SIKKIM: Oscar academy restores Satyajit Ray’s banned film

FROM REUTERS

By Sujoy Dhar

Satyajit Ray

KOLKATA (Reuters) – The Oscars academy has restored a rare print of a controversial film by India’s famed director Satyajit Ray that was banned by Indian censors for glorifying monarchy in a Himalayan kingdom that acceded to India.

Made in 1971, “Sikkim” was about the Himalayan redoubt of the same name ruled by the Chogyals before it acceded to India in 1975 amid some criticism that New Delhi had browbeaten its tiny neighbour. China opposed India’s claim on Sikkim until 2005.

Sikkim is now India’s second smallest state, wedged between Nepal, China and Bhutan, and is strategically important for New Delhi.

Ray scholars say the Indian government’s fears that the documentary depicted monarchy in a way that undermined democracy — at a time when Sikkim faced being annexed by either India or China — was unfounded.

“To imagine Satyajit Ray would glorify monarchy over democracy is utterly wrong because he is the same person who could make films ridiculing monarchy as we see in ‘Hirak Rajar Deshe’,” said Arup K. De, head of the Society for the Preservation of Satyajit Ray Films.

It was thought that all the prints of the hour-long documentary had been destroyed after it was banned by India.

But one was found at the British Film Institute in 2003 and it was restored digitally frame-by-frame by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM HAND IN HAND: Activists of Asom Jatiyatabadi Chatrra Parishad(AJYCP) forming

ALL PHOTOS BY NANDA KIRATI DEWAN

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE

WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM HAND IN HAND: Activists of Asom Jatiyatabadi Chatrra Parishad(AJYCP) forming a Human Chain from Reserve Bank to Guwahati Club in a unique protest against terrorism that caused traffic snarls in Guwahati city on 9/11/2008. UB Photos - Photo by Nanda Kirati Dewan

WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM HAND IN HAND: Activists of Asom Jatiyatabadi Chatrra Parishad(AJYCP) forming a Human Chain from Reserve Bank to Guwahati Club in a unique protest against terrorism that caused traffic snarls in Guwahati city on 9/11/2008. UB Photos - Photo by Nanda Kirati Dewan

WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM HAND IN HAND: Joint fist raised in air as seen while activists of Asom Jatiyatabadi Chatrra Parishad(AJYCP) formed a Human Chain from Reserve Bank to Guwahati Club in a unique protest against terrorism that caused traffic snarls in Guwahati city on 9/11/2008. UB Photos - Photo by Nanda Kirati Dewan

WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM HAND IN HAND: Joint fist raised in air as seen while activists of Asom Jatiyatabadi Chatrra Parishad(AJYCP) formed a Human Chain from Reserve Bank to Guwahati Club in a unique protest against terrorism that caused traffic snarls in Guwahati city on 9/11/2008. UB Photos - Photo by Nanda Kirati Dewan

WE WILL FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM HAND IN HAND: Activists of Asom Jatiyatabadi Chatrra Parishad(AJYCP) forming a Human Chain from Reserve Bank to Guwahati Club in a unique protest against terrorism that caused traffic snarls in Guwahati city on 9/11/2008. UB Photos - Photo by Nanda Kirati Dewan

“The life and property of opposition leaders in the hills is the responsibility of the State Government,” Asok Bhattacharya

THE HIMALAYAN BEACON [BEACON ONLINE] EXCLUSIVE

BY BARUN ROY

Asok bhattacharya

SILIGURI: “The life and property of opposition leaders in the hills is the responsibility of the State Government,” said West Bengal State Municipal Affairs Minister, Asok Bhattacharya. Speaking to the press yesterday, Bhattacharya further said, “The hegemony unleashed upon the opposition leaders and their supporters by Gorkha Janmukti Morcha President Bimal Gurung cannot be termed as Gandhivadi (Gandhism). In fact, this so called Gandhi inspired movement is far from being democratic. The type of politics and ideology that Bimal Gurung is preaching is not valid in modern times. Undemocratic ethos will no longer hold.”

Addressing the issue of the GJM declaration of the closure of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council offices, Bhattacharya said, “Isn’t this comical. The GJM has declared the closure of the DGHC offices almost the entire month but will open it for a few days on the end of a month and the start of another so that the employees could get their salaries. How hypocritical? Is it correct for the employees to be paid without having worked for the entire period? However, this is my personal feeling only,” he added.

Coming to the aid of All India Gorkha League President, Madan Tamang, Bhattacharya said, “The State Government has taken all necessary steps to safeguard the life and property of Madan Tamang. No political force will be able to forcefully evict him from Darjeeling.”

Students lay seize over Madan Tamang’s House. Students to sit on hunger strike again!

THE HIMALAYAN BEACON [BEACON ONLINE] EXCLUSIVE

BY BARUN ROY

Heavy Police Presence at Madan Tamang's Hose. Photo by Rabin Rai (Himalaya Darpan)

 

DARJEELING: Students from all the schools walked 5 kilometers from Chowrasta to the Indira Bye-pass situated All India Gorkha League President’s house yesterday. They had gathered under the banner of Gorkha Janmukti Vidyarthi Morcha (Gorkha People’s Liberation Student’s Front) and intended to lay seize over the house. Slogans declaring the Gorkha League President Madan Tamang as ‘anti Gorkhaland’ echoed the hills as soon as thousands of students reached Tamang’s house. Since Madan Tamang was not at his house, the students walking back to the centre of the town gathered at Hill Cart Road and stopped traffic for more than 7 hours. Addressing to the students gathered there Kismat Chettri, the President of Gorkha Janmutki Vidyarthi Morcha laid down the forthcoming agitational programme. “We will initiate series of agitational programme from Monday 10 of November until the day on which the Tripartite meeting is held. A meeting will be organized at the Gymkhana Hall on Monday at 11 am with the Captains and Vice Captains of the schools,” Chettri said. Chettri further confirmed that Bimal Gurung would also attend the said meeting.

Further elaborating on the student body’s agitational programme, Chettri said, “Starting from the 11th students will sit on 24 hour relay hunger strike until the calling Tripartite meeting is convened. On the 12th and 13th November processions and rallies will be organized at Kalimpong and Mirik”.

ASSAM: “Bangla biggest problem”, Gogoi

FROM ASIAN AGE

BY MANOJ ANAND

NEWS SHARED BY JYOTI THAPA MANI

Nov. 8: Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi said here on Saturday that neighbouring Bangladesh was posing a serious threat to the internal security of Assam. He also cautioned against growing religious terrorism in the country.

Mr Gogoi told reporters, “Assam has become the most vulnerable place, with militants taking shelter in its bordering countries like Bangladesh, Nepal and Burma.”

Terming Bangladesh as the biggest concern for the state, he said, “Bangladesh is most problematic. It has large number of terrorists groups of its own and these groups, in turn, have developed nexus with terrorist outfits of Northeastern states, who reciprocate by assisting in carrying out subversive activities in the region.”

He said, “We have to now fight two sets of terrorists, our home-grown ones as well as those abetted from Bangladesh. We have many other neighbouring countries like Burma and Nepal, where terrorists are reported to have been taking shelter but.”

“Bangladesh is the only country where separatist outfits are not only getting shelter but also have the support of the state,” he added.

The chief minister said, “I am going to take up the matter with external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee to discuss the matter with its counterpart in Dhaka.”

“Without flushing out the terrorist bases in neighbouring counties, it would be difficult to contain the separatist activities in Assam. The terrorists are planning and carrying out subversive activities from outside the country. We have come across evidences that some of the forces in Dhaka are extending active support to them,” he asserted.

DARJEELING HILLS: Students join GJM in demand for Gorkhaland

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

DARJEELING: A day after Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) announced a virtual shutdown of Darjeeling, Gorkha Janmukti Vidhyarthi Morcha, its students’ wing, on Saturday announced a slew of agitation programmes in support of Gorkhaland.

GJVM has asked all ‘captains’ and ‘vice-captains’ of schools in the three Hill sub-divisions -Darjeeling, Kurseong Kalimpong -to attend a meeting with heads of schools and GJM president Bimal Gurung in Darjeeling on Monday to discuss postponement of internal examinations.

This will be followed by relay hunger strikes from November 11 till the tripartite meeting on the Gorkhaland issue between the Centre, the West Bengal government and GJM. On November 12, 13 and 17, processions will be taken out in Kalimpong, Mirik and Kurseong respectively. On November 15, the GJVM will celebrate its foundation day by unfurling its flag at all three Hill sub-divisions, including terai and Dooars.

“Agents of Bengal are trying to play with the students’ future. We will not tolerate it any longer. Now, we have decided to fight for our rights,” said Kismat Chettri, president of the students’ body.

On Saturday, students took out a rally from the Chowrasta demanding a separate state and also demonstrated in front of All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president Madan Tamang’s office. GJVM alleged that one of Tamang’s party workers took out a pistol and threatened the agitating schoolchildren.

NEPAL: Challenge to Nepalese Maoist stands ahead

BY DIRGHA RAJ PRASAI

Dirgha Raj Prasai

The only interest of all royalist-nationalists is that this country should live as a sovereign country. The Maoist group itself is an organization that has come up with a revolutionary thinking for strong nationalism and against foreign interference, oppression, suppression and rampant corruption. The way the Maoists were successful in breaking the one-sided control and dominance in power of the Nepali Congress, UML, RPP and Sadhvabana Party by using the traitors and corrupts in those parties it needs to be very careful to meet the future challenges. The main agenda of Nepal is to control and curb foreign interference and corruption and all must remain aware that one cannot impose all its thinking and prejudices in the context of Nepal. The Maoists’ political success will be measured on how it can move according to the national and international contexts. All nationalists are convinced that as the Maoists face a stiff challenge, it can achieve great success only if it can respect the country’s identity and the established norms and values. For this, we request the Maoists to be committed to the following points.

1. It would be relevant if the Maoists move ahead by expressing commitment to the guideline of late Chinese leader and namesake of the CPN-Maoist on a sovereign Nepal and the integrity of one-China principle. Although Nepal and India are near geographically and culturally Nepal has been facing threat since the Mugal times. But Nepal has not faced any kind of threat from China since communism was established there. China’s leader Mao Ze Dong used to say even when communism was at its height in China that ‘China was in favour of monarchy in Nepal as its sovereignty is safe only because of monarchy’. Mao used to have total faith on Nepal’s monarchy as he understood it very well that Nepalese communists even if they wear the façade of a revolutionary always run under the Indian design. China had understood it clearly that Nepal’s sovereignty is linked with monarchy. Therefore, there is no option for the Maoists too to accept this reality. The Maoist should be able to understand the gameplan of India and America to destroy China by using Nepal and for that they first want to weaken Nepal. In such a situation even if the king wants to abdicate all Nepalese should request Him to ascend the throne. The attempt to establish a republican state in Nepal is a Herculean task.

2. If Nepal’s sovereignty is to be protected against the policy of America and India, especially against the conspiracy of RAW, the Maoist must commit itself to a balanced relation between India and China through (1) to manage and control the open border between Nepal and India by fencing and/or construction of wall along the border with consent of both the countries and maintain the 7-10 border points; (II) revoke the citizenship taken by few Tibetan and many Indian nationals since 2007&2008; (III) introduction of work permit for foreigner workers in Nepal and; (IV) to ease the movement of people, transportation and export-import with China.

3. The natural and cultural assets are the wealth of the country. Therefore, the Maoists should prepare plans to mobilize Nepalese manpower in the utilization of natural resources – land, water resources and forest; and to maintain the country’s cultural vibrancy it should declare religious freedom and announce the continuation of Hindu and Buddhist kingdom by which Nepal is known around the world. If the Maoists make these commitments, no force can destroy the Maoists. Although Mao had maintained secularism in China he had prevented the encroachment of foreign religion in China. It might be mentioned here that secularism in Nepal is the interest of the foreigners to destroy the whole identity of Nepal.

4. The Maoists must prepare a list of those of Nepali Congress, UML, RPP and Sadhvawana parties who were in power after 2047 and those who were in the ministries from Secretary, director generals of the departments and directorates, project managers, chief of public corporations, contractors whose number range from 5,000 to 20,000 and evaluate all their previous and present assets and properties, bank balances both in the country and outside, shares, investments and take action under a strict criteria. For this, appropriate laws should be formulated and the institution should be constitituted to curb corruptions. All their properties should be nationalized and they be punished if they fail to furnish relevant proof of their assets and properties and incomes.

SUNDAY FEATURE: Sultana’s Dream – A short story by Rokheya Shekhawat Hossein (1880 – 1932)

Sultana’s Dream was originally published in The Indian Ladies’ Magazine, Madras, 1905, in English. This edition is transcribed from Sultana’s dream; and Padmarag: two feminist utopias by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain; translated with an introduction by Barnita Bagchi. New Delhi (India) : Penguin, 2005.

FEATURED EXCLUSIVELY FOR BEACON ONLINE READERS BY ACUMEN

 

Sultana’s Dream

Sketch by Jessica Dailey [10.6.03]

One evening I was lounging in an easy chair in my bedroom and thinking lazily of the condition of Indian womanhood. I am not sure whether I dozed off or not. But, as far as I remember, I was wide awake. I saw the moonlit sky sparkling with thousands of diamond-like stars, very distinctly.

All on a sudden a lady stood before me; how she came in, I do not know. I took her for my friend, Sister Sara.

‘Good morning,’ said Sister Sara. I smiled inwardly as I knew it was not morning, but starry night. However, I replied to her, saying, ‘How do you do?’

‘I am all right, thank you. Will you please come out and have a look at our garden?’

I looked again at the moon through the open window, and thought there was no harm in going out at that time. The men-servants outside were fast asleep just then, and I could have a pleasant walk with Sister Sara.

I used to have my walks with Sister Sara, when we were at Darjeeling. Many a time did we walk hand in hand and talk light-heartedly in the botanical gardens there. I fancied, Sister Sara had probably come to take me to some such garden and I readily accepted her offer and went out with her.

When walking I found to my surprise that it was a fine morning. The town was fully awake and the streets alive with bustling crowds. I was feeling very shy, thinking I was walking in the street in broad daylight, but there was not a single man visible.

Some of the passers-by made jokes at me. Though I could not understand their language, yet I felt sure they were joking. I asked my friend, ‘What do they say?’

‘The women say that you look very mannish.’

‘Mannish?’ said I, ‘What do they mean by that?’

‘They mean that you are shy and timid like men.’

‘Shy and timid like men?’ It was really a joke. I became very nervous, when I found that my companion was not Sister Sara, but a stranger. Oh, what a fool had I been to mistake this lady for my dear old friend, Sister Sara.

She felt my fingers tremble in her hand, as we were walking hand in hand.

‘What is the matter, dear?’ she said affectionately. ‘I feel somewhat awkward,’ I said in a rather apologizing tone, ‘as being a purdahnishin woman I am not accustomed to walking about unveiled.’

‘You need not be afraid of coming across a man here. This is Ladyland, free from sin and harm. Virtue herself reigns here.’

By and by I was enjoying the scenery. Really it was very grand. I mistook a patch of green grass for a velvet cushion. Feeling as if I were walking on a soft carpet, I looked down and found the path covered with moss and flowers.

‘How nice it is,’ said I.

‘Do you like it?’ asked Sister Sara. (I continued calling her ‘Sister Sara,’ and she kept calling me by my name).

‘Yes, very much; but I do not like to tread on the tender and sweet flowers.’

‘Never mind, dear Sultana; your treading will not harm them; they are street flowers.’

‘The whole place looks like a garden,’ said I admiringly. ‘You have arranged every plant so skillfully.’

‘Your Calcutta could become a nicer garden than this if only your countrymen wanted to make it so.’

‘They would think it useless to give so much attention to horticulture, while they have so many other things to do.’

NEPAL: In Kathmandu, teenaged boys openly fix sex deals

FROM IANS

By Sahil Makkar

They are barely 16 years old, but it is not difficult to spot Nepali boys expertly luring customers for equally young sex workers on the capital’s streets. The demons of poverty, unemployment and the lure of quick money have pushed hundreds of them into a dark trade.

Dressed in simple clothes, these boys look out for foreign tourists visiting Kathmandu’s Thamel market – famous for its dance bars, pubs, restaurants, shops and nightlife – especially after dusk.

Their targets typically are men who roam in groups around massage parlours located in every nook and corner of the sprawling market. The five-foot something boys approach them with offers of arranging girls of any and every age.

‘We first go and strike a conversation with the customers. We listen to their demands and then quote our price. Sometimes we have to give details about the girls to fix the deal,’ said 16-year-old Veer Bahadur, a Class 5 dropout.

‘We tell them that we can supply a girl of any age and all their other demands would be met without any difficulty.’

These young boys quote a meagre sum – sometimes even less than the price of one kilogram of sweets – to supply a girl. The girls can be hired for half-an-hour to one night.

And there is usually a constant flow of tourists. Nepal got 526,705 visitors in 2007.

‘If I don’t do it, someone else in the market will get the customers and I will lose my commission and earnings. There are at least 70-80 places in the market where girls are easily available for sex,’ Veer told a visiting IANS correspondent.

He said like him there are many teenaged boys in this trade.

Most of the boys come from the poverty-stricken areas of Bhaktapur in the valley or Salyan, Baglung and Kaski in the west or Dhankuta and Khotang in the east.

In a country, where over 30 percent of the 30 million population is below the poverty line, 42 percent are unemployed and which until 2006 saw an armed struggle by Maoist insurgents, it is hard to resist the money the trade offers.

‘I started looking for clients after my elder brother introduced me to the flesh trade last year. I have learnt the tricks of the trade from him. My employer is pleased with me and pays me Nepali Rs.2,000 (nearly $27) every month,’ said Veer.

‘Some money I give to my family and the rest I spend on myself. I drink and like sleeping with the girls for whom I fix deals.’

Unlike Veer, Bipin Lama, 16, stepped into the flesh trade after watching his friends make quick money.

‘I was envious of my friends who always flaunted good clothes and expensive mobiles. I wanted to live their lives, so I joined them,’ Lama said.

NEPAL: A daughter’s kidnapping in Nepal

By Kamala Sarup , Nepal

Kamala is an editor for www.mediaforfreedom.com. Her specialties are in-depth reporting and writing stories on peace and anti-war issues, women, terrorism, democracy and development. Some of her publications include: Women's Empowerment in South Asia, Nepal; Prevention of Trafficking in Women Through Media; Efforts to Prevent Trafficking in for Media Activism. She has also written two collections of stories.

Nepal, November 07 – The daughhter of my friend, Maya, was kidnapped in 2004 from the Dhading district in Nepal. I am writing to express my feelings to her, about the story of her daughter’s kidnapping. She received the call the day after her daughter was kidnapped. This unbelievable incident eclipsed her life. “Your daughter was a unique diamond,” I told her. She was about to cry. She felt as if the sky had fallen. “Why are you adding sorrow to my life?” she said, and wept bitterly. The world seemed gloomy. “What are you going to do next?” I asked mildly. “If you want, you can go to the police post. I am ready to help you there.” Later, my mother told me, “Kamala, your friend Maya, fled away from the village. What a naughty girl!” This news had spread all over the village.

Maya and her daughter had belonged to a rich family. They were compared to butterflies when they were seen walking along, playing and jumping. Maya loved her daughter, who was 10 years old. Maya’s husband was working as a social worker too. Being an intelligent and clever man, he was able to hold a job that paid Rs. 4,075. Maya, the daughter of a wealthy village leader, was a lovely, beautiful and attractive young woman. She had said, “I will keep my daughter in my lap.” Looking at the tearful eyes of Maya had expressed it to me.

“I would like to help you,” I had promised in the presence of my mother, while holding Maya’s hand. After her daughter was kidnapped, Maya ignored her family, her husband and had fled. She was going to find her daughter. I heard she reached Kathmandu during the dark night! She worked as a porter, dishwasher and cook in hotels. At night, she tried to forget her difficulties. She wiped away the tears. For several months, she was unable to rent a room. She fought many obstacles. She could not buy meat more than twice a year. Her days passed by doing dishwashing for others. She was always crying for her daughter. She hugged herself for hours by the road, weeping. She remembered the past, how she sang to make her daughter happy on a full moonlit night under the stars. She couldn’t remember more than that. She couldn’t find her daughter. She couldn’t sleep throughout the night.

NEPAL: The ‘Ayurveda industry’ in Nepal

FROM HINDUSTAN TIMES

Nepal has a glorious history of Ayurveda, and it is generally believed that most of the original understandings of the centuries-old healing process have come from the Himalayan nation.

It is endowed with rich medicinal plants; reports claim that about 1,700 plants with magical therapeutic value are found in Nepal. For decades, tourism boom in the picturesque Himalayan nation has also encouraged the growth of various services of Ayurvedic healthcare to the tourists.

In fact, like the herbal medicines, Ayurvedic massage is also miraculous, and serves the purpose of detoxification and rejuvenation of the human body.

Like Thailand, Nepal, too, over the years, learnt the art of blending the great tradition of Ayurveda with smart promotion, too earned the distinction of a massage destination for the western tourists.

Unfortunately, under the swathe of “great Ayurvedic tradition”, a section of devious businessmen in downtown Kathmandu, are now all out to make quick cash by selling sex.

The tourist district of Thamel has now emerged as the nerve-centre of a lot of sleazy massage parlours, which openly vend flesh trade. The clients in the parlours are mostly budget tourists and local youths as sexual services are offered at cheap rate.

“This is shameful,” Karma Sherpa, a tour-operator in Kathmandu said, adding that the massage parlours are earning bad name to Thamel’s vibrant tourism industry.

Illiterate and young rural girls, generally within the age of 16 to 20, are roped in for the ‘sexual massage’. Most of them are not trained as masseurs and are forced to work for their survival.

Surprisingly, the government as well as NGOs have been turning a blind eye to the problem. Some NGOs distribute free condoms in the massage parlours to prevent the spread of HIV.

Even the Family Health International has conducted surveys and studies on the massage parlours in Kathmandu, and has submitted its reports to the Nepal government.

NEPAL: No happiness for refugees

FROM TAIPEI TIMES

Bhutanese refugees living in camps in eastern Nepal said they were closely following the coronation of Bhutan’s new king even though they held out no hope of returning to their homeland, Nepalese media reports said on Friday.

As Bhutan celebrated Thursday’s coronation of 28-year-old Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, thousands of refugees said there was little reason to cheer, the Kathmandu Post newspaper reported.

“There is no happiness in the refugee camp as the new king ascends the throne,” said SB Subba, chairman of the Human Rights Organization of Bhutan. “It is meaningless for the people in refugee camps as the monarchy is the sole cause of our suffering.”

His organization has been fighting unsuccessfully for more than a decade for the right of the refugees, most of whom are ethnic Nepalese, to return to Bhutan. They began arriving in Nepal in the early 1990s, accusing the Bhutanese government of persecution based on cultural, lingual and religious differences.

“The new king can only win the hearts and minds of people if he allows all exiled Bhutanese to return home,” Subba said.

Bhutan’s internal politics has undergone a major change since Jigme Khesar Namgyel’s father, Jigme Singye Wangchuk, promised to introduce a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy in December 2005.

He abdicated a year later, and in March, Bhutan held its first parliamentary elections.

But refugee leaders said Bhutan’s recent political transformation is not democracy in the real sense.

“One-fifth of the country’s population is living in Nepal and has been ignored and the king didn’t allow them the right to register political parties,” said Teknath Rizal, a prominent Bhutanese refugee leader. “Many people inside Bhutan didn’t get to vote.”

“The king of Bhutan may also bear the same fate as the king of Nepal if he turns a deaf ear to our problems,” warned Rizal, who served as adviser to the royal council in Bhutan for four years before he fled the country in the early 1990s.

Former king Gyanendra was forced to abdicate as the country’s parliament voted for the abolition of the monarchy last year.

NEPAL: Nepal exporters rejoice as India rolls back garment duty

FROM IANS

By Sudeshna Sarkar

Kathmandu, Nov 8 : Nepal’s beleaguered garments industry has heaved a sigh of relief with neighbour India, currently one of the biggest destination for Nepali products, slashing customs duty on garments by 50-75 percent.

Kantipur, Nepal’s biggest daily, Saturday quoted a senior official of the Garment Association of Nepal (GAN) as saying that India’s union government has issued an announcement, rolling back the “unfair decision” to raise customs duty.

Uday Raj Pandey, vice-president of GAN, said that though Nepal’s garment exporters should not have to pay duty as per the India-Nepal trade agreement that pledges zero percent trade duty, about two years ago India’s customs authorities started slapping duty on transaction value.

It resulted in Nepali merchants having to pay four percent customs duty on cotton apparel and eight percent on polyester clothings.

To add to Nepali exporters’ woes, around late August, Indian authorities began to slap the duty based on maximum retail price (MRP) instead of the invoice-indicated price.

With the MRP always being higher than the invoice price, the policy switch resulted in a steep hike in customs duty.

The action reportedly affected top Indian brands like John Players, Peter England and Pantaloons, who are now outsourcing from Nepal.

NEPAL: Nepal’s Maoist government under pressure

FROM HINDUSTAN TIMES

Nepal’s Maoist-led government, which aspires to transform the impoverished Himalayan nation into a developed country, is under tremendous political pressure.

Members of opposition parties Nepali Congress and Terai-Madhes Loktantrik Party have vowed to obstruct the session of the Constituent Assembly.

Hridayesh Tripathy, general secretary of Terai-Madhes Loktantrik Party has demanded that the government should immediately dissolve the special committee constituted for integration of the Maoist soldiers with the Nepal Army.

The Nepali Congress, which is the largest opposition party in the Constituent Assembly, has been campaigning against the integration of the Maoist combatants in the national army. It also did not join the special committee.

Tripathy, a former industries minister of Nepal, has demanded that the special committee, which is being headed by Deputy Prime Minister Bamdev Gautam, be reconstituted as per the interim constitution.

It was a shot in the arm for the opposition parties when Nepal’s Vice-President Padmananda Jha on Monday had criticized the government claiming that the constitution of the special committee was “totally un-constitutional” and should be dissolved immediately.

However, the government is desperate to convince the other political parties that the charter of the special committee has been totally democratic and constitutional.

Deputy PM Bamdev Gautam on Saturday claimed that the special committee will not be dissolved as he pooh-poohed Vice-President Jha’s statement and said such views were unwarranted and un-constitutional.

Gautam said the special committee has not been able to start its work because efforts are still underway to forge political consensus on the army integration issue.

BHUTAN: HIS MAJESTY THE KING’S CORONATION ADDRESS

FROM KUENSEL NEWSPAPER

His Majesty, the Fifth Druk of Bhutan during his inagural speech to the nation. A Kuensel Newspaper Photo

8 November, 2008 - It is with immense joy that we are gathered together on this most auspicious day. In these last 100 years the dreams and aspirations of our forefathers and the vision of our Kings have been fulfilled beyond all expectations. The wise and selfless leadership of our kings, the sacrifice and hard work of generations of Bhutanese and the special bond between the People and King have given us this unique and special nation – a jewel of the earth.

Two years ago, at a time of profound change I came onto the Throne as a young King. You, my people, in the spirit of generations past, worked with me with complete faith and gave me your wholehearted cooperation and goodwill. Thus, in these two short years while we have taken gigantic steps towards strengthening our nation, we have done so in a calm, deliberate manner in complete harmony. It is with great pride that we stand as new democracy, having successfully completed an unprecedented and historic transition.

Yet we must always remember that as our country, in these changing times finds immense new challenges and opportunities, whatever work we do, whatever goals we have – and no matter how these may change in this changing world – ultimately without peace, security and happiness we have nothing. That is the essence of the philosophy of Gross National Happiness. Our most important goal is the peace and happiness of our people and the security and sovereignty of the nation.

Our generation of Bhutanese have been gifted a strong, dynamic nation by our forefathers. I am confident that as long as we are willing to work with their commitment and dedication and follow their example we can bring greater peace, happiness and prosperity to our country.

I am confident because I know the worth and character of our people. You are the true jewel of this nation. As citizens of a spiritual land you treasure the qualities of a good human being – honesty, kindness, charity, integrity, unity, respect for our culture and traditions, love for our country and for God. Throughout our history our parents have upheld these values and placed the common good above the self.

My deepest concern is that as the world changes we may lose these fundamental values on which rest our character as a nation and people. It is critical that we are able to recognize Bhutanese character irrespective of how far we look back into the past or into the future. The Bhutan we see is vastly different – unrecognizable even – when compared to the Bhutan in the time of our first King. Yet, the character of our people and the nature of our fundamental values have remained unchanged. Henceforth, as even more dramatic changes transform the world and our nation, as long as we continue to pursue the simple and timeless goal of being good human beings, and as long as we strive to build a nation that stands for everything that is good, we can ensure that our future generations for hundreds of years will live in happiness and peace.

It is not because I am King that I ask these of you. Destiny has put me here. It is with immense gratitude and humility that at this young age, I assume the sacred duty to serve a special people and country. Throughout my reign I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I shall give you everything and keep nothing; I shall live such a life as a good human being that you may find it worthy to serve as an example for your children; I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.

BHUTAN: “I will never rule you as a King”, His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck

“I will never rule you as a King. I will protect you as a parent, care for you as a brother and serve you as a son. I have no personal goals other than to fulfill your hopes and aspirations. I shall always serve you, day and night, in the spirit of kindness, justice and equality.” A Kuensel Newspaper Photo

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BHUTAN: The Supreme Protector

FROM KUENSEL NEWSPAPER

His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck with the Raven Crown. A Kuensel Newspaper Photo

 

8 November, 2008 – The world witnessed a historical phenomenon on November 6 when the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, offered the Raven Crown to His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. For the Bhutanese people it was an overwhelming moment when the past, present, and future merged.

The sacred moment took place in the chamber of the Golden Throne in Tashichhodzong, witnessed by several generations of the Bhutanese royal family, leaders of all branches of the government and security forces, and special guests that included Indian President, Pratibha Devi Singh Patil, the Congress President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, and her son and daughter, Rahul and Priyanka.

The crowning ceremony included the offerings of the symbols of body, speech, and mind by the clergy, government, judiciary, legislature, and the military. His Holiness the Je Khenpo also offered to His Majesty the empowerment of the Universal Emperor – the symbols of dharma, fortitude, swiftness, fulfillment, devotion, wisdom, and valour.

His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Holiness the Je Khenpo, and the dignitaries offered the Thridar (auspicious scarves conveying good wishes) to His Majesty. His Majesty the King received the Thridar from trulkus and lams and Hindu priests and diplomatic representatives from more than 30 countries in the Kuenra (congregation hall) of the Zhung Dratshang (central monk body) and then from thousands of people, who had come from all parts of the country, in the Tendrel Thang outside the Dzong.

On November 1, in Punakha Dzong, His Majesty the King received the sacred empowerment of the five elements from Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The crowning ceremony in Thimphu symbolizes the personification of His Majesty as Jarog Dongchhen, one of the three powerful protector deities of Bhutan, the other two manifestations being Yeshey Goembo and Pelden Lhamo. Jarog Dongchhen, who is depicted with a raven head, is the compassionate and terrifying figure whose wrath can demolish negativity that are obstacles on the path to enlightenment.

BHUTAN: How the outside world will see us

FROM KUENSEL NEWSPAPER

By Tenzing Lamsang

8 November, 2008 – Around 150 international media teams are in Thimphu to cover the Coronation celebrations. Kuensel talked to some of the foreign journalists on their Coronation experience, their coverage and also on the world’s perception of Monarchy and Bhutan.

Most journalists said that they were struck by the love between the King and the people, the transfer of Kingship by a living King, the transition to democracy, the culture and tradition of Bhutan and also the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).
Simon Denyer, Reuters’ Bureau Chief for Bhutan, India and Nepal, said, “Extremely impressive celebrations with an amazing blend of Bhutan’s tradition and Buddhism.”

He said that it was very wise of the Fourth King to make way for the younger generation, so that the new King could be the bridge between the younger and older generation and between the modern and the traditional world. “Many people wanted neither democracy nor an abdication but, in having seen democracy and the Coronation, I think the Fourth King was ahead of the curve in thinking.”

He said that Bhutan is stereotyped as a Shangri-La or sometimes, with the refugee issue, stereotyped in another way, but that the truth was a lot more complex and that there were many good points.

AFP (French) Correspondent Nicolas Revise said, “My general impression was that the people are very sober and quiet and they pay high respect to the King”.

“The King is a very young and smart man, smiling and talking to the people, kissing kids and very comfortable with the people,” he added. “Bhutan is at a crossroads and the King will have to continue democratisation and modernisation of the country as his father did.”

He said that, before coming to Bhutan, he felt that it was a very isolated country but, on being here, he realised that it was open, people are happy and the level of English was very good.

ANI special correspondent Ravi Shankar said that the Coronation was important for Indians and the presence of the top Indian leaders for this phenomenal event underlined this. He added that it was a historic moment because never in history had a King transferred his power to his son in his lifetime and way it was being done was marvelous.

Srinthorn of ‘Hello Magazine’ in Thailand speaking on the coronation said, “It has been very magnificent, cultural, beautiful and shows how important the King is for the country and also the love of the people for the king is almost tangible.” She said that Bhutan has a beautiful image outside, especially since it is a closed and sustainable country, while the world is in crazy right now with consumerism and capitalism.

“The emphasis on GNH is something that whole world is looking at now because everybody wants to seek happiness.”

BHUTAN: Coronation observed in Oz

FROM KUENSEL NEWSPAPER

By Sherab Namgay in Perth

A Bhutanese Monastery at Oz

8 November, 2008 – Hundreds of Bhutanese students studying in Australia got together yesterday to offer prayers and celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Khesar.

In Western Australia, students gathered at the Hayagriva Buddhist Centre in Perth. Led by the Venerable Dondrub of Hayagriva Buddhist Centre, the Bhutanese community and friends of Bhutan offered prayers and khadars to a portrait of His Majesty the King donning the Raven Crown, which they had recently acquired.

Dressed in their finest ghos and kiras, the students were joined by friends of Bhutan and also Australians who visited Bhutan to celebrate the momentous event. Karma Dorji, an IT consultant, who is pursuing his Master’s in IT at Curtin University, said, “I share this moment with all Bhutanese, representing my friends here today, in sharing this joyous occasion of His Majesty’s Coronation, and 100 years of monarchy. Our hearts are with the people gathered today along with His Majesty the King at Changlimithang.”

Another student, Sonam Choden fro University of Western Australia, said that she felt a part of the celebrations although removed thousands of miles away from home. “We celebrated in our own small way and wished His Majesty the King a glorious reign,” she said.

Ms Jo Bower, counsellor at Curtin University’s Counselling Services, who worked for the education ministry in Bhutan as a consultant, said that such a celebration signifies the devotion of people to the King and the importance of the monarchy in peoples’ daily life.

BHUTAN: Amongst the luckiest alive!

FROM KUENSEL NEWSPAPER

By Passang Norbu

8 November, 2008 – Ulla Bonnen waited 20 years to visit Bhutan.

Cherished experience – Tourists mingle with locals in Changlimithangat the historic occasion. A Kuensel Newspaper Photo

Yesterday, at the Changlimithang ground, when the tourist from Copenhagen, Denmark, met face to face with the newly crowned King, she called herself the luckiest tourist. “Experiencing the celebration and meeting the king in person was an extraordinary experience,” she said.

Ulla Bonnen is among the thousands of tourists, who consider themselves lucky to be in Bhutan this week. On November 6, after His Majesty the King received the Raven Crown from the Fourth Druk Gyalpo at the Trashichhodzong, His Majesty met and spoke with thousands of people, including foreign journalists and tourists, who had gathered at the Tendrel Thang. Many expressed their appreciation at His Majesty’s gesture.

“I couldn’t believe I shook hands with the new King,” said a tourist from America. “We just elected a president, but the gravity of the celebrations and the love of people to their King is really moving,” he said. “I wish I was born here.”

Nathalie Ahanda from Africa said that she was amazed that two countries in the world got their leaders simultaneously. A fan of American president elect, Barack Obama, Nathalie Ahanda said that these two moments will be recorded in human history, remembered and cherished forever.

Many said that they were amazed by the popularity of the King with the people, while others said that they were touched by the grace and charm of the King. Tourist Alberto Borgia said that a King mingling freely with such a huge crowd would be a rare scene back home. “The King communicating freely with people is a good thing. It will give hope and inspiration to them,” he said.

SIKKIM: Namchi Mahotsav dates announced

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

NAMCHI, November 7: Namchi Mahotsav, the most awaited annual extravaganza of Namchi will be held at Bhaichung Stadium from December 16 to 18.

This was announced in a meeting held by the Namchi Mahotsav Organising Committee held here today.

The Mahotsav, which was supposed to be held in November every year has been postponed this year to coincide with the inauguration of the new look Namchi town.

The meeting chaired by DC South D Anandan was attended by the Chairman Tea Board Gagan Rai, Chairman, Scheduled Tribe Welfare Board Passang Rinzing Sherpa, Chairman, Scheduled Caste Welfare Board Bhim Lakhey, Zilla Upadakshya, South Himal Tamang, SP South GK Verma, officials of various government departments, representatives of NGOs and organizations related to tourism sector.

Addressing the meeting, the Chairman of Tea Board informed that helicopter service will be started from Namchi helipad shortly. He said that the service will add another feather to South Sikkim’s tourism. Talking on the beautification of Namchi Bazaar, Mr. Rai urged the public and residents of Namchi to cooperate with the government in creating Namchi into a green city.

Mr. Anandan, who is also the chairman of the organizing committee, said that many events like the poet’s meet and flower exhibition have been added in the Mahotsav this year for its betterment.

During the meeting, major works to be taken up for the three-day long Mahotsav were also distributed among different organizations.

SIKKIM: Sikkim demands lifting of Inner Line Permits for boosting tourism

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, November 07 (IPR): Union Cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar who is on an official visit to Sikkim called on the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling at Samman Bhawan today.

While welcoming the Union Cabinet secretary on behalf of the people of Sikkim, the Chief Minister said that as the 22nd State of the Indian Union, Sikkim joined the national planning process only in the late 1970s. In spite of many hurdles, the State has been able to take bold development strides in many crucial sectors. As one of the most progressive States in the Country, the State Government is honestly trying to take the State further ahead on all development fronts.

The Chief Minister mentioned that however, many of the inherent development potentialities and options are being seriously hampered by lack of requisite level of infrastructure facilities and lack of adequate pool of human resources. To overcome these shortcomings, he also seeks the kind indulgence to the points hereunder and consideration by the Central government for early solutions.

1. Widening and Upgradation of 31A National Highway:

31 A National Highway is the only lifeline connecting Sikkim and the people with the rest of the Country. Over the decades, there has been manifold increase in the development activities in the State leading to increased pressure on road traffic and other related infrastructures. In order to facilitate more smooth traffic and ease road congestion, demand for widening and upgradation of 31A National Highway from Bagdogra to Gangtok and further up to Nathula border.

2. Construction of an alternative National Highway:

Sikkim, being surrounded by three international borders, the only exit point is through Rangpo the only existing Highway passing through the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Owing to overdependence on this only highway, the people have to face either nature’s fury or suffer the ignominy unleashed by human elements and bandhs and counter-bandhs called by people across the border. Therefore, the Central Government will appreciate the hardship, grant early sanction for construction of Alternative High way from Siliguri to Gangtok upto Nathula border along opposite side of Teesta River.

3. Construction of Bus/Taxi stand:

The capital town of Gangtok is the hub of administrative centre with all the Departments having headquarters in Gangtok and its periphery. Therefore, fund may be provided by the central government under JNURM or under special grants for construction of Bus and Taxi stand in suitable location in and around Gangtok.

4. Establishment of Institute of Capacity Building:

The State Government has been laying special emphasis on skill development of the Sikkimese people. The state has a functional Directorate of Capacity Building to draw up and sponsor various training schedules for the people in different trade and professions. In order to make this Directorate broad based and comprehensive, the state government seeks to upgrade it into a full fledged Institute and for this, the Central Government all-out support- technically and financially is needed.

GJM declares ‘chapter closed’ for all other political parties

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist Flags flutter together at Chowrasta, Darjeeling on 12th November 2007. A Beacon Online File Photo

DARJEELING, November 07: In a chilling message that shook the Darjeeling hills, Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) chief Bimal Gurung warned about stronger measures as the party’s one month long revolution ended today.

“Our one month long cultural movement that ends today was a soft programme that GJM had thrown before the people. But several people took advantage of this and made baseless allegations against us”, said the GJM chief during a public meeting here at Chowrastha.

The main target of the GJM leader’s onslaught was on his bitter critic, Madan Tamang, the All India Gorkha League president.

Mr. Tamang had recently alleged GJM to be in cahoots with Bengal government for suspending several of its Gorkhaland activities. He had been given a deadline till today to proof his allegations.

“GJM was subjected to baseless allegations. Police and IB should start give protection to Mr. Tamang from today evening itself”, said Mr. Gurung. He said that till today the Gorkhaland movement was being conducted by its women wing but now it will be taken over the GJM’s student front.

“We had already announced that the chapter on the tripartite talks was closed. Today, I declare that the chapter of all the other political parties to speak are now closed”, Mr. Gurung said.

“Boli deki bolosh r lekosh ta (Let them talk or write from tomorrow)”, dared the GJM chief. He also announced that all developmental works under Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) stands closed from tomorrow. GJM’s women wing will picket any tender process from tomorrow, he said.

SIKKIM: Union Cabinet secretary assures all help to Sikkim

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

Union Cabinet Secretary, KM Chandrasekhar with a Sikkimese Official

GANGTOK, November 07 (IPR): Union Cabinet Secretary, KM Chandrasekhar who was on a two days official visit to Sikkim called on the Chief Minster Pawan Chamling at his official residence Mintokgang.

In his brief meeting with the Chief Minister, Mr. Chandrasekhar expressed his happiness and satisfaction with the kind of development works and other programmes initiated by the State government.

He also discussed in detail about the upcoming airport in Pakyong and said that after the completion of the airport the problem of transportation and marketing of goods from the state will be solved to a great extent. He also suggested the state government to upgrade the present highway and at the same time try to make an arrangement for an alternate highway so the problem of transportation could be solved.

Happy with the kind of administration provided by the present state government in the state, Mr. Chandrasekhar said that it was commendable for Sikkim to be such peaceful state without any problems in law and order.

Further, the Union Cabinet secretary also enquired about the storage capacity of petroleum products in the State, regarding which Mr. Chamling informed that as of now it is good but in future the State might need more.

Mr. Chamling also informed the Union Cabinet Secretary about the achievement of the State in various fields like the literacy rate is 82 percent and it is one of the most peaceful State with tourism flourishing. Further he added that by 2015 the state aims to be 100 percent literate and poverty free State.

The Chief Minister also requested Mr. Chandrasekhar to kindly appraise the centre to relax the formalities regarding the permit for the tourists. Further, he added that the issue of reservation for the Limboo and Tamang communities which are Scheduled is pending, so he requested for support from the Centre in this matter too.