29 April, 2004; NOW! 1

C M Y K

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GANGTOK, 28 April: SeniorCongress leader, ThuckchukLachungpa, who had yesterday re-vealed plans to hold the Mangcharitual which would have entailedsacrifices at Kabi-Longstok to clearhis name in allegations that he wasinvolved in the Cong [I] candidate’sfailure to file nominations fromKabi-Tingda, today announced achange in plans.

The people of Kabi-Tingda hadcalled on him today, he revealedand in a meeting held at BL Houseat Tibet Road, admitted that theyhad realised that he was innocent.Now, only prayers would be heldat Kabi-Longstok and the Mangcha

ritual held in front of the “missing”candidate Palden Bhutia’s house on30 April, Mr. Lachungpa said.

He, however, clarified that ifthe locals there were still uncom-fortable with the idea, he wouldrespect their wishes and hold therituals elsewhere.

“The prayers are only to absolvemyself of all blame, not to hurt thesentiments of the people of Kabi,”he clarified.

Mangcha is usually performedto avenge oneself and to clear one’sname from false allegations. Per-

formed by Boongthings, the ritualis believed to decide who is at fault.

In the meantime, Mr.Lachungpa revealed that he wouldbe conducting prayers at EncheyGumpa and Thungkar Chopka atChorten Gumpa. “This will ensurethat those who have maligned mewill be cursed,” he said.

Mr. Lachungpa’s initiativeshould soothe the flared tempers atKabi, the locals where expressedopen displeasure with being in thecentre of limelight for quite sometime now. Kabi-Longstok is a sa-

cred spot where the Lepcha chiefThekong Tek and the Bhutia leaderKhye Bumsa had signed the treatyfor peace between their two com-munities which was symbolised bythe spilling of blood signifying theblood brotherhood between the twocommunities.

The Bhutias and Lepchas holdthe site as most sacred and accordit uttermost respect. This is also a

traditional heritage site of the twocommunities with the sanctity ofthe spot upheld for centuries.

Panchayat members of the areawho spoke to NOW! today werevehemently opposed to the idea ofanimal sacrifice at the site

Already upset with SIBLAC’suse of the holy site to announce apolitical agenda, they were insist-

LOCALS UNHAPPY WITH ANIMAL SACRIFICES AT KABI; THUKCHUK

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MANGAN, 28 April: Questioningthe logic behind Congress’ promiseof “autonomous status” to north dis-trict, SDF president and chief min-ister, Pawan Chamling, presentedhis arguments on why the existingstatus as a district of Sikkim was thebest for north Sikkim.

Addressing his first publicmeeting in the district in connec-tion with the upcoming polls hereat Mangan Public Ground today,Mr. Chamling said that if Mr.Bhandari was so convinced that au-

BHANDARI’S AUTONOMOUS STATUSOFFER A PLOY TO END DZUMSASYSTEM AGAIN, SAYS CHAMLING

SDF HOLDS PUBLIC MEETING UP NORTH

Chamling arrives for the Manganmeet on 28 April with area MLA,Hisey Lachungpa, to his right

turn to pg 4

PENDE IS NO NOVICE, HE COULDN’T HAVEBEEN MISLED, SAYS HEM LALL

TURN TO pg 4 FOR DETAILS

THE FINAL LIST OFCONTENDERS INTHE FRAY FOR

SIKKIMELECTIONS-2004

- ON pg 2 -

turn to pg 5

2; NOW!; 29 April, 2004

C M Y K

Artist, filmmaker, keen photographer, columnist withinternational magazines... It’s hard to pin Twan Yangdown. Born to a Chinese father and Tibetan mother, hegrew up in Kalimpong and worked in Sikkim. NOW!serializes Twan Yang’s autobiography, Houseboy in India...

NOW!FIRST WITH THE NEWS

ED-SPACE

-42-

It happened like this. I had beensent to the bazaar and was walking through Park Street when a

Tibetan who was working in a car-pet shop recognized me and calledout to me, “You must be the sonof the lame Chinese duck. Is thatnot so?”

“How do you know that?” Iasked.

“Well my knowledge comesfrom Kalimpong. I saw you there afew months ago, and I know youvery well. Your father was a Con-fucian, and his name was Shing-kuo. Long ago I used to work un-der him on the Chinese festival daysmaking biscuits when you wereonly a little baby boy.”

The man spoke so kindly that Iwas greatly interested. While hewas talking, his needle went swiftlyup and down, for he was sewingfoxskins together. He told me thathe was a Chinese of the same prov-ince as my father, and that his namewas Thing Yang. He did not looklike a Chinese, for he wore Tibetanclothes.

“Now that your father is dead,”he told me, “you have no one to

“You must be the son of the

lame Chinese duck”look after you. You must remem-ber this place in case any misfor-tune happens to you. Then you maycome directly to me.”

I answered that these wordsmade me very glad and I certainlywould not forget. But this pleasantmeeting proved to be a very stupidthing after all, for it became a bul-let that killed my work. My mem-sahib got angry with me andsaid, “Damn it, you fool, youhave come back late; I will tellthe sahib.” These disagree-able words struck my heartin an unbearable manner andI cried out: “No, madam, itis perhaps you yourself whoare damn it, you must not callme damn it. I am not goingto work any longer in a housefilled with such nasty lan-guage.” I said this inHindustani, for in English I

could not have given such an an-swer. No sooner had I spoken thesewords than I felt that it had beenmost foolish, but I could not bearthis abuse, and just as anyone whois being shot at with a gun wouldshoot back, so I answered backthese word bullets for my own pro-tection. But I felt at once that my

job has come to an end.My mistress got stillangrier and said,“Shut up, do not

talk such shameless nonsense toyour mistress.”

Then I also got still angrier andsaid: “Mistress or no mistress, Icame her to work, but not to listento all the dirty words that you sayto me every day. My work is to obeyyour commands and my businessis to get my wages, but not all kindsof abuse. I may not be good enoughto serve you, but you are not goodenough to be my mistress.”

“Don’t talk. You are fired fromthe moment that the sahibcomes back,” she cried.

I was willing to acceptthis decision. I took my bed-ding, and a few clothes in-side, and I said to myself:“Why should I worry? I amalone, and for a young boyit must always be possible tofind some work somewhere.Up till now I have been able

to manage somehow, so why notalso in the future? Perhaps Godmay be willing to help a poor boylike me, for I know He is the onlyone on whom I can depend in thisworld.”

When I came to this place I hadsix rupees and I calculated that forhalf a month at fifteen rupees Iwould get seven rupees and eightannas. I would then be almost a richman in my poor circumstances.

That afternoon when the sahibcame from his office my mistresstold him the whole business, but heonly asked me, “Why, John, whatis the matter with you?” When hespoke so kindly, I felt courage andanswered freely: “Sahib, me no likethat memsahib, me no like badwords, please give me my money.Me go now.” He was not angry atall and tried to make me stay on,but I continued refusing, for Godknows what kind of invisible drinkI had taken to make me so drunkthat I remained obstinate. So at lastI received my wages, and then thesahib and the memsahib began toquarrel together about me becauseI refused to stay.

to be continued

Party PoliticsPolitics is getting high-tech in the nation. What with Pramod Mahajan’sbackroom boys and their computers and attempts at canvassingthrough SMS. In Sikkim, however, the spin-doctors run on instinctand the age-old political belief that if you keep repeating something,people start believing it to be the truth. While one can understand thistone of poll-speak if the end-result has been worked out and is ben-eficial for the party concerned, it becomes a waste of precious time[elections are now barely eleven days away and even fewer days ofcampaigning] and effort if it is just about proving a point. Taking Cong[I]’s case, the rejections in South Sikkim came on 24 April and thebetrayal at Kabi-Tingda on 23 April and still the party continues with itsattempts at convincing the people that they have been wronged. Thearguments of the case aside, the four constituencies have been lost.The ECI has already upheld the South Returning Officer’s verdict anda reversal does not appear even remotely possible. While keepingthe debate alive can accrue some extra points for the Cong [I], focus-ing on these issues too much could impact its performance elsewhere.A protest rally to Kabi cannot win them a seat there any more. Had itbeen held in some other constituency, the benefits might have beenmore obvious and immediate. The Press is automatically drawn todrama and might report much on the reactions, allegations and coun-ter-allegations in the debate, but what does this gain the party? Noth-ing, because, as mentioned earlier, these constituencies have alreadybeen lost. The damage it suffers gets more amplified when the con-stituencies where it is still in the fray don’t get the publicity required toinfluence the undecided voters. The black flag idea was a good one,but here again, the information on why the black flags fluttered onCong [I] vehicles came too late. The party might argue that its sup-porters already knew the reasons. That might be true, but the partysupporter needs no convincing. His/ her vote is already in the kitty.The drama being played out in Sikkim, both, by the SDF and Cong [I],is to convert the tentative voter not only to exercise his/ her franchise,but to do so in their favour. Party supporters don’t need the extrava-gance of public meetings, the neutral public does. And they also needinformation, which explains the daily press briefings by the Cong [I]and the SDF. With elections so close, the time for allegations is over.It is now time for self-promotion. The parties concerned will be doingno wrong if a bit of propaganda is mixed in the promotion for thosewho will buy it, but have to realise that the final days of campaigninghave to be about networking and publicity, not about griping and com-plaining. The task is doubly hard for the Congress because it has lostmore than just four seats, it has lost the momentum it appeared tohave been building. As for the SDF, instead of defending itself overwhat happened in South and North Sikkim, it should joke about it, andjoke about it often enough to dilute the seriousness with which peopleare taking the Congress challenge to SDF’s return to power bid.

CONSTITUENCY CONG [I] SDF OTHERS

Lok Sabha Biraj Adhikari Nakul Rai Tara Kr. Pradhan [SHRP]Rajendra Upreti [SSP]

1. Yuksom Mangal Bir Subba Kalawati Subba Akar Dhoj Subba [SHRP]2. Tashiding Sonam Dadul Kazi Dawa N. Takarpa Pulling Lepcha [Ind.]3. Geyzing DB Gurung SB Subedi Chandra Bdr. Katwal [Ind.]

Dhan Bdr. Gurung [Ind.]4. Dentam She Hang Subba DK Gurung Mangal Dhoj Subba5. Bermiok Puspak Ram Subba NK Subba Om Prakash Bista [Ind.]

Puran Kr. Chettri [Ind.]6. Rinchepong Pema Kinzang Bhutia Dawcho Lepcha Nima Sherpa [Ind.]

Phur Tsh. Lepcha [Ind.]7. Chakung Satish M. Pradhan PS Tamang Kulman Mukhia [CPIM]

Phur Tsh. Lepcha [Ind.]8. Soreong Ashok Kr. Subba RB Limbu [Subba] Akar Dhoj Limbu [SHRP]9. Daramdin Amar Subba RB Subba Pusker Limbu [Ind.]10. Jorethang Purna Kri. Rai KN Rai Padam Prd. Sharma [BJP]11. Ralong Chozang Bhutia DD Bhutia12. Wak CB Karki13. Damthang Pawan Chamling14. Melli Girish Chandra Rai15. Rateypani Janga Bir Darnal Aita Singh Baraily Tek Bdr. Rai [Ind.]16. Temi Tarku LP Tewari Garjaman Gurung Man Bdr. Rai [Ind.]17. Central Pandam NB Bhandari Somnath Poudyal Amrit Narayan Giri [SHRP]

GM Rai [Ind.]18. Rhenock KN Upreti Bhim Pd. Dhungel Shanti Chettri [BJP]19. Regu Arun Rai KB Chamling20. Pathing Tseten Tashi Bhutia Mingma Tsh. Sherpa Karsang Sherpa [SHRP]21. Loosing- Bharat Basnet Manita Thapa Passang Tamang [SHRP]

Pacheykhani22. Khamdong Santosh Kr. Bardewa BM Ramudamu Dil Kumari Darnal [SHRP]23. Dzongu Saonam C. Lepcha Sonam G. Lepcha24. Lachen Anil Lachenpa Hisey Lachungpa

Mangshila25. Kabi-Tingda TT Bhutia26. Rakdong-Tintek Phuchung Bhutia Norzang Lepcha Nima Rapzang Lama [BJP]27. Martam Sonam Tsh. Bhutia DT Lepcha28. Rumtek Delay Namgyal Kazi Menlom Lepcha29. Assam Lingzey Kunga Nima Lepcha Kunga Z. Bhutia Lall Bdr. Lepcha [SHRP]30. Ranka Pintsho C. Lepcha Nimthit Lepcha Tashi T. Bhutia [SHRP]31. Gangtok NB Bhandari NK Pradhan Bhim Chettri [SHRP]

Devi Prsd. Dahal [SSP]32. Sangha Tshering Lama Namkha Gyaltsen Samdup Dorjee Lama [BJP]

Palden Lama [Ind.]Sonam Dorjee [Ind.]Thiley Gyatso Lepcha [Ind.]

THE FINAL LIST OF CONTENDERS IN THEFRAY FOR SIKKIM ELECTIONS-2004

29 April, 2004; NOW! 3

C M Y K

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GANGTOK, 28 April: This weekRachna Books celebrates its SilverJubilee. It has been 25 years sincethe bookshop first opened at De-velopment Area. It has survivedlean profits, scepticism and thecoming of new bookstores to con-tinue to entice the reading publicwith the best collection of booksavailable in Gangtok.

Although the celebrations havebeen low key, Rachna Books hascome up with some new ideas togo along with its “service througheducation” thrust.

The store has announced theRachna Silver Jubilee Story WritingContest 2004. “This has been donewith a view to rededicate ourselves

to the responsibility entrusted uponus by our avid readers,” says RamanShreshta of Rachna Books.

“We invite all who love litera-ture and have been rendering theirdedicated service for the cause ofEnglish literature and request themto extend their support and sendtheir contributions to make thisventure a success,” he adds.

So why a story writing contestto mark their 25thanniversary?

“We believe a story representsand reflects the hopes and aspira-tions of the common man and howhe faces, deals with and solves themiseries and hardships of day today life,” he replies.

Raman believes that such anendeavour enables them to presentbefore the readers the contemporary

literary and social picture thatwould hint at the widely prevalent

norms, beliefs and acceptances inour society.

A reputed panel of judges willselect the entries. The competitionoffers cash prizes of upto Rs. 5,000for the best entry. The last day forsending entries is 31 July, 2004.

Rachna Books is also launch-ing Bookshelf, a lending library, tomark its silver jubilee. Althoughbooks from this lending library willfirst be available to residents ofRegu and Rhenock, in the secondphase, Gangtokians too will haveaccess to this unique concept. Withbooks becoming ever more expen-sive, this initiative will surely bewelcomed.

“The greater idea behind thisplan is to make books more acces-sible,” says Raman.

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GANGTOK, 28 APRIL: ManganSSS, TNSSS, TNA and Holy Crosswill be clashing in the mega-finalsof the First State-Level Quiz Com-petition in Sikkim.

The finalists were decided at thesemifinals conducted here today at theCommunity Hall [pic right]. The pro-gramme was attended by officials fromthe Education Department, teachersand students from various schools.

Students from eight schoolstook part in the semifinal round.

The competition, which washeld in six rounds, saw participantsbeing quizzed on subjects likeSports, Science, Geography, His-tory as well as General Knowledgequestions on Sikkim. There was an

audiovisual round too.The students participated en-

thusiastically in all the rounds.The event was divided into two

sets. The first set of the competitionwas between Jorethang SS, TNSSS,Tashiding SSS and Holy Cross, inwhich TNSSS stood first while HolyCross School came second.

In the second set held betweenNamchi Public School, ManganSSS, Namchi SSS and TNA,Mangan secured the first rank fol-lowed by TNA. The top-two teamsof each set qualified for the finalsscheduled to be held sometime af-ter the elections.

State’s best quizzing teams shortlisted,final clash after elections

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a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 28 April: Three con-victed persons, who were releasedfrom jail after serving time, werefound supplying contraband mate-rials to inmates.

Local police registered a caseon the complaint of the sub-jailorBinod Tamang according to whomon 27 April, while on duty aroundthe jail, he found Sandeep Tamang,Dilip Rai and Prakash Chettri sup-plying contraband articles fromoutside the jail wall to their formerinmates inside the jail.

The trio were caught andbrought to the police station.

4; NOW!; 29 April, 2004

C M Y K

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GANGTOK, 28 April: The SDF,at a press briefing held today at theparty office, reacted to the BJP-SHRP alliance - Sikkim DemocraticAlliance - by saying that it wouldnot affect the party in any way.Countering the claims of the SDAthat it would win seven seats, BBGooroong, political adviser said,“The SDA will not be able to win asingle seat. The formation of the al-liance will not in any way affect thepoll prospects of the SDF party.”

Turning his focus on the SPCC[I] president, Nar BahadurBhandari, Mr. Gooroong made aninteresting comment: “The monthof May is highly inauspicious forMr. Bhandari. It was on 11 May1984 that Mr. Bhandari was dis-missed from the chief ministershipof Sikkim by Mrs. Indira Gandhi.Then, on 8 May, 1994, he was againremoved from the same position bydissidence in the ranks. Now, againon 10 May, his eminent defeat will

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 28 April: The SPCC[I] today came out with an officialstatement on behalf of its legal ad-visor, Hem Lall Bhandari. With therejection of three Cong [I] candi-dates’ nomination papers in SouthDistrict by the Returning Officer,along with the “missing” Congresscandidate from Kabi, PaldenBhutia’s accusation that he was“confused” by the legal advisor onthe format of the nomination papersleading to his failure to submit themin time, Mr. Bhandari’s statementon both the issues has been eagerlyawaited by the people of the State.

Jigme N. Kazi, the SPCC [I]spokesperson, while briefing thepress relayed the lawyer’s statementon the rejections: “If there are any

mistakes in Form-B submitted tothe Returning Officer they were notintended. Even so, as per law, theReturning Officer is bound to en-tertain our submissions to correctForm B. We are prepared to go tothe courts.”

On the “missing” PaldenBhutia’s allegation, Mr. Bhandari,as Mr. Kazi says, states that he “hasmet Palden Bhutia only once, hence

his accusation of any confusion cre-ated by Hem Lall is utter nonsense”.

He further adds that Mr. Bhutiais no novice to electoral politicshaving contested for the assemblypolls in 1999 on an SSP ticket andalso being elected to the Panchayat.Such an educated and experiencedperson could not have been misledby Mr. Bhandari, feels the Cong [I]spokesperson.

Pende is no novice, he couldn’t havebeen misled, says Hem Lall

force him to take political sanyas.”Reacting to Mr. Lachungpa’s

proposed agnipariksha at Kabi Mr.Gooroong said that it was nothingmore than a political stunt. He alsomaintained that whatever happenedwith the Kabi-Tingda constituencywas entirely the Congress’ problemand that the SDF had no hand in it.

The Cong [I] spokesperson,Jigme N. Kazi, in turn put a freshspin on the May interpretation bysuggesting that in May 1984 andMay 1994, a sitting CM [Mr.Bhandari] was ousted, given thattrend, Sikkim should prepare for anew CM after 10 May, he said.

This May, Bhandari will behounded into political sanyas,

predicts Gooroong

Internal reasons limitedGNLF to contesting only

3 constituenciesa NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 28 April: AlthoughGNLF [Sikkim] had earlier an-nounced its decision to contestfrom 18 assembly constituenciesin Sikkim, it has fielded only three.This, informs a press release is-sued by the party publicity secre-tary, TP Bhattarai, was due to “in-ternal reasons.”

The three candidate, NimaSherpa [Rinchenpong], Purna Kr.Kharka [Hee-Bermiok] andChandra Bdr. Katuwal [Geyzing],have all been fielded as independ-ent candidates by the party.

The release goes on to state thatcampaigning for the three candi-dates is progressing well and thatthe party is confident of returningall three to the Assembly.

tonomous status was good forSikkim “why did he not grant itduring his 14 year rule?”

“Instead, Mr. Bhandari, duringhis tenure did away with theDzumsa system unique to north dis-trict. This was restored only afterSDF assumed power and now withautonomous status, which wouldhave a chairman at the helm of af-fairs, Mr. Bhandari is proposing adiscontinuation of this age-old sys-tem again,” Mr. Chamling said.

He stressed that by reviving theDzumsa system, SDF had under-lined its commitment to the OldLaws of the State and respect forits tradition. “We are committed toachieving the goal of peace andsecurity for all Sikkimese with spe-cial focus on development. I am nothere to lobby for votes. I hope thatis something we have earned withour work over the past nine yearsin the district,” he said.

Presenting a confident face, Mr.Chamling said that elections were amere formality in Sikkim now and thatSDF was on its way to assured victory.

“Our uncontested victories infour constituencies is a pointer towhere things are headed. We willwrap the polls with a 32-0 score inour favour,” he said.

Continuing on the offensive,Mr. Chamling lashed out against

of a darshan with a Rimpoche andduped a Rimpoche into attendingby claiming that it was a religiousand social meet when all that wasdiscussed there was politics.

Area MLA, Hisey Lachungpa,who returns to contest fromLachen-Mangshila for a third time,said that in light of all the develop-ments achieved in north Sikkim un-der SDF, the idea of autonomousstatus “makes no sense.”

The Zilla Adhakshya [North]Lobzang Tenzing, delivered thewelcome speech for the meet whichwas also attended by the Kabi-Tingda MLA, TT Bhutia and SDF’sMP candidate, Nakul Rai, and sen-ior SDF leaders and MLAs.

SIBLAC and GAC which he saidhad tried their level best to vitiatethe atmosphere of communal har-mony in the State.

“The best answer to such or-ganisations can be deliveredthrough the mandate by makingsure that leaders and parties backedby these organisation forfeit eventheir security-deposits when theresults are declared,” he exhorted.

His contention was backed bythe Dzongu SDF candidate and sit-ting MLA, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha,who claimed that the walkover atKabi-Tingda was a punishment forCong [I], which in the garb ofSIBLAC had enticed the public toKabi for its meeting with promises

Contd from pg 1

SDF supporters at Mangan Public Ground on 28 April

SDF holds public meeting up North

29 April, 2004; NOW! 5

C M Y K

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KALIMPONG, 27 April: A con-troversy has erupted over three ap-pointments made for the posts ofGroup D staff – peons/ nightguards category.

Prasanta Mandal of South 24Parganas, Subir Munda of North24 Parganas, and Hirday KumarRoy of Chathat had been ap-pointed to the Integrated Child De-velopment Scheme [ICDS] atKalimpong [Block-1] andGorubathan [Block 2] respec-tively. The appointments had beenmade in February this year. It hasnow emerged that none of the ap-pointees had enrolled or registeredat any of the hill employment ex-changes including the KalimpongEmployment Exchange.

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SDF youthroughed-up

at Temia NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 28 April: Accordingto information reaching here latetoday, four SDF supporters travel-ling in a Maruti car were allegedlyintercepted by four jeeploads ofCongress [I] party workers androughed up. All four have sufferedinjuries and were taken to Namchihospital for treatement.

Speaking to NOW! fromNamchi, Barood Thapa, familiar tojournalists as the liason who ar-ranges transport to SDF publicmeetings, said that he and three oth-ers were attacked by 60-70 Cong[I] youth at Tingli, beyond Chubabusty in Temi Tarku today after-noon at around 3:30 PM. In the en-suing scuffle their vehicle was dam-aged badly and two of his friendssustained severe injuries.

The same group of Cong [I]supporters had attacked anotherSDF supporter further down theroad, he added.

Bhandari, Advocate, High CourtKolkata. On his part Mr. Bhandarihas sent a memorandum each to theDirectorate of Employment Ex-change [Kolkata] and to the ChildDevelopment Project Officer[ICDS Project], Kalimpong.

The memo states: “Governmentvacancies and appointments arerouted through these EmploymentExchanges after these exchanges onrequisition by the appointing au-thority furnish the names of en-rolled candidates from whom, suit-able are selected for the posts con-cerned. But this incident keeps thelocal employment exchange in darkand thereby depriving the localyouths their legitimate rights tosuch appointments, hence can betermed as illegal appointments.”

While speaking to the press,

Binoy Khati, Secretary, Hill SocialWelfare Society, stated that therewas rising unemployment and ram-pant corruption in the hills.

According to a member of theRSP, “We have fixed a date for aproper response after which we willtake legal proceedings. I have alsoapproached my party regarding theissue. Should they fail to supportme, I will resign from the party.”

“We can’t really do anythingabout the appointments. It is a de-cision taken by the directorate inKolkata,” said Phuri Nima Sherpa,Officer-in-Charge, Integrated ChildDevelopment Scheme (ICDS),Kalimpong. He also added that hewould forward the memo to theSDO so that the matter could belooked into by the proper channels.

ent that personal and political mat-ters be kept of Kabi. They needhave no more fears on the presentcount, since Mr. lachungpa has al-ready offered to shift the venue forthe rituals he has in mind. As forthe media glare on the constituency,there is no escaping it. At least nottill the elections are over and theunprecedented events there blurredfrom public memory.

Contd from pg 1

SACRIFICE OFF;PUJA ON

Arbitrary appointments sparksfurore in Kalimpong

BIRENDRA S.

DARJEELING, 28 April: Thoughtoday’s “Paribartan Rally” organ-ized by the Democratic Revolution-ary Federation of India (DRYF)could not make it to the CouncilHouse (Lalkhothi), DRYF dubbedit as their first major victory and thefirst step towards Ghising’s decline.

Incidentally the rally was aimedat giving a mass deputation to SubashGhising regarding the sorry state ofthe Darjeeling Hills by the DRYF, afrontal organization of the CPRM.

Ghising had been intimated 10days ago regarding the programme.A letter from BS Thapa, SubashGhising’s Private Secretary to the

DRYF, dated the 26 April stated:“I am directed to inform you thatyour proposition is not accepted be-cause of the security point ofview…..” The letter also stated thatthe memorandum may be submit-ted to the Principal Secretary,DGHC after contacting him andfixing a suitable date.

From the early hours of themorning DRYF supporters from thethree hill subdivisions of Darjeelingincluding Mirik gathered at theDarjeeling Railway Station andaround 11:30 am started towardsLalkothi with demands of“Gorkhaland” reverberating in theair. Gun-toting cops kept a closevigil on the procession and secu-

rity was placed all along the sched-uled route.

The mammoth procession was,however, stopped at Gandhi Road,the access road to Lalkothi, by a po-lice barricade. The police top brasshere reasoned with the DRYF andCPRM leadership that the proces-sion could not be allowed to pro-ceed beyond this point due to se-curity reasons.

The DRYF leadership pacifiedthe restive supporters by saying thatGhising’s letter along with the Po-lice barricade were in themselves abig moral victory for the DRYF asthey clearly displayed that “Ghisingwas truly shaken.”

Expressing resentment that an

elected head did not want to meet thepublic within a democratic frame-work, the procession retraced its steptowards the Chowk Bazar and cul-minated with a public meeting.

The meeting started with therelease of a “Vision Document” byGovind Chettri, former GeneralSecretary of the DRYF. The visiondocument includes the suggestedpolitical, economical, social, cul-tural and educational changes to bebrought about for the political se-curity, stability and development ofthe Darjeeling Hills.

DRYF leader Shekhar Chettri,alleged that 100-odd GNLF menhad been deputed around Lalkothifor Ghising’s protection. “We area disciplined party and hence donot want to disrupt the peace butwe are not afraid of Ghising or hisgoons,”he retorted. However heassured the cheering supportersthat the memorandum wouldsurely be given to Ghising, sooneror later.

DRYF claims moral victory for having “shaken” Ghising

6; NOW!; 29 April, 2004

C M Y K

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The Colorado Rai communityare organising this year’sRai-Kirat Sakewa Sili festi-

val in Boulder’s courthouse lawnon 8 May. Hundreds of people, in-cluding Rai-Kirats from all overthe United States, are expected toattend.

The traditional ceremonieshonor the ancestors, reaffirm thepeople’s connection with natureand the spirits of the land and wa-ter, pray for continued fertility, andgive thanks. “There are so manybeautiful things about our Rai-Kirat tradition,” says Vim Rai, “wewant our friends from other cul-tures to know who we are. In thespirit of peace and friendship.”

Tibetans, Sherpas, Newars,other Nepali groups, and evenSouth Indian dancers who live inColorado’s Rocky Mountains willalso join in the celebration withperformances in their own culturaltraditions.

This year’s Sakewa promisesa truly delightful experience, fea-turing as its highlight a perform-ance of the traditional Rai-KiratSakewa Sili, a joyful line dance ledby a sili mangpa (dance leader) inwhich everyone is invited to join.Sakewa Sili is a prayer in motion.Using simple, expressive move-ments, the dancers act out the Rai-Kirat legend of how their godsgave them the wisdom to trans-form themselves from hunter-gath-

LOST Miss Juna Rai, D/o Shri Ranjit Rai, resident of AssamLingzey, East Sikkim has lost her original marksheet of ClassX [CBSE] alongwith the Identity Card issued by North BengalUniversity, Siliguri.Finder may kindly contact at:Tel. No. 229552, 9832079780, 9832035026

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Liabilities/ Overdues to public financial institutions and

government dues of candidates contesting for the as-

sembly elections from south Sikkim: (as on 31/03/04)

AS Baraily, SDF candidate; Rateypani constituency1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from financial institutions – Rs. 3, 18, 816 due to SABCO3. Government dues – Nil

LP Tiwari, Congress candidate; Temi Tarku constituency1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – Nil

Garjaman Gurung, SDF candidate; Temi Tarku constituency1. Loans from banks – Rs. 15, 45, 987 due to SBI, Gangtok2. Loans from Financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – Nil

Chozang Bhutia, Congress candidate; Ralong1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – Nil

CB Karki, SDF candidate; Wok constituency1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues - Nil

GC Rai, SDF candidate; Melli constituency1. Loans from Banks – Nil2. Loans from financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – Nil

KN Rai, SDF candidate; Jorethang constituency1. Loans from banks – Rs. 7,23,573 due to SBI, Gangtok2. Loans from financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – Nil

Pawan Chamling, SDF candidate; Damthang constituency1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – Nil

JB Darnal, Congress candidate; Rateypani constituency1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from other financial institutions - Rs. 40,000 due to SABCO3. Government dues – Nil

TB Thatal, SDA candidate; Rateypani constituency1. Loans from banks – Rs. 58, 800 and Rs. 64, 042 due to SBI, Gangtok2. Loans from other financial institutions – Rs. 3, 19, 812 due toSHDB3. Government dues – Nil

PP Sharma, SDA candidate; Jorethang constituency1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from other financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – NilPurna Kumari Rai, Congress candidate; Jorethang constituency1. Loans from banks – Nil2. Loans from other financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues – property tax due Rs. 5.00

DD Bhutia, SDF candidate; Ralong constituency1. Loans from banks – 9,17,258 due to Bank of Baroda, GangtokBranch2. Loans from other financial institutions – Nil3. Government dues - Nil

erers to farmers and plant the firstrice. Dancers weave around alingam symbolizing fertility, evok-ing the clearing of the forest, dig-ging of the soil, planting, trans-planting, and harvesting. Flyingmotions represent spring birds fly-ing north, ushering in the plantingseason and giving the festival itsname: Ubhauli.

Traditional cultural artifactssuch as khurbas (sickles),dhyangros (long-handled two-sideddrums), dokos (baskets), andbinayos (bamboo mouth harps)used in the Himalayan villages ofthe old Rai-Kirat tribes will be ondisplay, a bazaar will featureHimalayan goods, and a food boothwill offer Nepali dishes such asdhalbhat tarkari, chicken curry, andiced chiya. Proceeds from foodsales will be used to offset costs ofproducing the event.

Vim Rai let me tag along on atrek to Dangmaya in the Arun Val-ley in 1990 where I met Rai sha-mans. One night, watching myshaman guru perform a version ofthe Sakewa Sili dance, I suddenly“got it”. Through the dance, Icould feel the safety and belong-ing of the Rai-Kirat’s connectionwith the ever-renewing rice crop,the forest, and the cycles of naturethat nourish them. So differentfrom western culture where welive on petroleum resources withthe uneasy knowledge that it can’tlast. The Rai-Kirats have much toteach us.

Ellen winner studied Rai-Kiratshamanism at Mohan Rai’s Shaman-istic Studies and Research Centreand is the author of World Shaman,and Thoughts in the Mind of God

Rais in the Rockies

29 April, 2004; NOW! 7

C M Y K

� NEWSSCAN

The Tibetan Youth Congress Executive, Dharamshala has organisedan indefinite hunger strike in New York which began on 2 April 2004.The Gangtok Drivers’ Tsokpa also got together and managed to collectsome money and donated it to TYC, Gangtok as a supportive gestureto help them function smoothly in support of the ongoing hunger strikein New York. The names of the donors and a copy of the receipt for theamount handed over to TYC are given below:Sl.No. Name Amt.(Rs.) Veh.No / Otherwise1. Kalsang (Sanga) 1000 SK04 / 21212. Pempa Amdo 1000 SK04 / 15783. A Singe 1000 SK04 / 58064. Lobsang 1000 SK04 / 57285. Lhakpa` 1000 SK04 / 30056. Ngodup 1000 SK04 / 61687. Lhakpa Dhondup 1000 SK04 / 28078. Tenzing 1000 SK04 / 15229. Lobsang Chonden 1000 SK04 / 623310. Rapten 1000 SK04 / 121311. Topgyal 1000 SK04 / 568412. Tsewang Ngodup 1000 SK04 / 160313. Tsepak 1000 SK04 / 575714. Sonam Tsering 1000 SK04 / 171615. Sonam Gyatso 1000 SK04 / 199316. Lodue Phuntsok 1000 SK04 / 560917. Tashi Wangdi 1000 SK04 / 307418. P.I. Nyima La 1000 SK04 / 165219. Gyaltso Kupup 1000 SK04 / 169420. Pempa 1000 SK04 / 415621. Tsering 1000 SK04 / 011422. Sangyal 1000 SK04 / 168723. DawaTsering 1000 SK04 / 625524. Karma Loday 1000 SK04 / 440225. Dhondup 1000 SK04 / 316526. Kalsang Dorjee 1000 SK04 / 198627. Wangchuk 1000 SK04 / 630828. Sonam Phuntsok 1000 SK04 / 169629. Sonam Yakla 1000 SK04 / 265230. Migma Dhondup 1000 SK04 / 210531. Tashi 1000 SK04 / 345432. Karma Tsering 1000 SK04 / 628833. Tsewang Norbu 1000 SK04 / 498934. Choephel 1000 SK04 / 418835. Chonden 1000 SK04 / 203136. Norbu Dhondup 1000 SK04 / 505337. Lhakchung 1000 SK04 / 235238. Jigme Dalla 1000 SK04 / 201239. Ngodup 1000 SK04 / 136640. Sangyal Passang 1000 SK04 / 047841. Dhondup 1000 SK04 / 225542. Tempo Yakla 1000 SK04 / 189243. Bhuchung 1000 SK04 / 166344. Acha Lhamu 1000 SK04 / 790545. Dawa Tsering 1000 SK04 / 257346. Rinchen Dolma 1000 SK04 / 444947. Lobsang La 1000 SK04 / 350248. Tsering Topgyal 1000 SK04 / 005749. Karma Tsedup 1000 SK04 / 626650. Apu Kunga La 1000 SK04 / 035951. Kalsang 1000 SK04 / 177552. Norchung Sir 1000 SK04 / 214053. Karma Anola 1000 SK04 / 311954. Chung Chung 1000 SK04 / 134755. Tashi 1000 SK04 / 173256. Pema Dorjee 1000 SK04 / 333257. Jampa Burtuk 1000 SK04 / 020258. Sikkim Motors 2100 Tadong59. Damdul La (Tadong) 1000 Yak Hotel60. Gyatso La 1000 Tibet Cyber Cafe61. Bhari Gyatso 1000 SNOD, Deorali62. Vikash, Panchayat 1000 -63. A. Dassang Burtuk 1000 TATA64. Migma 1100 231865. Passang 1000 Norling Travels66. Pema 1000 Nathula Travels67. Sangyal La 1000 Migsal Travels68. Tsewang Gompo 500 -69. Karma Tseten 500 Parking Tickets70. Tashila, Decheling 300 -71. Tamding Tsering 500 Cholhamu Travels72. Tsultrem 100 -73. Migma Bhutia 100 -

TOTAL : 70,200/-(-) Expenses 350/-

NET BALANCE : 69,850/-

Lastly, we wish themsuccess and GoodLuck! And a big thankyou to all the donors andeveryone else !!

JIGME DALLAPresident

Gangtok Drivers’ Tsokpa

a NOW REPORT

Since the time it opened lastyear, X’cape, the nightclubat Vajra Hall Complex has

bagged a fair share of the nightlifeloving clientele of the Rajdhani. Toentice more to join in on the fun, theX’cape management has launchedthe special Membership Card.

The membership is not only asimple pass which allows you en-try, but also comes with a host ofother privileges. For example dis-counts at some of the exclusive res-taurants and stores in Gangtok.

Pema Ladakhi, the person behindthe success of X’cape believes that infuture, relaxation and entertainmentwill play a key role in enhancing thequality of our lives as we move to-wards more prosperity and X’cape isperfectly poised to offer just that.

“Over the last decade, Gangtok hasgrown and become a very happening

place. The town stands poised for fur-ther change and this ushers in all the trap-pings of an urban society, defining newlifestyles and aspirations,” he tells us.

Part of the new lifestyle he willhave you believe is the feeling ofbelonging to a special place. A placeyou can go and chill out in the eve-nings. Or dance. Or simply listen tothe music. It is also a place you canthrow private parties in, take friendsout and feel like you belong.

All this feel-good bondingcomes with a price tag of course. Butfor regulars it’s a steal. For less than

Rs. 5,000 annually, the membershipcard entitles you to free entry to theclub for 1 full year, 24 free passesfor friends in a year, discounts atEntel Motors on labour charges andmyriad other discounts and benefits.

“It is a very good deal which-ever way you look at it. Althoughwe have a fantastic clientele al-ready, this is one way of makingsure that they begin to feel like theyown the place, like they belonghere,” offers Pema.

With spiel like that who can re-sist subscribing. See you at X’cape!

WANNA FEEL LIKE YOU OWN X’CAPE?BECOME AMEMBER

TENDER NOTICE

District Collector [N] invites sealed quotations from interestedlocal trade licence holders for running the special canteen tobe set up for Election purpose at Zilla Bhawan, Pentok fromthe 9th of May 2004.

Menu1. Puri/ Aloodam 350 heads2. Plain rice 450 heads

Chicken curry -do-Green vegetable -do-Dal [Kalo] -do-Salad -do-Papad -do-

3. Sukha Roti/ sabji/ Achar 100 heads4. Tea 1000 cups

Terms and conditions:1. The quotation along with xerox copy of the Attested Trade

License should reach the office of the Revenue Officer[Mangan] on or before the 3rd of May 2004 before 4.00 om.

2. The quotation will not be accepted after the stipulated time.Incomplete quotation will not be accepted. The opening oftender will be intimated at a later date.

3. The rates as quoted should not be varied due to rise in theprice once the quotation is accepted.

4. The food served shall be hygienic/ well cooked/ fresh/ warmand served in proper spic-n-span utensils.

5. The office of the District Collector reserves the right to ac-cept or reject the quotation without assigning any reasonthereof.

Sd/-District Colector-cum-Returning Officer [N]

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 28 April: The Finalsof the First Sikkim Inter-SchoolBadminton Championship 2004were held here at Palzor StadiumIndoor Stadium today.

In the U-16 category, the boys’singles final was between KuldeepGurung of Tashi Namgyal SeniorSecondary School and Kiran Rai,West Point Senior SecondarySchool. Kiran Rai won 2-1.

In the U-19 for girls, DichenZangmu of Kyi-de-Khang Schoolbeat Ranjana Tamang of PaljorNamgyal Girls Senior SecondarySchool. The score line for thismatch was 2-0.

Next was an exhibition match inwhich nine-year-old KunzangNamgyal, TNA, beat ten-year-oldAshif Pradhan, Daffodil’s Homes.

The team finals [Boys] betweenWest Point SSS and TNA was wonby the former by a 2-0 margin.

The team match [Girls]: Win-ner - Kyi-de Khang, Runners-up-PNGS. In the U-13 [Boys] finals,Bimal Pradhan, Tadong SSS, beatTshering Sandup, TathangchenSecondary School.

In U-13 [Girls] the match be-tween Tashi Choden, Kyi-de-Khang, and Prasanna Pradhan waswon by Tashi Choden.

In U-16 [Girls] the match wasbetween Dechen Zangmu, Kyi-de-Khang and Ranjana Rai, PNG waswon by Dechen Zangmu.

In U-19 [Boys] the match be-tween Ravi Rai, WPSSS and KiranRai, WPSSS was won by Ravi Rai.

Kyi-de-Khang girlsimpress at 1st

interschoolBadminton tourney

8; NOW!; 29 April, 2004

C M Y K

Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Darpan Publications Pvt. Ltd, Siliguri. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Executive Editor: Mita ZulcaNow! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 270949 email: sikkimnow@rediffmail.com

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NEW YORK: British rock starElton John, a guest judge thismonth on the US talent hunt TVseries “American Idol,” said onTuesday that he found the votingby the national viewing audience“incredibly racist.”

John, whoheard thewannabe popstars perform hissongs during anappearance onthe FOX TVshow, added hisvoice to a chorusof dissent thatfollowed lastweek’s shockexit of black vocalist Jennifer Hud-son, considered one of the top tal-ents among those vying for a re-cording contract.

“The three people I was reallyimpressed with, and they just hap-pened to be black, young female sing-ers, and they all seem to be landingin the bottom three,” said John, com-menting on the tally in which the low-est vote-getter is eliminated.

“They have great voices. Thefact that they’re constantly in thebottom three - and I don’t want toset myself up here - but I find it in-credibly racist,” John said at a newsconference promoting his RadioCity Music Hall concert backed byan orchestra of students from Lon-

don’s Royal Academy of Music andThe Juilliard School of New York.

The show often gets more than20 million people voting.

The other two singers groupedin the bottom three of the seven re-maining “American Idol” finalists

last week were black divas La ToyaLondon and Fantasia Barrino.

The results moved show hostRyan Seacrest to remind viewersthat the series was a talent hunt andnot a popularity contest.

“America, don’t forget youhave to vote for the talent,” Seacrestsaid before closing the show. “Youcannot let talent like this slipthrough the cracks.”

FOX Television declined tocomment.

Black crooner Ruben Studdardwon the top prize last year.

FOX Television is part of theFox Entertainment Group Inc., con-trolled by Rupert Murdoch’s NewsCorp. Ltd.

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ERIC BENETLOS ANGELES: Oscar-winningactress Halle Berry has filed fordivorce from her second husband,R&B singer Eric Benet, six monthsafter the couple separated, her at-torney said on Tuesday.

In a divorce petition filed onMonday in Los Angeles, Berrycited irreconcilable differences asthe reason for the split, attorneyNeal Hersh said.

In a statement issued last Octo-ber when the couple announcedtheir separation, Berry said: “Ericand I have had marital problems forsome time” but added that theywould try to repair their relation-ship. The couple, married Jan. 24,2001, had no children.

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LOS ANGELES: The NBC televi-sion network is fetching an aver-age U$2 million per 30 seconds ofcommercial time for the highly an-ticipated 06 May finale of the 10-year-old smash hit “Friends.” Whatmakes such broadcasts so appeal-ing to advertisers is not only theirpotential to reach a huge audiencebut a “highly engaged audience,”which is unlikely to tune out dur-ing commercial breaks.

LEO: Automobile line will be very success-

ful. Uncommon expenditure will be reduced.

You will be in a position to make a good

investment. You will prosper. You may take

a new decision regarding a business mat-

ter. Income from speculation is indicated.

VIRGO: You will enjoy good health. Cash

flow will be very good. You will avail of a

huge loan facility. Expenses will be

curbed. You will have good understand-

ing with your life partner. Encouraging

communication will be received. Students

will do better at studies.

LIBRA: You may commence new busi-

ness. Business will thrive. You may acquire

immovable property. You may be separated

from your life partner. Expenses are indi-

cated. Tension will be reduced.

SCORPIO: Separation from your family

will continue. Expenses will gradually re-

duce. You will be in a position to make a

good investment. Cash flow will be very

good. Social status will be good. Political

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9434217584

life will be very comfortable. Popularity

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SAGITTARIUS: You may go on a long trip.

Business will be brisk. Expenses will continue.

Cash flow will be very dull. You may acquire

immovable property. New agency business

may come up. Cash flow will be good.

CAPRICORN: Frequent travel is indicated.

Your trips will be very comfortable. Those

dealing in cashew and sugar businesses

will do very well throughout this year. Health

will be good. Worries will be over.

AQUARIUS: You may take a new decision

at home. Family life will be very good. Un-

common expenditure will decrease. Worries

about your business partner and spouse will

be over. Business will be brisk. Financial

status will be very good. Popularity will be

high. Litigations will be in your favour.

PISCES: Domestic happiness will prevail.

There will be expenses for an auspicious

occasion. You may go on a long trip. Health

will be good. You will receive good news.

Berry’s previous marriage toCleveland Indians outfielder DavidJustice ended in divorce in 1996.

In 2002, Berry became the firstblack woman to win the best actressAcademy Award for her sexuallycharged performance in “Monster’sBall” opposite Billy Bob Thornton.