DATASHEET: KAMTAPUR LIBERATION ORGANISATION (KLO)

Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO)

Origin

The origin of the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation (KLO) can be traced to the attempts of certain members of the Rajbongshi community belonging to the all Kamtapur Students’ Union (AKSU) to organise an armed struggle for a separate Kamtapur State. For this purpose, they approached the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). ULFA reportedly agreed to train them in order to gain foothold outside Assam, in the other geographically contiguous Indian States, to use them as transit routes. ULFA’s line of thinking was that, it would not only facilitate the movement of its cadres to their base camps in Bhutan but also provide a safe haven for the injured or sick cadres.

The KLO came into existence on December 28, 1995. At the time of its formation, its cadre strength was an estimated 60. However, subsequently, it is said to be operating with approximately 300 ‘active cadres’.

Objectives

The objective of the KLO is to carve out a separate Kamtapur State comprising six districts–– Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, North and South Dinajpur and Malda––of West Bengal and four contiguous districts of Assam––Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri and Goalpara. At its inception, the KLO was an over-ground organisation and was formed to address problems such as large-scale unemployment, land alienation, perceived neglect of Kamtapuri language and identity, and grievances of economic deprivation. Soon, its strategy transformed into waging armed struggle.

Leadership and organisation

Tamir Das alias Jibon Singha is the chairman of the KLO. He was arrested in October 1999. However, he regained control over the outfit after he was released by the Assam Police in a bid to make the other KLO cadres surrender.

Milton Burman alias Mihir Das is the second in command of the outfit. Tom Adhikary alias Joydeb Roy is the outfit’s ‘crack squad’ chief. Both of them were arrested by the RBA during the December 2003 operations.

Bharati Das, Chairperson of the Women’s Wing, was arrested from Jalpaiguri district in West Bengal on August 7, 2002.

The outfit’s operations chief, Suresh Roy, surrendered on January 24, 2002.

Some of the other prominent KLO insurgents who could be in positions of decision-making are Hiten Roy, Ravi Rajbongshi, Rahul Roy and Kajal Roy.

Area of Operation

The KLO is active in following areas of West Bengal and Assam

West Bengal—six districts of North Bengal

• South Dinajpur
• North Dinajpur
• Coochbehar
• Jalpaiguri
• Malda
• Darjeeling

Assam—four districts of lower Assam

• Kokrajhar
• Bongaigaon
• Dhubri
• Goalpara

However, the outfit is most active in Alipurduar in Jalpaiguri and the Shiliguri sub-division of Darjeeling.

The KLO maintains a string of camps in Bhutan. Several of its camps are located across the Wangchu river, close to Chuka district in Bhutan. According to Lyonpo Thinley Gyamtsho, the Bhutanese Home Minister, two of its camps are in the Bhangtar and Lhamoizingkha areas of Bhutan.

Linkages

The KLO is alleged to be the armed underground wing of Kamtapur People’s Party (KPP). Available evidence suggests that it maintains close linkages with the ULFA. Soon after its formation, its members were imparted arms training during 1996-97 in Samdrup Jhankar in Bhutan, and also subsequently at Gelengphu and Kalaikhola. The KLO’s headquarters is situated near that of ULFA’s at Samdrup Jhankar. Reports even suggest that the KLO is the brainchild of Raju Baruah, ULFA’s ‘deputy commander’.

As mentioned already, the ULFA wants to use West Bengal as a transit point to cross over to Bhutan, and then into Bangladesh. Also, this area provides a safe haven for injured and battle-weary ULFA cadres.

The outfit is also reportedly linked to the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). Media reports suggest that the KLO, ULFA and the NDFB have formed an umbrella organisation to coordinate their activities. Moreover, the KLO is also said to have linkages with the Maoist insurgents of Nepal. An August 2001-report indicated that, a meeting of NDFB, KLO, ULFA and the Maoists was held at Birganj, near the Indo-Nepal border, to discuss a joint strategy to carry out subversive activities against India.

Besides these linkages, the Tiwa National Revolutionary Front (TNRF), an insurgent outfit based in the Nagaon district of Assam, also has a working relationship with the KLO. In addition, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), too, reportedly maintains links with the KLO.

Reports also suggest that Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) is assisting terrorist groups, including the KLO, to commit subversion along the Siliguri Corridor of West Bengal.

Major incidents

2008

September 19: An unidentified KLO militant was arrested from an unspecified place in the Kokrajhar district on September 19-night.

September 8: A suspected militant of the KLO, identified as Ramanath Roy was arrested from Laukuthighat village in Baxirhat of Cooch Behar district, along the West Bengal-Assam border. A revolver, three rounds of ammunition and documents were seized from him. Police sources said that the militant, s resident of Chhotoguma in Assam’s Kokrajhar district had entered Cooch Behar district to recruit cadres. District Superintendent of Police Devendra Prakash Singh said, “The arrested militant had returned to India in March after receiving arms training in Bangladesh. We arrested him after receiving a tip-off.” Police sources said Ramanath had revealed a few names of KLO militants presently based in Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh.

August 10: Four militant groups – the KLO, Manipur People’s Liberation Front, Tripura People’s Democratic Front and the ULFA – ask people in the Northeast region to boycott the celebrations of Independence Day on August 15.

July 2: The West Bengal inspector-General of Police (Law and Order), Raj Kanojia, said that the intelligence wing has found enough proof to suggest that the KLO is trying to regroup in three districts of north Bengal. “From inputs received from the intelligence wing, we have come to know that a fresh batch of KLO militants is trying to reorganise in Jalpaiguri, Malda and parts of Dinajpur districts,” Kanojia said in Siliguri.

SPORTS: Maradona’s visit won’t change Indian football: Bhaichung

FROM INDIAN EXPRESS

NEWS SHARED BY AARDEE

New Delhi, November 11: Argentine legend Diego Maradona’s impeding visit to Kolkata may have created quite a buzz in football circles but India captain Bhaichung Bhutia is sceptical whether it would do any good for the country’s football development.
Maradona is scheduled to be in Kolkata on December 6 and 7 and is scheduled to inaugurate the Indian Football School, a coaching centre for kids. But Bhutia is not sure how this would pan out.

“Right now I’m not very sure about his arrival. But we can’t just expect his being here will change things. We need to have a long-term plan in place for the coaching centre and develop it accordingly. We need to do the follow up,” Bhutia, Indian football’s most recognisable face said in New Delhi on Tuesday.

However, he said it would be great if Maradona comes calling.

“It is good if he comes, it will help in generating awareness for the game.”

His India strike partner Sunil Chhetri was ecstatic when asked about Maradona’s arrival.

“India is going to see Diego,” he gushed at the press conference to launch the fourth edition of the India leg of the Manchester United Premier Cup.

“We will be privileged to watch him,” said the East Bengal striker.

Asked to comment about Maradona as coach, Bhutia said they would have to wait and watch.

“(Franz) Beckenbauer won the World Cup as both player and coach. It is not all that easy. We will have to wait and watch,” said the Sikkimese sniper.

Regarding the I-League, Bhutia admitted seeing Sporting Clube de Goa and Air India perched at the top half of the table was a surprise.

SPORTS: Route to Manchester United made easier

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

NEWS SHARED BY AARDEE

NEW DELHI: If European clubs, particularly Manchester United, are a big hit with the Indian youth, then corporates have successfully cashed in on the
idea to sell their brands through football.

While the Indian state associations are still clueless about devising a programme at the grassroots level, the Nike Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC), now in its fourth year, has successfully weaved a dream around ‘Manchester’ for the tiny tots. So when Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri stepped on the ground along with the kids here at the Ambedkar Stadium, their eyes lit up. Even Bhutia was thrilled. “It’s the World Cup for the students,” was how the Indian captain described MUPC.

The event which kicked-off here on Tuesday will be significant as from this year onwards the India winners will directly travel to Manchester instead of going through the rigorous qualifying stages at the Asian level. Bhutia felt it’s not easy to organise events like MUPC. “I don’t expect any club to organise an event like this. But I would definitely want them to do that in future.”

While signing autographs during the conversation, the Indian captain also chipped in with a suggestion. “If clubs are more serious about their academies, more talented players will come. They should depute spotters for this purpose. The government should help to develop infrastructure,” he added.

Meanwhile, after the over-age controversy last year where several teams including East Bengal were barred, steps have been taken to ensure that over-age cases are not repeated this year. “So far 14 boys were sent for MRI scan and two players — one each from JCT and Uttarakhand — were expelled from the tournament,” said one official.

Teams like Mohun Bagan, Mahindra United, JCT, Viva Kerala, Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa, Sikkim Football Academy will take part in this annual event. The group stages will be held at three venues — New Delhi (North Zone), Sikkim (East Zone) and Goa (South & West). The India finals would be held from Dec 1-3 in Goa.

BENGAL: Sikkim’ to be screened at Kolkata Film festival

Satyajit Ray

Satyajit Ray was a great film maker but few know that he also made documentaries like ‘Sikkim’. Banned after the Sikkim’s accession to India, the documentary’ has been restored and will be shown at Kolkata film fair from November 10 to 17..

 FROM MERINEWS

NOTED BENGALI filmmaker Satyajit Ray made several memorable and iconic films, which made a huge impact on the world cinema. However, not many know that this great film maker also was an expert in documentary film making and has made some valuable contributions.

Nowadays, Ray is back in news for his documentary ‘Sikkim’ made in the year 1971. Cine lovers have heard a lot about this documentary, but have not been able to see the film yet.

Commissioned by the then Chogyal (King) of Sikkim and his wife, ‘Sikkim’ was censored by the Indian government after the state’s accession to India in 1975. All known prints of the documentary were said to have been subsequently destroyed.

However, there is a good news for all cine lovers, as a digitally restored version of ‘Sikkim’ will be shown during the ongoing 14th Kolkata Film Festival from November 10 to 17.

Josef Lindner, preservationist with the U S Academy of Motion Pictures, who is now restoring the film, informed that a digital view of the film will be available before the end of the festival.

The rights of the documentary presently lie with a trust which had already given informal permission for the screening.

DARJEELING HILLS: Students gherao Gorkha League office

FROM EXPRESS INDIA

Kolkata, November 11 Stepping up agitation against the All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president Madan Tamang, school students gheraoed the AIGL office in Darjeeling on Tuesday.

While no untoward incident was reported, senior district administration officials said the functioning of three schools was affected. The protesting students gheraoed the office under the banner of the Gorkha Janmukti Vidyarthi Parishad (GJVM).

Darjeeling Deputy Magistrate Surendra Gupta said the administration was keeping a close watch on the situation. “Since there is no prohibition against public gatherings, the gherao cannot be termed illegal. Due to the absence of students from three schools, their functioning was affected, but no school was shut down.”

He added, “None of the schools have lodged any complaints. The schools were approached by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s student wing. Unless someone lodges a complaint, there is little we can do.”

While Tamang has not lodged any official complaint with the police yet, the district administration has received a phone call from the AIGL office on Monday in connection with the gherao.

Since November 8, the district police have deployed over 100 police personnel at the AIGL office and Tamang’s residence. The police force at both locations are led by a deputy superintendent.

Tamang, meanwhile, seemed unperturbed by the agitation against him. “There was no problem as such. We are ready for any eventuality. I have been used to this kind of agitation for the last two decades.”

“My boys are ready to face the GJM. There is no question of bowing down to its diktat. Who are they to set deadlines and ask me questions? I have the freedom of expression in a democracy and their agitation is an attack on democracy,” the Gorkha League chief added.

VIGNETTES: When Shimla panicked in 1857

FROM THE TRIBUNE

By Shriniwas Joshi

Shared by Jyoti Thapa Mani

THE country is observing 150 years of The First War of Independence this year. Shimla would have remained silent in 1857 had news of the Meerut uprising not spread. The Nasiri (Gorkha) Battalions posted at Kasauli and Jatogh revolted creating panic among the firangis enjoying their summer sojourn. But how did the news reach this picturesque town? I found a clue in William Dalrymple’s latest, The Last Mughal.

Two assistant telegraph operators – Brendish and Pilkington – on May 11, 1875, the day of the mutiny, tapped two SOS messages in Morse Code to Commander-in-Chief General George Anson, who was at his official residence Barnes Court in Shimla. The first message sent around midday read that about 150 mutineers had cut off communication lines and that several officers had been killed or wounded. The second message was sent at 4 pm just before the two officers ran off. It stated that the sepoys of Meerut had burned down all the bungalows and that their boss Mr Todd, who had stepped out in the morning, had not returned and was probably dead.

The telegraph lines were only up to Ambala those days. Sir Henry Bernard’s son then galloped to Shimla and on May 12, 1857, handed over the telegrams to the General at the breakfast table. The general took the messages casually and said that he would wait for the post. Colonel Keith Young’s wife then wrote, “What is the use of the electric telegraph if the news it brings is not at once to be attended to?”

General Anson’s “touch with his sepoys was, however, less sure than his feel for racehorses.” He had won the 1842 Derby and was the “best whist player in Europe” but reported to be a very poor soldier. His fondness for the good life in Shimla is best reflected in these lines:

Oh, why did I decide to remain,

In the plains when the hills are so cool.

I certainly never will do it again.

And to do it all was a fool.

ESSAY: History in ruins [Banasar Fort]

FROM THE TRIBUNE

By Jagmeet Y, Ghuman

Shared by Jyoti Thapa Mani

Standing tall for ages amidst dense pine forest on a hilltop, Banasar Fort, 20 km from here, is now on the verge of collapse. The huge walls of the fort resemble unique guts of Gurkhas, whose army chief Amar Singh Thapha is believed to have built this fort to counter the British, have now started developing cracks.

The exact history of the dilapidated Banasar Fort is still a puzzle as no available record has any mention about its origin, garrison or battles fought here

The fort, also known as Gurkha’s castle, that could prove as a goldmine in promoting adventure tourism in a big way in this region has so far got no attention of the successive governments, who otherwise claimed to make the state prosperous by using tourism as a main tool.

Nothing concrete has ever been done to preserve this relic except from granting some funds, doing surveys for maintenance and making unplanned ways to restore the pristine beauty of the fort.

The Banasar Fort in Kumarhatti. A damaged wall of the ancient monument

Ironically, a team member based in Shimla that had done survey of the fort about a year back, reveals that it is hard to match even the 50 per cent of architect quality of that period as well as the construction material used when the fort was constructed.

The walls cannot be repaired thanks to the rare architecture, informs the team member. The raw material used at that time is no more in use now. Without that arrangement the repair of fort is a tough task, rues the member seeking anonymity.

Moreover, the Solan forest department that was entrusted with the job for its maintenance has expressed its inability to do so citing the same reason.

In fact, the exact history of fort is still a puzzle. There is no record available. There is also nothing in the British accounts about this fort, its garrison or maps of battles fought here.

PROFILE: A militant-turned Gandhian

FROM THE TRIBUNE

By Harihar Swarup

Article shared by Jyoti Thapa Mani

Bimal Gurung

SOMEONE recently asked Gorkha leader Bimal Gurung what has been his avocation ? Pat came the reply: ” I sell the dream of a separate Gorkhaland”. The meteoric rise of 44-year-old Gurung as the country’s newest separatist leader has been mysterious indeed; in less than six months, he has been able to catch the fancy of tens of thousands of Gorkhas who want a separate state.

He first shot into prominence as a militant leader during the 1986-88 Gorkhaland stir. At that time, his mentor and the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) supremo, Subhash Ghisingh, had assigned him to take on Mansingh Rai, a CPM militant, who led the Marxists’ armed resistance against GNLF.

“Jab raat me bachcha rota hai to maa kaheti hai so ja beta, nahin to Mansingh aayega”, Rai would often borrow the famed Gabbar Singh dialogue to boast the daring raids on GNLF camps.

Leading a band of Gorkha Volunteers’ Cell (GVC) fighters, Gurung would target Marxists’ camps on the outskirts of Darjeeling. The now disbanded GVC was the GNLF’s police wing that struck terror in the hills, exploding bombs and abducting and beheading people who opposed the Gorkhaland movement.

In stark contrast to his militant background, Gurug now swears by Gandhian methods like fast-unto-head, non-cooperation, civil disobedience and unarmed processions.

” I used to adore Ghisingh as my father. I took up arms only because of him. Now I realise how much he had misguided young men like me during the movement”, Gurung says.

Soon after the Gorkhaland stir came to an end in August 1988, Gurung parted ways with Ghisingh.

Gurung comes from a humble background; his parents were tea garden workers belonging to the Singmari area on the northern outskirts of Darjeeling town.

Having to support his family at an early age, Gurung had to make do with just primary education. He tried several odd jobs, from driving tourists jeeps to working as a contractor.

In fact, his days as a driver gave him a solid following among transport operators who now form a large chunk of his support base.

Soon after the GNLF was launched in the early 1980s, Gurung joined it and soon became Ghisingh’s most fierce fighter.

Prior to the tripartite agreement among the GNLF, the West Bengal Government and the Centre in 1988, Gurung heeded Ghisingh’s call for surrendering arms, giving up his two firearms and several grenades.

As a result, he was absolved of 43 criminal cases that included arson, rioting and murders.

Gurung was often described as an “iron bar” because of his immense strength but, apparently, Ghisingh never gave him the importance he deserved.

NEPAL: Himal Southasian to host South Asia Cartoon Congress and Exhibition

FROM NEPAL NEWS

Himal South Asian is organising the first-ever meeting of editorial cartoonists from across the region, in a two-day conference in Kathmandu on 14-15 November 2008.

Thirty six cartoonists from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will come together to discuss political cartooning and its relevance to the media as well as to society at large, the organizers said in a press release.

Cartoonists will get the rare opportunity to meet their counterparts, share their experiences and discuss the various challenges they face in their profession.

The cartoons of the winner and runner-up of Himal Southasian’s Cartoon Competition ‘Dramatic Divide: The distance between the powerful and the powerless’ will also be on show.

In her public lecture, Manjula Padmanabhan, cartoonist, playwright and writer will examine the ways in which laughter can break down barriers.

Corresponding with the conference, two week-long cartoon exhibitions will be displayed in Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur, with free access to members of the public.

The inauguration of Retrospective of drawings by eminent cartoonist Abu Abraham will be accompanied by a speech by Mark Bryant, director of the London Press Club, former secretary of the British Cartoonists’ Association titled ‘Abu in London’. Also, a never-before offering for Kathmandu-ites will be a choice exposition of cartoons by five successful Nepali cartoonists – Durga Baral (‘Vatsayan’), Abin Shrestha, Basu Kshitij, Rabin Sayami and Rajesh K C.

NEPAL: Ousted Nepal King makes debut

FROM SOUTH ASIAN MEDIA NEWS NET

KATHMANDU: While media reports depict Nepal’s deposed king Gyanendra as poised to release his own autobiography soon, on Sunday, the 61-year-old made his debut on the silver screen, courtesy Nepali filmmaker K P Pathak. “Maina”, Pathak’s poignant film based on a true story from the violent 10-year-old People’s War that saw over 14,000 people die by the hands of the security forces and the Maoist guerrillas, also casts the deposed monarch dextrously.

The eponymous film is about a 15-year-old schoolgirl, who was tortured to death in 2004 by the then Royal Nepalese Army headed by King Gyanendra because her mother had witnessed the rape and execution of two other young women.

Though the army denied having any hand in Maina’s disappearance, her mother Devi Sunuwar, aided by Nepal’s human rights organisations, began a gritty campaign for justice that moved the Supreme Court into ordering an investigation and then, asking police to arrest the four army personnel who were identified as responsible for her murder.

While most of the characters are played by theatre actors, Gyanendra plays himself as Pathak craftily weaves in two scenes taped from actual appearances by the former king.

In February 2005, a year after Maina’s disappearance, King Gyanendra gave a televised address to the nation to declare that he was taking over the government and imposing a state of emergency. As soon as the address ended, the army, who backed the coup, disconnected the entire telephone service in the kingdom and shut down Nepal’s only airport.

In the film, the human rights activist who plays a key role in tracking down Maina’s killers in the army, is shown as struck by the announcement made by the king as she watches TV in her office, fearing that the battle for justice would now become even more difficult with a dictatorial government giving greater powers to the army.

NEPAL: Thousands flock to see Buddha boy

FROM SOUTH ASIAN MEDIA NEWS NET

Nepalese Buddhist monks (L) present khatas (ceremonial scarves) to Ram Bahadur Bomjam

KATHMANDU: Thousands of people flocked to a remote jungle in southeast Nepal to see a boy, some believe is a reincarnation of Lord Buddha, who reappeared after missing for more than a year, police said on Tuesday. Seventeen-year-old Ram Bahadur Bamjon spoke to devotees from nearby villages on Monday in the remote forest in Ratanpuri, 150 km (95 miles) southeast of Kathmandu, Prakash Sen, a police constable said.

Bamjon made international headlines in 2005 when tens of thousands of people turned up to see him sitting cross-legged under a tree in a dense forest for nearly ten months. reportedly without food and water.

Hundreds of devotees, including many from neighboring India are trekking the five-km (mile) site to see him on Tuesday, Sen said.

“He spoke to the devotees standing near a temple in the forest,” Prakash Sen said after a visit to the site.

“He had shoulder-length hair and had his body wrapped in a white cloth.”

DARJEELING HILLS: AIGL to host ‘Gorkhaland’ seminar

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

DARJEELING, November 11: In a bid to seize away some momentum from Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), All Indian Gorkha League (AIGL) is set to host a seminar on the Gorkhaland demand this November that will intellectuals and representatives from other regional and national parties.

“In this platform we have invited local political parties, experience intellectuals and political parties from West Bengal who are pro-Gorkhaland”, said AIGL president Madan Tamang today in a press meet here. During this seminar, a resolution for the separate State of Gorkhaland as per Article 3(A) of the Indian Constitution will be adopted, he added.

“Only a Gorkhaland achieved by parties based on democracy will protect it from the fear psychosis. In this Gorkhaland, people will be able to wear, sing and support whichever party they want freely and a comprehensive development will take place”, said Mr. Tamang.

Commenting on the GJM’s warning to file a corruption case against him, the AIGL leader welcomed GJM to do so. “I welcome the GJM to file a case against me. This is a democracy and to seek clarifications through legal means is democracy. But to seek clarifications through threats is undemocratic. I will give my explanations at a proper time”, he said.

SIKKIM: Local political infighting reaping benefits for outsiders: AYSA

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, November 10: Claming that outsiders have reaped benefits due to the bitter fighting between the political parties here, All Sikkim Youth Association (AYSA) today appealed all the political parties to work on the common programme of building a better Sikkim.

“Outsiders are coming here and taking benefits due to the tussle between our local political parties”, said AYSA in a press release issued by its publicity secretary DK Sharma.

AYSA appealed all the people and political parties to work together for making Sikkim better. The appeal was made after a meeting of the body presided by its president Gaytso Lepcha.

As per the press note, AYSA deliberated on several issues regarding Sikkim during today’s meeting. Questions like who will show correct path to poor Sikkimese people and the future of the educated youths were raised by ASYA during the meeting.

AYSA said that in view of such issues there is strong need for a suitable personality to lead Sikkim. Presently all the leaders here are misleading the people, it said.

SIKKIM: SCC for introduction of 18 seater chopper services at earliest

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, November 10: Sikkim Chamber of Commerce (SCC) today impressed upon the 13th Finance Commission for the immediate introduction of a subsidized 18 seater helicopter service for Sikkim as the two recently approved connectivity measures-Pakyong airport and Rangpo rail link-is likely to take another 4 to 7 years to complete.

Expressing its gratitude to the Centre for the recent Cabinet approval of the Pakyong airstrip and Rangpo rail link, SCC in its memorandum said: “Since this process of creating infrastructure is likely to take 4 to 7 years, introduction of a subsidized 18 seater helicopter service is solicited at the earliest”.

SCC president SK Sarda had presented the memorandum to the 13th Finance Commission during a meeting today here at Chintan Bhavan.

In its elaborate representation, the body submitted before the commission the need to have an alternative highway connecting Nathu La to Siliguri in view of the landslide prone topography of Sikkim that can be used in peace time for trade and transit and during war times to protect the nation for the uninterrupted development of the State.

SCC also took the occasion to request the commission for a uniform treatment to the ‘left out Sikkimese’ as regards to Income Tax exemption.

Coming to the business, SCC put forward several areas where the Centre can pay attention for the development of Sikkim.

SIKKIM: SJEP launched from Tinjir – We have plans for better Sikkim: Basant Rai

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

Basant Rai

NAMCHI, November 10: In an emotional address, a tearful Basant Rai slammed both the SDF and SHRP parties while announcing the launch of his own party, Sikkim Jan Ekta Party (SJEP) here at Tinjir.

Addressing a gathering of around 150 party supporters, the SJEP founder said that his party will do better politics and policies than the other existing parties including the ruling SDF party.

People of Sikkim want and loves only regional party and hence we have launched SJEP today, said Mr. Rai. He said that there are several political parties in Sikkim but they do not have concrete agendas.

“We have plans for a better Sikkim of tomorrow, we want to upgrade the standard of politics in Sikkim”, said Mr. Rai.

The firebrand youth leader claimed that his party has the capacity to overthrow the ruling SDF party and will not tie up with any other parties. He alleged the ruling party of encouraging a policy of divide and rule and transferring employees who do not toe the whimsical lines of the present government.

Alleging the ruling party of threatening his supporters which led to low turnout today, Mr. Rai said that in democracy every political party is free to host its activities and the government should not interfere.

The SJEP leader also alleged the Chief Minister of being unable to fulfill his promises during the 14 years of SDF government.

DARJEELING HILLS: AIGL seeks more active BB Gooroong towards Gorkhaland demand

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

DARJEELING, November 10: All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president Madan Tamang today welcomed BB Gooroong’s call for stamping out the anti-Gorkhaland forces’.

The Advisor to Sikkim Chief Minister had given the call yesterday during a programme at Chowrastha, Darjeeling.

Iterating Mr. Gooroong’s stand, the AIGL president said: “Anti-Gorkhaland forces should be wiped out by the people”.

The AIGL president also appealed Mr. Gooroong to go one step further in the Gorkhaland issue.

“Darjeeling is a part of Sikkim. For this, Mr. Gooroong must speak the truth”, said Mr. Tamang who pointed out that the historical and cultural similarity between the two regions.

“If Mr. Gooroong has moral support to Darjeeling people then he should come forward with the political support of Sikkim before he bids adieu to this physical world. We extend best wishes to him to create a good position in the history”, said the AIGL leader.

SIKKIM: Sikkim demands Rs.1727.29 cr funds for special needs

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, November 10 (IPR): The 13th Finance Commission led by its Chairman Dr. Vijay L Kelkar today held extensive deliberations with the Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, Sikkim Legislative Assembly Speaker, Deputy Chairman, State Planning Commission, members of the cabinet and senior officials of the State government.

The other members of 13th Finance Commission were BK Chaturvedi, Dr. Indira Rajaraman, Prof. Atul Sarma and Dr. Sanjlv Misra and Sumit Bose (Secretary) and they are on a two day visit of Sikkim as part of consultations with the State Government and key stake holders.

It also interacted with representatives of political parties, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Urban Local Bodies and Trade and Industry Associations.

Before its visit to the State, the Commission held a meeting with Accountant General of Sikkim on Thursday in its office at New Delhi.

In his opening address, the Chief Minister highlighted the achievement of the State particularly impressive GDSP growth rate achieved by the State from 1994-95 to 2005-06 and in social sector wherein allocations stood at 31.3% of the total expenditure in 2006-07. He also highlighted the achievement of the State in the areas of tourism and Panchayati Raj administration etc, and the steps taken by the State for raising its own revenues.

The Chief Minister requested the Commission to adopt population as per 2001 census instead of 1971 census as provided in the TORs of the Commission as State has shown sharp population increase from 1971-1981 and for special dispensation for special category States in the light of their special problems, cost disabilities and low economic base.

He also pointed out that due to overestimation of revenues and underestimation of expenditure; the non-plan revenue grants to the State Government were reduced drastically in the 12th Finance Commission award.

On Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), the Chief Minister was of the view that the rigidity in the design and release of funds as well as monitoring contributes to enormous delays in project implementation.

Detonator explosion injures 6 primary school students

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

BY MINGMA BHUTIA

Detonator Explosion Victims. Photo by Sikkim Express

 

GANGTOK, November 10: A gross negligence on the part of construction companies engaged in nearby upcoming hydro power or road projects came inches to claim lives of 6 primary school children today at Lingtam government school under Rongli subdivision in East Sikkim.

The kindergarten students sustained injuries in various degrees when a live detonator they were playing exploded in the classroom at the school in the morning hours.

Police said that two kids were playing with the mild explosive inside the classroom soon after the morning assembly when the detonator exploded. One of the students, Passang Tshering Tamang (6) has sneaked in the pencil size detonator inside the classroom and playing it with a lighter resulting in the explosion.

The explosion took six students down including Tamang whose both hands were scorched and is the most injured. He was referred to Central Manipal Hospital here along with Hemant Manger (6) and Preetika Gurung who sustained shrapnel injuries.

Tamang has lost thumbs of his both hands.

Three of the other students, Kala Bishwakarma (6), Anu Manger (6), Pritam Gurung (6) were discharged after first aid at the Rongli primary health centre.

Police said that Tamang was holding the detonator and was playing it with a lighter when it exploded injuring six of them. All of them were in the age group of six years and were in the pre-primary section.

A complaint had been lodged at the Rongli police station by the Principal of the school based on which a case has been registered under sections 337 and 286 of IPC for negligence in regard to explosive substances and under section 3 of the Explosives substances act.

DIG (Range) Akshay Sachdeva told media that investigations were on to trace the origin of the detonator and how it had come to the hands of school going kids. ‘We will investigate into the original source and negligence on their part and we will take appropriate legal action against them’, he assured.

DOOARS TERAI: Rare barking deer rescued

FROM THE STATESMAN

SILIGURI, Nov. 11: The wildlife officials in Siliguri today rescued a Barking Deer from Mallaguri area in the town. The adult buck, aged about 7-8-years, was rescued in a badly injured condition and is now being treated at the state-owned Sukna Animal Rescue Centre on the outskirt of Siliguri.

According to the forest department officials, locals of Mallaguri area first spotted the deer behind a hotel in the area at dawn today and intimated the nearby Pradhannagar police station.

Police in turn alerted the Mahananda Wildlife Squad-I based at Sukna, which rescued the Barking Deer at around 8 a.m. and took it to the rescue centre.

“The deer is severely injured on the right leg and chest, probably caused by dog bites. Besides this, frightened at encountering humans, the wild animal had scurried around much, which too has affected the condition of its heart.

We are providing the best available treatment to the injured deer, but the animal cannot be stated as out of danger unless it survives through the next 24-hours,” said Mr Kanchan Banerjee, ranger of the Wildlife Squad- I.

DARJEELING HILLS: Darjeeling police develop special force for security reasons

FROM THE STATESMAN

DARJEELING, Nov. 11: The Darjeeling district police have fashioned a special commando force to deploy during possible riots and to cope with unforeseen incidents in any part of the district.

“There is a general perception among the public that the police are not doing enough to ensure their security. That is why we created this special force. Their training is complete and they are ready for deployment as and when required,” SP Darjeeling, Mr Rahul Srivastava said.

A contingent of 15 personnel in each sub-division of the district was prepared in July and they were trained by the Army on mob control. The commandos would also act as plainclothes intelligence to prevent unsavoury events.

“In total 120 cadres were selected and have been kitted out with special gear like helmet, shin guard and the lot,” the SP, said.

Asked if additional force would be called for he said: “We have not requisitioned any additional force and are making use of the limited resources at our disposal.”

On the recent development concerning the demonstrations against the AIGL president Mr Madan Tamang by the GJMM students’ wing, he described the political situation in the Hills as “dynamic.”

“The political atmosphere is very dynamic. We never know when the students may take out a rally without notice. Therefore, we convene a meeting of official heads every evening to re-orient the security arrangements,” the SP said.

So far, three DSP’s and three inspectors have been stationed near the AIGL president’s residence adjacent to the INA bypass and one DSP and an inspector in his office at Laden La Road.

In the past 12 months 159 political cases have been registered, of which 91 are under investigation, chargesheets have been submitted for 56 and the remaining 12 have ended in final reports. “These include all cases pertaining to the shooting episode in June in Darjeeling, vandalism, the implementation of GL plates and signboard defacement. Since the political tension began in the Hills, around 628 FIR’s have been lodged and 477 persons either surrendered or were arrested. The administration has been blamed for inaction but investigations are in progress,” the SP said.

SILIGURI:Antique idols worth lakhs seized

FROM THE STATESMAN

SILIGURI, Nov. 11: The Siliguri Preventive and Intelligence wing of the Customs department has confiscated three antique idols from Kaliaganj in North Dinajpur district. The seized antiques, which include one idol each of the Lord Surya, Shiva and Ganesha, are estimated to be worth around Rs 28 lakh in the international market.

According to Mr R Mangababu, the additional commissioner of the Customs’ north Bengal and Sikkim zone, the idols were seized in the last two days ~ 9 and 10 November.

No arrests however, were made in this connection as all the three idols were found hidden along the roadside at Fatepur and Dalimgao villages under Kaliaganj PS and were unclaimed.

“As per Intelligence inputs there antiques were brought from some remote areas in Malda and the two Dinajpurs and were meant to be smuggled into Nepal through Siliguri. Once such items enter Nepal, these are then air lifted to the Western countries from Kathmandu for sale at some exorbitant price,” the additional commissioner said.

As per experts from the North Bengal University, of the three antiques been impounded, the Surya idol made of sand stone is over 1000- years old (10/11 Century A.D) and a creative output of the Pala-Sena school of sculpture of Bengal. It is measured at 33X19 inches and weighs at around 89 kgs.

The second one, the Shiva idol, made of black stone is believed to be from the later period of the Eastern Indian school of sculpture. The idol is measured at 19X9.75 inches and weighs about 9.5 kgs.

The last one, a Genesha idol in standing position is also made of black stone and weighs around 7.5 kgs. Measured at 17X10 inches, experts however, are yet to ascertain the exact period/era when the idol was given shape.

DARJEELING HILLS: Logo marks college transition

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

The logo of Southfield College. (Suman Tamang)

Darjeeling, Nov. 11: The transition of Loreto College into Southfield College was completed today with a new logo being unfurled and authorities expressing their gratitude to the nuns who were running the institution so long.

The transition also saw Sikkim chief minister Pawan Kumar Chamling leaving an indelible mark on this educational institution. The college authorities have decided to incorporate Dr Pawan Kumar Chamling Award in its annual calendar from this year onwards for the “outstanding student”.

Karma Lamu is the first recipient of the award, which was presented by B.B. Goorong, the chief political adviser to Chamling, at a ceremony held in the college auditorium today.

“When we were invited to perform our musical play, Dafey Chari, in Sikkim last year, Chamling offered us Rs 1 lakh. We decided to deposit the donation in a bank and use its interest to institute an award in the name of the chief minister,” said Rinzee Wangdi, the teacher in-charger of the college.

“I had become the Speaker of the Sikkim Assembly and then went on to be the finance minister and finally the chief minister. I own my success to Darjeeling and have always regretted for not having contributed to the place from where I had received so much,” said Goorong, who unfurled the logo.

The former chief minister of Sikkim had first come to Darjeeling in 1945 to study at St Robert’s High School. He had completed his graduation from St Joseph’s (North Point), after which he taught at Turnbull Hill School, and Rongo High School in Kalimpong subdivision, where he had served as the headmaster before returning to Sikkim.

Since Chamling is leaving for the US on an official tour, Goorong was sent to represent the chief minister.

SILIGURI: Drive slow to save wildlife, kids plead

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Siliguri, Nov. 11: Go slowly to save wildlife: the request was from students as they tied bands around the wrists of train and vehicle drivers who travel through the Dooars everyday.

Boards with “go-slow” warnings for drivers appear frequently along NH31 and the Siliguri Junction-Alipurduar railway track that snake through Mahananda Jaldapara and Chapramari sanctuaries, Gorumara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve. This time, the forest department revived the awareness campaign on the last day of the Wildlife Week to include the passengers and the common man in it.

“Often passengers wonder why the trains are going slowly or may start agitating if they reach late their destination. In case of cars, they even urge their drivers to go fast. The campaign is for drivers as well as passengers. A little awareness can save precious wildlife,” said Dibakar Das, a Class IX student who had participated in the campaign today.

Tapas Das, the divisional forest officer (wildlife-II), said the students had been divided into two groups – one for Malbazar and the other for Binnaguri stations, 55km and 80km from here respectively.

With each train chugging in, the students tied “go slow” bands around the wrists of the drivers, guards, railway employees and passengers on board.

Speeding trains often kill elephants, deer and even leopards, known for their quick reflexes. The frequency of wild animal deaths has been so high in recent times that it prompted state forest minister Ananta Roy to threaten a rail roko.

DARJEELING HILLS: Protesters stop traffic – Tourists leave before blockade

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Subba at Chowk Bazar. (Suman Tamang)

Darjeeling, Nov. 11: Picketers stopped traffic in town from 11am today in response to a chaka jam called by All Hill Transport Joint Action Committee to protest against the alleged government move to open a camp of the motor vehicles department in Siliguri.

However, most hill residents seem to have been prepared for the two-hour transport strike. Hoteliers had ensured that the few tourists in town who were supposed to catch flights were out of the hills by 11am.

Narbu Lama, president of the joint action committee, said: “This is a conspiracy to slowly shift the Regional Transport Authority office to Siliguri in the coming days. We will oppose such a move tooth and nail.”

Surendra Gupta, the district magistrate of Darjeeling, had said earlier that there was no order from the state government to open an RTA camp in Siliguri.

Many vehicle owners from Darjeeling and Siliguri have not been able to update their transport documents and route permits as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had stopped the RTA office from functioning normally since April 1.

In Chowk Bazar today, Machendra Subba, the president, Janmukti Astai Karmachari Sangatan, said a “parallel administration” would be set up if the government deducted salaries of workers who were currently on a pen-down strike.

DARJEELING HILLS: School students on fast for Gorkhaland – Kids talk of future-less hills

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Vehicles, which failed to move out of the hills because of the two-hour wheel jam, at Darjeeling bus stand. Picture by Suman Tamang

Darjeeling, Nov. 11: Fourteen students of Rama Krishna Siksha Parishad (RKSP) today sat on a relay hunger strike at Chowrastha while 100 others from various schools gheraoed the ABGL office as part of the statehood movement under the leadership of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

The protesting schoolchildren said they believed that they had no future in Bengal and Gorkhaland was the panacea for all their woes.

“Till our demand is fulfiled, we will support all programmes related to Gorkhaland. I think we have no future in Bengal and the only solution is to have a separate state,” said Amardeep Chhetri, a Class XI student of RKSP who had volunteered to take part in the fast.

“When our teachers told us about the agitation, everybody in our class had raised their hands to sit for the hunger strike. However, only 14 of us were selected on the basis of physical fitness,” said Mukesh Chhetri, another student.

School students in front of the ABGL office on Ladenla Road and (below) at the relay hunger strike that began at Chowrastha in Darjeeling on Tuesday. Pictures by Suman Tamang

Kismat Chhetri, the president of the Morcha student front, said the plan was to give college goers the first chance to sit for the relay hunger strike. “But the school children wanted to be the first batch, so we relented,” he said.

Students who have gone out of town to pursue higher education have decided to form a welfare forum to help those who have stayed back. More than 50 students, currently enrolled in prestigious institutions like IIM (Indore), IIT (Kharagpur), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi), are part of the forum.

“Students here are unaware of the requirements for admission in colleges across the country. They don’t know about the standard of admission test and find it difficult to get accommodation in cities. They have to be made aware of the scopes available as well as the difficulties and this is what the forum is going to do,” said Dawa Sherpa, a student of Presidency College in Calcutta. A website for dissemination of such information will be launched soon.

Most schools in the hills are likely to defer their annual exams for at least a week to facilitate their student’s participation in the agitation. The Morcha student wing has requested the schools to hold the exams after November 24, by which they expect the tripartite talks to be held in Delhi.

The student strike on November 13 has been deferred by a day.