Chamling said that the women of the 21st century are not born to be confined in the four walls of the house but to lead the nation at par with the men.
He also said that the SDF Government has always given priority to women empowerment in the State and that the womenfolk were enjoying both social and political benefits under the SDF Government.
“30 percent seat reservation for women in government jobs and 50 percent seat reservation in Panchayat elections are some of the milestones achieved by the SDF government,” Mr. Chamling said adding that more benefits for the womenfolk are on the pipeline provided they whole-heartedly support the Government.
Switching over to the Burman Committee Report, the Chief Minister said that it beneficial for the people of Sikkim, as it is aimed to bring more political benefits for them.
At the same time, he regretted that a few politically-motivated people were trying to disturb the peace and harmony of the State. He further urged the people not to pay heed to any rumours, which are aimed at disturbing the tranquility of the State.
Informing the people about study loans being provided by the State Government, Mr. Chamling said that the Government is sanctioning Rs 30 lakhs for higher studies in foreign countries. “We want the students to grab the opportunity to study both in India and abroad,” he added.
The Chief Minister was also felicitated by Cheli Morcha, West Sikkim, Contractor Welfare Co-operative Society, Ari Goan Samaj Sudhar Mandali and Kyongsa Sarva Sewa Samaj on the occasion for his efforts in exempting Sikkim Subjects from Central Direct taxes.
Later in the evening, Mr. Chamling also met with the West District Government employees.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 10: The West Bengal Urban Development Minister, Asok Bhattacharya today said that Sikkim urgently needed to implement the Industrial Dispute Act and Labour Act in Sikkim for the benefit of all the labourers working in various industries and factories in the State.
Addressing a press conference here today, the minister said that the recent attack on journalists in Gangtok is an act of suppressing the freedom of speech and expression.
Focussing his speech mainly on the Gorkhaland issue, he stated that no issues would be raised on Gorkhaland during the tripartite meeting to be held in New Delhi between the West Bengal Government, Central Government and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha. “It would only dwell on the alternative for DGHC and also about the autonomous powers to DGHC,” he said.
He also ruled out the allegation that the Indian Nepalese were being ill-treated in West Bengal adding that the downfall of GNLF chief Subash Ghishing was a result of his undemocratic acts.
The urban development minister also said that CPIM is not only against Gorkhaland but also against creation of smaller states like Bidharba, Telengana and others. “Darjeeling and Bengal should stay together united,” he said.
Terming the GJM revolution as anti-gandhism, Mr. Bhattacharya hinted that time has not come for Darjeeling to raise the voice for right to self-determination, which is one of the viewpoints of CPIM.
“There should be no Sixth Schedule. GJM is like old wine in new bottle and its revolution is more emotional,” he added.
The conference organized by CPIM, Sikkim branch and held under the chairmanship of Balaram Adhikari, Secretary of CPIM, Sikkim State was also attended by Nilotpal Basu, CPI (M) Central Committee member as the chief guest.
On the party’s pulling out from the UPA government, Nilotpal Basu said CPI (M) is a party for the poor and the deprived and this is one of the reasons why the party withdrew its support from the UPA government when it went for signing the nuclear deal.
Thukchuk Lachungpa, PT Gymatso and Tara Shrestha from Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRPP), Suraj Pathak, Rajya Sabha member of Darjeeling District and other party workers were also present.
Thukchuk Lachungpa on his part opined on the urgent need of raising all the issues pertaining to Sikkim in West Bengal Assembly. He also condemned the recent attack on journalists in the State terming it as a threat to the fourth pillar of the democracy.

Ongoing corruption within the SDF government will become an important political issue, says AICC general secretary
Bhandari urges AICC’s support to form the next government in Sikkim

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 10: The All India Congress Committee, general secretary, Sanjay Bapna on Saturday said that the party is ready to fight the forthcoming parliament elections without any coalition support.
Mr. Bapna, who is currently in Sikkim to assess the current state of affairs of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) and to prepare and oversee its political strategies for the forthcoming elections, said that they will approach the local populace with crucial issues related to corruption and unconstitutional activities of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party.
He was addressing a party meeting in Soreng, West Sikkim. “The Congress party is by no means prepared to pull down the SDF government in Sikkim in an undemocratic manner. Rather, the ongoing corruption within the SDF government in Sikkim will become an important political issue for us to fight against them in the near future,” he said.
The AICC general secretary also said that the people will decide whether the Congress party is correct or incorrect in its party principles through their votes.
“As of now, the AICC has not decided to go with an alliance with any other regional political parties to contest the forthcoming elections, he further stated.
Mr. Bapna also alleged the SDF Government “for the imperfect implementation of centrally sponsored schemes and also at the irregularities on the part of the Chief Minister and his wife relating to procuring of land.”
Nar Bahadur Bhandari, president, SPCC on his part urged for the requisite support and assistance from AICC to form a Congress government in the State.

SAIMON PAUL RAI
GANGTOK, August 10: The State Table Tennis fraternity has been lost its coach, Thupten Kunga Bhutia, in a tragic road accident that occurred along the Melli-Jorethang Road on August 9.
Mr. Bhutia, the State TT coach, was 45 years old and is survived by a younger brother and a sister.
The Sikkim Table Tennis Association (STTA) and Sikkim Veterans Table Tennis Association (SVTTA) in a condolence meeting called here today morning at the premises of Paljor Indoor Gymnasium Hall expressed deep shock and sorrowful mourning over the sad demise of the coach.
Condolence messages for the late Mr. Bhutia have started pouring in from the State Table Tennis Associations of Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur and from the North East Table Tennis Forum.
A graduate with an additional one year diploma course in table tennis coaching from National Institute of Sports in Patiala, Late Bhutia earlier worked with the Accountant General office before joining the Sports and Youth Affairs Department as a table tennis coach in the mid 1990s.
Speaking to SIKKIM EXPRESS, the president of Sikkim Veterans Table Tennis Association (SVTTA), Kuber Bhandari has expressed heartfelt condolence at the sad demise of Late Bhutia.
“We have lost a dedicated and an experienced coach, a coach who always dreamt of taking the State table tennis to the national front”, Mr. Bhandari said.
He also said that the early demise of Late Bhutia is a great loss not only for the entire table tennis fraternity but also for the entire Sikkimese sportsmen and women who dreams of scaling great heights in sports.
The STTA’s Karma Bhutia said, “The table tennis fraternity of Sikkim has been devastated by this sad news. He was a real table tennis enthusiast and shared his passion for the sport with his trainee students and fellow paddlers alike.”
One of the department officials at the Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Doma Tshering describes Late Bhutia as a very welcoming, outspoken, kind-hearted and a motivating personality at a personal level and as a dedicated and most sincere coach from a professional point of view.
As per sources, Late Mr. Bhutia was slated to be felicitated by the Table Tennis Club of Assam on August 23 at Guwahati (Assam) for his outstanding achievement as one of the best state coach in the entire north-east region and also as a talented former paddler.
Late Mr. Bhutia, who was a bachelor, has so far coached many prominent table tennis players from the State, right from Nirzala Dahal, Nikita Pradhan and Zeena Subba, bronze medal winners in the 14th edition of North East Sports Festival held in Assam in 1999 to the present batch of promising paddlers like Amit Pradhan and Zarina Rana, who excelled at the prestigious India Cup held in Shillong last year.
In her interaction with SIKKIM EXPRESS, Zarina Rana highlighted that in her sporting career spanning about five years, she was often guided by Late Bhutia with optimal professionalism at both technical and tactical aspects of the sport.
According to Ms. Rana, who was ranked one amongst the top ten players with her excellent performance at the 2007 India Cup, there is none who can ever replace the Late coach for his sheer hard work and commitment to train budding and promising paddlers like her in the sport.
The funeral rite of Late Bhutia is scheduled for August 13 at 8:30 am at Dicheling crematorium.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 10: ‘Sikkim Ka Pramukh Diwangat Sharshta ani Drastha haru’, a compilation of the biographies of the 105 legendary figures of Sikkim will be released on August 17 at the Sikkim Government College auditorium here in the Capital.
Penned by TB Chandra Subba, who was recently conferred with the Bhanu Puraskar for this year, the book contains memoirs and works of all the well-known figures of Sikkim in the field of politics, literature, journalism, art, economics, culture, sports, commerce, music and many more.
The book is published by Kinar Publications.
According to a press release, the book release function will be attended by eminent literary figures like Dr Ghanashyam Nepal, Professor, North Bengal University, Dr Mohan P Dahal, Prof Krishna Raj Ghatani, Jeewan Namdung, Dr Jas Yonjan Pyasi, Krishna Chandra Singh Moktan, Laxmi Meenu from Mizoram and others.
The occasion will also witness felicitation to several literary figures along with the cultural programme, the release further informs.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 10: If you’ve been holding onto a wish, waiting for a shooting star, this week is probably a sure bet! Intense streaks of light caused by small bits of interplanetary rocks and debris will be burning across the early morning sky.
This stellar light show is courtesy of the 2008 Perseid meteor shower, and fortunately for those of us living in the northern hemisphere we have the best seat in the house. Stargazers looking up to the sky may see dozens of meteors per hour. The night sky will be streaked with light in a celestial spectacle put up by the Perseids meteor showers on August 12.
Meteor showers are one of the most frequent and most beautiful astronomical events that can be seen from Earth without using any special equipment. The moment a meteor enters the atmosphere, it starts to burn and leaves behind a bright trace on the night sky, the bigger the meteor, the brighter the trace. One of the most beautiful and most visible meteor showers is the Perseids, which happen each year in the month of August.
Sky gazers can look out for it before dawn when over 100 meteors will sparkle in the night sky. The ideal time to view the Perseids will be from 2:00 a.m. (after the moon sets) until dawn, on August 12. The showers can be visible from Sikkim. Given the weather conditions, it may be difficult to see the dazzling display from Gangtok, but star-grazers in Namchi may get lucky as the South District headquarters offer a clear view of the skies almost round the year.
Perseids are the most famous and beautiful of all meteor showers that approach from the horizon. They are long, slow and colourful.
One can see streaks of light in the sky, javelin-shaped in appearance. They will last for a fraction of a second and will almost be as bright as most stars.
For a while the beautiful Moon will interfere with the Perseids, the lunar glare wiping out all but the brightest meteors. The situation will reverse itself at 2 am on August 12, when the Moon sets and leaves behind a dark sky for the Perseids. The shower will surge into the darkness, peppering the sky with perhaps hundreds of meteors until dawn.
Perseids can appear anywhere and everywhere in the sky. So the best direction to watch is wherever your sky is darkest, probably straight up. Faint Perseids appear as tiny, quick streaks. Occasional brighter ones may sail across the heavens for several seconds and leave a brief train of glowing smoke.
The Perseids meteor shower occurs every year between July 25 and August 18, with a peak on August 12. It has its origin in the constellation Perseus in the North Eastern skies.
As comets move about their orbits, they leave a trail of dusty and rocky debris. When the Earth passes through the comets' orbit, the debris are attracted towards it because of gravity and burn due to the friction experienced during entry into the atmosphere, leading to a meteor shower.
Meteor showers usually have around 100-120 meteors. The typical number of meteors that can be seen per hour at its peak is about 70, which is 10 times the rate of random meteors.
The source of the shower is Comet Swift-Tuttle. Although the comet is far away, currently located beyond the orbit of Uranus, a trail of debris from the comet stretches all the way back to Earth. Crossing the trail in August, the Earth will be pelted by specks of comet dust hitting the atmosphere at 132,000 mph. At that speed, even a flimsy speck of dust makes a vivid streak of light when it disintegrates.
Records of Perseids activity date back to 36 AD. In 1839, German astronomer Eduard Heis was the first to take a meteor count and discovered that Perseids had a maximum rate of around 160 meteors per hour.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 10: The Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP) has condemned the “disturbance” caused to the signature campaign in Gangtok on August 7.
Terming the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as “anti-Gorkha,” the SGPP stated that the signature campaign, which got huge support in other parts of the country, was disturbed in the State where the Chief Minister is a Gorkha himself.
The party has also alleged that the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Government has supported the arrest of the Gorkhaland activities in Sikkim, which according to them is humiliating.
“The SDF government never speaks for the betterment of the Gorkha community, which is unfortunate,” the party stated in the release.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 10: To put an extra edge to its party activities, the Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRPP) has started its Jan Sampark Abhiyan in East and North Districts.
As per the party communiqué, the Abhiyan has been introduced to take the party message to the people in the villages as well as to “seriously” interact with them about their various problems.
The statewide Abhiyan kicked off from August 4 under the leadership of West District Secretrtay KS Gurung.
Likewise, in East District, the meeting is being held under the leadership of SB Rai, Ranjit Gajmer, Nandu Bhattarai and Rudra Khatiwada. The team had already covered areas like Assam Lingzey, Pathing, Rhenock, Rongli and Lossing Pacheykhani in the East District.
In North District, the programme is being carried out in full swing under the leadership of its youth president, Chewang Jigme Lepcha.
Similar meeting was also held in Namchi on August 8 under the chairmanship of Pema Gyalpo Bhutia, wherein action plans of the SHRPP, South District were discussed.

SATURDAY, AUGUST, 09 , 2008

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 08: Tendong Lho Rum Faat, the indigenous festival of the Lepchas was today celebrated with pomp and splendour at the Sikkim Government College auditorium with Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as the chief guest here today.
The two-day festival, which commenced from August 7, also saw Bongthings offer prayers in honour of Mount Tendong and also for world peace and prosperity.
Talking about the importance of the festival, Norzang Lepcha, the president of the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee said that the Lepchas worship Mt Tendong as their God. “On the occasion, the Lepchas make a model of the Mountain in the facade of their homes and worship. The mountain is exclusively made of nine stones and the people dance and sing donning mask seeking blessings of the Lord,” he explained.
CT Lepcha, the President of Renjong Mutanchi Rong Tarjum (RMRT) in his address said that a unique age-old ritual like the Rum Faat maintained by the Lepcha forefathers is a matter of great pride. He further said that the present government has been kind to give all the political and social rights to the Lepcha community.
RB Subba, the Chairman of the celebration committee said that the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has given equal importance to all the communities of Sikkim and has been able to maintain communal peace and harmony in the State. He also appealed the Lepchas not to get carried away by any attempts of creating communal disharmony through several issues.
In the meantime, the Tarjum felicitated the Chief Minister for his effort in exempting Central Income Tax for the Sikkim Subject holders.
During the programme, Tashi Tshering Lepcha was conferred with the Tendong Award for his outstanding contribution towards the upliftment of Lepcha culture, literature and tradition. Choda Lepcha received the citation and the award on behalf of his father.
Sikkim Lepcha Youth Association also felicitated Jeffrey Wangjong Lepcha with Mayal Marnew Award for his pro-active role towards the development of Lepcha Youth Association.
Tshering Ongmu Lepcha, a student of Padma Odzer Choeling School was honored with an award for securing highest marks in Lepcha language in class ten board examinations recently.
Lepcha cultural shows were also staged during the programme.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 08: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said that the signature campaign for a separate state of Gorkhaland, which was carried out by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) in Sikkim does not make sense at all in the State and should instead be carried out in Darjeeling and other parts of the country.
He was speaking during the Tendong Lho Rum Faat celebration at the Sikkim Government College auditorium here today.
While condemning the GJM-imposed bandh of the National Highway 31A yesterday, the Chief Minister said that Sikkim has been bearing the brunt of frequent bandhs called by poltical outfits from neighbouring states since 1986 with huge revenue loss.
“The Gorkhaland demand is purely a matter between the West Bengal Government and the Central Government. We have nothing to say on this and we should not be unnecessarily harassed in the event,” he said.
“The State suffers a loss of Rs 3 crore, 7 lakhs every day whenever the NH31A is forced closed,” he said.
On the seat reservation issue, Mr. Chamling maintained that no one will snatch away the 12 Bhutia-Lepcha reserved seats.
The Chief Minister also informed of his recent visit to New Delhi during which he met with the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and brought before them the immediate issue of Limboo and Tamang seat reservation.
Talking about the construction of an express highway in the State, the Chief Minister informed that the State Government has written a letter to the American Embassy in India requesting for a report on the authenticity of the Star Universal Inc, the company who has been shown interest in the mega project.
Mr. Chamling said that the Prime Minister has assured that Rs 1800 crores would be sanctioned for the double laning of the National Highway. The construction of the airport will also begin shortly, he said.
On the efforts of his government towards conservation of the State’s cultural heritage, Mr. Chamling talked about the construction of the ‘stairway to heaven’ in Daramadin, West Sikkim and said that the work is incomplete as no engineers could provide a design of his expectation. At the same time, the Chief Minister called for more research works from the Lepcha youth in terms of culture, tradition and literature. “The State Government has also plans to set up a Lepcha museum near the structure of the stairway, he added.

GANGTOK, August 08: Get ready for a post-election tax hike. The finance ministry has once again asked the State Governments to consider increasing the 4% value added tax (VAT) on intermediate goods by 1% from 2009-10.
Consequently, the prices of a horde of products such as flour, rice, wheat, pulses, edible oils, drugs, kerosene oil, paper, matches, sewing machines and bicycles may rise from next fiscal.
The Centre’s proposal is a part of its ongoing dialogue with states to hammer out a compensation package for them to meet the revenue loss arising from the reduction in the central sales tax (CST). The 1% increase in the VAT rate was originally scheduled for this fiscal.
Many states, however, refused to do so due to approaching elections and also because of higher inflation. It may be noted that the stalemate over this issue had also led to the delay in a further reduction of CST to 2% this year. The Centre had to finally agree to provide monetary compensation of over Rs 6,000 crore to states.
However, North Block is of the view that it will not be able to provide more monetary support to states from 2009-10, when the CST rate is cut to 1%. States should instead consider looking at additional sources of revenue generation such as hiking the VAT rate. It also expects inflation to cool down by next year, so increasing the tax rate will not have a very huge impact.
The empowered committee of state finance ministers is expected to discuss the issue in its next meeting later this month and try to build a consensus on it over the course of the year.
A two-stage VAT rate hike was in fact a part of the original compensation package agreed upon between the Centre and the states in January 2007. According to the decision taken then, states were expected to increase the VAT rate from 4% to 5% in 2008-09 and then to 6% from 2009-10. In addition, they will also get the power to levy service tax on 77 services along with monetary compensation from the Centre.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 08: The president of Sikkim Himali Rajya Parishad Party (SHRPP) Dr AD Subba has warned the MLAs and the Ministers of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) party not to give any political speech during the Independence Day celebrations.
In a party communiqué, Dr. Subba has said that the Ministers should rather focus on the welfare activities and schemes of the Central Government during their deliberations.
He has also informed that the party has come up with the Jan Samprak Abhiyan through which he would be visiting all the places in the State with the party message and plans.
Similarly, a team led by Ranjit Gajmer, the vice-president of the party recently visited East Pendam, Pacheykhani and Dikling.
According to the release, the people of East Pendam, Pacheykhani and Dikling complained that they have been facing severe water crisis and alleged that the Area MLA Somnath Poudyal is least bothered to tackle the problem.
The party has further alleged that the kith and kin of the Ministers and MLAs are utilizing the VIP vehicles for their personal use. “VIP vehicles should not be misused, the release added.

GANGTOK, August 08: Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh presented a copy of his book “Bahudha and the Post 9/11 World” to the President, Pratibha Devisingh Patil and to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today.
Published by Oxford University Press, this is the first major work from an Indian scholar and statesman that asserts that the answer to terrorism does not lie either in promotion of clash of civilizations nor in pre-emptive strikes but only in respecting human rights and in appreciating various cultures and value systems.
The rise of terrorism and fundamentalism in recent times has brought about phenomenal changes in global politics. These unprecedented challenges call for a new, bold, and imaginative statecraft from world leaders. Underlining the need to transcend age-old peace mechanisms and reconstruct our language of discourse, this book propounds the concept of Bahudha - an eternal reality or continuum, a dialogue of harmony and peaceful living.
Bahudha recognizes the distinction between plural societies and pluralism, facilitates exchange of views and promotes understanding of the collective good. Bahudha calls for not only respect for all faiths/points of view but also an attitude that the other side may have something valuable to offer. And this is the basis for a constructive dialogic process.
This book is being discussed at India International Centre at 6:30 pm on August 12, 2008 by Prof. Ralph Buultjens of New York University, Prof Imtiaz Ahmed of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Inder Malhotra, Senior Journalist. (IPR)

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 08: North eastern Development Finance Corporation Limited (NEDFi), the development Bank of the North East has completed 13 years of incorporation today.
Registered as a Company with its Regd. office at Guwahati, NEDFi has an authorized capital of Rs. 500 crore.
According to a press release, the NEDFi family has grown to seven branch offices in all State Capitals of the North Eastern region, three representative offices (New Delhi, Tinsukia and Kokrajhar) and three information centres (Silchar, Sibsagar and Kohima).
Going back to its establishment, it was in 1994 that Dr. I K Barthakur Committee on Industrial Development of North East suggested for a separate bank for North Eastern Region, after which Dr. Manmohan Singh in his budget speech 1995-96, conceived formation of a North East Development Bank. NEDFi thus came into being in August 1995 and its business commenced in February 1996.
In living up to its expectations of playing the key role as a development bank for the North East region, the Corporation has continually sustained the growth in business and reached new heights in key parameters such as gross income, profits, sanctions, disbursements and the number of borrowers as at the end of March 2008.
Out of the 34 sectors financed by the Corporation, the maximum recovery has been from the industries engaged in capital goods, ferro-alloy, industrial gases, power, all at 100%, followed by contract finance (99.99%), cement (99.03%), iron & steel (98.81%), real estate (98.66%), coke (96.32%), petroleum products (94.79%) and hotels (90.99%).
The release also says that the Corporation is committed to promote the North East economy and has laid stress to widen the development options, encourage entrepreneurial activity and support the vulnerable and sensitive sections of society by financing their viable business needs.
It has also been successful in creating a market for micro finance and has developed Self Help Groups to administer and monitor the members. A large proportion of women have joined the micro finance route to set up tiny business enterprises. Repayment schedules have been adhered to by almost all the beneficiaries, with low default ratio.
As far as Sikkim is concerned, during the year 2007-08, total sanctions and disbursements were Rs.159 lakh and Rs.103 lakh respectively. Cumulative sanctions and disbursements at the end of FY 2007-08 was Rs.1078 lakh and Rs.688 lakh respectively.
In the year 2007-08, NEDFi conducted two export oriented workshops under its Aggressive International Marketing Project in Gangtok in June 2007 and February 2008.
Sikkim Thanka Centre, which deals with hand painted traditional Thanka (Buddha) paintings, was selected as one of the participants for the North East India Investment Opportunity week at Bangkok, Thailand.
Other products such as handmade paper products, handloom, handicrafts etc. from Sikkim were displayed at the IITF, New Delhi. Three units from Sikkim were selected to participate at the IITF, Delhi.
Apart from this, a Thai-Japanese delegation led by Noritada Morita, former DG of ADB visited the State and conducted training on usage of Effective Microorganism in Organic Farming.


The financial results of the year are highlighted below:
                                                                                                                                    (Rs. Crores) 

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 08: The Scheduled Caste Welfare Committee (SCWC) of Rabongla, South Sikkim has congratulated Manju Khati for her directorial venture.
According to Binay Gazmer, president, SCWC, the Muhuart for the English movie “Cash Card” directed by Manju was held on August 7 at Hanuman Tok, Gangtok.
She has become the first ever female director from Sikkim under the banner of Cine Vision Private Limited. Manju has also written the story of the movie thus proving that the local women are as capable as their male counterparts.
“Manju is not only the pride of the film industry of Sikkim but the whole Scheduled Caste Fraternity is proud of her achievement,” Mr. Gazmer said in a press release.
The SCWC has also wished her luck for her future venture and hoped that she gives the State more of her talents in days to come.
The SCWC has also appealed all to vote for Rohit Sunar, a contestant of the TV Reality show, Voice of India. Rohit is an Indian Nepalese based in Assam.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 08: A class XI student of Tashi Namgyal Academy (TNA) has carved a niche by performing live street magic shows in the Capital.
Called by his friends as the David Blaine of Gangtok, Anurag Sharma, who has learnt the skill by watching television shows on street magic, has subsequently mastered the art.
His art is no ordinary as he considers himself the disciple of the world’s greatest magicians such as David Blaine, France Hareray, Chris Angel and Ace Pather.
Besides television, Anurag refers magic oriented books at large scale and has been practicing the art for the past two years.
Though Anurag’s miracle is known only to a handful of people, he has specialized in coin tricks and is a master of cards. Apart from this, the Levitation, (floating from the ground level to the height of 2 inches) is one of the unbelievable feats he has acquired. His latest ‘silver into copper coins, shadow coins (where a coin jumps from one place to other) has become people’s favourite. His other tricks include Holly Molly and Hummer card.

FRIDAY, AUGUST, 08 , 2008

Sikkim gets a Bhutia Study Centre
My govt fully committed towards preservation of Sikkim’s cultural heritage: CM

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 07: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today said that his government is secular and aims not only at preserving the languages and customs of all communities but is also fully committed towards developing Sikkim’s unique cultural heritage.
He said this while inaugurating the Bhutia Kayrab Yargay Tshogpo Khimchen (Bhutia Study Centre) near the SNT complex here today.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that besides major political and economic policies, his government works along the religious spectrum by initiating and implementing various religious projects like the Khimchen.
Emphasizing on the SDF party’s stance in keeping its claimed policies since its inception, the Chief Minister said that the party still suffers from a largely distorted public opinion.
“The instability outlook garnered by vested interests will not succeed in deterring the party policies,” Mr. Chamling said.
Earlier, after unveiling of placard and offering prayers and lighting the butter lamps by the Chief Minister, the president of the Tshogpo, Norden Tshering briefed on the building of the Khimchen.
The Khimchen built at a cost of Rs 68.03 lakhs on a land measuring 35 * 45 ft, will serve as a full-fledged Bhutia study center with archives facility.
He also expressed gratitude towards the government for initiating such a religious endeavour apart from its many other political and social endeavours.
Calling it the brain child of the Chief Minister who had implemented various religious edifices in and around the State, the president of the body said that the Bhutia centre is one of its kinds adding that giving access to religious study by opening such a center is a land mark achievement of the community.
“During the course of the construction, numerous bottlenecks arose including financial constraints but this was meted with much acceptance and positive outlook of the Chief Minister who at first instance contributed Rs 30 lakhs for the construction and later gave Rs 5 lakhs to the association for purchase of interior goods,” Mr. Tshering informed.
The foundation stone for the centre was laid on December 20, 2007.
Presenting the technical report, C.Zangpo, Additional Chief Engineer, UD&HD said that the centre is the result of the collective effort of many young brains and engineer and amalgamation of architectural intellect.
“Admist hardship particularly due to steep terrain during the ground work phase, the team industriously tackled the situation and finally the Khimchen stands firm,” he said.
He also said that the bulk share for the construction has been borne by the State government and the remaining through various sources such as drawing raffle and voluntary donation.
Various organizations from in and around the State also felicitated the Chief Minister by offering khadas. The event concluded with traditional dance performance by three ethnic groups.
The Cabinet ministers, bureaucrats and local people also attended the inaugural function.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 7: You do not need to be a numerologist to find the date - 08.08.08 interesting.
Although astrologers, numerologists and Feng Shui experts differ on the 'auspiciousness' of the date, yet they agree it is a special one. Even the Chinese are kicking off the Olympics on 08.08.08.
"In India, we believe that the number 8 is an unlucky number. However, the Chinese believe it to be a very lucky number. It has also proved to be lucky for them," says Bejan Daruwalla, famous astrologer.
Numerologist Swetta Jhumani believes, "The date is special. Although the number 8 is not a very auspicious number in numerology, yet the presence of three 8 takes the total to 24 (8+8+8=24), which is considered a good number in numerology."
Mumbai-based numerologist Niraj Mancchanda agrees, "Three 8's together offset the negative vibes of the number 8 as the total is 24. Otherwise, disasters could have happened. Many disasters have occurred on the 8th or on a date, the total of which comes to 8. The number 8 is not a very auspicious number. It brings hardship and bad luck."
But Feng Shui experts says that the number 8 is a very auspicious number.
"It is a very auspicious number. The number 8 brings us fortune and wealth. This is the reason why the Chinese are kicking off the Olympics on 08.08.2008," says Charuhas Naik, a well-known Feng Shui expert.
However, Jhumani says, "Most of the earthquakes in China have happened on the 8th. Even though, they are orgainsing the biggest sporting extravaganza in the world on 08.08.2008."
The date is not a good one for organising marriage and other auspicious ceremonies, believes numerolgists.
"The number - 8 is a karmic number, which brings success only when you struggle and work hard. It is either very good or very bad," adds Mancchanda.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 07: Barely a day after the new Income Tax Office in the State was inaugurated, taxpayers here seem to be a confused lot.
Most of the people are in a dilemma over the circular issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India dated July 29, 2008, which has clarified the position and the mechanism of Central Direct Taxes in Sikkim.
The people who comes under the purview of the Central direct taxes said that they are confused with the section 2 (d) of the circular which mentions ‘for the assessment year 2008-09 and subsequent assessment years, assessment or re-assessment, if required, shall be made in accordance with the provision of the income tax Act, 1961 which means for the financial year 2007-08. In simpler terms, the people have to file their income tax return for the financial year 2007-08 as per the notification.
Members of the business community and government employees in Sikkim, who have already paid taxes under State Income Tax Manual, 1948 are worried that they might have to go for double taxation.
“How can we be double taxed because we have already paid our taxes under State Income Tax Manual till June 16, 2008. There is no questions of double taxing,” one of the businessmen told SIKKIM EXPRESS requesting anonymity.
“We were of the notion that the Central Direct taxes would come into be effect from April 1, 2008 retrospectively which means the year of assessment would be 2009- 2010 and the financial year would be 2008-2009.
However, the major lacuna for the businesspersons here is the unavailability of the book of accounts, which they failed to maintain.
“The matter of paying Income Tax came in effect only after the budget session which was held earlier this year and till that time we were totally unaware to maintain our book of accounts,” added another person.
While Speaking with SIKKIM EXPRESS over the phone, Bonani Ghosh, the Commissioner of Income Tax Department, Government of India told that the matter has been taken up seriously and that she would appraise the matter with the Chief Commissioner in Kolkata. “The Chief Commissioner will forward the letter to the Central Board of Direct taxes seeking clear idea about the notification,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has been regularly stating that an effort would be made to follow the Ladakh Model, through which even the people without Sikkim Subjects especially the business communities would be exempted in paying the Central Direct taxes.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 07: The Government Fruit Preservation Factory (GFPF) at Singtam has launched organically produced Ready to Serve (RTS) fruit drinks in the market.
The juices, available in four fruity flavours-Orange, Passion Fruit, Pears and Ginger and packed in 400 ml bottles for Rs 15 each is all set to attract the regular fitness fanatics in the State and in particular for diabetics.
The RTS juice, better known for its organic (natural) characteristics now comes in sugar free form.
Besides, the factory has also proved its worth with the launch of Pears squash and Aakhasay chilly with curd for the very first time. While the squash available in 700 ml is priced at Rs 43 per bottle, the chilly available in plastic pouch on the other hand can be fetched at Rs 10.
Speaking to mediapersons, the Managing Director of the factory, Nima L Yethenpa highlighted that with the regular launch of myriad range of eatable items right from pickles, marmalades, juice, squash, candy and many others produced in an eco-friendly and organic manner, majority of the farmers community from within the state has proved successful in terms of availing the requisite marketing to their organically cultivated fruits and vegetables.
“The GFPF procures raw fruits and vegetables from the rural folks in huge bulk as is needed for the production of organic products at the factory,” the MD said.
“This time as well, the fresh pears, oranges, passion fruit, ginger and Aakhasay chilly were procured in bulk ranging from five metric tonnes to 30 metric tonnes from the fruit growers at Kabhrey, Bermiok, Sadam, Sang, Daramadin, Tashiding, Zoom and other rural locations in the state,” she added.
She further said that the factory products launched in the market so far have successfully paved way for a profitable business transaction. According to her, the sales depot at the premises of GFPF alone has initiated a business worth Rs 63, 38, 384 from April 6 to August 6, in this season lone.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 07: The Sikkim Hotel and Restaurant Association (SHRA) has decided to approach the State Animal Husbandry Department requesting it to lift the six-month old ban on poultry products in the State.
This was decided in a general body meeting of the association held here today.
However, the SHRA said that they will support products produced locally in Sikkim. The Association has also resolved to file RTI for obtaining necessary clarification if the response from the department is unconvincing.
The meeting also passed many resolutions pertaining to the hospitality sector like taking corrective measures via electronic and print media to emphasis Sikkim’s unique identity of peaceful and secure atmosphere in the coming season as well as revision and rectification of Sikkim Tourism Trade Rules after discussion with the stakeholders before implementation.
The SHRA also resolved to support the policy of local employment and appealed to all members to give preference and maximum opportunity to local unemployed.
Having felt that there is a serious demand and supply problem of trained local manpower, the meeting constituted a committee headed by DB Thatal (Ex¬ MLA), of Indrakhil Lodge to look into the matter.
The general body meeting also resolved to file an RTI with the ministry of Tourism for doubts over the status of hotel as an Industry in the State. It was expressed that hotels need of 24 hrs water supply for which dedicated water supply line be provided by the PHED and that hotels are willing to pay the bills.
The meeting unanimously resolved to congratulate the Chief Minster Pawan Chamling for securing Income Tax Exemption for all Sikkim Subject holders.
The general body meeting also expressed its appreciation to the president of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, Bimal Gurung for announcing that there will be no bandhs during the coming tourist season.
Further, the SHRA expressed its appreciation and thanked the Union Minister Mani Shanker Aiyer for extending the leave travel concession to North East which would boost arrivals to Sikkim as Sikkim being preferred tourist destination in the North East.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 07: The Sikkim State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has said that the White Paper on reservation of seats for Limboo-Tamang as Scheduled Tribe in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly is nothing but a “bundle of documents”.
In a press release, the party has alleged that the White Paper was tabled basically to cover the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Government’s “incompetence to specify the number of seats to be reserved for Limboo-Tamang and to reply to two letters” of AK Srivastave, Union Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs viz. letter of July 30, 2005 seeking definite proposal choosing any of the three options - 32 seats, 40 seats or 60 seats and another letter of May 1, 2006 asking whether and why it is necessary to expand the House from existing 32 to 40 to accommodate Tamang and Limboo.
“The White paper clearly says that the population of Limboo and Tamang is 16.5% as per Socio-economic Survey as against 15% as computed from the Voter list of 2004 and also used by the BJP while filing a case in the Supreme Court of India,” Sikkim State BJP general secretary, CB Chhetri said in a press release.
Stating that when the per cent population is already known, the party general secretary said that there should have been no difficulty in working out the exact number of seats to be reserved and send to Government of India by the SDF Government.
According to the release, the “incompetence of SDF Government could also be seen from the letter that the Chief Minister sent on September 1, 2007 to the Prime Minister and also to the Union Minister of Law and Justice in which it states “If the Government of India still feels that the present strength of 32 seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly should remain at 32, then the Limboo and Tamang may be provided reservation of seats in Sikkim Legislative Assembly within the strength of 32 before April-May 2009 election without disturbing the seats for Bhutia¬ Lepcha and Sangha”.
Mr. Chhetri also said that the CM’s letters does not contain the number of seats to be reserved, rather it has deviated from its often propagated stand of 40 seats. “The SDF Government has completely forgotten reservation of seats for Nepalese as a whole in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, he further said.
“The demand made personally by the Chief Minister to the UPA Chairperson, Prime Minister, Home Minister etc. also lack the very basic point as how many seats to be reserved and unless this is specified, the reservation of seats for Limboo-Tamang by the Government of India is practically impossible,” the release added.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 07: The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) convened an emergency meeting at its head office here today to deliberate upon the situation arising out of what it calls “the undemocratic treatment meted out to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) party workers and supporters” here in the Capital today.
According to a press release issued by Kunga Nima Lepcha, SPCC, general secretary (press and media), the GJM party workers and supporters were organizing “a signature campaign at Gangtok and were making general public of Sikkim aware of the constitutional, democratic demands of the Morcha for the creation of their own State and to safeguard their identity.”
The release also informed that without any provocation or breach of law and order, the State Police reportedly seized their anchor-sheets containing signatures and the pamphlets despite this assembly was informed to the concerned State authorities.
SPCC has further ridiculed the “act of the SDF Government in “obstructing” the “peaceful conduct of the GJM’s demands in a Gandhian way”.
Members of the SPCC also said that the SDF Government will be solely responsible for the sufferings and hardships of the innocent people of Sikkim in the event the GJM takes recourse to closure of National Highway 31A.

THURSDAY, AUGUST, 07 , 2008

Income Tax Office inaugurated in Gangtok
Commissioner receives first return on the first day

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 06: The seven-roomed residence of the former Sikkim High Court Justice, located here at the Bhanu Path will now function as Income Tax Office. It was inaugurated by Bonani Ghosh, the Commissioner of Income Tax Department, Government of India this afternoon.
Also present at the inauguration were LD Lepcha, Income Tax Officer and Tshering Ongda, Assistant Commissioner, Income Tax Department, GOI.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner urged for support and cooperation from the local populace for the smooth functioning of the Income Tax office in the State. She also applauded the Centre Government for having proved successful in its endeavour to open up an Income Tax Department in Sikkim. The Commissioner also asked for tax payers’ educational programmes to help the common masses to avail of thorough knowledge and understanding about the Indian Income Tax of 1961.
The Income Tax office was supposed to come up in Sikkim in the early 1980s but owing to the failure on the part of the State Government to implement the Indian Income Tax Act 1961, the same could not be achieved.
With the opening of the Income Tax office in the capital, people in Sikkim can now file their returns.
Interestingly, the Commissioner received the first return on the inaugural day itself. The first return was filed by Pankaj Saxena, client of G Choudhary and Associates, Chartered Accountant Firm of Gangtok.
It may also be mentioned here that the Indian Income Tax of 1961 will now be implemented and for effective date of implementation, the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) has issued circular no. 8/2008 dated 29-07-2008 which clarifies the position in this regard.
On June 16, 2008 the State Government had put an end to State Income Tax Manual 1948, which paved way for implementation of Income Tax Act 1961.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 06: A six-year-old boy is battling for his life in the STNM Hospital here with little hope of survival if he does not receive extensive treatment immediately.
Umesh Pradhan has been suffering from acute Hydrocephalus (water in the brain) for the past three months and has been reduced to just skins and bones in less than a month.
Umesh has also lost his voice due to abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
Son of Damber Kumar Pradhan and Urmila Pradhan of Majhi Goan, Jorethang, the young child has been referred to the AIIMS, New Delhi.
Umesh’s father, originally hailing from Tharpu, West Sikkim, works as a Muster Roll employee in the State Urban Development and Housing Department, Jorethang branch and cannot afford to take his child to AIIMS.
Doctor says that if he misses the treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi, he may not survive. “I just want my son to live and have a healthy life,” said the helpless father.
The State Health Department as per the norms has sanctioned Rs 20, 000 for the treatment. But this amount is very little for the poor parents to get their child treated in the nation’s best-known hospital.
According to Mr. Pradhan, Umesh was a normal child till May this year when he suddenly started complaining about headache, fever and loss of appetite.
Initially, he was taken to the Kalimpong hospital for the treatment but was later brought to the STNM hospital here when the condition deteriorated.
“He started going to school for just 15 and is bed-ridden after that,” the mother of the child told SIKKIM EXPRESS. Today, the child resembles little to his former self, weighing a little over 10 kgs and immobile and listless.
As of now, Umesh desperately needs Good Samaritans to come his way.
All those interested in helping Umesh Pradhan can contact SIKKIM EXPRESS office or call 03592-202286, 98324-70000 and 97330-06747 with their contributions.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 06: The members of the Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT) placed various points and arguments for scrapping of the Panang hydel power project in a preliminary round talk held with the Power Department officials here today.
The meeting held in the office of the Secretary, State Power and Energy Department was attended by ACT members led by its vice presidents, Chopel Lepcha and Tseten Lepcha along with Sopourna Lahiri, member of the independent committee.
In a press release, ACT general secretary, Dawa Lepcha said that “the much expected talk after the scrapping of four projects in Dzongu and the withdrawal of the indefinite fast by the members of the ACT, centered around the two projects in Dzongu which we want to be stopped as well, namely Panang and Teesta IV, which are in the heart of Dzongu and which will be the most harmful to the people.”
During the meeting, ACT members pointed out that the concurrence from the Central Electric Authority was yet to be received for the project work to start, apart from the test drilling for rock samples, he said. They said that even Forest Clearance and Clearance from the Tribal and Social Justice Ministry were also pending.
It was also reminded that 4005 ha of Khangchendzonga National Park and Biosphere Reserve was being encroached in violation of Supreme Court Rulings and National Park Notification, by the CAT plan of the Panang project. Besides, 20 monasteries including Mani Lhagangs, sacred springs, lakes and landscapes, which are propitiated by the Lepchas, the nature worshipers were getting affected by the implementation of the projects in Dzongu, the general secretary said in a press release.
ACT also mentioned the recent declaration of the Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy, that run-of-the-river projects in the country will not be given priority.
At the same time, the activists maintained that they are ready to comply by the suggestions put up by the independent expert committee who had visited the project area in May, that moratorium of ten years is also acceptable to them in case of Panang project, with other projects standing scraped.
Mr. Lepcha also said that ACT has asked a letter ordering the stopping of any illegal project related work until the concurrence and clearances are received.
The State Power Secretary on his part said the government can stop the projects if the majority of the people are not in favour of the projects. He also pointed out that no project related work will be allowed to start until the concurrence from the CEA is received and other clearances.
Next round of talk is awaited, the general secretary added.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 06: The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling called on the Union Minister of Urban Development, S. Jaipal Reddy in New Delhi yesterday.
During the meeting, the CM thanked him for expeditious consideration of important proposals of Sikkim that have contributed to the accelerated development of urban amenities and urban infrastructure in the State.
Mr. Chamling urged the Union Minister to allot a suitable plot of land for construction of an additional Sikkim House facility in New Delhi for the benefit of visiting officials/people from the State to the national Capital. The existing New Sikkim House facility at 14, Panchsheel Marg, Chanakyapuri, which was allotted nearly 30 years ago and has only 32 rooms, is not in a position anymore to cater to the present day requirements that have since increased manifolds, Mr. Chamling said.
Acknowledging the pace of speedy urban infrastructure development unleashed by Mr. Chamling during his 15 years of Chief Minister-ship in which the Sikkim State experienced an era of peace and tranquility, a pre-requisite enabling environment for the seeds of sustainable development to grow and flourish, the Union Minister assured the Chief Minister to provide all necessary central help and assistance to strengthen his hands besides expeditiously considering the allotment of land for an additional New Sikkim House in Delhi.
The Chief Minister also thanked Dr. Reddy for his kind and supporting gesture and extended invitation to him to visit Sikkim which the Union Minister readily accepted.

POWERGRID forms JV to evacuate 1200MW power from Sikkim

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 6: Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID) has entered into a Shareholder’s Agreement with Teesta Urja Ltd to form a Joint Venture Company named “Teesta Valley Power Transmission Limited”.
The Company will develop associated transmission system for evacuation of power from 1200 MW Teesta-III Hydro Electric Project (HEP) being developed in Sikkim by Teesta Urja Ltd. The project, to be built at an estimated cost of Rs. 708 crore, comprises of construction of (i) 400 kV D/C Teesta – Mangan Transmission line (Approx. length 10 kms) and (ii) 400 kV D/C Mangan-Kishanganj Transmission Line (Approx. length 180 kms). The project is scheduled for completion by September, 2011.
POWERGRID and Teesta Urja will have 26% and 74% stake respectively in the Joint Venture Company.
The agreement was signed by VM Kaul, Executive Director (PI & BDD) on behalf of POWERGRID and by YN Apparao, Managing Director on behalf of Teesta Urja Ltd. in the presence of SK Chaturvedi, CMD, POWERGRID and other senior officers of POWERGRID, Teesta Urja Ltd. and Teesta Valley Power Transmission Ltd. The JV Board will be chaired by CMD, POWERGRID.
The project would be built up on Build, Own & Operate (BOO) basis and will also provide transmission capacity upto Kishanganj S/S of POWERGRID to various private HEPs being developed in North Sikkim. The project would be built on 70:30 Debt Equity Ratio. This Project will be an important part of the common transmission system for evacuation of more than 3000 MW generation from large number of upcoming HEPs in Sikkim to supply the power to the beneficiaries of Northern and Western regions.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 06: The president of Sikkim Olympic Association and member of Indian Olympic Association will join the delegation of the IOA to attend the Beijing Olympics 2008.
The delegation will reach Beijing on August 7 and will attend the opening ceremony of the Olympics on August 8 to be followed by attending various games and programme of the Olympics till August 16 2008, informs a press release issued by Jerry Basi, the general secretary of SOA.
According to Mr. Basi, the visit to Beijing is a sort of exposure of the members of the IOA to see the reparations and organization of the Olympics with the perspective of similar preparation in India for the Commonwealth Games scheduled to be held in Delhi in 2010.
Mr. Pradhan, who is the former State Chief Secretary had already led the Indian contingent in the Commonwealth Youth Games at Bendigo, Australia in 2004 as Deputy Chef de Mission and was a member of the Indian delegation for the Commonwealth Games at Melbourne, Australia in 2006 as observer.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 06: The situation turned hostile at the Pelling ground when the scheduled public hearing had to be cancelled at the last minute today.
The public hearing of the Rimbi Hydel Power Project (66 MW), to be commissioned Gammon India Limited was cancelled when the team from the State Pollution Control Board and Sikkim Power Development Corporation failed to turn up at the venue. Even the area MLA could not attend the public hearing due to road blocks from massive landslides, which had occurred at Legship last evening.
On the other hand, landowners from Gyalshing, Lingchom, Rimbi, Darap, Pelling, who had come for the hearing organised by the SPCB lamented that the Gammon India Limited did not respond to their queries.
“We were told to come in taxis and the company was supposed to pay the fare. But no representatives from the company were seen today at the venue,” said one of the landowner while talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS over the phone.
The people, who were already confused over the cancellation of the public hearing, said that they were kept in dark regarding many issues pertaining to the project.
“Since we are parting with our lands, we just wanted to what exactly the Memorandum of Understanding contains,” another person added.
They further complained that not a single meeting has been held with the local Panchayats, NGOs or senior citizens regarding the said project.
Anil Singh, the project officer of Gammon India Private Limited told SIKKIM EXPRESS that the payments of taxi fares have already been made. “The company will maintain complete transparency on the said hydel project, he said.
The next date of the hearing is yet to be decided.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST, 06 , 2008

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 05: The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling today called on the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh in New Delhi today.
During the meeting with the PM, Mr. Chamling once again spelled out the various long-pending demands of the State, which needed the urgent attention of the Central Government.
The Chief Minister firmly reminded the Prime Minister of the urgent need to provide reservation of seats for the Limboo and Tamang communities in the State Assembly as currently there is no specific provision for reservation of assembly seats for STs in the Sikkim and resultantly, the Limboo and Tamang communities, the notified ST communities for the State, are unable to get their constitutional dues and benefits as STs as far as the issue of representation in the State Assembly is concerned.
Mr. Chamling maintained the State Government’s firm and considered stand in the matter that in view of Sikkim’s unique socio-political history, the existing specific reservation of 12 seats for Bhutia and Lepcha communities and one seat for Sangha in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, should not be disturbed or tinkered with while securing the reservation of assembly seats for Limboo and Tamang communities. He stressed the need for an urgent decision by the UPA Government in the matter so as to enable the Limboo and Tamang communities to get their dues in the forthcoming Assembly Elections slated for 2009.
The Chief Minister also took up the other pressing issues pertaining to early implementation of the new Airport at Pakyong, alternate National Highway connectivity to Sikkim and new rail link to the State with the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister, fresh from the meaningful SAARC deliberations, praised the recent initiatives and achievements aimed at meaningfully improving the socio-economic development of the State led by Mr. Chamling’s SDF Government besides the consistent and unflinching support of the SDF party to the UPA Government at Central level.
Mr. Singh also gave a positive response and assured Mr. Chamling that the Central Government would try to find out ways and means to solve the issue of reservation of assembly seats for Limboo and Tamang communities at the earliest besides expediting the early implementation of the central sector infrastructure projects in Sikkim.
The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate the PM on winning the trust vote in the Parliament recently.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 05: The disappearance of a Lake at Uttarey in West Sikkim within a span of 15 minutes yesterday has left most of the villagers baffled.
Located about a kilometer from the Uttarey Bazaar, the waters of Gompa Dara Lake suddenly disappeared along with the huge bursting noise at about 12 noon yesterday. That has also left a lot of people worried.
According to the residents, who went to the lakeside immediately after the incident, the oblong shape lake had a huge crack in the middle of the bed.
Villagers claim that all the waters of the Lake drained into that crack. “A boat in the lake also flowed into the crack,” one of the villagers told SIKKIM EXPRESS.
Not being able to see where the water was draining, the anxious villagers believed that some natural calamities like flood or landslides may occur in two villages of Mukarung and Bandukey, which is located just below the lake.
Experts have opined that the incident seemed to have been a part of global warming and its resultant factors. Some say it could be a geological phenomenon.
A senior official of the State Mines and Geology Department told SIKKIM EXPRESS that the Gompa Dara Lake, also called Uttarey Jheel is actually a natural lake. The Department had done a survey on the Lake about seven years ago. The Lake, which was later recreated into an artificial lake for tourism purposes, may not cause severe damage if it has an exit point.
“The water of the Lake may flow into a river between Uttarey and Dentam,” he said. He further hinted that the possible silting of the lake may be the reason of its sudden disappearance adding that the true cause could be identified only after an inspection.
Uttarey Jheel was recreated for tourism activities like boating.
Today, a team headed by AK Singh, Additional District Collectorate, West, Prabhakar Rai, SDM, Jigme Dorji Bhutia, Disaster Project Officer, BDO Dentam, Panchayats and the local gentries visited the lake.
While talking with SIKKIM EXPRESS over the phone this afternoon, the DPO said the incident may have occurred due to loose soil and incessant rains, which led to the development of crack in the lake. However, till the filing of this report, the team was still unable to locate the outflow of the water due to continuous rain.
Mr. Bhutia also informed that a temporary restoration would be carried out for which the DC has sanctioned a fund under natural calamity fund to seal the crack and also to fence the entire lake area.
The DC has also directed the Gram Panchayats not to let any water accumulate nearby and also forbid people from going near the dried up lake.
“We will submit the report and will put a requisition to the State Mines and Geology Department to inspect the lake,” the DPO said.
The area MLA, Deepak Gurung also visited the site today.
According to studies, rapidly appearing or disappearing for some lakes is part of a natural process. For instance, the lake in Chile did not exist 30 years ago, though global warming is likely affecting the process now.
Studies reveal that Global warming and melting of glaciers seems to be the knee-jerk response lately whenever a dramatic environmental change is observed.
Global warming has become a big concern for lakes, as many bodies of water are experiencing receding water levels due to a combination of low rainfall and high temperatures.
“In the Magallanes province, where the lake is located, the Tempano and Bernardo glaciers are shrinking, and both of those glaciers contributed water to the lake. Experts like Gino Casassa and Andres Rivera, both glaciologists, point to global warming as the cause of the glaciers' melting, says a BBC report.
Besides, scientists have considered other possibilities. One theory scientists considered was that an earthquake in the area opened a fissure in the earth, which sucked down the lake.
In a similar incident of the sudden disappearance of a glacial lake in southern Chile, scientists believe that the region is shaken by frequent earth tremors. “A strong quake which hit the neighbouring region of Aysen in April 21 opened up the fissure in the bottom of the lake,” they said.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 05: Uttarey in West Sikkim has been cut off from the rest of the State due to massive landslides which occurred near Kami Dara yesterday evening as a result of torrential rains.
The landslides have hit the entire stretch thus disrupting vehicular movement towards Uttarey.
According to the information received, arrangements for transshipment have been made for passengers.
Sunguray Khola, the other alternative way to Uttarey was also washed away by the landslides, which occurred a week back.
The Additional District Collector, West, has sanctioned the construction of four log bridges in the areas, where the landslides have occurred. Driving of vehicles along Singshore Bridge, the only other alternative to Uttarey has also been banned due to weakness of the bridge.
SIKKIM EXPRESS has learned that the Government had sanctioned Rs. 72 lakhs for the renovation of the bridge. The works are yet to be executed. The bridge, considered Asia’s highest bridge was constructed in the year 1993.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 05: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling is scheduled to attend the Tendong Lho Rum Faat celebration at Sikkim Government College auditorium on August 8.
All cabinet ministers, chairman/chairperson and invitees from different organizations/associations will also be present in the festival.
A press release of the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee 2008 informs that the programme will be witnessed by over thousand people on average.
The Rum Faat will commence at 6 am with a puja offered by Bongthings while the chief guest is expected to arrive at 10 am.
Besides speeches, the programme will also feature culture show, felicitation and release of Lepcha music album by the Chief Minister.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 05: Drukpa Tseshi, an event when Lord Buddha gave his first preaching of the Four Noble Truths to his five disciples at the Deer Park in Sarnath was observed with devotion and fervour throughout the State today.
His first pubic sermon is called Dharmachakrapravartana, or Turning of the Wheel of Law.
From the early hours of the morning, devotees thronged to the various monasteries across the State to offer prayers and also to light butter lamps. Daylong prayers are observed in all the monasteries in the State.
Drukpa Tseshi is celebrated on the 4th day (Tseshi) of the 6th month (Drukpa) in the Buddhist calendar. According to the English calendar, it falls somewhere around June and July every year.
The people of Sikim, especially from the extreme North Sikkim, in places like Palung and Muguthang, Drukpa Tseshi is celebrated in a unique way comprising of a yak race followed by traditional cultural performance.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 05: With a view to orient Primary Teachers on the National Curriculum Framework, 2005 and to familiarize them with the new textbooks of Classes I to III developed and designed by the State Institute of Education (SIE), Gangtok as per the guidelines of NCF, 2005, a 12-day orientation programme was conducted by the SIE here from July 21.
According to a press release, SIE, Gangtok oriented a total of 243 Primary Teachers from the four districts.
The programme in the North District was inaugurated on July 21 at SIE, Gangtok with SK Shilal, Director, HRDD as the chief guest along with Rudra Poudyal, Director, HRDD as the guest of honour and KK Pradhan, Joint Director, DIET as special guest. There were 53 Primary Teachers of North District who participated in the first phase of the programme from July 21 to 23.
In order to make all the participants familiar with each other, PS Shah, Coordinator, DIETs dealt with the Teaching of Mathematics and the Review of new Mathematics Textbooks for Classes I to III. SB Singh, Coordinator, Mathematics, SIE also dealt with some pedagogical issues pertaining to Mathematics teaching. Malati Rai, Coordinator, Science, SIE and SR Adhikari, Coordinator, Science, SIE highlighted the key issues of NCF 2005 before dealing with the pedagogical aspects of teaching Environmental Studies. The key issues of NCF 2005 like activity-based learning, participatory approach to teaching, child-centred approach, enquiry-based learning and constructivist approach were dealt by the resource persons.
After having highlighted all the above issues, Ms Rai and Mr. Adhikari dealt with all the pedagogical aspects of Teaching Environmental Studies at the Primary level. Bimal C. Rai, Coordinator, SIE also dealt with the core objectives of teaching Environmental Studies as per NCF, 2005.
The session on the Teaching of English was dealt by Indira Joshi, Joint Director, SIE. She began her session with a brief talk on State Language Education Policy. All chapters of the new Books for Classes I to II were thoroughly discussed and wherever necessary, teachers were given practices in dealing with activities meant for Speaking and Listening She also involved teachers in singing Nursery Rhymes.
Mr. Adhikari also dealt with motivation and some psychological aspects of school going children. The trainees were also involved in ‘WHO AM I’ activity and vocabulary games.
The second phase of the orientation programme was meant for the Primary Teachers of East District which began on July 24 where 95 teachers had reported for the programme. Since there was no space to accommodate more than 70 participants in the new Lecture Hall, SIE had no option than to request the teachers of Gangtok area to go back to their schools after inauguration. Only 73 teachers were accommodated.
In the first session, Mr. Singh briefed the participants about the pedagogical principles of Mathematics teaching. In the subsequent sessions, he discussed all the new issues one by one.
The issues related to the Teaching of EVS at the Lower Primary Level as per NCF 2005 were dealt with by Ms Rai, Mr. Adhikari and Mr. Rai.
The session on the Teaching of English began with a brief talk on State Language Education Policy by the Joint Director of SIE. All chapters of the new English Books for Classes I to II were thoroughly reviewed and teachers were also given practices in dealing with activities meant for Speaking and Listening. Teachers were also involved in singing Nursery Rhymes.
The participants were thoroughly apprised of the key concerns of NCF 2005 during the three day course.
In third phase of the orientation programme inaugurated on July 28 for South District primary teachers, 65 of them participated. After the ice- breaking session, issues related to the Teaching of English, its position in Sikkim and at the national level were discussed. The Joint Director, SIE discussed the issues related to the teaching of local languages and the plight of language teaching in the State in general. Besides, all aspects of the new English textbooks were also thoroughly reviewed and discussed. Resource persons including Ms Joshi and Meenu R. Sharma, English, SIE, also dealt with some aspects English Language Teaching Nursery Rhymes, were also practiced by all teachers and all were involved in singing Nursery Rhymes.
The Teaching of Mathematics was discussed by Mr. Singh. Participants were also explained the concepts like lattice, tangrams and date handling.
Coordinators of SIE dealt with the issues related to the Teaching of EVS at the Lower Primary Level as per NCF 2005. Besides the teaching of EVS, the Science Coordinator, Mr. Adhikari also discussed issues related to motivation and objectives.
The last phase of the orientation programme, which began on July 31, was meant for the teachers of West District where 52 Primary Teachers participated. To familiarize teacher participants with each other, the joint director, SIE talked on State Language Education Policy. She also discussed the issues related to the teaching of local languages and the plight of language teaching in the State in general. All chapters of the new English Books for Classes I to II were thoroughly discussed and teachers were also given practices in dealing with activities meant for Speaking and Listening. A session on Spoken English was also taken by her. Teachers were also involved in singing Nursery Rhymes.
While dealing with the teaching of Mathematics, Mr. Singh explained the simple process of making teaching aids. These very simple aids could be used by teachers in order to make the teaching learning process more interesting. He also explained the new concepts introduced in the new Mathematics textbooks for Classes I to III.
The Coordinators, Ms Rai and Mr. Adhikari Science, SIE dealt with the issues related to the Teaching of EVS at the Lower Primary Level. Coordinator, SIE, Mr Rai supplemented the session by explaining the different aspects of child-centered approach to teaching. He also explained the need for professional growth of each and every teacher. Mr. Adhikari also discussed the psychological principles pertaining to the Laws of Learning and Motivation.
At the end of the programme, the candidates gave a feedback in which they demanded the increase of the duration of the orientation programme from three days to at least a week.
They also demanded that the programme should be either held in the District Headquarters or in the Sub-division Headquarters or if possible at the Complex level.
Other suggestions included supply of textbooks and syllabus to schools on time, need-based trainings on question paper making, spoken English, content-enrichment training, cassettes of rhymes to be made available to schools.
The feedback also said that massive orientation programme/refresher course for School Mothers should also be conducted by the State Institute of Education and that panel supervision of teaching in Primary Schools should be done by the experts of the HRDD.

GANGTOK, August 05: Association for Social Health in India (ASHI), Sikkim branch organized a one day programme today on Drug Abuse Prevention and HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign here at Upper Burtuk.
Addressing the function, Bhima Gurung, chairperson, State Social Welfare Board said there is a need to organize such campaigns so as to bring awareness among people on preventing drug use and HIV/AIDS. She also highlighted the various programmes the Board undertakes for the welfare of the society. Sharda Pradhan, president ASHI in her welcome address highlighted the various tasks undertaken by the NGO. Dr Indira Chettri, Medical Officer, STNM focused on how to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS especially among women. She gave a detailed talk on the status of HIV/AIDS in Sikkim and also highlighted the problems associated with substance abuses.
The programme was sponsored by Sikkim AIDS Control Society. Directorate of Field Publicity, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting also screened film on drug abuse and AIDS. (PIB)

TUESDAY, AUGUST, 05 , 2008

CM meets Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi; discuss LT seat reservation issue
UPA leader accepts CM’s invitation to visit Sikkim

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 04: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling today met the UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi today and placed before her various issue concerning the State.
Mr. Chamling also congratulated her for the decisive success in the trust vote secured by the UPA Government in the Parliament recently.
Ms Gandhi acknowledged Mr. Chamling’s greetings and praised the consistent and unflinching support of the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) at the Centre as an integral part of the UPA.
During the interaction with the Congress leader, the Chief Minister highlighted the recent initiatives and achievements of the SDF Government which, he said, were aimed at meaningfully improving the socio-economic development of the State with a special reference to comprehensive improvement of rural infrastructure, quality education, status of minorities for fostering greater inclusiveness in the society, empowering women, SC/ST and weaker sections of the society and accelerated development of social and physical infrastructure.
Mr. Chamling also briefed Ms Gandhi on the urgent need to provide reservation of seats for the Limboo and Tamang communities in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly as currently there is no specific provision for reservation of assembly seats for STs in the Assembly and resultantly, the Limboo and Tamang communities, the notified ST communities were unable to get their constitutional dues and benefits as STs as far as the issue of representation in the State Assembly is concerned.
He maintained the State Government’s firm and considered stand in the matter that in view of Sikkim’s unique socio-political history, the existing specific reservation of 12 seats for Bhutia and Lepcha communities and one seat for Sangha in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, should not be disturbed or tinkered with while securing the reservation of assembly seats for Limboo and Tamang communities. Mr. Chamling stressed the need for an urgent decision by the UPA Government in the matter so as to enable the Limboo and Tamang communities to get their dues in the forthcoming Assembly Elections slated for 2009.
Ms Gandhi gave a positive response in urgent amicable solution to the problem.
Thanking the Congress chief on her encouraging response to the issues and problems of Sikkim, the Chief Minister invited her to visit the State which she readily accepted.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 04: The Mahurat of the play “Andhaharu ko Ramkahani” was today held at the Press Club of Sikkim with CK Shrestha, eminent theater personality cum journalist from Kalimpong as the chief guest.
The programme kicked off by lighting the lamp in the presence of the chief guest, Chunilal Ghimirey, managing director of Channel Ace Production and DB Thatal, the president of Sikkim Kalakar Sangh.
The play is part of an initiative by the Press Club of Sikkim to raise funds for the recently set up Journalist Welfare fund.
Scripted by CK Shrestha, the play will be directed by Hemant Giri, Editor of Naya Kanchandzonga with most of the artists in the play from the media fraternity.
While addressing the press, the chief guest expressed appreciation over the initiative of the Press Club. “It is not that journalists have to address the social issues only through writing but acting is also another form to send out the right message,” he said.
“I cannot say how much money will be collected for the welfare fund but one thing is for sure that the Press Club will be making a history in Sikkim through this play,” Mr. Shrestha said.
Highly appreciating the spirit of the young and committed reporters of Sikkim, the noted dramatist said that journalism had grown in the State over the years and was now attracting young
Mr. Ghimirey on his part contributed Rs 5000 towards the Journalist Welfare Fund.
He also assured all possible support from his company during the staging of the play.
Some of the artists also performed parts of their respective roles during the function.
The play will be staged in the month of October.

Our Correspondent
NAMCHI, August 04: A Rock Python measuring around 15 ft was sighted along the roadside of Melli-Nayabazar Road by some youth and the Forest Personals today.
According to the Divisional Forest Officer (T), South Udai Gurung, the python was preying on one female barking deer weighing around 15 kg along the roadside near Champa Bridge, Melli Road. Due to the heavy traffic along the roadside, the python abandoned the prey and tried to flee from the spot, he said.
On sighting the snake, the youth present there and the forest personals trapped it and later released safely at Baguwa, which is believed as the natural and suitable place for the Rock Pythons.
With the help of youth of Namchi, the Python was captured by RO (W/L), Nandu Lamichaney and BO (T), Akash Das Rai, the DFO informed. He further informed that the personals were also advised by him to dispose the prey which was already dead near the spot.
It may be mentioned here that similar Rock Python was sighted at Samardung, South Sikkim which was rescued at Bagwa.
The continuous sighting of the Rock Python in Southern Sikkim at a time when such species are declining slowing, has brought good news for all the environment loving people. The public has also applauded the immediate action of the Forest Personals in saving and rescuing such rare species.

Our Correspondent
NAMCHI, August 04: At least two houses were badly damaged when a landslide triggered by persistent rains over the past few days occurred at Kharay Bhir at Belling Ward of Turuk Ramabung GPU today.
The houses belonging to Manak Rai and Shanti Kumari Rai of Tindhery had to be evacuated.
Presently, the family members of the affected families are staying with their relatives nearby.
As per the information received, the landslides have damaged the cultivatable lands belonging to HJ Rai, Sukman Rai, Padam Singh Rai and IB Rai.
The regular falling of boulders from the slide is also a case of concern to the residents of Tindhery busty, it is learned.
The landslides have also blocked the road connecting to Tindhery with Belling. About 31 students of Belling Primary School are not been able to go their school because of falling of boulders and road blockage.
Today, the area MLA Girish Chandra Rai along with the Panchayats of the GPU visited the affected area and assured to immediately provide the relief to the affected families.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 04: In keeping with its tradition of “Cleaning through Greening”, the Army today launched a massive afforestation drive in the New Military Station here, informs a press release.
The Governor BP Singh and first lady of Sikkim Mrs Karuna Singh were the chief guests on the occasion.
In a symbolic act, the governor and his wife each planted a sapling followed by Maj Gen Sajiv Chachra, VSM, the general officer commanding and other officers, Junior Commissioned Officers, jawans and their families.
Children of Army School Gangtok also participated in the drive with zeal and enthusiasm.
As informed in the release, a total of 5000 saplings of different varieties were planted. The saplings were obtained through the generous efforts of the Sikkim Forest Department, who also shared their expertise with the Army officers and jawans on the method of plantation and the varieties to be planted. A similar drive is also being undertaken by the army in other locations of Sikkim wherever they are deployed.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 04: The follow up meeting of the Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee 2008 decided to include a number of programmes in the celebration on August 7 and 8, 2008.
Apart from the puja by a Bongthing, there will be a programme on Lepcha language and literature followed by Lepcha folk dance competition and exhibition cum sale of Lepcha traditional food, informs a press release.
The release of Audio CDs and Book will also be featured.
Importantly, puja by Bongthing at Tendong, South Sikkim will be held on August 6 and 7.
The meeting attended by CT Lepcha, president, Sikkim Lepcha Association, Norzang Lepcha, MLA, Rakdong Tintek cum president of celebration committee and all members of Tendong Lho Rum Faat Celebration Committee also decided to felicitate the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling as well as to other prominent Lepcha personalities.
The celebration committee has also requested all the invites and well-wishers to be present during the celebration.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 04: The Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) has slammed the West Bengal Government for the massive postering against the Sikkim government in many parts of Siliguri.
In a press release issued today, the party, terming the action “unfortunate and unwarranted”, retaliated that many tea estates in West Bengal were not functioning, several factories had been shut down and no effort had been made to raise the standard of living of the workers while few of the CPIM leaders were shouting about undeclared emergency in Sikkim.
The release further said that Sikkim is a peaceful state and every citizen enjoyed democratic rights here.
Maintaining that the workers of West Bengal have their own ways to tackle their problems, the ruling SDF party said that few self proclaimed CPI (M) leaders in Sikkim were persistently trying to disrupt the harmony and tranquility of the state. “We can say there is no CPI (M) party in Sikkim as there is not a single member from Sikkim,” the release read.
“The SDF party is working tirelessly for the development of Sikkim and is least bothered to interfere in the issues of other States. We expect the same from the neighbouring state,” the release further read.

MONDAY, AUGUST, 04 , 2008

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 03: The Director of the State Horticulture Department, KK Singh has said that there is a need encourage rural farming in shifting its agricultural pattern from traditional based agricultural to more scientific and technical based mode of production.
This will ensure maximising the agricultural output thereby assisting the farmers to adopt the technologies in future with the help of resource persons and technical experts.
Mr. Singh, who is also a director to Bamboo Programme Mission, was briefing the journalists today before embarking on the excursion to the South District which is being carried out by the department to explore the vegetation and agricultural lifestyle of different rural settlements.
This is part of the Horticulture Development in Sikkim under Technology Mission launched recently in the State.
After leaving Gangtok, the group made its first stopover at Maniram or Allay Dara - a major source of tomato production in the State
The Romeo variety of tomatoes dominates the entire vertical fields with its perfect round fruits.
This year’s tomato harvest has been less satisfactory than the previous years. “Although I may not perfectly match the exact figures, I tilled over 1000 saplings of Romeo provided by the Namchi Horticulture department, along with free manures and fertilizers of lesser chemical content. I sold the entire lot at Rs 5 per kg,” shared DK Rai, a local tomato cultivator.
Although he was contended over the yield, the farmer believed that the yield would have been more if the rains were less severe.
Asked whether agricultural officers visit their villages, he revealed that they make occasional visits and provides practical training. Mr Rai was sent by the Government to Sunitpur under the Chief Minister’s Capacity building scheme. He has no government job but is happy with his present profession.
On visiting some more tomato fields at Allay Dara, it was found that some areas of tomatoes were cultivated by individual households, some on trial basis while some cultivate tomatoes as a source of income.
A fresh graduate, who was involved in the cultivation, said that he is confident enough to earn his livelihood from growing and marketing vegetable produce.
Since tomatoes are non-seasonal vegetables its prices fluctuates all over the year and constantly changes thereby affecting its demand and supply. Considering this paradox, the tomato cultivators of Upper Sadam despite their effort are deprived of their hard work. The reason being that the national market prices for Sadam tomatoes are distorted by the producers from Nasik, who claims that the tomatoes grown in Sadam are of inferior quality. “All year round we till lands with our own bare hands and grow tomatoes and take full care of them like our own children until its time to pick and they simply duplicate our hard grown produce with their fully infested chemical tomatoes,” complained one of the tomato growers.
On the high hills with much cooler climate stands Chuba Perbing, famous for its high quality cabbage and cauliflowers. Nirmala Moktan, Horticulture Inspector, who single-handedly managed and initiated cabbage cultivation in the year 1999 now smiles with pride and enthusiasm when her goods are ready to be marketed. Adapting the Ridge furrow technology, Ms Nirmala applies two varieties of seeds namely rare ball and cristo where the latter is exported in much greater quantity. The production in the year 2001 was 1800 quintals as compared to 1500 quintals in the year 2007. Now the supply of cabbages and cauliflowers at Perbing is exported from its source itself.
The field trip was accompanied by HC Singh, Additional Director, Horticulture, Gangtok, BB Tamang, Joint Director South, I S Singh, Deputy Director, Namthang, MK Pradhan, Deputy Director, Namchi and other local resource persons.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 03: The State Transport Minister Menlom Lepcha yesterday said that the day is not far away when there will be women taxi drivers in Sikkim.
He was addressing a meeting aimed to sensitize Cheli Morchas of Rumtek constituency on the prospects and party activities of Sikkim Democratic Front here at Lumsey Busty.
The MLA further informed that the State Government is planning to issue driving licenses for women who are interested in taking driving as a profession.
“This will be yet another example of women empowerment in Sikkim,” he added.
Terming Cheli Morcha of Rumtek constituency as his “backbone”, Mr. Lepcha lavished praises on their selfless work towards the party.
At the same time, the Minister called for unity and increased level of understanding amongst members of Cheli Morcha, primarily in reaching the vision and the dream of the Chief Minister in nook and corners of the State.
In her address, Bharati Sharma said that women are no more backward in comparison to men from education to politics. On her part, Manita Mangar appreciated the role of the SDF Government in nominating the first woman speaker in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. “Fifty percent seat reservation for women in Panchayat election and equal property rights to women are the remarkable achievements made by women in SDF regime,” she said.
The meeting also witnessed an interaction of Cheli Morchas expressing their opinions and views on women empowerment in Sikkim.
Manita Mangar, MLA Lossing Pacheykhani, Mallika Subba, general secretary, Panchayat wing SDF, and other officer bearers including Bharati Sharma, Sakun Gurung, Menuka Tamang and Karma Doma also attended the meeting.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 03: As many as 13 schools from the East District today took part in various competitions in “Convergence”, the first interschool fest which kicked off here at the auditorium of Sikkim Government College.
The students participated in various events like in quiz competition, spelling bee, elocution, singing and dancing.
The first of its kind in the State, Convergence incorporates all the secondary and senior secondary schools of Sikkim.
Organized by Alpine Attitude and sponsored by Sikkim State Aids Control Society (SSACS), the festival is also an attempt to enlighten school students on HIV/AIDS. The event is supported by SIKKIM EXPRESS and SIKKIM MAIL as media partners.
“It is a diminutive effort to bring all the hidden school talents in a single platform,” informed Amit Chettri of Alpine Attitude. He also said that there are vast potentials amongst the school students, which needs to be identified in order to help them compete in the national and international level.
The programme started with an interesting quiz competition with twelve school participants.
Biraspati Parsai Memorial School, Ranipool finally got selected for the final round of state level quiz competition.
Likewise, in singing competition Bikash Khatri from St Joseph’s Convent School, Martam, Sulochana from PNGSSS and Nikita Gajmer of Holy Cross got selected for the final round.
In elocution, Bijay Saraja Rai (Holy Cross), Thupden Bhutia (TNSSS) and Mausuami Kushbi Rai (PNGSSS) will be competing with the other district winners in the final round. The judge for the competition was Amit Patro, Editor, SIKKIM EXPRESS.
In-group dance competition, Biraspati Parsai Memorial School, Ranipool, PNGSSS and Holy Cross School entered for the final dance competion.
St Joseph’s Convent School, Martam and Bahai School (Saramsa) made it in the final round of the spelling competition.
The competition for the South District and North District will be held on August 10 and September 4 respectively. Similarly for West District, the competition is slated for September 28.
The grand finale of the school fest will be held at SGC auditorium September 28.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 03: Army Green Mission initiated by 17 Mountain Division will commence on August 4.
The Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh will be inaugurating the commencement of the mission by planting the first sapling at 11:15 am at Libing Helipad, Gangtok.
Transport facilities for the journalists covering the event will be available at Children Park, Opposite Sadar Thana, Gangtok. The time for departure is 10:30 am, it is informed.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 03: At least six youth members of Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee (SPCC) under the leadership of LB Chauhan, the president of the youth wing of SPCC participated in a five-day long orientation programme “Aam Aadmi ka Sipahi”, a national level orientation and training camp held in Hyderabad.
Lakshman Chettri, Dil Kumari Chettri, Tenzing Lepcha and Norki Lepcha met with Rahul Gandhi and also interacted with him.
Informing Mr. Gandhi about the alleged failure of Sikkim Government in implementing the National Rural Employment Generation Act, the SPCC youth complained about the suppression of the press and prevalence of corruption in the Himalayan State. The Congress leader was also informed about the issue of hydel power projects and the continuous Satyagraha carried out by the Lepchas.
After listening to all the issues, Mr. Gandhi assured them to extend help in his best possible ways.
Organized by Bharitya Yuva Congress, the main aim of the meeting was to prepare the young and enthusiastic leaders who would later help reach all Central Government schemes across the country.

Our Correspondent
MANGAN, August 03: The people of Dzongu in North Sikkim have been facing severe transportation problems over the past one week following landslide at Mentam Road towards Tingvong, Upper Dzongu.
Under the direction of DPO, UNDP, SW Lepcha and his team, the Panchayats and the people of Tingvong, the work for emergency alternative route at Mentam is in progress from July 30
Clearing of the debris at the landslide area have been done at a brisk pace so that at least eight vehicles can pass to stock essential commodities required for the public. Since the public and the Panchayats are working day and night, it is hoped that the road would be cleared within two days, Mr. Lepcha informed.
The Mentam road neither falls under NH31 nor under GREF and to find immediate help was difficult as heavy full dozers are inaccessible to this place.
However, the Line Department has managed to bring in light DCP from Gangtok as well as help from Panang Project Developers to clear the road.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 03: The Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said that women in Sikkim enjoy equal social, political and economical rights similar to their men counterparts.
He was addressing a high level meeting of the Cheli Morcha at the Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Bhawan here on August 1.
Mr. Chamling also stressed on the fact that women in the State have always been at the forefront in ever work in comparison to their male counterparts.
Attended by members of Cheli Morcha of the party, the main idea behind organizing the meeting was to make the Party’s vision clear and specific with the women wing.
Speaking on women empowerment, the Chief Minister said women play a significant role in building a nation and society adding that the Chelis of SDF party should be more vision oriented.
The Minister of the State Animal Husbandry Department, Kalawati Subba, MLA Manita Mangar and party members Bina Rai also addressed the meeting.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 03: On the auspicious occasion of Drukpa Tseshi, the Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh and Mrs. Karuna Singh have extended their warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Sikkim.
Similarly, in their greetings the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling and Mrs. Tika Maya Chamling have hoped that the people of Sikkim, draws inspiration and guidance from the teachings of Lord Buddha to lead a noble life.
Drukpa Tshesi commemorates the first sermon of Lord Buddha at Sarnath.

SATURDAY, AUGUST, 02 , 2008

Sikkim selected as the emerging Tourism State of 2008, wins Today’s Traveller Platinum Award

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 01: Sikkim’s effort in making Tourism a sustainable industry is bearing fruit with awards coming in at both the state and local level.
A press release from the State Tourism Department informs that the State of Sikkim has been selected as the Emerging Tourism State of 2008 and is being awarded with the Today’s Traveller Platinum Award, in a ceremony being held at the Hotel Crowne Plaza, New Delhi on August 25.
The Union Minister for Tourism, Ambika Soni will be presenting the award.
In 2007, Today’s Traveller had awarded Sikkim for the Most Picturesque Destination and this year’s award is a confirmation of Sikkim Government’s continuing efforts in making Sikkim a tourist’s paradise, the release stated.
Earlier on July 3, the Hee-Bermiok Tourism Development and Heritage Conservation Society, West Sikkim was bestowed with the CNBC Awaaz Travel Awards 2008 for “Best Example of Community Based Tourism”. The award acknowledges the outstanding contribution made by the Society towards Indian Travel and Tourism Industry. The award was handed over by the Union Tourism minister and received by NK Subba, MLA and patron of the Hee-Bermiok Tourism Development and Heritage Society at Hotel Taz Lands End, Mumbai.
The State Tourism Department has congratulated the people of Sikkim for the awards as well acknowledged the work of all for helping Sikkim receive the awards.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 01: A Wildlife Cinematographer from Sikkim has won the “Best Cinematography Award” in the historical Tara Devi Peace Award 2008 in a function held recently at the International Conference Hall, Nayabaneshwar, Nepal.
Siddhartha Rana bagged the award for his documentary film “the Royal Chitwan” from among 27 documentary films from SAARC, Asian countries.
The award was presented by Girja Prasad Koirala, Prime Minster of Nepal and National Wildlife Film Festival Board, Nepal-2008.
Themed protection of wildlife, the Royal Chitwan-Part XI crew includes Prakash Shrestha from Nepal Channel (Photography), Siddhartha Rana from Sikkim, Cinematographer and Research Officers from Kenya Wildlife Services.
Winner of a number of national and internal awards, Mr. Rana has also under his belt the best document film of India award in 2006 for “The Land of Rhino”, which won the second position in Kenya Film Festival in 2008.
Appreciating Mr. Rana’s creativity and achievements, Animal Planet has offered him to make a documentary film in Antartica, thus being the first Nepali to get the coveted role.

NSD and Indrakeel Natya Manch, Namchi to stage ‘Siddharth Gautam Dekhi Buddha Samma’

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 01: A multi dimensional full length play ‘Siddharth Gautam Dekhi Buddha Samma’ will be staged at the auditorium of Tashi Namgyal Academy on August 2 and 3.
The Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will be attending the play on the first day, which is expected to start from 6:30 pm.
Organized by National School of Drama, New Delhi in collaboration with Indrakeel Natya Manch, Namchi, the artists in the drama were the participants of the three-month long workshop on drama, which was held at Namchi from March 18, earlier this year.
“The play enacts all the transition periods which Gautam Buddha went through in his life from Gautam to Buddha,” informed Pradeep Kulkarni, a professor of NSD.

Our Correspondent
DARJEELING, August 1: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha yesterday declared that all government vehicles plying in the proposed Gorkhaland areas will have to carry “GL” number plates from August 7 onwards.
This was announced yesterday evening by its general secretary Roshan Giri after a central committee meeting of the party held here.
However, the GJM exempted cars used by the district magistrate, sub-divisional officers and the police chief from using GL number plates.
The GJM had announced the decision to sport GL number plates for all its central committee members from July 7.
The GJM has also decided to suspend Bishal Chhetri, the president of its Siliguri subdivision unit, for six months for indulging in “anti-party activities”. Three new members have been inducted into the central committee. They are Bisnu Lama (Dooars), Des Bhakta Subba (Kalimpong) and Francis Dewan (Pedong).
From August 8 onwards, all Government employees across the Hills will hold continuous rallies.
Mr. Giri said that students of Ward 23 in Darjeeling town would be provided with exercise books with maps of “Gorkhaland” printed on the insides of the covers to educate the students about the statehood demand.

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 01: In an effort to raise funds for the recently set up Journalists Welfare Fund, the State journalists will now showcase their acting talent in the days to come.
The Press Club of Sikkim is organizing a stage play, “Andha ko Ramkahani” shortly.
Penned by veteran theater writer, CK Shrestha, it will be directed by Hemant Giri, editor of Naya Kanchandzonga, a weekly vernacular newspaper.
In a meeting held at the Press Club under the chairmanship of general secretary Bhim Rawat, it was informed that a Mahurat ceremony of the play would be held at the Club on August 4, which will be attended by CK Shrestha and others.
“All the sums collected from the play will be deposited in the Journalists Welfare Fund to be utilized for the welfare of the scribes,” the general secretary said. The final casting of the play will be held on the same day, Mr. Rawat added.
Interested journalists to participate in the show are requested to contact the general secretary of the Press Club.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 01: The members of Sikkim State CPM has condoled the death of Harkishan Singh Surjeet.
Veteran CPM leader Surjeet today passed away at Noida’s Metro Hospital. He was 92. He was critically ill for a long time. He breathed his last at 13:35 hours.
The members of Sikkim CPM have also expressed sadness over the demise of the visionary leader.

SE Report
GANGTOK, August 01: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has said that they are fully committed to improve the road condition in Sikkim.
Raising concern over the inconvenience of the road at Bhoju Khola and Andheri leading to Pakyong, BRO officials said that they maintain the stretch, which is 46.5 km from Ranipool to Rhenock and is of Class 9 GS specification.
“We are fully committed to improve road condition in Sikkim, but what we expect is a constructive contribution from general public and NGOs working in the region,” BRO said in a press release issued today.
“Last year, BRO had undertaken 14.82 km of carpeting from Ranipool onwards and this year they have planned for another 14.96 km. Further an amount of 40 lakhs was allocated for road maintenance last year. Besides this, a special board of officers has been convened by HQ SWASTIK to propose strengthening works in the said road,” BRO officials further said.
It is also informed that works have been undertaken to improve the condition of the sinking areas especially near 8 Mile, primarily to avoid disruption of traffic during monsoons.
Officials further informed that drainage system is being maintained and culverts opened to channelise rain waters. “At several location culverts along the road are being blocked and water is diverted purposefully either for irrigation or for some other reasons. Pipelines are laid across the road leading to severe damage to the road surface,” they said adding that the local people should cooperate and support.
While complaining that construction material is dumped along the road side thereby blocking the drains and causing water to flow on road surface leading to the damages, BRO maintained that there is a need to create greater awareness among local residents by the media as well as by local NGOs working in the area on these issues.
BRO has also called upon the NGOs to join hands along with them in tackling issues like illegal road side encroachments, dumping of construction material on road side, blocking of culverts by local residents, oppose uprooting of trees that trigger landslides in the hills and prevent damage to the road infrastructure.
In case of eventuality pertaining to the said road, general public can contact BRO officials at Martham at 03592-254382 and Kalimpong at 03552-255503.

Suicide attempt land inmate in hospital

Staff Reporter
GANGTOK, August 01: An attempt to commit suicide landed an inmate in the hospital.
Pardeep Rai, 29, was critically injured when he tried to commit suicide at the State Jail, Rongnyek this morning.
Police sources said that the inmate tried to commit suicide outside his ward at the Jail with the help of a rope cut out from a blanket which was tied to a solar water heater pipe.
The inmate was immediately evacuated to the Sir Thutob Namgyal Memorial Hospital from where he was referred to the Central Referral Hospital.
Doctors said that his condition is still critical.
Sources inform that the SDM, Gangtok had already taken his dying declaration due to his critical condition.
Rai was arrested by Sadar Police in November 2007 on charges of hitting a home guard by a Maruti Van he was driving below the Titanic Park here in the Capital. He was sent for judicial remand at Rongyal Jail and he was an under trail.
Sources also said that Rai, who hailed from Lava bazaar, near Kalimpong and presently residing at Syari was under depression since few weeks back due to his family problems. It is known that his family members had reportedly stopped visiting him at the Jail since the past few months.
This is not the first such incident at the State Jail. Last year, Sikkim’s most wanted criminal Rakesh Rai alias Spiderman escaped from the jail by scaling the walls with the help of a fibre optic cable tied to a watchtower and even assaulted a few Police personnel.