PHOTO FEATURE: Sikkim Festival at the Garden of Five Senses

Sikkim Festival was organised at the Garden of Five Senses, New Delhi today. Jyoti Thapa Mani shares glimpses of the festival. All photos by Jyoti Thapa Mani

A Sikkimese Troupe performing at the Festival. Photo by Jyoti Thapa Mani

Scenes from behind the scene. Photo by Jyoti Thapa Mani

Sikkimese Belles at the Festival. Photo by Jyoti Thapa Mani

Gorkha belles at Garden of five sense. Photo by Jyoti Thapa Mani

INTERNATIONAL: Bangla considers offering port facilities to Indian states

FROM THE HINDU

Dhaka (PTI): Bangladesh’s new government led by Premier Sheikh Hasina has said it is considering offering port transit facilities to India’s seven landlocked northeastern states.

“The matter of giving port transit to seven-sister states of India as well as to China is under consideration of the government,” State Minister for Foreign Affairs Hasan Mahmud told reporters in northeastern port city of Chittagong on Saturday night.

India has for long requested such a facility for its northeastern states of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Sikkim.

“(But) the government will take any decision in this regard after considering the country’s interest and sovereignty,” Mahmud was quoted as saying by the private UNB news agency.

He said the government would take steps on emergency basis to resolve the maritime boundary issues with India and Myanmar and on enhancing trade cooperation with eastern countries.

DARJEELING HILLS: West Bengal govt responsible for infiltration: GJM leader

FROM NEW KERALA.COM

Siliguri, Jan 6: Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)’s general secretary Roshan Giri today blamed the West Bengal government for Bangladeshi infiltration at Salugarh near here.

”We wouldn’t tolerate if GJM supporters are arrested,” said Giri while addressing a public meeting.

”In the Rohini and Kurseong incidents no GJM sympathisers are involved, only people are involved,” he claimed.

The problem snowballed into a major issue when Pradip Pradhan vice-president of GJM was allegedly harassed by police while he was on his way to Delhi yesterday, along with five associates led by GJM presdident Bimal Gurung headed for New Delhi to have a discussion with the Centre.

NATIONAL: Sikkim’s mountains come alive in Capital

FROM TIMES OF INDIA

NEW DELHI: It’s hard to imagine that Gangtok is nearly 1600 km from Delhi. It seems just next door….With the sound of drums wafting on the cool

winter breeze, traditionally dressed youngsters wreathed in welcoming smiles, thousands of richly-hued orchids nodding along the pathways and a pair of energetic `snow lions’ cavorting amid the greenery, Sikkim is truly holidaying in Delhi’s Garden of Five Senses for a brief weekend !

The Sikkim Festival, presented by the state government in association with the Times of India Group, is bringing more than a whiff of the magical mountain paradise to frenetic Delhi. It’s showcasing the ethos and philosophy of a unique little Himalayan niche which its native Lepcha people call Nyemae-el or Abode of the Gods. And it seems an apt name, given the sheer beauty of the land, its aura of tranquility and harmony amid the turmoil of the north east, and the unshakeable good humour on the faces of its people.

Even as eyes widen at the sight of rows and rows of gloriously-coloured, shiny orchids, and the piles of mandarin oranges, kiwi fruit and plump ginger tubers, it’s not difficult to nod in affirmation of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s pen picture of an idyllic, ancient region devoted to the new mantra of the 21st century, sustainable development. Even the dances presented by the Lepchas, Bhutias, Limbus and Nepalis, underline each community’s deep attachment to nature and Sikkim’s rooted culture.

NAGALAND: GJM asserts demand for Gorkhaland

FROM MORUNG EXPRESS

Dimapur: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)  today reiterated its demand for a separate state. Demanding that a new state can be created using provisions of Article 3(A) of the Indian constitution the GJM which is on a northeast tour to create awareness on Gorkhaland sought the support of people for a separate Gorkhaland from West Bengal comprising the hilly regions.

Interacting with media here today, GJM disclosed that it aims to achieve its goals based on Gandhian principles. It also emphasized on the contributions made by the Gorkha community towards the nation. The GJM has been organizing dharnas and rallies across the country to raise the issue of its demand for a separate Gorkhaland.

SILIGURI: NHRC writes to DGP on action against Gorkhaland activists: GJM

FROM INDOPIA

Siliguri, Jan 10 The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM)  today claimed that the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has asked the Director General of Police (DGP) to explain the police action on GJM activists.

GJM general secretary Roshan Giri told PTI over phone that GJM president Bimal Gurung had received a copy of the NHRC letter asking the DGP for an explanation to the GJM complaint within four weeks.

Giri said the GJM on December 15 had filed a complaint to the NHRC alleging that CPI(M), RSP and Jana-Jagaran activists had attacked a GJM procession at Hamiltonganj in Dooars on January 10.

Many GJM members were injured and the police instead of taking action against the attackers had lathicharged the GJM supporters injuring 49 persons, the GJM complaint alleged.