ESSAY: DEMOCRACY IN SIKKIM, EQUAL RIGHTS OF MEN AND CRESP REPORT

BY ANAMIKA BASNET

Past is prologue. Sikkim’s history as a state of the world’s largest democracy began only a little more than three decades ago. The 1973 revolt which was primarily for equal “rights of men” such as “one man one vote” ended up being complete sell off. Even then the equality of men for which people fought was hardly achieved and disparity continued in the name of parity. The annexation being an irreversible mash up where only one Sikkimese Gurkha soldier sacrificed his blood for Sikkim, ironically others had only tears to shed, nevertheless everyone seems to have reconciled with the fact. Fait accompli, talking about the validity of the referendum is redundant. The union for that matter rules Jammu & Kashmir without any valid referendum and even armed struggle and proxy war since six decades has not served any purpose and will not.

Every time people of Sikkim tried to establish their self-rule there was a covert design to suppress, and establishment of British and later Indian supremacy was more acceptable to the Feudal order than democratic rights of its citizens. The treaties and Tripartite agreement are testimony of the fact. There were five elections and, or selections to the council between 1949 to 1973, the vicious cycle of elections, deprivation, agitation, dissolution, negotiation and re-constitution continued till 1975 but equal rights of men of which the people dreamt remained ever elusive. Even today we seem to be chasing the mirage.

The Monarch and the Monarchy are completely distinct and separate entity. The revolts were against the established despotism of the Monarchy and not against the person and his principles. The leader with whom the people of Sikkim had vested their complete faith betrayed them and the revolt was misdirected to avenge the King on a personal vendetta. Some critics also see it as a competing ambitions and egos of two white wives. Once he grabbed the power the leader in connivance with the Janta Government at the Centre, forgot his constituency, brought a bill “People’s Representation amendment bill 1979″ in the 6th Lok Sabha on 18 May 1979 where a new formula of seat reservation for the state assembly was proposed. There was strong resentment among the people as there was no reservation for the Nepalese, in the mean time the Morarji Desai Govt came to an abrupt end on 15 July 1979. The Kazi Govt in Sikkim was also dissolved on 13 Aug 1979. In order to facilitate delimitations and elections the ditto of same bill was notified as Presidential Ordinance and the elections were held on 12th Oct 1979. The people punished the leader and his inverted plough, the Ulta Halo (election symbol) did not win a single seat.

PHOTO FEATURE: Road to Nowhere!

 

The road connecting Kurseong and Rohini is presently very dilapided dilapidated. This could be a cause of numerous accidents during the coming monsoon. Photo by Himalaya Darpan

PHOTO FEATURE: Onwards to Dooars Terai!

Supporters of Gorkha Janmukti Nari Morch from Happy Valley leaving for the Dooars. Photo by Himalaya Darpan

SIKKIM: Bid to save endangered red panda from extinction in Sikkim

FROM NEWS TRACK INDIA

GANGTOK, Jan 15 (ANI): Sikkim is making efforts to save endangered Red Panda from extinction.

The Himalayan Zoological Park (HZP), Gangtok in collaboration with the State Forest Department has initiated a programme for the conservation and breeding of Red Panda at a natural enclosure in the park.

“Red panda is an endangered species. We are in an initial stage now. We have already set up a small venture-breading centre for Red Panda. Presently, we have six animals, two females and four males. In the conservation breeding programme, we have been successful since 1999 when a male was brought from Darjeeling zoo and a female was brought from Holland,” said Gut Lepcha, Additional Director of Forest, HZP.

A newly born Red Panda, born six months back in June at the breeding centre in the HZP, has been identified as a male one.

Presently, there are six red pandas (4 male and 2 female) being incarcerated in an architectural enclosure in the Park.

The State Government has asked the forest department to draft a master plan for the zoo, which also includes the architectural remodeling of the enclosure of Red Panda, various programs for its conservation and breeding.

JOB OPENINGS: STATE BANK OF INDIA (SBI) RECRUITMENT – CHIEF OFFICER / ASSISTANT MANAGER VACANCIES 2009

STATE BANK Of INDIA (SBI)

Central Recruitment & Promotion Department (CRPD) Corporate Centre, Mumbai

Advertisement No. CRPD/SCO/2008-09/10

State Bank of India (SBI), Corporate Centre, Mumbai invites on-line applications from Indian citizens for appointment in following specialist cadre officers posts in State Bank Group.

Candidates are requested to apply on-line between 07/01/2009 and 07/02/2009 through SBI website

Chief Officer (Security) : 01 post on contract basis Initially for three years. (TEGS-VI)
Chief Manager (Risk Management System) : 01 post (SMGS-IV)
Company Secretary : 01 post (SMGS-IV)
Chief Manager (Chartered Accountant) : 01 post (SMGS-IV)
Manager (Chartered Accountant) : 31 posts (MMGS-III)
Manager (CA/ICWA) : 02 posts (MMGS-III)
Manager (Systems) : 01 post (MMGS-III)
Dy. Manager (Chartered Accountant) : 03 posts (MMGS-II)
Dy. Manager (Law) : 08 posts (MMGS-II)
Dy. Manager (Civil Engineering) : 10 posts (MMGS-II)
Dy. Manager (Electrical/ Electronics) : 01 post (MMGS-II)
Dy. Manager (Security) : 42 posts (MMGS-II)
Dy. Manager (Systems) : 02 posts (MMGS-II)
Assistant Manager (Systems) : 60 posts (JMGS-I)
Assistant Manager (Hardware & Networking) : 12 posts (JMGS-I)
Assistant Manager (Systems – Harware Engineers) : 04 posts (JMGS-I)

JOB OPENINGS: Allahabad Bank: Clerical Cadre (1000 vacancies)

ALLAHABAD BANK (A government of India Undertaking)

HEAD OFFICE : 2, N. S. ROAD, KOLKATA 700001

Allahabad Bank invites ON LINE applications only from Indian Citizens for 1000 vacancies in Clerical Cadre (Clerk cum Cashier) for different States. Candidates are requested to apply on-line between 01.01.2009 and 30.01.2009 only through Bank’s website www.allahabadbank.in. No other means/mode of application will be accepted.

Opening date for ON-LINE  Registration	01.01.2009
Closing date for ON-LINE  Registration (for all applicants including those from far flung areas)	30.01.2009
Date of  written  Test	15.03.2009

For complete details, please visit the bank website.

JOB VACANCIES: Probationary Officers: UCO Bank (543 Vacancies)

UCO Bank a leading listed Public Sector Bank invites applications On-line only from Indian Citizens for 543 posts of Probationary Officer.

Candidates are requested to apply on-line between 20.12.2008 and 19.01.2009 only through Bank’s website www.ucobank.com. No other means/mode of application/Print-out will be accepted.

1. Opening Date for registration of On-line Application 20.12.2008
2. Last Date for On-line Application 19.01.2009
3. Last Date for Receipt of Print-out of the registered Application 24.01.2009
4. Last Date of Receipt of print-out of registered Application from Far-Flung Areas 31.01.2009
5. Date of Written examination 22.03.2009

Name of Post/ Vacancies : Probationary Officer/543

(Please visit the site or Employment News dated 27th Dec 2008 for more information)

JOB OPENINGS: Recruitment of Probationary Officers, Probationary Clerks, Investment Officers & Specialist Officers for Canara Bank 2009

Applications Are Invited From Indian Citizens for Appointment in Canara Bank for the Posts Mentioned Below:

1. Probationary Clerks
2. Probationary Officers
3. Investment Officers (On Contract)
4. Specialist Officers 

Eligible candidates are requested to apply ON-LINE through Bank’s websitewww.canarabank.com. No other means / mode of Application will be accepted. The links for applying On-Line  have been provided at the end of this advertisement in the website http://www.canarabank.com/English/Scripts/Recruitment2009.aspx 

Unless the computer print-out of application is received by post, along with Demand Draft, Photo and other relevant documents, the on-line registration is not valid.

 

Important Dates
Event	Probationary Officers & Specialist Officers	Probationary Clerks	Investment Officer
Web site link open for on-line registration	31.12.2008 to 24.01.2009	31.12.2008 to 29.01.2009	31.12.2008 to 09.02.2009
Last date for receipt of application [system generated] with DD & other documents	31.01.2009	07.02.2009	16.02.2009
Last date for receipt of application [system generated] with DD & other documents from Far-flung areas*	09.02.2009	14.02.2009	23.02.2009
Tentative Date of Written Test	15.03.2009	29.03.2009	-

 *Staying and posting from abroad, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Ladakh division of Jammu & Kashmir State, Lahaul & Spiti District and Pangi sub division of Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh.

Sikkim: Pristine and unique charm

FROM ECONOMIC TIMES 

By Reshmi R Dasgupta

Years ago, a friend from the north-east told me rather testily, “Why are you so excited about the cherry blossom festivals in Tokyo and

Washington DC? There’s a fabulous one every year right here in India and no one knows about it….” He was right, of course, and he was alluding to a state of which few of us in bustling metros know anything: Sikkim.

Last weekend, the Sikkim Festival organised by the state government in association with the Times of India Group in New Delhi’s Garden of Five Senses forcibly drew my attention back to that tiny Himalayan state of just five lakh people, which isn’t on the mindscape of most Indian travellers, myself included.

What I found there amazed me. Despite being nestled between Nepal, Bhutan and China, Sikkim has such a quintessentially Indian ethos. Yet its temperate slopes and valleys are such a far cry from the madness of much of India that it wouldn’t seem inapt to call it India’s Shangri-La, florishing under the protective eye of Kanchenjunga.

While Pawan Chamling (like Sheila Dikshit, a third term chief minister!) spoke at the fest of his state’s unique expanse of climate zones (from sub tropical to alpine!) and its focus on organic products and sustainable development, the dancers from different ethnic groups seemed to underline Sikkim’s multifaceted appeal….

NATIONAL: A Gorkha soldier gives life to 3 people

FROM HINDUSTAN TIMES

In his father’s death, an army officer has given several families a reason to celebrate. After Lieutenant Colonel Giriraj Singh’s father was declared brain dead on January 7 after a road accident, the officer has donated the deceased’s organs to save the lives of terminally ill soldiers at the Army’s Research and Referral (R&R) Hospital.

H.S. Gujral’s liver was transplanted into an armoured corps soldier with terminal cirrhosis. One of his kidneys saved the life of a Gorkha soldier suffering serious renal problems, while the other has been given to AIIMS, where it would be transplanted. The multi-organ transplant was carried out at the R&R Hospital on Wednesday.

Hospital Commandant Lieutenant General O.P. Mathew said, “By agreeing to donate his father’s organs, the officer has given a new lease of life to three patients. The donor’s corneas will come in handy for those requiring a transplant.”

The Armed Forces Organ Retrieval and Transplantation Authority (AFORTA) was launched in April 2007 to generate awareness about organ donation. Over 3,000 serving personnel have pledged their organs.

SIKKIM: Sl & vol no condition a conspiracy against majority community – SGPP

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

GANGTOK, January 13: Jumping into the roaring cauldron of Income Tax issue, the Sikkim Gorkha Prajatantrik Party (SGPP) today accused the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) of conspiring against the majority Gorkha community while sneaking in Income Tax Act 1961 in Sikkim.

Majority of the Gorkha community in Sikkim do not serial and volume number and the puppet government conspired to bar them from the exemption granted to Sikkimese people, said SGPP in a press statement.

The Income Tax office here has already stated that even Sikkimese subject holders without serial or volume numbers may be taxed. Is this condition issued by the Centre or whether the State government put this provision under the pressure for other forces?, questioned the party. The party demanded the SDF government to come clear on this issue.

The party demanded all persons in the State with documents to prove they are Sikkimese or having their names in the voter list must be exempted from the Central income taxes.

SIKKIM: Chamling returns to Sikkim after a fruitful trip to national capital –

CM to inaugurate Maghey Mela at Jorethang

FROM SIKKIM EXPRESS

RANGPO, January 13: The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling today returned to Sikkim after a10 day tour to New Delhi and other parts of the country.

Upon his arrival at Melli in South Sikkim, Mr. Chamling ahead towards Namchi. Tomorrow, he will be present as the chief guest at the Magey Mela at Jorethang, which will be formally inaugurated by him.

On January 6, Mr. Chamling attended the National Level Chief Minister conference on terrorism and the next day, he attended the 57th meeting of North East Council, which was held under the presidentship of Union ministry for North East affairs, Mani Shankar Aiyar, the Minister of North East Zone.

Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh also attended in this meeting.

Mr. Chamling later left for Chennai to attend the two day the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas ministerial meet which was inaugurated by Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Mr. Chamling met NRIs during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas meet and invited them to invest in Sikkim as the State is peaceful and investor-friendly.

PHOTO FEATURE: Shopping for Maghe Sanskranti

People buying Taruls at Pakyong bazaar on the eve of Maghe Sanskranti, which begins from tomorrow. A Sikkim Express Photo

ESSAY: Yeti

FROM THE STATESMAN

The views of the Yeti of the mountain valleys and the foothills of the Himalayas were a mix of unknown hominoids and bears, no doubt. But as far as the appearance of these goes, they were rarely, if ever, white, says Subrata Chowdhury

Diaries and other papers of British officials residing in the Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent during the 19th century contain sporadic references to sightings and footprints of wild men referred to as the Yeti. The name was first mentioned by BH Hodgson who, from 1820 to 1843, served as British resident at the Nepalese court. Hodgson reported that in the course of a journey through northern Nepal his bearers were frightened by the sight of a hairy, tailless, humanlike creature.

Many will suggest, on hearing a report like this (and hundreds have been recorded since Hodgson’s time), that the Nepalese mistook an ordinary animal for a Yeti. The usual candidates for mistaken identity are bears and langur monkeys. But it is hard to imagine that lifelong residents of the Himalayas, intimately familiar with the wildlife, would have made such mistakes. Myra Shackley observed that the Yeti is found in Nepalese and Tibetan religious paintings, depicting hierarchies of living beings.

After reviewing the available reports, Ivan Sanderson compiled the following composite description of the Yeti: “Somewhat larger than man-sized and much more sturdy, with short legs and long arms; clothed in long rather shaggy fur or hair, same length all over and not differentiated. Naked face and other parts jet black; bull-neck and small conical head with heavy brow-ridges; fanged canine teeth; can drop hands to ground and stand on knuckles like gorilla… heel very wide and foot almost square and very large, second toe longer and larger than first, and both these separated and semi-opposed to the remaining three which are very small and webbed.”

During the 19th century, at least one European reported personally seeing a captured animal that resembled a Yeti. A South African told Myra Shackley, “Many years ago in India, my late wife’s mother told me how her mother had actually seen what might have been one of these creatures at Mussorie, in the Himalayan foothills. This semi-human was walking upright, but was obviously more animal than human, with hair covering its whole body. It was reportedly caught up in the snows… his captors had it in chains.”

ROHINI: Scarred Rohini struggles to pick up the pieces

By Romit Bagchi

Siliguri, Jan. 14: In an intriguing turn of events, a handful of people hailing from  Nepal are thronging Rohini while those from the nearby areas are steering clear of the popular picnic spot in fear.

The restaurant owners of Rohini, accustomed to doing brisk business during the peak of the picnic season spanning December and January, are found grumbling to themselves amidst an eerie atmosphere tainted with palpable fear and uncertainty. The shadow of the 1 January mayhem is still haunting the people of Rohini with a fortnight having passed since.

Rohini, sandwiched between Siliguri and  Kurseong, is endowed with picturesque landscapes complete with misty hills and verdant surroundings. It’s no wonder, then, that it draws people from far-flung areas for picnics to enjoy a few fun-filled hours of warm togetherness.

Yet, this year the number of picnickers can be counted on the fingertips and the favourite picnic joint looks a haunted place with violence-sodden shadows cloaking it in a lugubrious wrapper, eagerly awaiting human footfalls.

DARJEELING HILLS: Shot in the arm for tea industry

FROM THE STATESMAN

Siliguri, Jan. 14: The tea industry in north Bengal, and this time inclusive of the  Darjeeling hills, is all set to receive a big boost. While Union minister of state for commerce and industry Mr Jairam Ramesh will inaugurate a Tea Park at New Jalpaiguri near Siliguri and lay the foundation stone for a pesticide residue laboratory at the Darjeeling Tea Research and Development Centre at  Kurseong tomorrow, it is learnt that lebua Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok, Thailand, have expressed an interest in procuring tea directly from the plantations of the Darjeeling  Hills.

According to lebua officials, the group has evinced interest in procuring tea from the Makaibari Tea Estate near Kurseong  and a visit by its CEO, Mr Deepak Ohri, to the plantation is imminent for the purpose.

“We would be happy to deal with such a renowned international group,” was how Mr Rajah Banerjee, owner of Makaibari Tea Estate responded to an inquiry on the matter today.

While lebua is an internationally acclaimed group in the hospitality business, the Makaibari Tea Estate by its own right has its share of popularity on the international tea map. Moreover, the existence of an 18-acre private plot of land adjacent to the tea estate provides a unique opportunity to set up a resort in the unspoilt settings on an international scale.

SIKKIM: Sikkim celebrates Makar Sakranti

FROM THE STATESMAN

GANGTOK, Jan. 14: Makar Sakranti is being celebrated all over Sikkim, on the confluence and in some parts on the banks of the river Teesta and Rangit.

It is the day, when the Sun enters Capricorn (Makar). Devotees after taking a dip in the freezing river waters flowing down the Himalayas, worship the Sun. On Makar Sakranti, the Sikkimese Nepalis are seen with holy marks (tika) of roots and tubers on their foreheads. The shoppers are busy buying tubers and roots to boil and consume. Sesame with sugar is also a must on the day for warmth, as it is believed that the warmth of the sun increases from this day speck by speck, like sesame, which is to be consumed for warmth.

The roads are full of vehicles carrying passengers to different fairs organised on the river banks. The most famous of the fairs are being held at Saramsa, Singtam, Rangpo and Jorethang.

 

KURSEONG: GJM rallies take Sankranti break

FROM THE STATESMAN

Kurseong, Jan. 14: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) today gave a break to its trend of bringing out rallies every day in the Darjeeling Hills. The party has been bringing out rallies on all days of this year so far except today, the reason being the Makar Sankranti festival.

According to Mrs Shanta Thapa, women’s wing secretary of GJM’s Kurseong branch, the party decided to suspend its political programmes today in observance of Makar Sankranti. “The rallies will be back on the streets from tomorrow in favour of the demands with Gorkhaland being the centrepiece,” she said. According to her, the Naari Morcha and the party’s other wings would be preparing for the ‘Dooars Chalo Abhiyan’ from tomorrow.

The GJM spokesperson, Mr Binay Tamang, concurred. “The party shelved the agitation programme for the day due to Makar Sankranti, but will restart tomorrow.

KURSEONG: Drug abuse

FROM THE STATESMAN

Kurseong, Jan. 14: The Darjeeling police have arrested, one Uma Tamang, a resident of Club Side-Darjeeling for illegal possession of intoxicants and potion today. The police seized hundreds of pills and cough syrup collected allegedly for drug abuse, from her. 

DOORS TERAI: Youth Cong to conduct workshop on NREGA implementation

FROM THE STATESMAN

Siliguri, Jan. 14: The Darjeeling district Youth Congress would organise a two-day training camp in Phansidewa commencing tomorrow as part of the AICC general secretary Mr Rahul Gandhi’s pet programme that involves monitoring the implementation of the central government- sponsored poverty alleviation schemes in the states.

About 200 YC activists hailing from all the 22 blocks spread over the plains of the district are likely to participate in the camps.

Announcing this, the district YC president Mr Sujay Ghatak said that the training camp would comprise two sections. “A classroom training would be conducted on the opening day and it would be followed by a practical training the next day,” he said.

“Though we are laying emphasis on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act we would monitor all other schemes formulated by the UPA government. Mr Rahul Gandhi is not satisfied with the mere formulation of the several poverty alleviation schemes. He stresses on the implementation side more. We would do the monitoring work as per the instruction of our leader,” the YC leader said.

SILIGURI: DYFI slams Morcha

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Siliguri, Jan. 14: The DYFI today criticised the  Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leaders for posing as “saviours” in  Rohini .

At a four-hour demonstration organised by the CPM youth wing in Darjeeling More here, Shankar Ghosh, the district secretary of the outfit, said: “Earlier, they ransacked and torched the houses, leaving people homeless. Now they are distributing relief and trying to project themselves as saviours. The discrimination while distributing the relief (only 15 of the 19 affected families were given aid) indicates their undemocratic nature.”

“The Morcha  has barred all political parties from holding any activity in the hills. The distribution of relief shows that theirs is the last word in the hills,” Ghosh said. “We want government relief to reach each family at the earliest.”

DARJEELING: Contest for gospel singers

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

An audition held as part of the Bhajan Idol contest. A Telegraph Picture

Darjeeling, Jan. 14: Draped with all modern gizmos, a group of gospel singers will be vying for a crown crooning Christ’s message through sound amplifying system in a public contest in Darjeeling on January 22.

The prized Bhajan Idol contest, organised by Darjeeling Diocese, has worked out a format which is largely associated with the reality show contests like Indian Idol.

The winner of the Bhajan show will bag a contract to cut a gospel album apart from winning Rs 10,000. The winner of the Indian Idol contest gets to cut an album and bags a contract of Rs 1 crore.

“We wanted to provide a platform to talented gospel singers who are especially from the villages. That is why we worked out a format that will be appeal to them,” said Father Alexander Gurung, general secretary, Darjeeling Diocesan Communication Commission.

“Hundreds of people took part in the auditions and 10 persons have been selected for the grand finale that will be held at the Bethany School grounds,” said Father Alexander.

An LCD screen will beam the Bhajan Idol journey of each of the 10 contestants, including six females.

“Even though we are calling the contest the Voice of Darjeeling Diocese, we are referring to it as Bhajan Idol as people from the villagers can easily identify themselves with these words,” said the pastor.

SILIGURI: Cell to curb bike theft

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Motorcycles parked on Sevoke Road, a target area for bike-lifters in Siliguri. Picture by Kundan Yolmo

Siliguri, Jan. 14: Three motorcycles have been stolen from the town everyday in the past fortnight, prompting police to set up a special unit that will focus on fighting the crime.

Rahul Srivastava, the superintendent of police of Darjeeling, today said in the past 15 days, 40 motorcycles were stolen from different areas which fall under the Siliguri and Pradhannagar police stations.

“The trend has been on the rise, particularly in the past couple of weeks,” Srivastava said. “The stealing of 40 motorcycles shows the existence of rackets that are committing the crime and smuggling the two-wheelers to Bangladesh.”

The team that has been formed comprises two sub-inspectors, four assistant sub-inspectors and a couple of constables from the two police stations. It will exclusively investigate the theft cases.

Earlier, police sources said, the stolen motorcycles were dismantled here and the engines were smuggled to Bangladesh to be fitted to “bhutbhuti” or mechanised boats in the neighbouring country. The spares were sold separately in and around Siliguri.

Consistent intervention, seizure and arrest of a number of smugglers had brought down the crime rate and the supply channel to Bangladesh had been disintegrated about one-and-a-half years ago. Since then the stolen two-wheelers were smuggled to Nepal. “But given the rise in the crime after Puja, we suspect that the Bangladesh line has reopened again,” a source said.

SILIGURI: Bayern tickets from today

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Kanchenjungha stadium: the venue

Siliguri, Jan. 14: Tickets for the FC Bayern Munich II and Siliguri Mayor’s XI football match, scheduled for the 21th here, will be available at the Siliguri  Mahakuma Krira Parishad office from tomorrow.

“We will also send tickets to different schools in and around the town,” said Suvra Roy, the assistant secretary of the SMKP. The tickets have been priced at Rs 5 for school students, Rs 10 and Rs 20 for others. There will be 200 tickets of Rs 500 each to raise funds.

The football standing committee of the SMKP has started selecting players for the Mayor’s team. “We have shortlisted 25 of them from different clubs in town. We will organise trial matches before picking up a 20-member squad on Monday,” said Amal Bhattacharya, the soccer secretary of the sports body.

“Fourteen ball boys to be selected from different coaching centres will be posted in the field.”