Sharad Pawar outlines visions for NE states

Gangtok

29 Nov 2013

Union Agriculture and Food Processing minister Sharad Pawar, who is presently in Sikkim, today attended the inaugural session of the North Eastern States Conference of Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Ministers.

Outlining his vision for the NE states, Pawar said the region needs to develop the livestock and fisheries sector to ensure better nutrition for its residents. He said this should be done through a multipronged strategy for increased yields, output through scientific breeding, nutrition market development, accelerated development of post harvest processing and value addition, among others.

The minister said, “The fishery sector has made a significant contribution in the overall socio-economic development of the country,” adding the North East region is blessed with rich biodiversity and fishery resources. “As more than 90 per cent of the population eats fish, there is an urgent need to expand fisheries through enhancement of productivity of existing water bodies and by promoting intensive aquaculture, reservoir fisheries and diversification of species in the region,” said Pawar further.

He added the 12th Plan aims to address the major challenges faced by the country’s fishery sector.

Pawar further said the North Eastern states can suggest innovative initiatives for the development of the livestock sector. Although efforts have been made, the average productivity of dairy animals in the region is still below par compared to other parts of the country. The minister said the Centre will supplement the efforts of the NE state governments with quality inputs through various central government schemes in the 12th Plan - namely the National Programme of Bovine Breeding and Dairying (NPBBD), Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme and the World Bank-aided National Dairy Plan.

Meanwhile, chief minister Pawan Chamling said the animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors of Sikkim are being developed on priority basis to uplift the living standards of rural area people engaged in livestock rearing and processing of animal products. He added the state government has been using these sectors as a tool for the socio-economic development of the rural population.

Chamling further said the state government has worked on genetic enhancement of indigenous livestock through breeding, induction of high yielding breeds and introduction of better genetic pools in order to increase production. “We are self sufficient in broiler chicken and milk production. The state government is grateful to the Centre for enabling us to achieve this target,” said the CM. He added intensive capacity building programmes are also being undertaken to make livelihood options more viable and sustainable.

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Madan Tamang murder case transferred to Kolkata

Darjeeling

29 Nov 2013

In what could have significant ramifications to the political landscape of the hills, the additional and district session’s (third court) judge today issued an order that the case record of the Madan Tamang murder be transferred to the Principal District and Session’s court in Kolkata.

As many as 30 Gorkha Janmukti Morcha activists and leaders were named in the charge sheet filed by the CID when investigations on the gruesome murder began.

"The Darjeeling court today ordered the Madan Tamang murder case to be transferred to the principal district and session’s court in Kolkata.

The order came following directions from the Supreme Court," informed Seshmani Gurung, the defence lawyer.

Notably, Bharati Tamang, widow of the murdered All India Gorkha League president had filed a petition in the Supreme Court on November 2012 against the CBI alleging it had failed to satisfactorily investigate her husband’s case. She had also demanded a Special Investigation Team to make a fresh examination of the murder.

Interestingly, Bharati was denied permission to meet chief minister Mamata Banerjee even after making several requests. However, when ties between the GJM and the state government broke down earlier this year in the wake of the fresh statehood demand, the CM acquiesced in meeting Bharati.

Tamang was murdered in broad daylight on May 21, 2010 in Darjeeling while overseeing preparations for a party meeting. Both the CID and the CBI have pointed at the involvement of GJM activists and leaders after investigations.

So far, 27 individuals owing allegiance to the GJM have been arrested.

The Darjeeling court has granted bail to nine among the lot. But Nicole Tamang, a GJM central committee leader and the prime accused, is absconding after he managed to give the CID sleuths the slip during interrogation in Siliguri.

Meanwhile, Dil Kumar Rai, who was named in the charge sheet, was found murdered in 2011, while Dinesh Subba alias Gok ko Kaila is still on the run.

The Darjeeling court has also directed all those linked to the former AIGL president’s murder case and presently on bail to appear before the principal district and session’s court in Kolkata on December 13.

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Farmers’ body demands Eco-City status for structural development

KALIMPONG

29 Nov 2013

The Kalimpong Farmers’ Welfare Association has demanded inclusion of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong and Mirik under the central eco-city project. Association secretary Bishnu Chettri today submitted a deputation to Deputy Magistrate B Lepcha and requested her to forward it to Union Forests and Environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan.

The Central Pollution Control Board grants eco-city status to urban areas that have the potential of environment promotion. Chettri said the project that was initiated during the 10th five year plan must include the four towns of the Darjeeling hills to promote and conserve environment and tourism. Noting the Darjeeling hills hold a unique place in the state owing to its topography and rich biodiversity, the association secretary said the inclusion is also necessary for the structural development of the region.

“Darjeeling is famous for tourism but is facing myriad problems. There are scores of issues including lack of parking, waste management, mismanagement of tourist spots, forests, water sources and an absence of planned development,” he said, adding “structural development of this region is possible if the government includes it in the eco-city scheme”.

Chettri also noted the region’s municipality bodies are directly responsible for the problems under their jurisdictions and as such, they too must take initiatives to solve the issues. (EOIC)

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Assault on women members

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

29 Nov 2013

Accusing the police of negligence on cases of violence against women, the Kalimpong Farmers’ Welfare Association today demanded an in-depth investigation into such incidents.

This comes after two of its female members, Deepa Katiyar and Kiran Basor, were brutally beaten up by one Rakesh Basor and his uncle Sankhar Basor on the night of November 15. The two women lodged at the guest house in the SDO office premises had also accused Rakesh of hitting Kiran with a sharp weapon to cause serious head injuries.

The victims have alleged the police showed laxity in handling the case. Since both victims are associated with the Farmers’ Welfare Association, the organisation has come forward to raise their issue.

Association secretary Bishnu Chettri said the incident and the apparent police negligence subsequently is a grave indicator of how insecure women are in society. Deputations will be sent to the local Law Protection Committee, SDO and Police OC demanding proper investigation of the case, added the secretary.

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GNLF convener gets anticipatory bail

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

26 Nov 2013

The Kalimpong ACJM court today granted anticipatory bail to Gorkha National Liberation Front leader Maurice Kalikotay.

Kalikotay had been arrested on November 14 from his Eastmen Road residence for conducting a rally in Algarah without seeking permission from the administration, which allegedly created an air of tension in the area. He was also charged for selling GNLF-commissioned CDs following an FIR by a person named Ruben Subba.

The GNLF leader had been earlier charged under Sections 143/186 and 506 of the IPC and sent to 14 days judicial custody. His lawyer had applied for anticipatory bail and it was accepted by the court. Kalikotay is presently undergoing medical treatment at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital due to some health problems. Several GNLF members had gathered at the ACJM court premises in the morning hopeful of Kalikotay’s release.

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DDUDF inaugurates new office in Darjeeling

Darjeeling

26 Nov 2013

The Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation, a newly formed apolitical body, today established its main office in Darjeeling town. The DDUDF is the brainchild of Mahendra P Lama, former vice chancellor of Sikkim University, who is contesting in the upcoming general elections from Darjeeling as an independent candidate.

Bereft of any political allegiance, the organisation’s primary agenda is of achieving a separate state and also the all-round development of both the Darjeeling hills and the Dooars.

Speaking today from the new office located in the Upper Clubside Stand, Lama said, “The DDUDF is a noble, innovative and comprehensive initiative by the members of civil society, and social, political and professional formations of Darjeeling district and the Dooars. It has been born out of the need to enhance the level of consciousness and standard of debate and discourse on politics, development and environmental, educational, professional and other critical issues that concern Darjeeling and the Dooars.”

Lama, who is also the president of the organisation, said the DDUDF will act as a robust, forward-looking and independent forum and also as a think-tank for all people to participate and contribute to issues of social, cultural, political, economic and environmental and other public concerns and interests. The DDUDF will also propagate and advocate the most modern yet appropriate strategies, traditional yet time tested frameworks and cost-effective and all-inclusive approaches to political, social, economic and environmental, public and national issues.

The DDUDF has set a 25-point objective to address the issues of securing for the people of Darjeeling and the Dooars a ‘purna swaraj’ (complete self governance) in the form of a separate state within the constitutional framework of the country. It will aim to bring forth the critical issue of identity of Indian Gorkhas at the highest decision making bodies both at the state and national levels and come up with a durable and permanent solution. The DDUDF will also ensure adequate representation of the people of Darjeeling and the Dooars in policy-making bodies such as the state assembly, Parliament and other regional and national institutions.

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SKM supporters ambushed while returning from meeting

Gangtok

26 Nov 2013

Sikkim Krantikari Morcha supporter Wangdi Lepcha sustained a severe head injury on Monday evening following an ambush allegedly by SDF cadres.

The SKM in a press release today accused SDF supporters of pelting stones at the convoy in which SKM supporters were travelling after attending a public meeting in Chakhung, West Sikkim. Lepcha received 17 stitches on his head and is presently undergoing treatment at the STNM hospital. Along with Lepcha, SKM supporters Megnath Basnet and Manorath Dahal were also injured in the ambush.

Agitated SKM supporters today gathered before the Kaluk police station and shouted slogans demanding the arrest of the culprits including area MLA Chandra Maya Subba. The West Sikkim police have so far arrested four people in connection with the incident.

The SDF have also lodged a complaint at the Kaluk police station related to the incident.

Meanwhile, the SKM today held its first constituency level meeting at Yangyang Bazaar and formed a constituency level committee for the Rangang-Yangang Constituency. SKM leader MK Subba presided over the meeting that welcomed 75 families into the party.

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Kalijhora CPRM meets NHPC manager over 18 demands

KALIMPONG

26 Nov 2013

The Kalijhora unit of the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist today submitted a deputation containing 18 demands to NHPC Stage 5 chief manager Dr. Chottopadhayay urging development of the region.

Among the demands include proper investigation of the quality of the protection wall, rebuilding it on RCC lines and installation of low tension electricity lines at some places in the area. The CPRM has also demanded increasing the number of counters at the local bank, establishment of a 24-hour service 8-bedded primary health centre and free domestic electricity for locals, school bus for students and a water pipeline in the area, among others.

The CPRM team that met the NHPC manager included central committee member Arun Ghatani, Bharat Chettri, Anand Ghatani, unit secretary Dilu Lohar, Aiti Lohar and Sankhar Sharma. (EOIC)

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सकमा कविता भन्दै कविहरु टिस्टामा

डी के वाइबा, कालेबुङ 24 नोभेम्बर। ‘‘म फेरी हार्ट अपरेसन गरेर
                              स्वास्थ्य मुटु लिई दार्जीलिङ फर्कि आउँनेछु
                              मैले दार्जीलिङलाई नयाँ बिहानीको गीत सुनाएकै छैन” स्व कवि बिकाश गोतामेका प्रगतिशिल कविताको अंशलाई अघि सार्दै टिस्टाका युवा कवि बिशाल राई ‘टिस्टे’ले सडकमा कविता वाचन गर्दै थिए।

कालेबुङबाट शुरु भएको हस्तक्षेप जमातको सडक अवतरण सडकमा कविता आज दोस्रो चोटी टिस्टा बजारमा सम्पन्न भयो। फूलबारी साहित्य समितिको सह आयोजनामा सम्पन्न उक्त सडक कवितामा राजनैतिक, सामाजिक तथा सांस्कृतिक अराजकता बिषयमा कविहरुले चोटिला कविताहरु वाचन गरे। टिस्टा बजारको सोमाबरे हाट भर्न आएका मानिसहरु सौदाहरु किन्दै थिए। आलु, प्याज, टमाटर, माछा मासु किन्नेहरु किन्दै थिए। सब्जिहरुको दाम बडेको सन्दर्भमा गन गन गर्नेहरु पनि त्यतै गन गन गर्दै हिडँदै थिए। त्यहीँ कोलाहल हाटबजारको मुखैमा कविहरु सडकमा कविता सुनाउँन लाग्दा मानिसहरु सबै एकाएक अवाक बनेर आलु, प्याजको दाम सोध्न छोडेर कविता सुन्न लागे। हाटबजारको कोलाहलमय वातावरण अनि त्यही कोलाहलमय वातावरणमा बिभिन्न राजनैतिक पार्टीहरुले आफ्नो राजनैतिक शक्ति देखाउँदै अस्तित्व बँचाएर राख्न जता ततै गाडेका पार्टीका रगी बिरंगी झण्डाहरु फर्फराईरहेको थियो। टिस्टा नदीबाट सोझै आएका हावाहरुले पार्टीको झण्डा फर्फराईरहेको समयमा यता कवि बिशाल राई कविता भन्दै थिए – ‘बरु देशले खाएको अनुहारको मानचित्र सोध्नुहोस/ पोहोर आन्दोलनमा हराएको छोराको खबर सोधुहोस / बरु सोध्नुनै हुन्छ भने प्याजको भाऊ सोध्नुहोस/ झण्डा सोध्नुहुन्छ हजुर / मेरो कुनै झण्डा छैन”। राजनैतिक आराजक र झण्डाहरुले ल्याएको बिभाजन प्रति कटाक्ष गरि लेखिएको कविता वाचान गर्दा सबैले थप्पडी बजाएर सडक कविता सुनिरहेका थिए। यसैक्रममा अर्का युवा कवि एंव पत्रकार प्रदिप लोहागुणले आफ्ना सुन्दर गजल प्रस्तुत गरे। “पात्राहरु नयाँ छन खेल त पुरानै हो / बन्दिहरु नयाँ छन जेल त पुरानै हो” प्रदिप लोहागुणले समसामायिक धारामा लेखेका गजल प्रस्तुत गर्दा सडक कवितहारु सुन्नेहरु अझै बडीसकेका थिए। यसरी एकपछि अर्को गर्दै एका एक कविहरुले कविता भनिरहेकै समयमा अहिलेघरीका उम्दा युवा गायक पुष्पन प्रधानले “पैसा होईन पासो छ पर्देशमा” भन्ने सुन्दर गीत गाएर सडक कविताको कार्यक्रमलाई संगीतमय बनाईदिए। डुवर्सका युवा गयक पुष्पन प्रधान अहिले नेपालमा चर्चित युवा गायक हुन। सडक कविताको कार्यक्रममा बिशेषरुपले उपस्थित बनेका प्रधानले पनि सम सामायिक बिषयमा रचेका सुन्द गीत प्रस्तुत गरेर कार्यक्रमको अझ सोभा बडाईदिएका थिए। गाडीहरु कुदीरहेको थियो, मानिसहरु हिडीरहेका थिए अनि त्यही चला चल सडकमा कविहरु कविता भनिरहेका थिए। नेपाली साहित्य एकाडमी द्वारा युवा पुरस्कारले सम्मानित युवा कवि मनोज बोगटीले पनि यसैक्रममा राजनैतिक आराजकता बिषयमा नै आफ्नो कविता प्रस्तित गर्दै भने “भित्र बस्नु पनि खत्रा छ / बाहिर बस्नु पनि खत्रा छ”। यसरी टिस्टाको सडकमा कविता वाचन गर्दै कविहरुले सबैलाई सडकमा आकर्षित गरेपछि बिभिन्न पार्टीका नेताहरु पनि सडकमा कवित सुनीरहेका थिए। उक्त सडक कवितामा छेवाङ योञ्जन, शान्ति साहरा, लाठपञ्चरका मिलन लामा, गेबु लेप्चा, शरण छेत्री, शरण मोथे आदिले काविता वाचन गरे भने कृबु संयमी, कृष्ण बुढाथोकी आदिको पनि बिशेष उपस्थिति रहेको थियो।

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Political parties protest against high toll-taxes

KURSEONG

25 Nov 2013

Several political parties today protested against the high toll-taxes which has been decided to be collected from December 1 by the GTA at Rohini road. The Hills Congress had protested on Sunday and decided to meet the concerned department of the GTA demanding reduction of the presently decided toll rates. The Hill convener of Congress Saroj Khati said the high toll rates will be a burden on the commuters.

Protesting against the same issue, the Trinamool Congress started pasting posters across Kurseong today. A team of Hill TMC leaders led by sub-division convener Kundan Mangrati today submitted a deputation to the Kurseong SDO U Swaroop and said the party is not happy with the present decided toll-tax. He added, “Paying Rs. 200 to 300 as toll-tax everyday is a burden for all the vehicle drivers. The rates should be reduced to Rs. 5 to 50 per day as there are a lot of vehicles crossing the toll booth daily.”

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Revolutionary Marxist leadership also criticized the rates of the toll taxes and said that if the rate is not corrected, than they will start an agitation. CPRM spokesperson Govind Chettri said, “If the GTA is concerned about the development and interest of the Gorkha Community then the toll-tax rate should not exceed Rs.1.” He added, “Even at the rate of Rs.1, money worth lakhs will be accumulated which is enough for proper maintenance of the road.” Further, the high toll tax is injustice to the common people as it will burden them in the name of development. “Such activities indicate what these people can do if a separate state of Gorkhaland is formed,” said Chettri.

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Nominations for ‘Parasmani Purraskar’ start in Kalimpong

PRADIP LOHAGUN

KALIMPONG

25 Nov 2013

The ‘Nepali Sahitya Adhyaan Samiti’ of Kalimpong has started choosing nominees for annual literary award ‘Parasmani Purraskar’, starting today. Samiti secretary Balbhadra Sharma said, “The award is given every year on January 26. We have started selecting the candidate for the award.”

The Samiti today made a press release and announced the different criterion for winning the award. Sharma added the Samiti will make the names of nominees’ public on December 21. He added people who consider themselves eligible for the award can personally approach the Samiti. According to the released statement, candidates applying for the award should be an Indian citizen with minimum 25 years of contribution to literature. The winner might also be chosen based on their contribution to various papers, magazines and books. The award was given to poet Birendra Subba last year.

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Ram Krishna organization to conduct pre-board coaching classes

KALIMPONG

25 Nov 2013

The Ram Krishna organization of Kalimpong today appealed all political parties and social groups to support them for their gargantuan endeavour of changing the prevailing education system in the Hills. Founder Sisir Sharma through a press release today highlighted on the falling education system in the Hills. He also went to the extent of appealing support from academician Dr. Mahendra P Lama.

As a part of its endeavour, the organization has decided to conduct coaching classes in Kalimpong for students preparing for their board exams during the winter. For students residing in other parts of the Hills the organization will conduct classes in their respective schools. He added the decision has been taken after considering the necessity of students who stay away from the town.

The organization will soon start its venture by contacting the schools spread across different hill sub-division, following which they will decide on the schedules. (EOIC)

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