THE HIMALAYAN BEACON [BEACON ONLINE]

BY SHITAL PRADHAN

Roshan Prasad being interviewed

Roshan Prasad, 23 yr old from Singtam, Sikkim pursuing his Charter Accountant studies from Institute of Chartered Accounts of India at Kolkata was interviewed in Aakash Bangla Channel, a local TV channel from Kolkata for his collections on cricket and football memorabilia. The program was aired on November 13th at Bengali sports program “Khel at 11”. Talking from Kolkata, Roshan told it was a pride moment for him to get such appreciation.

Roshan is a budding philatelist from Sikkim whose collection on cricket theme has attracted wider admirers. His philatelic materials includes a rare withdrawn Bangladesh postage stamp with the unsanctioned ICC logo and second oldest cricket stamp of the world from Pakistan issued in 1962. Also included in his collection is an Official envelope of the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club which is the second oldest Cricket club of the world after Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Another item of value in Roshan’s unbelievable collection is the medal of honour which was presented by the Cricket Association of Bengal to the former cricketers during its Golden Jubilee celebrations in the year 2005.This was gifted to Roshan by a former cricketer of Bengal Mr. Dipankar Ghosh. Roshan is also designing a “Special Cover” for Mohun Bagan AC to Commemorate 100 years of its IFA Shield triumph over East Yorkshire Regiment.

Roshan Prasad with some of his collections

He has received appreciation letters from the National Cricket Academy, Cricket Association of Bengal and Mohun Bagan AC. He has also received official envelopes of the Tata Football Academy, Mohun Bagan AC, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting Club and Press Club of Calcutta. Even official letters of Indian Sports channels like Zee Sports and ESPN Star Sports grace his collection. His autograph collection of players like Bhaichung Bhutia, Shyam Thapa, Surav Ganguly and others is his biggest pride, told Roshan.

FROM KUENSEL NEWSPAPER

BY SAMTEN YESHI

22 November: Bhutanese parents are considering getting their children out of schools in Darjeeling, India, because it is becoming increasingly dangerous for them.

The Gorkha janmukti morcha’s (GJM) compulsory national dress code rule made the Bhutanese students soft targets and ‘easily identifiable,’ according to parents. “Why should this be imposed only on Bhutanese students and teachers?” questioned a parent residing in Phuentsholing. “They’re unnecessarily dragging our children into local politics,” she said. “We’ll appeal to the government to take immediate action on the matter and look for alternatives if the issue isn’t resolved.”

Frustrated parents are also questioning the effectiveness of border district coordination meetings that take place annually between the governments of West Bengal and Bhutan to take measures concerning security along the borders.

A Bhutanese delegation form the home ministry returned from Darjeeling after discussing the issue with GJM. Officials refused to comment on the details of the talks, but said that they have appealed to GJM not to impose the dress code. Kuensel learnt that the talks did not bear much fruit.

The student presidents of Bhutan student’s associations of Kalimpong and Darjeeling also appealed to the Gorkha janmokti vidyarthi morcha, the student’s wing of GJM, but the presidents were told that the rule was a college activity, which they have to follow.

The principal of St Joseph’s college in Darjeeling, Father George, told Kuensel that the college didn’t have anything to do with the rule. “There is no cultural dress code imposed by the college and the issue of cultural dress code was imposed by the local political parties,” said father George. “In such cases, we can act only within our own campus and capacity. We can’t intervene,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kuensel sources said that the Bhutanese government has started dialogue with the “civil administration and police” of West Bengal to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest. “The situation is expected to change after the tripartite meeting scheduled to take place in mid December,” said a source.

The cultural dress code was first imposed in October, but students did not comply with the order, thinking that it was meant only for local Darjeeling students. But GJM started imposing strictly since October 26. “If we don’t, they wait at the college gate and don’t let us attend classes,” said a student.

Students also said that they were forced to join rallies staged by the GJM. “This kind of forceful imposition to participate in their political rallies and using the students of another country is not a good approach and would even lead to creation of misunderstanding in the Indo-Bhutan friendship that has a proven track record,” home ministry officials said.

FROM MYREPUBLICA.COM

BY BIKASH SANGRAULA

The oldest man to climb Mt Everest is Min Bahadur Sherchan (Nepal b. 20 June 1931) who reached the summit on 25 May 2008 at the age of 76 years 340 days.

KATHMANDU, Nov 23: Min Bahadur Sherchan has officially replaced Japanese climber Yuichiro Miura in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest man to climb Mt Everest.

Sherchan is making the announcement at a press meet on Monday evening in Kathmandu, his son Bhojendra Sherchan said. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal is expected to attend the conference.

A certificate handed to Sherchan by the Guinness World Records says, “The oldest man to climb Mt Everest is Min Bahadur Sherchan (Nepal b. 20 June 1931) who reached the summit on 25 May 2008 at the age of 76 years 340 days.”

Surendra Sapkota, under-secretary at the Mountaineering Division, Ministry of Tourism, confirmed the recognition. “I have received a copy of the certificate. Sherchan is now officially the oldest man to reach the summit,” he told myrepublica.com.

“I am relieved to finally receive the recognition that is rightfully mine,” Sherchan said.

Sherchan received the shock of his life in February this year when he came to know that Miura´s office in Tokyo had revealed to the media that he had been given the recognition by the records book.

In May, Sherchan met Guinness Book officials in London to enquire about the matter and came to realize that he had not completed necessary formalities. Believing that he had done more than the needful by actually climbing the world´s tallest peak, Sherchan had just couriered a copy of recognition by the government and an appreciation letter given to him by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav.

But during the London trip, Sherchan made a personal claim to the record, filled up necessary documents and furnished necessary evidence to support his claim, which eventually led to the recognition.

The documentary lapses had made the Guinness Book recognize Miura, who climbed the mountain two days after Sherchan at the age of 75. Miura, who has undergone two heart surgeries, and was the first person to ski down Everest South Col, which he did in 1970, had set the record in 2003 when he climbed Mt Everest at the age of 70. The record was beaten by another Japanese climber Katsusuke Yanagisawa, who achieved the feat in 2007. And in 2008, Sherchan set the new record.

Sherchan, a retired soldier, was born in Bhurung Tatopani of Myagdi district.

FROM SOUTH ASIAN MEDIA NET / MYREPUBLICA.COM

KATHMANDU: Nepal Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala said on Sunday that he did not reach any deal with Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Singapore for forming a new coalition.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Sunday evening, the NC president said it is just a rumor that he reached a deal with Dahal for forming a new government, possibly led by the Maoists. “I also heard such rumors while in Singapore,” the prime minister´s chief advisor Raghuji Pant quoted the NC president as telling the prime minister.

A day after his secret meeting with Koirala in Singapore, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal had told journalists last Wednesday that the “unnatural coalition government” would collapse soon.

Koirala returned to Kathmandu at 12 p.m. Sunday after a nine-day-long treatment at Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore. Prime Minister Nepal met the NC leader at the latter´s residence at Maharajgunj in the evening.

“A high-level political mechanism with representation of the Maoists among others, will be formed. Girijababu will take the initiative,” Prime Minister Nepal said after the 45-minute-long meeting with Koirala.

Nepal said Koirala also “clarified about the Singapore talks” to him, but did not elaborate. The prime minister also said the ruling parties would move ahead unitedly and endorse the annual budget.

According to NC leader Krishna Sitaula, the NC president told the prime minister that the former had requested Dahal to let the budget pass and agree to forming a high-level political mechanism to complete the constitution-writing and peace processes. “Now I am happy that the Maoists are suspending House obstruction for passing the budget,” Sitaula quoted Koirala as telling the prime minister.

FROM THE NEWS, PAKISTAN

KATHMANDU: Thousands of Hindu devotees have flocked to a village in Nepal ahead of the planned sacrifice of more than 300,000 animals in a ceremony condemned by animal rights activists, including French actress Brigitte Bardot.

Priests are preparing for the slaughter of more than 15,000 buffaloes and 300,000 birds, goats and sheep during the event, which starts on Tuesday and is thought to be the biggest ritual sacrifice anywhere in the world. Every five years, the village of Bariyapur, near Nepal’s southern border with India, hosts this religious festival dedicated to Gadhimai, the Hindu goddess of power.

“Thousands of people from Nepal and India have already begun arriving and preparations for the festival are in full swing,” Mangal Chaudhary Tharu, the main priest at the Gadhimai temple, told AFP.

He said visitor numbers were expected to be higher this year because it is the first such ceremony since the end of Nepal’s conflict in 2006 and he vowed to go ahead with the sacrifice despite the protests.

Tharu, the fourth generation of his family to serve as a priest at the temple, said he expected more than a million people to attend, over half from India, where many states have banned animal slaughter for religious purposes.

Nepal’s government has refused to put a stop to what it says is a centuries-old religious tradition, and has pledged 4.5 million rupees in funding.

“People have deep faith in the goddess and they believe that sacrificing animals will bring them good luck and prosperity for their families,” said Tharu.

“I don’t think the mood will be spoiled by the animal rights campaigners. They have the right to raise their concerns and we have the right to continue with our age-old tradition.”

Armed police have been deployed to keep the peace and authorities have banned alcohol during the festival, which begins with the ritual sacrifice of two wild rats, a rooster, a pig, a goat and a lamb.

The meat is distributed to the devotees and to local people, while contractors bid for the animal hides — making the slaughter a lucrative venture for the local community.

FROM THE STATESMAN

Milling (Kurseong) 22 NOV: “The proposed tripartite talk slated on 21 December will be a positive one and it definitely will be a one step forward”, said the GJMM chief Mr. Bimal Gurung, while addressing a program at Rangmanch Bhawan at Beechgaon in Milling Tea Estate, today.

Mr. Gurung said that even after the 63 years of Independence, Gorkhas were never given justice in this country. Hence, keeping in mind, the contribution of Gorkha community to the nation, the nation should also do justice to the Gorkhas.

He further added that if the talks fail to create a positive outcome then he will introduce his early announced home rule in the proposed Gorkhaland area. He also warned that the central and state government should be aware and should study about the outcome of the home rule.

“But we will not leave our democratic based agitation and we will also not follow any kind of violence or confrontation. Even though, the people should be aware and alert for the demand of a separate state of Gorkhaland,” added Mr Gurung.

Mr Gurung also informed that he would place several documents on different aspects of Gorkhaland at the proposed tripartite talks. Regarding Mr Ghising’s recent news, Mr Gurung said that with the help of Mr Ghising, the state government once again was trying to create violence and confrontation in the Hills but it would not be tolerated and that added they would not indulge in any kind of viloence. “Instead, we believe the solution of any problem is by table talk and not violence,” he said.

Before addressing the programme at Rangmanch Bhawan, Mr Gurung also laid the foundation stone of Sanga Chhoeling Buddhist Monastery at Lower Kalej Valley in Milling. He also donated Rs 2 lakh 50 thousand for the construction of the monastery.

Mr Ravindra Lama, the GJMM Rangbul/Dohtria Block committee president and other GJMM leaders also addressed today’s meeting at Beechgaon in Milling.

During the meeting, Mr Gurung also felicitated 16 family members of the martyrs (1986 Martyrs) of Rangbul/Dohtria Block region by putting “khadas” and “Swal”.

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

The herd at Nepuchapu Tea Estate. Picture by Biplab Basak

Alipurduar, Nov. 22: A herd of 22 elephants was spotted in a garden close to Malbazar town this morning, destroying shade trees and paddy for 12 hours before moving into the adjacent Appalchand forest.

Workers of Nepuchapu Tea Estate near Malbazar, 130km from here, spotted the elephants about 6.30am. Throughout the day garden workers kept the herd encircled, making their escape almost impossible. People pelted the elephants, which brought down some of the shade trees and trampled the tea bushes, with stones too.

The manager of Nepuchapu, C.D. Kinglee, said: “The elephants had entered because of the ripe paddy. Luckily, today being a Sunday there was no plucking and the workers were not near the tea bushes.” He said he would submit an estimate of the damage to the forest department for compensation.

Foresters have ruled out any compensation. “We cannot provide compensation for crops grown on leased land,” said Tapas Das, divisional forest officer (wildlife II). He said a squad to drive out the herd had been sent at 8.30am.

“But because of the large crowd, it was difficult to work,” Das said. As darkness came, the number of people decreased and the 10-member squad burst crackers to drive out the elephants. Around 6.30pm, the herd disappeared into the dense Appalchand forests.

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Bhattacharya: Under pressure?

Siliguri, Nov. 22: Urban development minister Asok Bhattacharya today said the government would not buckle under pressure from the Janmukti Astahi Karmachari Sangathan, an organisation of DGHC contract workers affiliated to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha which has been agitating for permanent job status for its members.

“They (JAKS members) should know that the state government will never bow down under any kind of pressure. We also want them to get permanent jobs but everything should be done by following some process,” Bhattacharya told journalists here. “While scrutinising the workers’ record, it was noticed that several irregularities had taken place during their recruitment. So, the government has to check the records of the workers thoroughly which will take time.”

The minister felt the JAKS agitation would vitiate the atmosphere ahead of the tripartite talks scheduled for December 21 in Darjeeling. “It seems that the Morcha is agitating just to prove its existence ahead of the meeting. As they are scared of losing their support in the hills, they are doing such movement, which is destructive,” he said.

Trinamul Congress district president Gautam Deb, however, asked the government to make its stand on the DGHC workers clear.

“A few days ago, we came to know that the government agreed to make more than 3,000 contract workers of the DGHC permanent. But now one of the ministers, who hails from the district, is saying that the process will take time. This is confusing,” Deb said. “I will request our state leadership to demand a proper explanation on the issue in the Assembly.”

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

A file picture of the Teesta Low Dam Project (stage III) site in Reang, 25km from Kalimpong. The NHPC will begin work at the site on Monday. Morcha supporters had forcibly stopped the project on October 27 to protest the delay in the construction of a road from Takdah-Teesta Valley to NH31A. The NHPC will now build the road after getting a ‘no-objection’ certificate from the government

Darjeeling, Nov. 22: The ABGL today hit out at the current form of statehood movement spearheaded by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and said with the March-10 deadline nearing, Bimal Gurung’s outfit was in a do-or-die situation.

The party also said it would circulate its views on the agitation — its history since 1907, present status and its future — through CDs, pamphlets and posters.

“Gurung has repeatedly promised Gorkhaland within March 10, 2010. If he cannot achieve Gorkhaland, he should tell the people and let other democratic forces carry forward the agitation,” said ABGL president Madan Tamang.

Although Gurung had initially promised statehood by March next year, of late, the Morcha president has been saying that the deadline was merely a vision. “Leaders have to work with a vision and I had set the deadline with the hope that the BJP would come to power at the Centre. There could be delays but we will settle for nothing less than Gorkhaland,” Gurung recently said in Darjeeling.

The ABGL president, however, iterated that the Morcha was looking for an interim arrangement instead of Gorkhaland. To the Morcha leadership, he said: “Nothing will be achieved by writing ‘Gorkhaland’ on signboards, you should be able to write it in the district magistrate’s office. If you need help, I am there.”

Tamang’s party has been repeatedly stymied by the Morcha from holding public rallies in the hills. In the past one year, at least two meetings of the ABGL were stalled in Darjeeling by the Morcha, which described the disruption as caused by the “general public”.

“We will analyse the current movement and also draw parallels with other agitations, including the one led by Ghisingh (Subash Ghisingh, the GNLF chief). We will look into every aspect of the demand that is being raised since 1907. Our analysis will be distributed through CDs and other mediums like posters and pamphlets,” said Tamang.

Tamang accused Gurung of being insincere. “The leaders are not being sincere. Bimal Gurung is acting like the chairman of the DGHC. The moment he is making promises of any development projects in any area the council is immediately starting work. Some central committee leaders of the Morcha are distributing contracts for the projects,” alleged Tamang.

The ABGL also had a strong message for the Nari Morcha, which is currently busy implementing the Morcha ban on flow of liquor in the hills. “Instead of checking luggage for liquor bottles, I advise them to track down the people who have been behind various scams in the DGHC. There has been problems in the mid-day meal scheme, funds for 102 schools have been embezzled and distribution of free text books have not taken place,” said Tamang.

Residents here feel that Tamang’s contention that the Morcha was controlling the DGHC suited the state government. “The Morcha is calling the shots at the DGHC in a de facto manner that Writers’ Buildings is tolerant to as it is buying time on the statehood issue,” a resident of Darjeeling said.

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Darjeeling, Nov. 22: A Class XII student of Mount Hermon School here died after he and two of his friends fell off a rock face near Bhale Dunga this evening.

Black Rock is situated adjacent to the school and police said the trio had reached the top of the 40-foot high cliff-like structure by grappling along its slope on their hands and feet. “It is normally the way would-be mountaineers climb. It is to be investigated how they fell off,” an officer from the Sadar police station said.

Ram Sel Puia, the student who died, Lal Singh Hanam and Joelian, all from Mizoram, had been reported missing by the school authorities around 5.30pm after the trio failed to report to the hostel. Boarders are required to be back in hostel by 5pm, police said.

“The three left the school after 3.30pm and probably without taking permission,” the officer said. A source said the boys were scrambling down after they heard the dinner bell. 

While the school authorities refused to answer any calls, the police said the local people had helped recover Puia’s body after one of the two lesser injured students raised the alarm. “The body has been taken to the Sadar hospital for post-mortem, while the two injured have been admitted to Planter’s Hospital,” the officer said.

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

BY TAMALI GHOSH

Rikisum. Photo by Prasanta Mallik.

Rikisum, located on the Pedong-Lava Road, is a quaint little settlement atop a hill. It offers a magnificent view of the mountain ranges of the Kanchenjunga and is often considered the best viewpoint of the Kalimpong sub-division for viewing the hills of Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Gangtok and Pedong towns.

The place sounded interesting and the name musical. So we set off for it. As our jeep moved up from New Jalpaiguri, the hills, the usual greenery with its unusual charm and the silvery Teesta welcomed us. With a short break of an hour wedged in, it took us around four hours to reach Rikisum, 15km north of Kalimpong. We put up at the Swarna Sikhar Tourist Lodge in the village. The lodge is small, but cosy, consisting of two cottages with double beds and attached baths and three rooms with dual occupancy. Lunch was served in the cottage.

As darkness fell, the valley and the hills around the lodge took on a silvery hue, thanks to the clear sky, a bright full moon and a power cut.

The next morning, we trekked to a viewing point about 2km above the lodge. The view of the hills of Darjeeling, Sikkim and Bhutan, crowned by the Kanchenjunga, was breathtaking.

The remains of an old British rest house nearby offers ample scope for an adventure and a treat for photography enthusiasts.

In the evening, we hired a taxi and went to Dmsang Fort, 15 minutes from Pedong. Built in 1690, the fort was destroyed in the Anglo-Bhutanese war of 1864. As we proceeded towards the fort through a trekking route, the path seemed untrodden for years.

While returning, we visited Pedong but left early as we wanted to get back to our pristine hamlet at Rikisum. For the next two days, we enjoyed a lazy stay at the lodge, surrounded by the calm and beauty of nature.

We also went rafting in the Teesta. The adventure was thrilling but safe as we had adventure experts as guides.

Going

Take a New Jalpaiguri-bound train. Then hire a jeep for Rikisum. For visiting nearby places hire a taxi.

Staying

Share Home Stay or Swarna Sikhar Tourist Lodge. Ph: 9433003080/9933312012

FROM MORUNG EXPRESS

Conrad K Sangma addressing the Garo community at the Wangala festival held at Ekaranipathar, Dimapur, on Saturday, November 21. (Morung Photo)

DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 21 (MExN): Leader of Opposition, Meghalaya State Assembly, Conrad K Sangma today described the Garo community as one of the luckiest tribe in the country. “The Garo community, I should say is the only tribe to have two ministers in two different countries. It is also one of the luckiest tribe to be able to reach to that level”, he asserted. He was referring to Agatha K Sangma, MP, Minister of Rural Development, Government of India and Pramod Sangma, MP, Minister for Culture, Government of Bangladesh from the Garo community.

Conrad K Sangma was addressing the Garo community at the Wangala festival held at Ekaranipathar, Dimapur as the chief guest. Recounting the Wangala festival held at Garo Hills, he said that the festival organizing committee is taking constructive step for the next year to ensure participation from all its communities from Nagaland, Assam, Tripura and Bangladesh. Conard also asserted that efforts are on to find out their communities in Burma adding, “We are planning to go in a delegation to find them out and invite them to participate in the festival”. He advocated that the festival should be a meeting point for all the Garo communities in all over the country. Underscoring on the need to uphold culture and tradition, Sangma said, “We may be living anywhere in any parts of the country, but we have to adopt to all the culture, language and religion according to environment and situation of the state”. Sangma also stressed on the need to promote the language. Sangma further encouraged the Garo community to organize the celebration in a proper festival way by promoting traditional sports. Focus should be the sports and festivity, he added.

Tali, Joint Director, NEZCC who graced the occasion as guest of honour stated that unity in development is much more appreciable in the region. He emphasized on the need to maintain peaceful coexistence by respecting each other culture and other way of life. Articulating on the preservation and development of culture, he said that the NEZCC is trying to help different communities to help in preserving their culture.

Marcus Sangma, MLA, Omailo K Sangma, MLA, Nihim D Shira, MLA, Desang Sangma, MLA and Neiba Ndang, Former Speaker, Nagaland Legislative Assembly also spoke on the occasion. Various cultural troupes including Garo, Dimasa, Mech, Gorkha and Adivasi performed cultural dances on the

occasion.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by president, Wangala Festival Celebration Committee while April Sangma, Convenor of Wangala Festival Celebration Committee delivered a brief note on Wangala.

Meanwhile, in a sideline interview, Conrad K Sangma asserted that the Meghalaya government is trying to build up the tie with Bangladesh. He said, “in order to build the tie with Bangladesh, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, PA Sangma is inviting the Prime Minister of Bangladesh to come to Shillong”.

Queried on whether it is easier to build the tie with the neighbouring country, he asserted that they are very keen on it adding, “It definitely is much easier”. On being asked about the venture of illegal immigrant, he emphasized that even the government of India has been trying for the past 15 to 20 years to curb illegal immigrant but without success. In this regard, he stressed on the requirement of another approach.

He said that building up the ties, ensuring ID system and ensuring proper trade taking place will ultimately refuse the illegal immigrant. “There should be a concern, but I don’t think that illegal immigrant should be a reason for us to stop a tie and end a relationship with Bangladesh”, Sangma opined.

To another query, he said that in order build up ties and ensures that they have a link with Bangladesh transit bridge from Calcutta to Bangladesh via Garo Hills has been constructed. “It is the link that we are working on and we hope that something take place in the coming years”, he asserted.

FROM BUSINESS STANDARD

Partha Chatterjee, an influential Trinamool Congress leader, tells Rajat Roy that his party wants balanced growth in industry and agriculture.

In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and then in the 2006 Assembly elections, your party did not do well. How did it bounce back within three years?

It has been a roller-coaster ride. We have no doubt that we will be able to dislodge CPI(M) from power in the state in the coming elections. For that, we must give credit to the present leadership of CPI(M). Since 1998, the Trinamool Congress, under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, had been trying to mobilise public opinion on various issues, but the Left’s supporters, the urban middle class and intellectuals, remained unconvinced. Much before the Singur-Nandigram agitations, on October 2, 2005, Banerjee gave a call to protect farmers’ land. She appealed to all sections of the society to form a coalition against this onslaught on farm land. But barring a few small organisations, hardly anybody came forward, not even the Congress. In May 2006, peasants in Singur formed a committee to protect their land. We joined them much later in September.

I still believe that September 26, 2006, when the state police forcibly brought Banerjee from Singur to Kolkata, was the turning point. That sparked a bigger movement and turned the Singur issue into a national one.

Could you or your party have visualised then that the Trinamool would transform politics in the state?

No. That time there was no such awareness. Police atrocities in Singur and Nandigram stirred a wider-section of people of West Bengal. It is to Banerjee’s credit that she consolidated it into an anti-Left vote bank.

ow that the goal of reaching Writers’ Buildings seems realistic, what are the challenges ahead?

We are aware that a huge wave of expectations is building up. Despite a number of centrally-sponsored pro-poor programmes, rural Bengal faces abject neglect. Health services and the education system have all but collapsed. Unemployment is soaring. The general mood of the electorate is that it wants change. The task is daunting as the state is burdened with a debt of Rs.1,70.000 crore. We need to have a balanced approach.

What sort of balance do you have in mind?

We want balanced growth in industry and agriculture. In infrastructure, we welcome public-private partnerships, but we are opposed to special economic zones. We will give priority to health, education, infrastructure, small-scale industry and agro-based industry. We will bring out a white paper on these issues as soon as we come to power.

But how is the Trinamool going to resolve the tricky question of land?

We don’t need to rush into that. In principle, we are opposed to acquisition of land against the wishes of farmers. There have been 5,848 approvals for setting up new units between 1991 and March 2009. We need to know the status of these projects as well as the land required. We will approach development differently. We want development with consensus. Mind you, in our state, the Tatas’ investment in Singur is the only instance in which a factory could not be set up because of the contentious issue of land. We need to make landowners stakeholders in projects.

But the government’s delivery system in the state is a shambles. There is no lack of money or pro-poor initiatives. Yet, nothing reaches the poor and the target. A lot of flak the Left is drawing from the people is due to that. How will your party be different?

It is not an easy task. I am sure we will also flounder on that. But, hopefully, we will be given sufficient time to correct ourselves and learn from experience. We will sincerely try to improve the delivery system. At present, we are collecting inputs about the urgent needs of the people. Experts from various industries and sectors have been approached and they have submitted their reports.

In the political arena, the Trinamool will inherit some of the legacies of the Left. For example, there is the issue of Naxalites. There is also the simmering Gorkhaland movement which will demand immediate attention.

On extremist politics, we have made it clear that we are against all killing, violence and armed struggle. The challenge is manifold here. The tribal belt in the western part of the state where this problem has raised its head is economically backward. There is an urgent need to ensure all-round development of the poverty-stricken tribes. We have already identified three extremely backward regions in the state — North Bengal, the western region of the state comprising West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia and Birbhum, and Sundarban. Already, Banerjee has taken initiatives to ensure rail connectivity in distant parts of North Bengal. This will lead to economic activity and help the poor. We will have to make special efforts to develop these three regions to eliminate the sense of alienation from the mind of the people of these regions. Once that is achieved, all divisive movements will automatically lose their steam.

But the culture of political violence won’t go away.

It is CPI(M), not us, which has been in power for the last 32 years. The culture of violence is a lasting contribution by them. Banerjee has already demanded this, and once we are in power, we will start a drive to seize all illegal weapons from various political parties and their supporters. But it will take time to change the culture.

Assuming that in 2011, the Trinamool will be in power in the state, who will be the next railway minister after Banerjee comes to state politics?

It is difficult to say. Banerjee is also aware of that scenario. Perhaps that is why she is toying with the idea of having someone else as the chief minister and keeping the railway ministry herself. There are times when she thinks of giving up the responsibility of the railway minister and involving herself with party affairs alone, as Sonia Gandhi did. But people of West Bengal won’t accept that. She has become an icon of change now. People will definitely like to see her at the helm of affairs in these changing times.

FROM SOUTH ASIAN MEDIA NET / THE HIMALAYAN TIMES

KATHMANDU: Minister for Defence, Bidhya Devi Bhandari, on Saturday said that there was no space for the PLA personnel in the Nepal Army. Speaking at a ‘special programme’ organised by the Reporters’ Club in the capital, Minister Bhandari revealed that the NA was preparing to recruit around 5000 new cadets as a part of its regular recruitment process and claimed that it was also supported by the PM. “The new recruitment process is necessary to meet the demands of manpower in the NA” Bhandari said. She made it clear that the PLA personnel would not be merged into the NA and instead would be rehabilitated in the society.

Bhandari warned that the NA should be mobilised for the sake of maintaining peace and security in the country along with other security bodies.

Bhandari accused the Maoists of initiating the political crisis in the country by demanding the formation of a new government under their leadership. It was not possible to form a government under their leadership unless they had arms and army with them, added Bhandari.

She refuted claims of an agreement between Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala and Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to form a new government. The duo has reached a deal on the formation of a high-level political mechanism and nothing more, claimed Bhandari.

Bhandari warned the Maoists not to dream about seizing the state power and accused them of using the CA and peace process for malicious intentions of seizing the state power. She said that the government had showed extreme political flexibility and even demanded a review in the Comprehensive Peace Accord.

FROM SOUTH ASIAN MEDIA NET/ THE HIMALAYAN TIMES / KANTIPUR

KATHMANDU: In response to Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s accusation, following a two day Singapore visit, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal in his party’s programme in the capital on Saturday said that the present coalition government was ‘natural’.

Mentioning the Maoist demand for civilian supremacy, the PM suggested that the Maoist come up with a clear definition of civilian supremacy. “The Maoists alone cannot define the meaning of civilian supremacy” as the Maoists have been using the term for the sake of its party led government, the PM said. The PM urged the Maoist lawmakers to let the House endorse the budget as it invites crisis in the country if it was not done at the earliest.

In another context the PM mocked his party leaders for supporting the other party and warned that they had no place in the party if they continue their support.

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FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

Pakyong: A man has been seriously injured when his bike met an accident here Friday morning at Chagey. He was immediately rushed to Pakyong Primary Health Centre (PHC) for preliminary treatment after which he was shifted to Central Referral Hospital, Tadong for further treatment.

According to PHC doctor, head injury of the person is serious.

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FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

Gangtok: International Centre of Red Cross (ICRC), Delhi, jointly with Sikkim University will conduct a three-day Teachers Training Program on the Theme “International Humanitarian Law” from 9th to 11th December,2009 at Resort Orange Valley, Tadong, Gangtok.

Faculty of Political Science, Law and Journalism are of first priority to attend the training program. However, colleges having no such department may send at least one faculty to represent the college/department, according to Dr. Ranjit Sil, In-Charge, Department of Law and Legal Jurisprudence Studies, Sikkim University.

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FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

BY PRAKASH CHETTRI

Namchi: Gorkha Brigade lost their battle against Titanium Kerala in the second semi final of the ongoing All India Chief Ministers Gold Cup Football Tournament 2009 played on Friday here at Bhaichung Stadium. Defeating Brigade by 1-0, Kerela secured their place in the final of the tourney to take on Army XI Red.

Young players of Brigade fully dominated the match in the beginning and made several attacks during the first half. Kerala also got number of opportunities but both the teams failed to score any goal in the first half.

In the second half, Kerala played vigorously and most of the time kept the ball in their possession.

They made several attacks during the second half. Finally, at 47th Minute, Kerala got a golden opportunity which Ebin Rose (9) converted into a goal with his head. The solitary goal by Rose proved the winner for the Kerala. During the match, Referee flashed total four yellow cards – two each to Kerala and Brigade.

Minister for Building & Housing Tilu Gurung was chief guest for the day’s match. MLAs Tulsi Devi Rai and Sonam Gyatso Bhutia were also present.

It may be recalled that Titanium Kerala defeated Sikkim Police in the Quarter Final to enter the Semi Final while Army XI Red entered final of the tournament with their win over RCT Nepal.

Final match of the tourney will be held on 22nd November 2009 at Bhaichung Stadium between Army XI Red, Champion of Durand Cup Football Tournament, and the nationally recognized team Titanium Kerela. Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling will be the Chief Guest on the final day which will also include a number of colourful cultural events.

FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

Gangtok: The Quami Ekta Week (National Integration Week) is being observed in Sikkim from 19th to 25th November,2009, to foster the spirit of communal harmony and national integration amongst the people. A series of programmes are being organized by different departments to mark the Quami Ekta Week in the state.

At a brief function held here at Tashiling Secretariat premises on 19th November morning, Chief Secretary, Mr. T.T.Dorjee administered the National Integration Pledge to all Government functionaries located in and around the Secretariat.

Earlier, Special Secretary, Home Department, Mr. D.P. Sharma in his welcome address spoke on the importance of the day.

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FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

Gangtok: Department of Information Technology in coordination with the State Assembly will conduct an exclusive computer training programme for Ministers/MLAs and former legislators from 23rd to 30th November, 2009, at Sikkim Legislative Assembly (SLA). The Speaker, Mr. K. T. Gyaltsen, will inaugurate the training programme at 11 a.m. on 23rd Nov 2009.

The legislators would be given hands on training in Computer Fundamental, Microsoft Word and Internet concept. The training programme is a sequel to the two days e-Governance Leadership Meet that was organized for Ministers/MLAs at National Institute for Smart Governance, Hyderabad, informs Information Technology Department.

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FROM THE STATESMAN

KOLKATA, 21 NOV: In a tough stand against fresh agitation in the Hills launched by the Gorkha Jan Mukti Morcha (GJMM) the state home secretary, Mr Ardhendu Sen, today said that the task of regularising the casual staff in Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (DGHC) would be delayed further if the agitation continued.

“The state government will not move unless the movement is called off and this has been communicated to them as well. How can you get work done if the district magistrate is gheraoed well past 12 in the night?” said Mr Sen. “If development work cannot be taken up, what is the need for permanent staff?” asked the home secretary. He added that the state government was looking into the matter of regularising staff in phases but GJMM went ahead and began the agitation.

FROM THE TELEGRAPH

Calcutta, Nov. 21: The state government today made it clear that contract workers of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council would not be made permanent if the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha kept calling strikes in the hills.

Home secretary Ardhendu Sen said: “If the hill agitation continues and normal work is disrupted, what’s the use of making casual staff permanent? We will not tolerate such acts. The more they agitate, the more will be the delay in their absorption…. How can we proceed with the absorption process if a district magistrate is gheraoed for 12 hours?”

On Thursday, Morcha activists and DGHC contract workers had held Darjeeling district magistrate Surendra Gupta and several other senior officials hostage for over 12 hours.

The Morcha said the state had assured it in September that 3,742 contract workers would be regularised and 3,000 posts created by November 15.

Sen admitted this. “We did talk about speeding up regularisation work of 3,500-odd contractual staff. We also told them that the question of creating 3,000 more posts would be reviewed after ascertaining the volume of work,” he said. But he added: “They are creating problems and not allowing development work.”

FROM GLOBALPOST.COM

BY JASON OVERDORF

DARJEELING: Swaraj Kumar “Rajah” Banerjee swept into his office wearing the khaki-colored, Raj-era planter’s uniform that he has made his signature style since the 1980s. The outfit gives him an air that is at once aristocratic and vaguely military — and hints at a genius for marketing that has made him the driving force behind the organic movement on Darjeeling’s famous tea plantations.

A London playboy of sorts in his 20s, Banerjee was lured back to India in 1970 by the promise of a colonial lord’s idyll of riding and shooting on the family tea estate an hour’s drive from Darjeeling. But when he was thrown from his horse, he had an experience that he describes as transcendent.

“Before I hit the ground, I had an out-of-body experience,” Banerjee tells me, deadpan. “I went to that zone where the soul goes when we cross over to another frequency — there is no death. And there was this beautiful cadenzas — light, music, no pathos, but melancholic — and the trees connected and transmitted this ululating chant, ‘Save us, save us.’”

That evening, he told his parents he was moving back to the tea garden for good.

“They were delighted for the wrong reasons, and I was not going to tell them what I’d experienced earlier, because I’d have been certified insane,” Banerjee recalls. “But I knew I had to stay and bring the trees back. The voyage began then.”

Long before the organic movement took hold here, his mystical experience began to translate into monetary gains, both for the plantation and for its workers. To convert the tea estate to compost-based fertilizers, Banerjee created financial incentives for the tea workers to raise cattle and spread manure over the plantation’s 550 acres of tea plants, and encouraged each household to raise five varieties of indigenous trees that he later purchased and used to reforest depleted areas of his land. The result is that today Makaibari has 1,070 acres of forest — including 300 acres of sub-tropical rain forest that are more than a thousand years old and play host to a greater variety of wildlife than many of India’s national parks.

“His organics was a deeper organics than a lot of estates that would just follow the rules,” said Joseph Smilley, an organic certification expert with San Diego-based Quality Assurance International. “He created whole permaculture systems that allowed the people of the estate to benefit as well.”

Since earning organic certification in 1988, Banerjee has also built a biogas facility to convert surplus manure to cooking gas, a move that has stopped plantation workers from stripping the forests for their cook fires and also reduced indoor air pollution — which the World Health Organization estimates causes 1.6 million deaths a year worldwide, primarily among children and women. Meanwhile, though using organic methods costs as much as eight times more than using chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the higher prices that the premium organic tea commands on the market — together with tea tourism and other initiatives — make up most of the difference. Makaibari’s “single estate” tea has sold for world record prices at international auctions, for upwards of $400 a kilogram.

“It was approaches like that which differentiated him from some of the other organic growers who followed the rules but didn’t do the big, transformational work to really make it successful both monetarily and ecologically,” said Smilley.

The success of the model is evident in the number of imitators, Banerjee says.

“The good news is that around 1988 to 1994 after we were certified organic, it was a very lonely time. People used to sneer at me,” Banerjee says. “[But] I’m happy to say that now 60 percent of the tea estates in the Darjeeling area are either under conversion or are certified organic.”

Featured in a documentary by French filmmaker Xavier de Lauzanne and countless travel and tea industry articles, Banerjee has emerged as the face of Darjeeling organics. And he’s not quitting there. In neighboring Assam, tea gardens have been plagued by strikes by workers who allege that wages are pathetic and working conditions are inhumane. But in 2002, Makaibari became the world’s first tea plantation to qualify under the Cologne, Germany-based Fairtrade Labelling Organization’s standards, which allow producers of coffee, cocoa and (now) tea to charge customers a small premium to support a better standard of living for local workers. Under the scheme, the premium goes into an account managed by elected members — mostly women — from seven villages, who use the funds for development projects, such as setting up a computer center for the village children, creating a microcredit institution to finance medical care and education, and renovating village houses so they can be marketed to foreign tourists as “home stays.”

Though his success has driven his competitors to go organic, his love of the spotlight hasn’t exactly endeared Banerjee to his rivals, who talk about his genius for marketing as though it hints at some inherent weakness in his tea. What they don’t get is that by developing logos and distinctive packaging, Banerjee made Makaibari into the brand that stands for organic Darjeeling tea, as well as equitable treatment for his workers. And within the first five minutes of meeting the self-styled king of organic tea, it’s clear that he could care less about detractors.

“It’s difficult to give Raj too much credit, because he loves to take it anyhow,” said Smilley, chuckling. “You’d never use the word humble for Rajah, but basically the guy walks his talk.”

Banerjee’s next step may be taking the organic movement off the plantation. Through Organic Ekta (or “Organic Union”), a joint project with U.S.-based Mercy Corps, Makaibari supports around 200 small organic farmers from local communities. Banerjee believes this could be the seed for something much bigger, and plans to branch out from tea and small farms to organic cotton fields and then on to pulses, rice and other Indian staple crops. He doesn’t think it will take much. Some 80 percent of India’s 800 million marginal farmers practice rain-fed agriculture — which means they have too little water to use chemical fertilizers and pesticides. In a sense, they’re already organic, but they’re too poor to capitalize.

“If we get networked strongly to enable the certification of these 640 million people and market their produce at a fair price,” says Banerjee, “then I think we’re done: India will be the organic fruit bowl of the world.”

Let that steep for a few moments.

FROM THAINDIAN.COM

Gangtok, Nov 21(ANI): An exhibition on cultural heritage of Manipur was recently held at Sikkim State Archives in Gangtok.

The exhibition, which commenced on November 16 and concluded on November 20, was organized by the Manipur State Museum Arts and Culture Department in collaboration with Sikkim Cultural Affair and Heritage Department.

It exhibited the cultural heritage of Manipur, including the ethnic tribes of the State from 33AD to the 18th century.

Y. Binita Devi, Assistant Curator of the Manipur State Museum in Imphal, said that the exhibition was aimed at bringing Manipur and Sikkim together by highlighting the cultural bonds.

“We have brought this exhibition to the scenic beauty of Sikkim to highlight the culture of Manipur. So, we can interact with the cultural heritage of Sikkim and Manipur, to bring integration, peace and harmony and also preserve the cultural heritage for the future,” Devi said.

The exhibits included Buddhist artifacts recovered from excavations, royal utensils, Meitei jewellery, tribal clan sword and ancient artworks and paintings.The exhibition was widely appreciated by the people of Sikkim.

“For the first time, such an exhibition has been held in Sikkim. It at least depicts Manipur’s culture and we also can have some idea about the culture and tradition of Manipur,” said Dilip Kumar, a local resident. (ANI)

FROM AFP

Nepalese women walk past police prior to a Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) sit-in protest in June 2009

KATHMANDU: International envoys to Nepal said Friday they are “increasingly concerned” by the slow progress in the country’s peace process, three years after the end of a bloody, decade-long civil war.

The conflict between Maoist rebels and the state ended on November 20, 2006 with a peace agreement that was followed last year by a general election in which the former guerrillas won the highest number of seats.

But the Maoist-led government fell in May after the president overruled their attempt to sack the head of the army, and since then the peace process has ground to a virtual halt.

“We are increasingly concerned that progress on implementing the agreements has stalled,” said a joint statement from 13 mainly Western nations, including the US and Japan, as well as the European Commission.

“On this anniversary, we urge Nepal’s political parties to translate their public commitments into concrete actions to implement the peace agreements.”

The statement pointed out that lawmakers are well behind schedule in drafting the country’s new constitution, which must be completed by May 28 when the interim charter expires.

The rehabilitation and integration into the army of Maoist former guerrillas is still not under way and there has been no progress in bringing justice to the victims of the conflict, the envoys noted.

The statement came as a deadline set by the Maoists for the government to agree to their demands expired Friday with no sign of a resolution.

Thousands of Maoist activists took to the streets of Kathmandu earlier this month calling for an apology and a parliamentary debate over the extent of the president’s powers.

The Maoist party had said it would launch fresh protests if the demands were not met by Friday but sources said it was likely to extend the deadline by a few days to allow more time for talks.

The statement was issued jointly by the United States, Britain, Australia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Switzerland and the European Commission.

THE HIMALAYAN BEACON [BEACON ONLINE]

Aiming to groom talented youngsters PCM Group, the promoters of Radio Misty and Mohun Bagan have launched its residential football academy in Jalpaiguri in West Bengal on Saturday. A joint venture between Mohun Bagan Athletic club, the premier club in country and PCM Group the academy is the first of its kind in the North Bengal involving a top-notch soccer club.

Anjan Mitra, General secretary,Mohun Bagan Athletic Club and Kamal Mittal ,Chairman,PCM Group said that a committee comprising celebrated football coaches and former national players would conduct trials to spot the talented youngsters who would be trained for gauge their aptitude and potential.

There would be both residential and nonresidential arrangements for the trainees who would be scouted and imparted training for a three year period. The age group of the boys would be 16 to 19. It is hoped that the acute shortage of good quality Indian footballers would be covered up.A good number of talented players belonging to North Bengal are already present and proper scientific training would really help them come up to the professional level.

FROM MYREPUBLICA.COM

KATHMANDU, Nov 20: The 70th board meeting of the National Sports Council (NSC) earmarked Rs 110 million for the upcoming 11th South Asian Games.

The meeting chaired by NSC President and Youth and Sports Minister Ganesh Tiwari Nepali also approved Rs 500,000 for the treatment of taekwondo player Manju Tuladhar, who is suffering from both kidney failures.

The decision to dissolve the Regional Sports Development Committees in all five development regions and the 75 District Sports Development Committees was taken during the meeting.

South Asian Body Building C´ship in Nepal

KATHMANDU, Nov 20: The sixth edition of the South Asian Body Building Championship will be held in Kathmandu from June 4-7.

The meeting of the South Asian Body Building and Fitness Federation held in Dubai decided to conduct the championship in Nepal, stated Bijaylal Kayastha, the first vice president of Nepal Body Building and Fitness Association (NBBFA).

All eight South Asian countries will contest in the championship to be held in eight weight categories –55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg and above 85 kg. Altogether, 120 players are expected to participate in the championship, including around 32 players from the hosts.

As hosts, two teams in each weight category with two players each in a team may participate from Nepal while other countries can only have one team in single weight category.

Meanwhile, Nepali body builder Sachit Pradhan secured seventh position under 60 kg category in the WBFP World Men´s Body Building Championship held in Dubai from November 3-8. He finished ahead of Daljit Singh of India, the group winner of the Fifth South Asian Body Building Championship.

Spey Livet Golf begins Saturday

KATHMANDU, Nov 20: The third Spey Livet Golf Tournament is set to tee off at the Royal Nepal Golf Club on Saturday.

The organizers expect participation of more than 80 golfers in the tournament to be played under ¾ stable ford format.

The winner and runner up will get two way tickets to Bangkok and to Delhi respectively among other prizes. Tashi Sherpa and Rajendra Shrestha were the winners of the first and second editions.

The tournament is being organized by Royal Nepal Golf Club along with Spey Livet Premium Rare Whisky.

FROM SOUTH ASIAN MEDIA NET

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and UCPN-Maoist chairman Prachanda today explored the possibility of ending the political deadlock in parliament and endorsing the fiscal budget.

The government has not been able to pass the budget due to the main opposition’s continued obstruction of the House over the President’s May 3 move to reinstate the then army chief, Rookmangud Katawal.

“We dwelt on ending the deadlock in the Parliament and passing the fiscal budget,” the Maoist boss told mediapersons after conferring with PM Nepal at the latter’s residence in Koteshwor. But he did not commit on allowing the Parliament to pass the budget.

Bishnu Rijal, press advisor to the PM, said the PM had asked Prachanda to let the Parliament pass the budget as the nation was facing financial crisis. Prachanda is said to have replied that he would take a decision to this effect only after the party’s standing committee meeting, which kicked off today.

Meanwhile, the three-member taskforce of the UCPN-M, Nepali Congress and CPN-UML failed to break the ice over the nitty-gritty of the sankalpa prastav proposed for ending the deadlock. The taskforce, failing to sort out the issue, decided to refer it to a top-level meeting of the three parties. “The taskforce made no headway on the President’s move,” NC leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula said.

Maoist leader Dev Prasad Gurung, a taskforce member, said the meeting had felt the need to take the suggestion of top-level meeting for finalisation.

FROM INDOLINK.COM

Kathmandu, Nov 20 (PTI) Nepal’s deposed king Gyanendra has for the first time acquired a passport in his name at the age of 64, more than a year after he became a commoner, a Foreign Ministry official said today.

The government issued the passport to Gyanendra Shah, who vacated the royal palace in June 2008, two weeks after the 601-member Constituent Assembly’s abolished the monarchy.

“We issue diplomatic passports to all former heads of state and heads of government. So it was normal to issue the former king with a diplomatic passport,” said a Foreign Ministry’s official.

According to sources, the ministry “received a formal request” recently from the former monarch for the diplomatic document.

Earlier, Gyanendra had no use for the documents during his official visits.

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FROM SIKKIM REPORTER

Gangtok: All Sikkim Democratic Mozdoor Union (ASDMU), labour front of the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front party, will act s a watchdog and visit all the industrial units in the state to check whether the directives given by Chief Minister in a recent meeting with the industries have been implemented or not. The union will also check whether the 12 discharged employees of CIPLA have been reinstated as asked by Chief Minister. This was decided by ASDMU in a meeting on Thursday, November 19, at its office in SDF headquarter. The meeting was presided by Mr. B. M. Ramudamu, informs a press release by SDF General Secretary (Publicity), Mr. T. N. Sharma.

The meeting also resolved that ASDMU will form branches and committees in all the four districts of the state for which the charted schedule is 22.11.09 west Sikkim and 1.12.09, 6.12.09, 13.12.09 in north, south and east district, respectively.

In another resolution, the meeting heartily welcomed the 30% rise in daily wage of government and private sector employees but, in view of price rise, demanded a 50% rise in the daily wage of employees, along with insurance and provident fund facilities for all employees.

Having included members of all the old committees in the fold of its central committee, ASDMU will now speed up its movement, the release said.