Darjeeling-Dooars forum born

Darjeeling

10 Oct 2013

Born out of the need to enhance among people levels of awareness in politics, development and environmental, educational and other critical issues pertaining to the Darjeeling hills, members of civil society as well as political and professional figures have come together to form the Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation.

The DDUDF will act as a robust, forward-looking and independent forum and also work as a think-tank for all people to participate and contribute to social, cultural, political, economic, environmental and other issues of public concern and interest.

Speaking about the forum’s ideology and objective, DDUDF founding member Mahendra P Lama said, “The forum will propagate and advocate the most modern yet appropriate strategies, additional yet time-tested frameworks, and cost-effective and all-inclusive approaches to political, social, economic and environmental, public welfare and national interest issues.”

The DDUDF is the brainchild of Lama - prominent educationist and social worker - and it was launched today to contribute to finding sustainable and concrete solutions to social as well as political problems of the Darjeeling hills.

“We have myriad problems in the hills. They all need long-term solutions, which can be achieved by clear foresight and a comprehensive roadmap,” said Lama, who is also a consensual MP candidate for the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Darjeeling.

The newly established forum has set for itself 25 objectives, although a committee is yet to be formed to run its daily affairs.

“We hitherto lacked a platform to raise issues that are so relevant to people here. Now with the DDUDF, we can work under an umbrella to address those problems,” the educationist noted.

Lama also said he would appeal to all political parties to work together for the benefit of the people. “We will definitely reach out to all political parties here and urge them to work as a unit. We will try to convince them about the benefits of such a move,” he said.

The academician, who is hopeful of bringing about a change in the hills after becoming an MP, has so far given out no signs of joining any political outfit.

“Our ultimate goal is a separate Gorkhaland state. But we will need to work towards achieving it in a planned manner and knock on the right doors,” said Lama.

The 25 objectives of the DDUDF include efforts to address the contentious issue of identity of the Indian Gorkhas and to secure for the entire people of Darjeeling District and the Dooars “purna swaraj” or complete self-governance in the form of a separate state within the constitutional framework of the country.

Read More

Hill TMC leadership slams GJM’s self-centered politics

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

10 Oct 2013

The hill unit of the TMC, with its influence increasing of late, has decided to organise public meetings across the hills after Dashai. The hill TMC met today at Jagannath Dharmasala to chalk out future meetings and strategies to further strengthen the party. The meeting was attended by leaders including Rajen Mukhia, Prabin Rahpal, Chewang Bhutia and Nanita Gautam among others.

A public meeting will be held on October 23 in Darjeeling that will be presided by party chief Mamata Banerjee. The hill TMC had recently organised a public meeting in Kurseong, which it claims has shaken the GJM to its roots. The party has also decided to hold similar meetings at Sukhepokhari, Soureni and other places.

TMC hill unit convener Rajen Mukhia accused the GJM leadership of hoodwinking the people of the hills. He said, “The GJM has only spread corruption in the name of Gorkhaland. The agitation for statehood was rejuvenated only after Telangana was approved. The people supported the GJM fully, but corruption within the leadership has forced the public to search for alternative parties.”

Mukhia added, “The CM is concerned about the development of the hills and the problems prevailing here. She provided separate facilities for the Lepchas for their development. We want the GJM to run the GTA and develop the region. We want the establishment of universities, medical colleges and other important institutions for the people.”

He further said the TMC wants Panchayat elections to be held in Darjeeling district also.

Meanwhile, TMC hill unit secretary Pravin Rahpal said the public meeting on in Kalimpong October 19 will not gather many people. “We do not want to gather people and create traffic problems in town. We will organise the meeting at Trikone Park and install loudspeakers at several locations throughout town. We are going to reveal what the GJM has achieved from the time it came to power.”

Hill TMC youth unit president Chewang Bhutia also accused the GJM leadership of engaging in self-centered politics. “The people no more trust the false promises of the GJM. Several of its supporters have joined us over time. The GJM has been claiming the TMC will lose its influence in the hills. We will showcase our support base on October 23.”

Read More

आन्दोलनलाई तीव्रता दिने तयारीमा क्रामाकपा

कालेबुङ 9 अक्टोबर (प्रदीप) क्रामाकपाको कालेबुङ आञ्चालिक समिति दशैँपछि छुट्टै राज्यको आन्दोलनलाई तीव्रता दिने तयारीमा छ। आञ्चालिक समितिको कोर कमिटिको बैठकमा आज यो प्रस्ताव ग्रहण गरिएको छ। यहाँको सातदोबाटोस्थित पार्टी कार्यालयमा सम्पन्न बैठकमा आज ताजा राजनैतिक परिस्थितिबारे छलफल भएपछि क्रामाकपा नेताहरू नयाँ राजनैतिक कार्यक्रम लिएर अघि बढ्ने निष्कर्षमा पुगेका हुन।

आञ्चालिक अध्यक्ष किशोर प्रधानको अध्यक्षतामा सम्पन्न बैठकमा केन्द्रीय उपाध्यक्ष जेबी राई विशेष रुपले उपस्थित थिए भने आञ्चालिक सचिव मोहन पौड्याल, सन्तोष प्रधान, सूदन प्रधान आदिको उपस्थिति थियो। दलको आन्तरिक बैठकपछि आयोजित पत्रकार सम्मेलनलाई सम्बोधन गर्दै आञ्चलिक समितिका अध्यक्ष किशोर प्रधानले छुटटै राज्यको संघर्षलाई निरन्तरता प्रदान गर्न आञ्चलिक स्तरमा नयाँ राजनैतिक कार्यक्रम गर्ने बैठकले पारित गरेको बताएका छन। ‘राजनैतिक अनि सांगठनिक दुवै स्तरमा कार्यक्रम गर्ने तयारीमा छौं। 2014-को लोकसभा चुनाउ अघि अलग राज्यको सम्बन्धमा कुनै पनि ठोस निर्णयमा पुग्न नसक्ने केन्द्र अनि राज्य सरकारले भनिरहेको अवस्थामा पनि हामी राज्यप्राप्तिको आन्दोलनलाई निरन्तरता दिने सोचमा छौं। गोर्खाल्याण्ड राज्य दिन्छ भन्ने स्थितिमा मात्र हामी राजनैतिक कार्यक्रम तीव्र बनाउने हिसाबले काम गर्न चहादैँनौं। नियमित रूपले छुट्टै राज्यको आकांक्षा राख्ने दल र जनता कति सचेत छन् भन्ने सन्देश केन्द्र सरकारसम्म हामीले प्रमाणित गरेर देखाउनु पर्छ। सरकारले गोर्खाल्याण्डविरोधी गतिविधि र अभ्यास जारी राखोस तर भारतीय गोर्खाहरूको निम्ति राज्यको अन्य कुनै विकल्प छैन जसको माध्यमले सरकारले हामीलाई शान्त गरेर राख्न सक्छ भन्ने हामी बताउन चहान्छौं’ आञ्चलिक अध्यक्ष किशोर प्रधानले भने। तिनले पार्टीको केन्द्रीय समितिले तय गरेको प्रावधानभित्र रहेर आञ्चलिक स्तरमा नयाँ राजनैतिक कार्यक्रम गर्ने बैठकले निधो गरेको बताए। ‘दशैँको लगत्तैपछि हामी नयाँ राजनैतिक कार्यक्रमहरू लिएर मैदानमा आउनेछौं। पर्चा वितरण, पोष्टरिङ अनि पथसभाहरू आयोजना गरी हामी छुट्टै राज्यको आन्दोलनलाई गति दिने काम गर्नेछौं’ प्रधानले भने।  पत्रकारहरूले सोधेको एउटा प्रश्नको उत्तर दिँदै प्रधानले भने, ‘प्रस्तावित त्रिपक्षीय वार्ता र जीटीएको सम्बन्धमा बैठकमा कुनै चर्चा भएन। यो केन्द्रीय समितिले छलफल गर्ने विषय भएको कारण यसबारे कुनै चर्चा गरेनौं। गोजोएककै अधिनमा रहेर मात्र दलले कार्यक्रम गर्नुपर्छ भन्ने कुनै शर्त छैन। गोजोएकको कुनै साझा न्यूनतम कार्यक्रम तयार नभएका कारण दलहरू आफ्नै कार्यक्रम लिएर अघि बढ्न स्वतञ्त्र छन’ तिनले नयाँ राजनैतिक कार्यक्रमहरूसँगै दलको सांगठनिक विस्तारको दिशामा समेत गम्भीरतासँग काम गर्न आजको बैठकले प्रस्ताव ग्रहण गरेको जनाएका छन। असंगठित क्षेत्रका मजदूरहरूको हकहितको निम्ति सांगठनिक प्रक्रियालाई पनि अघि बढाउँदै उनीहरूलाई राज्यप्राप्तिको लडाईँमा जोड्ने पार्टीको सोच रहेको तिनको भनाइ छ। ‘आफ्ना भातृसंगठनहरूलाई पार्टीको सैद्धान्तिक अनि सांगठनिक लाइनहरूबारे शिक्षित गरी तयार गर्ने छौं। असंगठित क्षेत्रहरूमा पनि हामी संगठनको विस्तार गरेर लाने योजनामा छौं। हामीलाई यी क्षेत्रहरुबाट प्रस्तावहरू आएको छ। उनीहरूको समस्याहरूको उठानसँगै अलग राज्यको सवालमा समेत उनीहरूलाई एकबद्ध गरी काम गर्ने सोच बनाएका छौं। राज्यमुनिका मुद्दाहरूले गोर्खाहरूको राजनैतिक संकट हल हुँदैन भन्ने कुरा बुझाएर हामी अघि बढ्ने छौं’ प्रधानले भने। बैठकमा हालै दिवङ्गत भएका दलका केन्द्रीय कार्यकारी सदस्य प्रेम कुमार प्रधानको स्मरण एक मिनटको मौन धारण गरी श्रद्धाञ्जलि पनि प्रकट गरिएको थियो।

Read More

CPRM to take statehood movement forward post Dusshera

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

9 Oct 2013

The core committee of the Kalimpong CPRM unit today held a meeting where it was decided to intensify the statehood agitation after Dusshera. The meet was presided over by CPRM Kalimpong unit president Kishore Pradhan and saw the participation of vice president JB Rai, unit secretary Mohan Paudyal, Santosh Pradhan and Sudan Pradhan among others.

Committee members discussed the current political situation in the hills and resolved to take the statehood movement forward.

Speaking to reporters later, Pradhan said the Kalimpong CPRM committee will continue with the agitation and intensify it in spite of the centre and state government saying nothing final can be decided on the issue before next year’s general election.

He said, “We will work both on the organisational and political fronts. We are not interested to intensify our agitation only when the prospects of statehood being achieved seem high. We will continually launch activities to show the centre and state how serious we are on our demand for a separate state.”

Asserting no development work and administrative setup will suppress the statehood demand, Pradhan further said, “Let the government go on with its anti-Gorkhaland policies and practices, but we will prove there are no alternatives to the formation of a separate state.”

Throwing some light on plans ahead, the CPRM leader said, “New programmes will be launched after Dusshera. Leaflet distribution, poster campaigning, demonstrations and rallies will begin to press for our rightful demand.”

On being asked about the tripartite meeting scheduled on October 23, Pradhan said, “Our meeting did not discuss the tripartite meeting and GTA as GJAC constituents can pursue their own programmes.”

The Kalimpong CPRM president also said the party will expand its activities to bolster workers in the unorganised sector. He added party workers belonging to various affiliates will also be educated on the organisational and political strategy of the CPRM.

The CPRM meeting also observed a minute’s silence in memory of party member Prem Kumar Pradhan who recently passed away.

Read More

Sikkim’s first Hindi movie coming up

Gangtok

9 Oct 2013

Trishala Tamang (17) of class XII at Deorali Senior Secondary School had since childhood dreamed of acting in movies and her wish has come true after she got through auditions for a leading role in Sikkim’s first Hindi movie, ‘Everyday is Sunday’.

Trishala is currently busy promoting her debut movie with her co-star, Bengali actor Siddharth Roy Choudhury. ‘Everyday is Sunday’ is directed by Subhendu Ghosh and produced by local production house Deorali Varieties owned by Pabi Ratna Sakya and Rakesh Mohra.

The movie plot revolves around Trishala who plays an amnesia patient and with whom a non-Sikkimese boy falls in love. Shot extensively in the north and east districts of Sikkim, the film also features several local talents who were on the lookout for a platform. Dipendra Mohora, who has directed several music videos and movies, is the associate director of ‘Everyday is Sunday’.

Trishala, who just arrived from Assam after promoting the movie, said, “I had no plans when I gave the auditions, but somehow I was lucky to get through. This is the first time I have faced the camera as I have only done roles in school plays.”

The debutant will be appearing for her board exams next year, and she said her teachers and parents have been very supportive throughout and have kept motivating her to perform well.

“My studies have not been hampered by the movie,” says Trishala. “I try to balance between my school and promotions. Moreover, my teachers and friends support me which helps me remain positive.”

She added, “My juniors often come to my class and ask for autographs, which makes me feel proud. I don’t have any plans as yet to take acting as a fulltime career.”

Trishala today promoted her movie in town along with the crew and also launched its music at Tadong College Auditorium. During the event, a student of the college won a bicycle the actress used in the movie.

‘Everyday is Sunday’ is scheduled for release on October 18 at Gangtok’s Denzong Cinema Hall.

Producer Pabi Ratna added, “This movie is the joint effort of local talents keen on global exposure. We hope the people of Sikkim help and support us.”

Read More

AIGL welcomes SC move

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

9 Oct 2013

The All India Gorkha League has welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court to shift the Madan Tamang murder case from Darjeeling to a civil court in Kolkata. Addressing a press conference today, AIGL general secretary Pratap Khati said the party is expecting a decision on the case within three months, adding the culprits will be behind bars by then.

“Any decision on the case will not bring back our great leader, but one that will deliver justice will set an example for the people behind the murder,” Khati told a press conference here.

In its directive announced on Tuesday, the Supreme Court, besides shifting the case to a civil court in Kolkata, also gave charge of the investigation to CBI joint director Rajiv Singh. Khati said the party is hopeful of justice not being far away.

Bharati Tamang, the widow of Madan Tamang, had filed a suit at the Supreme Court alleging the state government and the CBI were not investigating the matter with seriousness in a bid to save some political party leaders.

Read More

GJM to abandon violence for talks: Bimal Gurung

KURSEONG

7 Oct 2013

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung today addressed party supporters at the Kurseong motor stand on the occasion of the GJM’s seventh foundation day. He announced the GJM has decided to abandon the idea of violence and pursue talks instead.

According to Gurung, the tripartite talks on October 23 will be fruitful. He said all the party affiliates have been stressing to launch an agitation in Delhi and the party would comply by leading lakhs of supporters to the national capital.

Commenting on TMC leader Gautam Deb’s assurance of making casual workers permanent, the GJM chief wondered how that would be done given the fact the workers are under the jurisdiction of the GTA. He noted, “Soon after the formation of the GJM, the interests of casual workers were given priority and we succeeded in raising their salaries by quite an extent.”

Gurung also urged government employees to stop worrying about their salaries that have been stalled following the month-long bandh. He said if the state government does not pay them, the employees would be paid from the GTA’s fund.

Further, the Morcha president accused Gautam Deb and hill TMC leaders such as Nanita Gautam and Binny Sharma of conspiring to form a committee for operating the GTA. “I resigned from the GTA but all the others are still with it. All the MLAs, GTA members and councilors still belong to us,” he asserted. Gurung also slammed former party members who have joined the TMC of being opportunistic and self-centered.

Read More

40 Algara GJM supporters join TMC

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

7 Oct 2013

Even as the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha today observed its seventh foundation day, 40 of its members from Algara dumped the party to join the Trinamool Congress. Erstwhile GJM Algara unit president Kumar Thakuri was among those who joined the TMC.

Announcing the development, Hill TMC coordinator Chewang Bhutia said people are quitting the GJM because of the selfish and inappropriate policies of its leaders. He said the new members were inducted into the TMC at a meeting in Algara under the stewardship of Mahendra Gajmer.

Speaking about his decision, Kumar Thakuri said he joined the TMC after witnessing the development works and policies it is undertaking. “We have been participating in separate statehood movements since the period of Pranta Parishad. We gave full support to the GJM also, but the movement deviated from the desired path. Leaders have managed to climb the ladder of success and those who die are the poor. Hence, I decided to quit the Morcha,” said Thakuri.

Trinamool Chatra Parishad president CP Khatiwada appealed to students to avail of the stipends being provided by the state government and also urged them to use the funds properly. He said the TMCP will hold several activities to promote awareness among students of the hills.

Read More

First dengue death reported from hills

Pradip Lohagun

KALIMPONG

7 Oct 2013

Dengue has been terrorising Siliguri in the plains and other areas including Sikkim for a while, and now a death from the dreaded fever has been reported from Kalimpong. Padma Golay (47) who was working as a nurse in Kalimpong sub-divisional hospital died today from dengue. Sixteen more cases of the illness have been reported from the hospital.

Hospital sources said Golay was suffering from high fever and was admitted on October 4. Three tests were conducted on her following which she was found positive for NS 1 and IGA. After her condition deteriorated sharply on Sunday evening, Golay was referred to Siliguri, but she died on the way. Kalimpong residents have become apprehensive about dengue spreading even as patients at the hospital have complained diagnostic tests are not being conducted in time.

SDMO Dr. D Sonam verified Golay’s death was due to dengue, but dismissed allegations about the hospital showing negligence. He said chances of dengue spreading in town have increased after Golay’s and tests are being conducted on every fever patient. The hospital administration is ascertaining if the deceased contracted dengue in Kalimpong or when she had visited the plains, added Sonam.

Ten male and six female confirmed dengue patients are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. However, the sub-divisional hospital here lacks proper facilities to diagnose the fever and patients have to queue up before private clinics and hospitals.

It may be mentioned here that Municipal Health Officer Dr. SD Zimba recently asserted dengue cannot spread in the hills as the Aegypti mosquito has not been found.

Read More

Ghising makes surprise trip to hills

KURSEONG

5 Oct 2013

After remaining in exile for more than two years, Gorkha National Liberation Front supremo Subash Ghising today made a surprise visit to the Darjeeling hills and toured several areas under Kurseong sub-division.

Along with some associates, Ghising entered Tindharay via Sukna this morning from Matigara where he presently resides in a rented apartment. He surveyed the landslide spot NH55 in Tindharay and also paid a visit to the GNLF party office there.

Later, the GNLF chief visited to the Seti Devi Mandir at Giddha Pahar from Ghayabari and offered prayers. He next headed towards Jagdambaha lake in Rohini to finally return to his residence in Matigara.

Commenting on the visit, GNLF spokesperson Daya Dewan said the party president has provided a much-needed impetus to the otherwise declining morale of GNLF supporters. He added Ghising will soon make a permanent comeback once the festive season is over.

Read More

Interim bail granted to GJM asst secy Binay Tamang

Darjeeling

5 Oct 2013

Gorkha Janmukti Morcha assistant secretary and Gorkhaland Territorial Administration sabhasad Binay Tamang was today granted interim bail in one of the four cases slapped on him.

Tamang, who has been elected chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, was arrested on August 23 from the Bengal-Sikkim border on the charge of torching a forest guest house in Takdah on the night of August 1. A bail plea had been placed by his lawyer before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Darjeeling on the Takdah case.

“Since the investigation material was incomplete, the court granted bail to Tamang on the Takdah case. We have also filed bai petitions for other cases pending against him,” informed defence lawyer Dinesh Chandra Rai after the bail announcement.

It may be noted GJM president Bimal Gurung launched a fresh statehood agitation in July-end after the Union government approved of a Telangana state. This led to a sudden change in the state-of-affairs in the Darjeeling hills, and on August 1, the Takdah guest house where chief minister Mamata Banerjee had stayed some months earlier, was set on fire allegedly by GJM supporters. A similar attempt was also made on the Rimbick-Lodhoma guest house, but ended in failure.

The GJM assistant secretary had 11 cases against him and has been granted bail on all except four, which include the Takdah and Rimbick-Lodhoma incidents. Of the remaining two cases, one is related to the Shipchu firing incident in Jalpaiguri district and the second is a Darjeeling-related case.

“There is one more case in Darjeeling for which we have made a bail plea and the hearing is on October 9. We will apply for bail on the Jalpaiguri case on October 7,” said Tamang’s lawyer.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Pankaj Prasad acknowledged it was lack of material evidence in the Takdah case investigations that prompted the CJM court to grant Tamang interim bail. “We did put up objections but they were all rejected,” he said, adding the bail plea on the

Rimbick-Lodhama case was rejected and the next hearing has been fixed for October 9.

The interim bail to Tamang is conditional, and though still behind bars, the court has directed he should not leave the jurisdiction of Darjeeling area without its permission, informed Prasad further.

Read More

PS Golay to take charge of SKM on Sunday in public

Gangtok

5 Oct 2013

Nearly 60,000 supporters of Prem Singh Golay are expected to gather on Sunday at the Paljor Stadium for a ‘Parivartan Diwas’ where he is expected to take official charge of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.

According to reports, more than 10,000 SKM supporters from the South and West districts have already reached Gangtok to participate in the event. After the SKM’s official formation on February 4 of this year, Golay has not addressed any party meeting though he was present in some. Golay has not been seen in public since his visit to the North District in May.

The rebel SDF MLA will stand against the almost two-decade old SDF-led state government whose head is four-time chief minister, Pawan Chamling.

SKM publicity secretary Jacob Khaling said, “Our preparation is on full swing and we all are eager and excited for the big day.”

Informing about the programme, he said Golay will be entering Sikkim on Sunday to a grand welcome at Rangpo and will reach the Palzor stadium later in the day.

“People from all nooks and corners of Sikkim will gather tomorrow for the Parivartan Diwas. We are also arranging for vehicles from outside the state,” added Khaling.

The SKM has put up party flags all along NH 31A beginning from Ranipool.

Sources said Golay will be reaching Gangtok around 11:30 am to address supporters at the Palzor Stadium.

It may be mentioned here that Golay was recently expelled from the Sikkim Legislative Assembly after he resigned from the SDF. Now with his taking up the SKM leadership, Sikkim is expected to witness sea changes in its political scenario, which has been overwhelmingly predominated since the last 19 years by the ruling Sikkim Democratic Front.

Read More

Sahitya Academy holds literary prog in Kalimpong

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

5 Oct 2013

Sahitya Academy, New Delhi in association with Nepali Sahitya Addhayan Samity, Kalimpong today held a literary function called ‘Aankhijhaylbata’ where Academy coordinator Prem Pradhan said the day’s literature is being strongly influenced by the statehood agitation. He said, “There is still a lot to be done by the Sahitya Academy. It has drawn up several activities to develop Nepali literature. However, our future activities will be determined by the course taken by the statehood agitation.”

Pradhan noted the support the Academy has provided to the agitation. “The Academy is not controlled by Kolkata now; we have separated from Kolkata and the Academy is functioning directly under Delhi. This tells success for our literary struggle,” he said.

The coordinator added the Academy is gearing up to host literature seminars and a workshop on post colonial Nepali literature soon.

The programme held to encourage people in the field of literature saw noted story writers Ratna Fuyal, Sanjay Bista and Indramani Darnal reading their stories, while several poets from Darjeeling and Kalimpong participated in poetry recitation.

Emerging Darjeeling-based poets Monica Mukhia, Saran Muskan, Jogen Darnal, Nirmala Pradhan and others recited their poems, with Gyanu Sutar, Sudhir Chettri, Prativa Kumai, TN Subedi, Samsher Ali, Tika Bhai, Pradip Lohagun and Lalita Sharma from Kalimpong also taking part.

Kalimpong MLA Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri, Nepali Sahitya Addhayan Samiti President MB Pradhan, Academy member Arun Chakrabarti and others were the special guests of the day. Before reciting a poem in English, Dr. Chettri spoke about the field of story writing. He claimed there are many stories in Nepali literature that are capable of winning the Booker Prize and urged upcoming writers to look into writing stories about the perplex and unique problems being faced by the Nepali/Gorkha society of India.

Read More