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NAMCHI RUNS DRY

PURAN TAMANG

NAMCHI, 23 July: SouthSikkim is recognised as one of thedrier belts of Sikkim. Water short-age is not uncommon thus even inthe district headquarters atNamchi, but ironically, the resi-dents here are greeted with drytaps because of too much rainfall!

Namchi, for example, was intoits second day without water sup-ply today at the time of filing thisreport. The culprit - a landslide atChamgaon near the Rock Garden

ANAND OBEROI

GANGTOK, 23 July: In a meeting heldon 20 July, the state cabinet decided to regu-larize the service of all adhoc lecturers with10 years or more service in government col-leges in Sikkim. It also approved the pro-posal of local candidates who have clearedNET/SET to be appointed as lecturers.

It will now be interesting to see how theSikkim Post Graduate’s Association reacts tothis development considering that one of theirmain demands was for the relaxation of theNational Eligibility Test [NET] certification fora period of 10-15 years for local candidates.

In fact, the genesis of SPGA is linkedto the issue of NET. The organization wasborn in May 2002 after an advertisement to

Cabinet clears proposal to regularise service of adhoc lecturers withmore than 10 years of service, stands firm on NET/SET qualification

fill the vacancies of lecturers in governmentcolleges in Sikkim was published. NET cer-tificate was made compulsory, rendering thelocal lecturers already teaching in collegesineligible to even face the job interview.

The SPGA went to the extent of pressu-rising the department to postpone the inter-view. Later, the interview was allowed to beheld by the SPGA after they were assured thatsome posts would be kept vacant and the in-terest of the local candidates protected. Butthe list of the selected candidates by the StatePublic Service Commission left SPGA unsat-isfied - only 7 locals made it to the list of 40.

In its latest meeting held just two daysago, SPGA had reiterated its demand ask-ing the state government to find ways torelax the condition of requiring NET in con-

sultation with the University Grants Com-mission. In the meantime, it said that thestate government could conduct State LevelEligibility Test for Sikkim and that such re-laxation should to be made available onlyto the local Sikkimese candidates.

The SPGA also wants total cancellationof the controversial list of lecturer’s Recruit-ment prepared by the Sikkim Public Serv-ice Commission.

As far as the question of regularizingthe adhoc lecturer’s appointment for thosewith more than 10 years of experience, ac-cording to SK Pradhan, Principal, SikkimGovernment College, Tadong, in his col-lege, this would apply only in the case ofGeeta Niroula, a Nepali lecturer.

“I have not yet heard of the ruling but if

it’s true then we have only one lecturer whowill be eligible,” he says.

SGC has a total of 30 Adhoc lecturers,out of which only 5 are locals. Out of these30 lecturers at SGC, 13 have cleared NET andSET has not yet been conducted in the state.

The issue of protecting the interest oflocals by exempting them from qualifica-tion tests evokes strong opinions from allsides. While there are those who agree withSPGA, others feel that the focus should beon quality education and reservations forlecturers will only prove detrimental to theinterests of the future generation.

Meanwhile, the SPGA could not be con-tacted for their reaction as the memberswere out of town, planning to hold a Padhyatra demanding these very things.

here which had swept away themain water supply line to town.

The landslide at the spot struckon the night of 08 July and watersupply has been erratic ever since.With the main supply chain bro-ken, PHE officials have con-structed two towers at the slidezone and thrown poly-pipes overthem to transport water to Namchi.Intermittent showers and an activeslide kept disrupting even thisstopgap arrangement, it is learnt.

Today, fire tenders had to bepressed into service in some parts

of Namchi to distribute water.Even on better days, the PHE canonly manage water supply on al-ternate days and locals have to relyon taxi services ferrying waterfrom 12th Mile to private homes.Incidentally, it costs roughly Rs.40 per trip for this form of watersupply which is also very incon-venient.

Speaking to NOW!, the PHEAE posted at Namchi, Rajdeep Rai,revealed that repairs at the troublespot would be complete only

Landslide wipes out watersupply pipeline, poly pipes

pressed into service

turn to pg 7

The Pick-up vehicle which had skidded off the road into the Teesta at Setijhora on

21 July being pulled out on 23 July. The four people travelling in the vehicle are still

missing. [turn to pg 6 for complete story]

BHARATI IS A STAND BYHER MAN WOMAN TURN TO

pg 7 FORDETAILS

SINGHICHAAM INMULAYAM

LAND!TURN TO pg 5

2; NOW!; 24 July, 2004

NOW!FIRST WITH THE NEWS

ED-SPACE

lsewhereeIRAQ

The man known as theButcher of the Balkans,Slobodan Milosevic, is the

current focus of huge internationalconcern. Not so much because ofthe former Yugoslav president’swar crimes, but because of hishigh blood pressure, which has de-layed his trial in the Netherlands.

It was supposed to resume lastweek. Then this. Now, it has beenput off until late August. Specula-tion is rife that the trial could col-lapse along with Milosevic’s health.

For a counterpoint of sorts,shift to Baghdad. Another mur-derous former dictator, SaddamHussein, has just begun facingjustice. As he appeared before anIraqi judge earlier this month, heseemed for all the world a MiddleEastern Milosevic clone, trying thesame legal antics. He refused torecognize the court, insisted hewas still president and proclaimedthat the wars he waged were forhonorable national causes.

While the parallels could filla psychology book aboutcowardly dictators - both sur-rendered meekly when cap-tured - most pertinent rightnow is the lesson in the diffi-culty of bringing a tyrant tojustice.

For more proof, examine thelong list of international badguys who’ve gotten off thehook. They range from Uganda’sIdi Amin, who died in gilded exile,to Chile’s Augusto Pinochet, whohas slipped Houdini-like throughthe courts’ best efforts to snare him.

Instead of heeding that recordto ensure Saddam doesn’t escapejustice, too, much of the world isbickering over a side issue: Should

Another dictator’s antics sayIraqis must try Saddam

he be tried before an Iraqi or in-ternational court?

Advocates for shifting his trialout of Iraq make some reasonablearguments. Among them: TheIraqi justice system may have be-come too corrupted under Saddamto hold such an important trial; aninternational court can set betterstandards for dictators; Saddam’scrimes weren’t limited to Iraq, sothe trial shouldn’t be; and U.S. in-terference threatens to create a vic-tors’ show trial.

But those arguments have theinsincere feel of supposedly well-meaning relatives who try to grabcontrol over a wealthy aunt’s trustfund to her young nephew in thehopes of getting some loot forthemselves.

Of course, Saddam’s trial isn’tgoing to be perfect. Still, the fo-

cus can be on two aims:•Providing justice Iraqis un-

derstand. Norms of justice varywidely around the world - fromSweden’s open prisons to instantdeath for some crimes under Is-lamic and Chinese law. Craftinga judicial process that respects ba-sic human rights and wins accept-ance from the Iraqi people is vi-tal. Those twin goals can best bereached in Saddam’s own courts,where language and culture don’t

have to be translated, as theydo in foreign venues.

•Avoiding a political cir-cus. For two years, Milosevichas turned his trial into a the-

atrical spectacle, as he has con-ducted his own capricious defenseagainst charges of crimes againsthumanity. Saddam’s family hashired lawyers who could help himcreate a similar platform for dia-tribes aimed at turning him into asympathetic martyr.

Some international tribunalshave worked well, such as thecourt trying mass murderers inRwanda. And the U.S. standsguilty as charged in fighting ef-forts to set up a fair global systemof justice. It has refused, for ex-ample, to join a new InternationalCriminal Court, fearing Ameri-cans could end up in the dockon trumped-up charges.

But in a far-from-ideal coun-try, an Iraqi trial, even with heavy-handed U.S. help, promises to de-liver a more fitting outcome. At thevery least, it’s less likely to be de-railed if Saddam develops highblood pressure.

-editorial featured inNew York Times

SIBLAC SHOULD

NOT HAVE BEEN

POLITICISED

This has reference to your arti-cle “SIBLAC: Confusion over

Convener” in the issue dated 23July, 2004.

It was sad to read the plight ofSIBLAC, the organization of theBhutia Lepcha community wherea new controversy has arisen overthe convenership of the body. Be-ing members of the Bhutia Lepchacommunity and keen participantsat many meetings and conventionsof SIBLAC, we feel that the latestdevelopments within SIBLAC isa sad development since it hadmanaged to remain apolitical eversince its inception despite attemptsby politicians of all hues andshades to give it political colours.

The election of two new con-veners Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutiaand Mr. Kunga Nima lepcha, whoare well known politicians be-longing to a political party, Con-gress-I, is indeed a sad case andcould harm the reputation of theapex body forever. So far,SIBLAC has been raising voicesof the two communities withoutany link or association with anypolitical party.

We can find no reason why Mr.Tseten Tashi Bhutia who had re-signed from the body wanted toonce again be the convener of theapex body since it was he who re-signed before fighting the elec-tions with the excuse that hewanted SIBLAC to remain apoliti-cal. If he is a true leader he shouldfirst resign from the party and thendecide to become the convener

once again. He cannot go back onhis words for his own interests.

It was also unfair on their partto overthrow a convener who hadbeen diligently working for the

interest of the organization for somany years. We have seen MrNima Lepcha toil with genuineconcern for the community. Now,we can call the new SIBLAC asCongress SIBLAC since both thenew conveners are from Congress.The presence of the Sangha MLA,Tshering Lama at the so calledsteering committee meeting alsoamply proves that SIBLAC hasnow become a part and parcel ofthe Congress party.

We feel that the members ofthe two communities have already

been targeted as having voted forthe Congress while it is not thateveryone shared this political af-filiation. The new developmentswe are sure will ignite more trou-ble for the two communities whowill be targeted uselessly. Whyshould the communities feel theburden or be targeted because ofthe fight of a few politicians fortheir selfish interests.

�LETTERS

write NOW!If you feel strongly about something that has been reportedin NOW! or have an opinion on some recent development,then share it with a wider audience. While the LETTERSsection will carry responses to articles and news carried inNOW!, ACTION MAIL is about complaints and grievances.Wherever possible, NOW! shall also search out a responseto the Action Mail. If not, then at least a complaint wouldhave been filed in the public domain.write to: NOW!, Gairi Gaon, Tadong, East Sikkim.Or email: sikkimnow@ rediffmail.com

I hope SIBLAC and all mem-bers will settle the issue amicabilyby discussions so that neither theorganization nor the members ofthe two communities are madelaughing material or are scoffed at.

T Tshering Bhutia, NordenLama, Kunzang Hishey,Chodak Lepcha, NT Lepcha,Gangtok

Offending StereotypesIt’s actually quite pathetic. All TV channels continue to broad-cast hundreds of disturbingly offensive advertisements and nota whimper is voiced in protest. The disturbing content mentionedhere relates to the continued extension of offensive stereotypesin their portrayal of women. Just as you flip channels away froman advertisement with a housewife trying to figure out how bestto wash her husband’s shirt, one lands on another in which a girlhas no hope of making it as a cricket commentator because sheis dark. Then there is the one in which the only way a daughter-in-law can impress her mother-in-law is with a sparkling toilet. Aslight variation on the theme saves the bahu in the kitchen withsome masala which impresses the women.

Those who feel that there is nothing offensive in such adsneed read o further. For the rest serious questions need an-swered.

But first, why should we consider such advertisements of-fensive? After all, most Indian housewives remain obsessedwith the washing, cleaning and cooking chores and the restwith their looks, they might offer. Be that as it may, the blanketendorsement of such stereotypes and expected roles in massmedia defeat all attempts at attaining equal status for women.The media can be a very insidious medium of brainwashing[ads included] and can mould the automatic response of ageneration to such issues. These minds, one must realise arealready being groomed in “old conservatism” at home and suchgeneralisation on the telle [their closest friend] only strength-ens and endorses these beliefs. For those who still insist thatthe advertisements are not promoting a new concept and onlystaying true to life in their portrayal, there is only one answer -advertisements are not high art that they have to remain sotrue to reality.

One might even wonder here what a small state like Sikkimcan do to change this. The least that they can do is voice theirdispleasure. Advertisements are after all about image advertis-ing and if the audience thumbs down something, the advertis-ers will immediately have it changed. It is unfair to expect thecourts or the censor board to step in because that would rob-bing someone else of their right to free expression. Using thesame right to voice their displeasure, women can convince achange in the make-believe world of films and ads. Then maybereal change can be effected in the villages. Agreed, it is not assimplistic as that, but it is important nevertheless. Dissent fromSikkim’s shores might get lost at the national level, but thenagain one might add that the intention is not just to get heard, italso to get recorded, to show solidarity.

24 July, 2004; NOW! 3� RAJDHANI

Kunchok Chidu-Tsewang on 25 Julyby H. E. Dzongsar Jamyang KhyentseRinpoche at Tsuklakhang Monastery

His eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche arrived

here at Tsuklakhang on 19 July to grace and preside over

the ongoing Tsugbum – 100,000 Puja currently presided

over by H.E. Nguri Choje Rinpoche along with the service

monks. The pujas which commenced on 16 July are dedi-

cated to world peace and prosperity.

All devotees and Dharma friends are welcome to collect

Tsog from the palace monastery. Also, on the repeated re-

quest of Derge Mam Dongdrep Tsolepa, H. E. Dzongsar

Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche has kindly consented to be-

stow a very special Kawang of Kunchok Chidu-Tsewang on

25 July, Sunday, at 11:30 am.

All Dharma friends are requested to make it convenient to

receive this rare Kanang.Khyentse Labrang

Tsogbum-Organising Committee, Gangtok

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GANGTOK, 23 July: The de-partment of Animal Husbandry isholding a free sterilization campfor pets as well as stray dogs from02 August onwards.

The camp, which will start fromGangtok, will then move to otherparts of the state. This move is be-ing initiated to control the risingnumber of stray dogs in the capital.

Speaking to NOW!, Dr.Karuna Chettri, Superintendant,AH&VS department hopes thatpeople understand the importanceof sterilizing dogs and come for-ward for the camp.

“It is not possible for us todoor to door and search for dogsto be sterilized. People must takethe trouble to bring their dogs aswell as community dogs for theprogramme. The department willbear all the treatment and post op-

eration costs,” she says.The dog owner or any person

who brings in a community dogwill have to bring the dog regu-larly for seven days at a stretch.‘Sterilization will prevent furthermultiplication of the stray dogsand prevent the spread of Rabies,”Dr. Chettri adds.

According to Dr. DipendraRai, Veterinarian, earlier in theyear, the department had launched

a project to eliminate stray dogs.This was when the problem ofstrays had peaked in the Rajdhani,causing the death of a child at NamNang along with many other in-stances of dog bite cases.

Dr. Rai along with his team hadthen killed a total of 286 stray dogs,which he admits was not easy.

“We all used to be out veryearly in the morning to do our workbut strangely no one appreciated it.

In fact people threw stones at usfor killing the dogs,” he tells us.

This has been a recurring prob-lem for the department which isdamned if they do and damned ifthey don’t.

“When the problem becomestoo much, they say do something.When we start killing the dogs, itis the same people who hide themin their houses and curse us. Whatare we supposed to do?” He asks.

Sterilizing the dogs has beenan option suggested by many whothink this would be the most hu-mane way of dealing with the situ-ation. In fact many people haveresponded to the ‘elimination’drive by writing in letters about thebenefit of sterilization as a long-term solution.

The Animal Husbandry de-partment has claimed that lim-ited resources and inadequate in-frastructure was making it diffi-cult to take effective action. Theyalso do not have the manpowerto handle a mass sterilizationprogramme.

In July 2003 an Animal BirthControl Programme was launchedin Gangtok and neighbouring ar-eas. At the time the departmenthad offered Rs. 50 to any personwho brought a stray dog to theveterinary hospital for steriliza-tion. A total of 200 dogs weresterilized but the programme hasnot been too successful. The de-partment hopes this time withmore awareness of the dangersposed by stray dogs the public willbe more co-operative.

AH&VS to launch free sterilisation camp for pets and strays

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GANGTOK, 23 July: The offi-cial website of the National Asso-ciation for Blind [NAB], SikkimBranch, www.sikkimnab.org waslaunched by the Chief SecretarySW Tenzing at the Tashiling con-ference hall here yesterday. SMLimboo, political advisor to thechief minister was also present atthe launch. SM Limboo releasedthe hard copy of the website.

The website contains all infor-mation of the NAB under variousheadings - introduction, aims andobjectives, achievements, organi-zational details, profile ofJawaharlal Nehru Memorial Insti-tute for Handicapped, rights of the

blind, minutes of meetings, foreigncontributions [Regulation] Act, an-nual reports, donors and sponsors.The foreign contribution [Regula-tion] Act’s clearance allows theNAB to receive funds from inter-national donors, it is learnt.

The Chief Secretary, in his in-augural address, said that this wasa red letter day for NAB as thewebsite would not only publicisethe efforts of the NAB nationallybut also internationally and would

bring in not only monetary assist-ance but also various trainings andopportunities for the visually chal-lenged people of the State.

The website has been designedby the Department of InformationTechnology, Government of Sikkim.

President, NAB, J. Pradhan,members and officials of Informa-tion Technology Department, alsoattended the launching pro-gramme.

[IPR]

NAB SIKKIM ON THE NET

4; NOW!; 24 July, 2004 NEWSSCAN �

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 23 July: The loneCongress MLA, Acharya TsheringLama, who represents the Sanghain the Assembly has taken strongexception to the alleged “defile-ment” of the Kheocheopalri Lakein west Sikkim. To assert his pro-test more strongly, he has shot offcommuniques to various govern-ment officials including the ChiefSecretary. The act of “defilement”is related to the incident of a cou-ple weeks back when Nepal Baba,referred to as “Guru Hazoor” byhis devotees swam into the sacredwaters of the lake and pitched theIndian tricolour and a white flaginside. Nepal Baba allegedly en-tered Sikkim illegally from Nepal.

The Sangha MLA refuses tobelieve that this incident happenedperchance, “the act of defilement,”he contends in his letter, “was awell planned action of the NepalBaba and his fanatics.”

This group, which the Acharyasays belong to one particular faithassembled near the sacred lake andplanted white flags symbolisingKirat Revivalism Movement “and

their most unholy act of swimminginto the middle of the lake to putup the Indian national flag whilethe forces of law and order wereunable to stop this sacrilegious act.”

The Nepal Baba, AcharyaLama alleges is also known as the‘Kirat Baba’ and is closely linkedwith the movement of Kirati reviv-alism in Eastern Nepal. The samegroup, he adds, have also been ac-cused of planning the constructionof a temple in the KhecheopalriLake premises, the MLA adds.

“This campaign,” alleges theAcharya, “has been carefully or-chestrated by this particular groupof people through planted stories inthe media, through pamphlets,through statements issued by their

office bearers in the state whichclaim that Lord Rama and his wifeSita in their sojourns took waterfrom the Khecheopalri Lake andtherefore their belief that the lakeexisted and was revered as a holylake since the days of the Ramayanaparticularly by the Kirats.”

The Acharya has also criti-cised reports which quoted the SPWest as saying that everyone hasthe right to worship and to put upthe Indian tricolour. To this theAcharya responds by saying thatthis defence is not in tune with theprovisions of the Places of Wor-ship [Special Provisions] Act,1991. The said act prohibits con-version of “any place of worshipof any religious denomination or

any section thereof into a place ofworship of a different section ofthe same religious denominationor of a different religious denomi-nation or any section thereof.”

The Khecheopalri Lake is rec-ognised as a sacred lake the de-filement of which is banned interms of a government of Sikkim,Home Department Notification.

Interestingly, accusations ofdefiling the sacred lake watershave also been made against WestDistrict officials, namely the DCand SP for the alleged use of a mo-torboat in removing the flag fromthe lake. The Acharya has re-quested an administrative inquiryinto the episode along with an “ac-tion taken report” from the west

district administration.Talking to NOW!, the DC

West, R. Telang, while confirmingthat Nepal Baba had entered thelake waters to plant a flag, addedthat the same were removed by thewest district administration. Onthe accusation made against thedistrict officials of defiling thelake waters by using a motorboatthe DC said, “We don’t have a mo-torboat so there is no question ofuse of such a boat to take awaythe flag.”

Incidentally, it was the SPWest who undertook the opera-tion. The DC also informed thatthe administration did not havemuch of a legal base to pursue thematter as what constitutes defile-ment was still not explicitly clear.

He, however, revealed that thebaba was absconding and an in-quiry was on.

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GANGTOK, 23 July: The StateMedicinal Plant Board [SMPB]conducted a state level buyers andsellers meet on medicinal plantson 22 July in the conference hallof the Forest Annexe Building,Deorali, Gangtok. The interactivemeeting was held for an assess-ment of the demand and supply ofmedicinal plants in the state.

The meeting, which waschaired by PCCF Secretary-cum-Chief Executive officer State Me-dicinal Plant Board (SMPB),Sikkim TR Sharma, was also at-tended by HP Pradhan (IFS), DFO,

Flag-hoisting and subsequent removal atKhecheopalri draws Sangha MLA’s ire

INCIDENT PART OF A WELL-PLANNEDCONSPIRACY, CLAIMS ACHARYA

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MG Road, Gangtok

NTFP-cum No, SMPB, SBSBhaduria, CF (T), Additional CCF,D Lepcha, farmers and herb col-lectors from all over Sikkim.

Addressing the meet TRSharma said that the State Medici-nal Plant Board was constituted inJune, 2004 to look into policy for-mulation and co-ordination withdepartment organizations and toensure sustained availability ofmedicinal plants and to co-ordi-nate all matters relating to theirdevelopment and sustained use.

Sikkim Himalaya whichharbors a great variety of medici-

nal herbs like Chirayita, Chutro,Jatamansi, Pipla, Satavari, BikhBojo, Bikme etc are rich in me-dicinal properties and are in greatdemand not only in the country butalso world wide.

With the changing scenarioage-old traditional practices likeAyurveda, Homeopathy, NaturalPathy etc are gaining grounds. Asa result there is a large tendencyof the natural forest reserve beingabused. Encouraging the farmersinto medicinal herb cultivation notonly solves this problem but alsoprovides an alternate source ofemployment and income genera-tion for the villagers of Sikkim.

In order to facilitate economictransaction of medicinal herbs, theDepartment of Forest, Environ-ment and Wild Life has issued anotification effective from 1 April,for the registration of farmers forcultivation and farming of medici-nal plants/ herbs on their privatelands. The said notification allowsfarmers (registered with SMPB) tosell their produce to the registeredtraders within and outside the state

as per the Transit Permit rules andthe royalty schedule of rates.

Besides, Mr. HP Pradhan, IFSand Mr. SBS Bhaduria (IFS) alsoinformed the gathering that the de-partment under SMPB has been in-dulging in situ conservation and ex-situ cultivation of medicinal plantand development of medicinalplants sector in the state. Effortshave been made to define approach,strategy, guidelines and an actionplan has also been formulated.

All steps are being taken tocreate inventories and documentall the medicinal plant/ herbs in thestate. The state government hasdirected all Panchayats to start abio-diversity register for the reg-istration of every specie in theirrespective areas. The governmenthas also proposed at least 10herbal gardens in each district, 13herbal gardens, with the fundingfrom National Medicinal PlantBoard, GOI have already been es-tablished. Contractual farming inmedicinal plants is also being in-troduced in the state.

[IPR]

BUYERS-SELLERS MEET HELD TO ENCOURAGECULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

24 July, 2004; NOW! 5� NEWSSCAN

LANDMARK INTERNATIONALhas already opened another branch inJammu & Kashmir. For this, 20 morebrilliant boys/girls as Branch Manager/Asst. Manager will be recruited soon.

LIMITED VACANCY / ACCOMMODATION FREEFor details contact immediately:

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Independence Day Football Committee, 2004 is organiz-ing open football tournament for Senior boys at St. Xavier’sSchool playground from 1st of August, 2004.1. Winners will be awarded price money of Rs. 20,000/- (ru-

pees twenty thousand) and Runners will be awarded Rs.15,000/- (rupees fifteen thousand) along with attractiveprizes.

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Tika GurungPresident, IDFC-2004, Pakyong

NOTICE

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 23 July: A 15-member culture troupeof Songs & Drama Unit of Cultural Affairs and Her-itage Department will be participating in PurbantarParv Festival to be held on 18-19 August at RihandNagar in Uttar Pradesh.

The Sikkimese delegation will be led by NordenLepcha and will perform traditional Singhi Chham

SAGAR CHHETRI

GANGTOK, 23 July: Allega-tions and denials are the normalexchange of firepower betweenthe opposition and the ruling gov-ernment in any state. But when theissue involves the education ofchildren then it must surely con-cern all of us. The latest allega-tion made by the State Congressrelates to school books not yetmade available to students, evenafter the first term exams are over,and draws sustenance from com-

plaints made by many schoolsacross the state.

Students of Mangan SeniorSecondary School had written inlast month about not yet receiv-ing their English Literature andComputer books. Another letterclarified that they had receivedtheir computer books but not theirEnglish workbook. Reports hadcome in from other places com-plaining of the same. Schoolteachers also complained aboutmany of the textbooks havingblank and missing pages.

However, in the Rajdhanimost schools stated that they hadreceived all the books, with manybeing over cautious in divulginginformation. One school in thecapital has not yet received Eng-lish Literature books but does notwant to be named. Apparently, thebooks arrived last week with someschools still to pick it up from thedepartment.

Speaking to NOW!, depart-ment officials clarified that themain reason for the delay was thatmajor revisions were done on text-

books this year, which delayed thearrival of many books.

“We ordered the books fromCBSE in time but because of therevisions, they did not send itsooner,” they say.

Apparently, all the books arefinally here and the district schoolshave been asked to collect thesame. The department says that bythe end of this month all the bookswill be available in all schools.

All one can say here is, betterlate than never!

SCHOOL BOOKS ARRIVE, FINALLY

Another SuicidePAKYONG: A suspected suicidecase has been reported from WestPendam where an 18-year-old house-wife is reported to have hung her-self. The girl had been reported asmissing by her father from theevening of 21 July. The deceased hadcome to her father’s home on 13 July.She was later found hanging in thefields. After inquest the dead bodywas forwarded to STNM Hospital.

THEFTRANGPO: On 21 July, local po-lice received a written complaintfrom Prem Kumar Pradhan of DugaBusty against unknown persons.The complainant stated that on theintervening night of 20-21 Julysome unknown culprits entered intohis shop by breaking the door andstole manihari and grocery itemsworth Rs.10,000. Sources have beendeployed to nab the culprits and caseis under investigation.

and Yak Chham in the festival. The team is sched-uled to leave for Uttar Pradesh on August 16.

Singhi Chham or the Snow Lion Dance depictsSnow Lion, which is believed to be the guardian ofthe State and is an important cultural symbol of theState. Yak Chham depicts the yak, best friend ofhill people and projects the simple life style of theherdsmen up on the mountains.

SINGHI CHAAM INMULAYAM LAND

Improvedwork culturestressed at

SCCSa NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 23 July: SikkimConsumer Cooperative SocietyLtd. held a meeting here at the of-fice of the Cooperation Depart-ment on 16 July. CC Sangderpa,Chairperson of the society chairedthe meeting. She was accompa-nied by Special Director and othersenior officials of the Department.

The meeting decided that Spe-cial Director should supply mod-ern equipment to the employees inorder to achieve satisfactory de-liverance of their duties.

The meeting also directed itsstaff to work hard with sincerity.Remodification of the work cul-ture of the society under the guid-ance of the Chairperson was dis-cussed at length.

Increase in salary of the hardworking employees was also dis-cussed in the meeting. The meet-ing passed a proposal that SpecialDirector in consultation with theChairperson can shift its office, ifthe society finds a suitable place.

A new landslide at Phensongon North Sikkim highway iscausing a lot of problems tocommuters and GREFworkers in the area. Monsoonrains have added to theproblem making the stretchslushy and dangerous.[pic: Deepak Sharma]

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GANGTOK, 23 July: AfterBhanu Jayanti and the SikkimSamman Sammilan, it is time forthe Kavi Sammelan. The CulturalAffairs and Heritage Department inassociation with Eastern ZonalCultural Centre, Kolkata is organ-izing a day-long Kavi Sammelanhere at Community Hall on 30 July.

According to BR Subba,Deputy Secretary of the Depart-ment, around 40 poets from theEastern Zone, including one eachfrom other Zonal Centers are par-ticipating in the Sammelan. Thesepoets will recite their poems inEnglish, Hindi and Nepali.

Mr. Subba also informed thatthis is an annual event organized tocommemorate the Birth Anniver-

sary of Adi Kavi Bhanu BhaktaAcharya. Till a few years back, theSammelan used to be organizedover a period of two days. Nation-ally renowned poets would partici-pate in the programme, but due tofund constraints the organizers havereduced the function to only one day.

According to the organizers, theSammelan is organized from theinterest earned from a corpus fundof Rs. 1 crore owned by EZCC. Asthe Bank interest rates have beenreduced, the funds available for theSammelan have also come down.

The local participants areshortlisted by a selection committee.The department had earlier placedadvertisements calling applicationsfrom locals to participate in theSammelan. The final list includesaround 35 poets from the state.

Literary events in Sikkimto continue with

a Poets Meet

6; NOW!; 24 July, 2004

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Kutshe SheguThe 49th day of Kutshe Sheguof Tashi Thendup Bhutia wholeft for his heavenly abode on11 June, 2004 falls on July 29,2004. All friends, relatives andwell wishers are requested tojoin us in offering prayers forthe departed soul at ourresidence at UpperTathangchen, Gangtok, EastSikkim.

We would like to take thisopportunity to thank all thosewho extended their help in ourhour of grief and bereavement.

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NOTICE

Notice is hereby given to all concerned members ofPahooring Club, Regd No – 1102 / LR that our club’sname is going to change from PAHOORING CLUB toPAHOORING SEWA SANGH due to variouscircumstances. Those who object may sustain theirclaims and objection within one month from the dateof publication of this notice, otherwise we the committeeof the same club will change our club’s name.

PS IjamPresident Pahooring Club

Regd No. 1102/LRNesa, Tashiding, West Sikkim

LOST

Migration Certificate, No.MC-714603, ISCE-2003

Certificate, No. BG-1313987 & Pass Certifi-cate of Martin Gurung,

S/o. Mr. O.K. Gurung on16.7.2004 at Gangtok. If

found please contact:

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Kutse SheguThe 49th Day SHEGU of our late mother Mrs. Lhakit Lepcha whopassed away on 10th June 2004 falls on 28th July 2004. All friends,relatives and well-wishers are requested to join us in offering prayerfor the departed soul at our residence at Tathangchen near Arkyaarea, Gangtok.We the family members take the opportunity to express our sinceregratitude to all friends and well-wishers who helped and stood by usduring our bereavement. We seek forgiveness for not being able tothank you all individually.

Dr. Yanki Donka Shipmoo & Family members

Ph. 204753, 204069

SIKKIM MANIPAL INSTITUTE

OF TECHNOLOGY

APPOINTMENTS

Director, SMIT invites applications by 31st July 04 for the following posts:PROGRAMMERDepartment of Computer EngineeringLABORATORY TECHNICIANDepartment of Electronics & CommunicationsElectrical & ElectronicsMechanical EngineeringQUAUALIFICATIONS:PROGRAMMER: Bachelor’s Degree with PG Diploma in Computer Pro-gramming software and Systems Design (minimum one year full pack-age)LABORATORY TECHNICIAN: Diploma in respective branches of Engi-neering.Contact: Director

Sikkim Manipal Institutue of TechnologyMajitar, Rangpo, East Sikkim - 737 132Website: www.smuhmts.edu, www.manipal.eduEmail: slg_smit@sancharnet.inPh. 03592-246353, 246220

KARAN SHAH

KALIMPONG, 23 July: Four per-sons are still missing after the vehi-cle they were travelling in fell intothe Teesta, at Setijhora, about 29 kmsfrom Kalimpong on Wednesday.

Kamal Shyampo [40] alongwith three of his friends - LaxamRai, Suman Tamang, RupenGurung [all residents of Peshok]- were on their way to Kalimpongon 21 July to meet Kamal’syounger son Raja, studying inclass VI at the Scottish UniversityMission Institution.

According to reports, whilethey were returning to Peshok thesame day, the four decided to takea detour via Rambi, 29th mile. Themishap occurred on this trip. Even

the family was unawares of theincident until some of theSetijhora residents noticed thevehicle and informed the authori-ties about the accident.

The police received the infor-mation at 8 pm yesterday and theconcerned authorities [fire brigadealong with a rafting team] rushedto the spot. The vehicle was recov-ered at noon today.

The spot where the vehicle hadgone down was identified from theclothes of the handy boy whichhad tumbled out of the falling ve-hicle. The handy-boy himself hadbeen left behind at Peshok itself.

“None of the bodies have beenrecovered. Search parties are dili-gently on the look out,” informsthe ASP, SK Gazmer.

FOUR FEARED DEAD IN SETI

JHORA ROAD MISHAPKARAN SHAH

KALIMPONG, 23 July:Maninderpal Singh Kohli, underjudicial remand as the main sus-pect in the rape and murder of a17-year-old student in South-ampton, England, was brought tothe Sub-Divisional hospital here,last night at 10:45 PM after hecomplained of chest and ab-dominal pains.

Living in Kalimpong sinceFebruary, he was arrested by theDarjeeling Police on the 15 Julyat Panighatta near Siliguri.

After he was admitted lastnight, a thorough check up wascarried out this morning. After theECG, USG and X-rays, he wastaken to his room. Kohli was re-portedly also suffering from high

blood pressure previously.“We have to be really careful

because he is suffering from hy-pertension, which is a silentkiller,” said the SDO, Dr. AKYadav

Commenting in his presentsituation, the SDMO of the Hos-pital, Dr. SR Pradhan said: “Allprecautionary measures have beentaken by our doctors, and he is ina more stable condition now.”

He is likely to be shifted to thejail today itself given the stabilityin his condition.

Kohli is yet to be handed overto the CBI. They are expected toarrive in Kalimpong in the nextfew days. In a decision by theSDJM, Kohli will be kept underjudicial remand till 29 July.

Hypertension drives Kohlifrom lock-up to hospital

Mrs. Sheela Pradhan

(Subba), 31 years has

been missing from her

residence in Develop-

ment Area since 11

July 2004. She is the

wife of Gajendra

Pradhan. Her height is

approximately 5 ft 3 in.

She has wheatish com-

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built. She has a burn

mark on her right arm.

She was last seen

wearing a green col-

oured kurta, blue

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dupatta.

Anyone having

information regarding

her may please contact

- 9832097577 or

94341-79132.

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after monsoons when the rainshad stopped.

The DC [South], VishalChauhan, further assured thatall care was being taken to keepwater supply regular to emer-gency services and on alternatedays for the rest.

Namchi’s water problemsstem from the fact that it does nothave a source nearby. The Southdistrict headquarters receives itswater from Bemeli beyondRavangla. The water pipelinestretches more than 30 kms, theDC informs while adding thatapart from the present landslide atChamgaon, smaller slips along thepipeline keep disrupting supply.

Work on an ambitious projectto pump water up from Rangeet ispresently underway and once thisproject completes, Namchi’s wa-ter woes would be over, the DCadds. The project, however, couldtake anything up to three years tocomplete, till then monsoons willmean dry taps for Namchi.

Contd from pg 1

Namchi runs dry

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KARAN SHAH

KALIMPONG, July 23rd:Bharati Das, the wife ofManinderpal Singh Kohli and herfather Oath Bahadur Das [60] aredesperate to meet Kohli, who hasbeen kept under judicial remandtill 29 July. Kohli is also, it islearnt, wants to meet Bharati onelast time. Accused of murder andrape charge, he faces possible ex-tradition to Britain.

Oath Bahadur visited the jailyesterday to meet his son-in-law,who first introduced himself as adoctor and was engaged in volun-teer work with the Red Cross So-ciety [Kalimpong]. The 60 yearold is himself the secretary of theKalimpong Red Cross chapter.

“I wanted to meet Kohli to in-quire if he is really guilty or not,”said Mr. Das, who has been shat-tered by Kohli’s arrest and his se-cret past that was revealed to himin the past few days. Everyone, hisin-laws and wife included, knewKohli as Mike Dennis.

Permission for the visit was,however, not granted since theSDO was out of station.

“If they want to meet Kohli,they should apply for permissionto the SDJM,” said the SDO, Dr.AK Yadav adding: “Many want tomeet him, especially people of the

press, but granting permissionraises its own difficulties. He is ahigh profile criminal pursued byInternational governments.”

Bharati and Kohli first met acouple of months back and bothworked together in the anti-Hepa-titis B drive of the Red Cross.Love blossomed and they got mar-ried on 24 June.

“I just want to have a glimpseof Mike,” said Bharati who waspresent at the hospital today whereKohli had been rushed last nightafter he complained of chest andabdominal pains.

Talking to NOW!, she added:“There has been gross misrepre-sentation of my intentions in thepress particularly in the electronicmedia. I have not done anythingout of greed for the reward money.I love my husband and intend tostand by him.”

Two sisters of the Missionar-ies of Charity, Nirmal Hriday, sis-ter Bridget Ann and sister Ceeliawere also present at the Hospitalto pray for Kohli.

“Forgive yourself and forgiveothers that’s what I said to him.We met him because we believethat one should always love one’senemies and forgive them,” saidSister Ann.

In a rather touching display ofthis Christian compassion, Mrs.Jyoti Karkee, a social workercooked aloo parathas for Kohli,which is his favourite food.

She said: “A man is innocentuntil proven guilty. He also appearsvery much in love and misses hiswife very much. I will also consultthe concerned authorities to ask forpermission for Bharati to meet herhusband for what could possibly bethe last time.”

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today in

History24th July

THEFINALONE �

HILLTOP METALS LIMITEDRegd. Office: C/o B.C. Periwal & Associates, M.G. Marg, gangtok, Sikkim-737101

N O T I C ENOTICE is hereby given that, with effect from 1st April, 2004, the following Com-panies are amalgamating with our Company M/s Hilltop Metals Limited (hereinaf-ter called “The Transferee Company”), the Registration No. is 76, all the Compa-nies registered at Sikkim with Government of Sikkim, Law Department.

Name of the Transferor Companies Registration No.1. M/s Eastern Region & Allied Products Limired 1202. M/s Global Agencies Private Limited 413

Any person whose interest is likely to be effected by the proposed Amalgamationmay intimate to The Secretary, Law Department, Government of Sikkim, Gangtok,within 30 (Thirty) days of Publication of this notice, the nature of his/her interestand grounds of opposition to the Amalgamation, if any and send a copy thereof tothe applicant company at its Registered office.

For and on behalf ofHilltop Metals Limited

Sd/-Date: 19.07.2004 (Vikas Kedia)Place: Gangtok Director

1683: First settlers from Ger-many to US, leave aboard theConcord1704 Great Britain takesGibralter from Spain1783 Georgia becomes a protec-torate of tsarist Russia1783: Born, Simon Bolivar freed6 Latin American republics fromSpanish rule1802: Born, author AlexandreDumas1824: Harrisburg Pennsylvaniannewspaper publishes results of1st public opinion poll.1847: Rotary-type printing presspatented by Richard March Hoe,NYC1965: Bob Dylan release “Like aRolling Stone”1969: Muhammad Ali is con-victed for refusing induction in USArmy on appeal1972: Jigme Singye Wangchukbecomes king of Bhutan at 161974: Supreme Court unani-mously rules Nixon must turnover Watergate tapes1978: “Sgt Pepper ’s LonelyHearts Club Band” premiers inNYC1987: IBM-PC DOS Version 3.3[updated] released

ARIES: Agency business will do well.Long travel is indicated. Free flow ofcash is indicated. Export businesseswill improve. Those in the film linewill enjoy popularity and success intheir new project. You may have skinproblems.TAURUS: You will save for a newinvestment. You may acquire im-movable property. Book traders willhave a difficult time. Labour prob-lems will arise for factories. Life willbe enjoyable.GEMINI: This will be a relaxed pe-riod. Petrol prices will rise sharply.Everyone will be in the holiday moodand will seek cultural amusements.India will have a respectable placeamong other countries. Students willhave to work harder.CANCER: You will do better in yourcareer. Businesspersons may en-ter into new contracts. Some mis-understanding may occur amongfamily members. Religious activi-ties will increase.LEO: You have reason to be optimis-tic. You may tie up with a foreign firmto develop your business. You mayhave some problems with your broth-ers, which will get resolved in time.Business partnerships will do well.VIRGO: This will be a profitable pe-riod. The spiritual line will beckon.You may travel frequently. Childrenwill do well in their studies. Familylife will be smooth. Happiness willprevail. You should not take undueadvantage of your business partners.Be careful in your cash dealings.LIBRA: Income from speculation willbe very good. Transactions on thestock market will keep you steadilysupplied with cash. Social status andpopularity will be maintained. Edu-cation will be successful. You maytravel abroad.SCORPIO: You should not take anyrisks in business. It will lead to a fi-

nancial crisis. You will see slow im-provement in your business. Youmay get your promotion if it is due.You will have no problems.SAGITTARIUS: You will be success-ful. Business will be brisk. You willreceive encouraging news. Loanswill be cleared. Religious activitieswill give you mental satisfaction. Stu-dents will excel.CAPRICORN: A long business tripis predicted. You may acquire newproperty. Politicians will do well. Stu-dents will receive encouraging news

from foreign universities.AQUARIUS: This will be a relaxedperiod. Politicians will be faced withnothing more than their normal rou-tine. A free cash flow is indicated. Thestock market will do well. Litigationwill be postponed. Understandingwith life partner will be good. Auspi-cious functions will be performed.PISCES: Business expansion is in-dicated. Tensions will fade away. En-couraging business opportunitiesmay be expected. There is potentialof growth in studies.

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 23 July: DawaLhamu Lepcha of Modern Sec-ondary School, Gangtok has beenselected for the Late TsheringKunchudyangmoo Memorial Lit-erary Award for the year 2004. Sheis the daughter of Chogay Lepchaof Burtuk, East Sikkim.

The annual award is conferredto those successful candidateswho secure highest marks in

MANGAN: Around 150 NCC students ofMangan Senior Secondary School tookpart in a voluntary cleanliness drive un-der the National Service Scheme [NSS]under the supervision of NSS project of-ficers Janim Lepcha, NCC, ANO[Chumzey Bhutia and RP Lepcha]. Thestudents cleaned up the drains and com-pound of the school, leading from MSSSupto PWD, making the area neat andclean. Another news that should haveMangan cheering is the Rs. 32.7 lakhs[as against the earlier Rs. 29 lakhs]sanctioned by the cabinet recently forrestoration and repair work on the ap-proach road to Mission Kothi.

Lepcha language in All Second-ary School Examination (class-X).The winner of the award will begiven a cash prize of Rs. 5,000/-(Rupees five thousand) and certifi-cate by the chief guest of TendongLho Rum Faat celebration, 2004.

The award was instituted im-mediately after the sad demise ofLate Tshering Kunchudyangmoowith the sole objective to encour-age and develop Lepcha languageand literature. He was the well

known social worker, historian,and literary figure. He was alsomusic composer and lyricist for in-numerable Lepcha songs.

The late TsheringKunchudyangmoo Memorial Lit-erary Award Committee congratu-lates the awardee, the teachers andthe students of Modern Second-ary School.

MANGAN STUDENTSON A CLEAN-UP MISSION

Modern SS girl bags KunchudyangmooMemorial Literary Award