BHANDARI’S POLITICAL CAREER IS IN COMA,15 April, 2004; NOW! 1 CONG THE LIFE SUPPORT, QUIPS CHAMLING

Bharat Sanchar Thursday, 15 April, 2004 Vol. 3 No. 17  Rs. 3 Nigam Ltd. a Govt. of enterprise Office of the General Manager Telecom Gangtok : NOTICE All BSNL subscribers are hereby informed that all tel- ephone numbers in Gangtok beginning 222, 223, 224 and 225 are being changed in a phased manner to now be- TURN TO gin 20, ie is the second number of these phones will pg 5 henceforth be “0.” FOR DETAILS SDF RELEASES 92-PAGE MANIFESTO OF ITS a NOW REPORT Also emphasised is SDF’s com- GANGTOK, 14 April: “The Sikkim mitment to guarantee “full safeguard Democratic Front ran two successive of the political, economic, social and terms in office without any distur- MISSION & AMBITIONS traditional rights” of the minority bances or hindrances. This is a record Bhutia Lepcha communities. of sorts in the country. We hope to an unprecedented change and devel- On the reservation of seats for the continue with the people’s support opment. Our politics is dedicated to Limbus and Tamangs, the manifesto and faith in the next term as well.” the welfare of all communities of the records: “After a proper census and and SDF presi- State. We will continue to move ahead the delimitation process is over, we dent, Pawan Chamling, said this with our revolution until we establish shall initiate time-bound discussion while releasing the SDF manifesto a system that guarantees complete with the Union Government for the for the upcoming Assembly as well political freedom, social justice and reservation of seats for the Tamang as elections here today. peace to the people,” he said. and Limbu communities in the “The SDF party has fulfilled all The SDF manifesto is divided Sikkim Legislative Assembly as per promises made to the people during into seven sections. Apart from Mr. the Constitution.” the last elections and even more than Chamling’s appeal, which forms It also assures to make a “strong that, we have been able to maintain the preface of the document, sepa- case” for increasing the Assembly a clean image in the public percep- rate chapters are dedicated to SDF’s strength [to 40] and representation tion. Now, our main endeavour will vision for 2015, its political and in the Lok and [2 each]. be to carry our work forward as there ideological stand, targets for the THREE CMs, ONE MANIFESTO: SDF president and Chief Minister On delimitation, the SDF has is still a lot to be done for the State next five years and a chapter on the Pawan Chamling releases his party’s manifesto for the upcoming si- promised to “hold interactions with multaneous polls. He is flanked by former Chief Ministers, BB Gooroong and her people,” he said. demands with the Central govern- the people, intellectuals and public [left] and Sanchaman Limboo [right]. While pointing out the salient ment. There are nineteen further representatives before the final con- points of the 92-page manifesto, subgroups which cover such top- health, youth management, etc. ticle [371F] has become more ex- clusion.” “The interests and rights of Mr. Chamling said that one of the ics as political and ideological pro- While reiterating that the SDF plicit and strongly expressed.” the Sikkimese people shall be pro- key components of the party’s grammes, power decentralisation, has been able to “ensure full po- “Our Government shall con- tected and further consolidated in the manifesto is the protection of the policies on economy, industry, ag- litical rights of the Sikkimese peo- tinue to uphold the dignity and hon- process of delimitation,” it adds. democratic institutions. riculture, horticulture, welfare ple as per the Constitution,” the our of the Sikkimese people,” the Full devolution of power and in- “We intend to continue to uphold schemes, environment, education, manifesto adds that “today this Ar- SDF manifesto adds. turn to pg 6 the party’s pro-poor and democratic principles in the next Government as well. While we do not intend to claim that we have established a completely Bhandari presents Cong’s “first & final” list of candidates new era in Sikkim during the last nine as the lone Lok Sabha seat. Mr. Bhandari, confident of re- and half years, we have still brought a NOW REPORT Contenders 2004, the “We have chosen the candidates turning to power after a two-term hia- GANGTOK, 14 April: The Sikkim on the basis of their winning potentials tus, said that the anti-incumbency complete SDF and Cong [I] list Pradesh Committee-I and have also weighed merit on their factor will vote the SDF out of power. of candidates on pg 6 (SPCC-I) today released its list of loyalty towards the party and the peo- candidates for both the upcoming ple. We have also tried to maintain a saree Assembly as well as Lok Sabha polls. balance of all the communities of the Although the Cong [I] waited for State in our selection of candidates,” HONG KONG this date to formally release the list - Mr. Bhandari said. sale after consultations with pundits and While Mr. Bhandari has kept Rinpoches for a favourable time and both the Gangtok as well as Central BAZAAR @ date - it contained little or no surprises, Pendam seats for himself, LP Tewari as most of the names had already been has been given Temi-Tarku and KN Any Item Rs. 90 to Rs. 150 made public on earlier occasions. Upreti has been given Rhenock. FIRST Mimani’s Former Chief Minister and Con- Five SDF dissidents have also found Gift Items, Crockery & Other TIME IN gress president, while releasing the berths in the Congress list. They are: DB Attractive Goods! SIKKIM MG MARG list, said that the list was the “first Gurung [Geyzing], and the final” one and no changes [ Lingzey], Sherhang Subba ST PRIL TH PRIL would be made to it. The Congress [Dentam], Sonam Choda Lepcha HOTEL BAYUL, MG MARG, GANGTOK 1 A -30 A is contesting in all 32 seats as well [Dzongu] and Tseten T. Bhutia [Pathing]. CMYK 2; NOW!; 15 April, 2004 ED-SPACE NOW! FIRST WITH THE NEWS POLICE! Three youth from the Congress camp walked into the NOW! office on 14 April. One of them was a fresh-faced kid who has only just given his class XII board exams. Let us keep the debate on whether such young minds should be exposed to the corrupting influence of politics for a later day and move on for now by accepting it as a matter of personal choice. The three came with a complaint and host of allegations against the police. In particular, about the treat- ment meted out to them at Kaluk thana. The three allege that they Part-1 Eight motorcyle enthusiasts we passed a settlement]. were “tortured” for three hours at the thana for belonging to the finally sit down to write with a banded together as the Mahesh was carrying a video- Congress camp. The exact details and the circumstances that led gnawing itch on my calf, ac- Himalayan Explorers and cam and would be shooting through to the incident will unfold in the coming days. What is obvious is Iquired this morning courtesy a thundered off to the trip, sitting pillion on any bike. leech. Recollection is a tough feat Our first stop was a bit beyond Kabi. that their story will be immediately lapped up as the truth by most Gurudongmar on their first people. That is what is disconcerting. Stories of police atrocities when it has to be done to its utmost Minor tuning problems had shown are accepted without question not just in Sikkim, but all over India. capacity, and I embark upon this feat Enfield Expedition together up and Aalam had to be on his feet This, for a force that is here “to serve and to protect,” is rather in trying to recollect my past week, on 08 April. They are back for the next ten minutes. We set off ironic. Why is it that whenever we say “Police” it comes with an before the memories fade further. and one of the team- again to stop at Mangan for lunch. exclamation mark? The trip was a dream that I had members, ABHISHEK PANDEY So far it had been a peaceful ride, What we have to accept before we start trying to figure this out, never thought would transform to shares his experience with though people like me who never is that the Indian Police is of colonial make. The British masters reality. A bike trip up north, past the travel in groups, had a tough time readers of NOW! in a two- required a force to keep the subjects in check. Solving crimes dreaded Chungthang army check keeping pace and concentrating on was only incidental to this aim since it helped the rulers keep the post where everything living has to part recollection... the bike directly in front. Lunch as troublemakers [and potential challengers to their rule] locked up show a permit to get across, to compounder; Vrinda [still don’t usual had a drowsy effect [it never or under constant surveillance. Khaki, the cop colour, was engi- Gurudongmar. Only that this time know what he does]; Tenzing, bas- fails to show up] and we rode to a neered to induce fear. More than half a century has passed since I would not have to run, beg and ketball player, hotel management point just beyond Mangan to take a colonial rule ended for India, but the policing mindset is yet to plead with the police department. graduate; Pintso, physical educa- break. Pittar-patter the drops sud- change. The situation becomes even more grave when the po- There were nine of us this time. tion teacher, amazingly determined; denly fell. Everyone had hoped it lice force believes that it is the only salvager of the society’s The Himalayan Explorers club, and Aalam, our mechanic and myself. would not rain but everyone knew morality. A crackdown on certain social ills might be mandated I, their newest member. The presi- The only common factor be- that it would. Raincoat-covered-tor- by law, but civil rights of a human being cannot be trampled dent would be doing all the permit tween us was the machine we all sos rode on through the light driz- upon. In the Kaluk case, it is very much possible that the boys acquiring and all I had to do was live for. Pintso, Vrinda, Mahesh and zle – through the Chungthang check were involved in some misdemeanour, but that should still not pay Rs. 1,200 and I could go. It was I were the old bullet riders. The rest post and beyond. dilute the impropriety of the alleged beating they received. The too good a chance to let go, and I had newer thunderbird versions. I had previously ridden to force is in place to maintain law and order and not mete out was lucky, as I was told later that The bikes had been altered with Mangan, and it was only after this verdicts and punishments. many had been disallowed from carriers to carry gear and fuel. last checkpost that I began to see But this is not really about the Kaluk incident. The concern is joining the expedition. The meet- We flagged off at 8am on Thurs- unseen territory. We were finally more over the public perception of the men in khaki. The force ing point was the bike repair shop day, 08 April. We had been given rid- stopped at the Lachen checkpost needs to indulge in some serious soul-searching to figure out at the bypass. Eight brand new char- ing numbers so that each rode in his where a problem cropped up. The how this image can be improved. On their part, they also need acters in my life - Mahesh Sharma, position and there would be no point- permit was incomplete and the to realise that democracy is not just about electing representa- the eldest, respected by the group, less overtaking and speeding. I guess clerk who had written it, had con- tives of our choice, but also about living with self-respect. Each a food inspector posted North; it would have been quite a spectacle veniently forgotten to write the time a person is treated like a criminal even during something Palden, a school teacher, mountain- to see eight engines roar up Deorali names of all the places that we were as routine as a mobile check, they trample on the person’s right eer and the captain for the trip; BB, for we managed to get more than a to pass [an absolute must, we were to dignity. And it is this attitude that makes any allegation of the president, bank employee and few heads to turn and smile in awe told at the checkpost]. We were on police atrocity get lapped up as the true story by the public. a constant talker; Suraj, lawyer, [an act that was repeated whenever turn to pg 6

-29- ways spoke with me in English whether I un- hat very evening my mistress got very derstood it or not. Often when they were angry with me for my delay in com speaking without my understanding the mean- Ting home. “You are doing your work Living and working at ing I had to look at their faces like a deaf boy, very badly, and if you don’t like your work and gradually I began to pick up some new you can go away,” she said. words, but they were very simple ones. Then I cried out: “All right, then I will Summer began again three months after I not work for you any longer. I have to work Kiamari Island started working for the police sahib. Early one hard and get only three rupees a month, with Sunday morning my master took me with him very much abuse. I will find a better place him my salaam. That sahib showed me his playful as ever. on a fishing trip with the boys and their aunt than the one here. Kindly give me permis- brother, who looked exactly like him. There was The weather was very cold, and a chilly and two friends of his, police sahibs from the sion to go tomorrow and my wages for the no difference at all in any detail, for this was wind blew from the ocean over Kiamari Island. city. We were over a dozen in all, seven in our three weeks I have worked here.” his twin brother. The other sahib had a wife I had few clothes and shivered. Seeing this, my party, and then about half a dozen fishermen. My mistress agreed and paid my wages and my own master had several children, master gave me a sweater for the winter. It was a large boat, rather narrow, ending very for three weeks and the very next morning said but their mother was dead. When the With these children I talked some sharply in front, with two floats, one on each goodbye to that house, leaving my friend the new master showed me to the chil- words of English, which I had side, and two large white sails standing up to cook behind. Then I went to the compound of dren, they looked at me all over with learned from Miss Mary. The chil- catch the wind to drive us forward. The two the police sahib, where he lived. On the way I great care. And when they found dren liked it so much that they al- masts were thirty feet high, pointing upwards met many people who had known me during that I was a Chinese boy they to the sky. The food we took had all been pre- the three weeks, and they said: “Yes, it is much were very pleased. pared the day before and there were also beer, better to leave the house of that bad memsa- I was now nearly sixteen whisky, soda and lemonade. hib. One day she might accuse you of some years old and had left my child- We sailed smoothly from Kiamari Island terrible thing like theft if you were to stay on. hood behind, but my body was to the lighthouse on Manora without any rea- That has already happened many times before. still small and had not grown son for fear, and yet as this was the first time All of us living here in Kiamari Island know very large so no one believed I I sailed out to sea, a great sense of danger her very well. I wish you good luck, my poor was as old as I was, and every came over my heart when I looked out over little boy, but you must work very hard with one still called me a child be- Artist, filmmaker, keen photographer, columnist with international the black and angry water. It was still barely magazines... It’s hard to pin Twan Yang down. Born to a Chinese the police sahib, for if you did any bad thing it cause my conduct and my feel- father and Tibetan mother, he grew up in Kalimpong and worked in dawn, and the flashes of the lighthouse were would be very dangerous.” ings had not changed from Sikkim. NOW! serializes Twan Yang’s autobiography, Houseboy in India... searching the whole open sea. Then I went to the police sahib and gave childhood. I still remained as -to be continued CMYK  NEWSSCAN 15 April, 2004; NOW! 3 Baishaki Utsav at Community Hall a NOW REPORT New Horizons, the first Travel Magazine from the region, is now GANGTOK, 14 April: Baishaki ready to go to print with its second edition. The inaugural issue Utsav was celebrated here today at continues to impress the policy-makers and bigger players of the the Community Hall. The day Trade and this is your chance to reach out to that select audi- ence. New Horizons is presently booking ad-space for the second marks the New Year of the Nepali edition and has made available special discounted advertisement community and this time harks the rates for those in the Tourism Industry in the region. beginning of the year 2061 of the For further details call: 03592-229216, 227618, 098320 89889. Vikram Sambhat era. or email: [email protected] Today’s programme was organ-

Calling all involved in the Travel Trade Ad-bookings close 13th May, 2004 ized by the Nepali Sahitya Parishad, Sikkim and had CD Rai, editor, Gangtok Times, as the chief guest. A HOUSE OF COLOR OFFSET Mr. Rai was all praises for the organizers for reminding the Sikkimese Nepalese of their culture Next was a poem recitation on of the elocution contest by the chief Pema Enterprises and literature. various topics and moods. The par- guest. Those to receive prizes were “Even though we might learn ticipants were Amar Bhaniya, Navin Vivek Varun Rai, Holy Cross School,  Multicolor Printing at reasonable foreign languages we should never Lamichame, Thiru Prasad Nepal, Nirjala Dahal, TNA School and Shriti  Composing forget our mother tongue”, he said. Bhawani Ghimirey and Dr. Ghaney Rai, Assam Lingzey Senior Second- & negotiable rate! In his welcome speech, Kuber Shyam Bastola. A humour item by ary School who stood first, second Chandra Dahal greeted the people Matrika Sharma was also included. and third respectively. Consolation with best wishes for the New Year. At the concluding ceremony prizes and certificates were also dis- Contact: 03592 204731 An elocution competition was prizes were distributed to the winners tributed to the participants. also held on the topic “The Book I loved the Most.” The participating ATTENTION schools and students were Dilip Kutse Shegu The East District Police has set-up a District Subba, Ranipool Senior Secondary The 49th Day Shegu of Late Dorjee Wangdi Bhutia, VLW (Rumtek) th st School, Nirjala Dahal, TNA School, falls on 18 April 2004. Dorjee Wangdi left for heavenly abode on 1 Control Room at the District Police March 2004. The family would also like to take this opportunity to Vivek Varun Rai, Holy Cross School, thank all those who stood by us during our time bereavement. All Headquarters, Sichey, Gangtok. The telephone Shriti Rai, Assam Lingzey Senior relatives, friends and well-wishers are requested to kindly join the numbers of the Control Room are: 284632, Secondary School, Indra Subba, West family for offering of prayers to the departed soul at their residence at Point Senior Secondary School and Rumtek, East Sikkim. 284633. The District Control Room will be Bhumika Poudyal, PNG School. The Gapo Lama (father), Chewang Lhamu (wife), Puchung Bhutia, Nim Dorjee, operational round the clock with effect from 10 judges for the competition were Gita Omzey Karma Chezung, Chumbu Bhutia (brothers), Ongchen Bhutia, Chungti April, 2004. Sharma, Dr. Rajendra Bhandari and Bhutia (sisters), Adup Lepcha(brother in law). Karna Shrestha. Phone numbers: 252288(Rumtek), 226705(Kazi Road), 229773(Arithang). SP [East] DURIAN IMPORTED FURNITURE, NOW AT YOUR DOORSTEPS

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CMYK 4; NOW!; 15 April, 2004 NEWSSCAN  Democracy hollow without equality, says Chamling at Ambedkar Jayanti day as a state holiday goes to Mr. SAGAR CHETTRI Chamling,” he said. GANGTOK, 14 April: The 113th Govardhan Gurung, Repre- Birth Anniversary of Bharat Ratna sentative of All Sikkim Gurung Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, also [Tamu] Buddhist Association then known as the father of the Consti- gave a brief sketch on the life of tution, was observed here today. A Dr. Ambedkar including his strug- function commemorating the event gles and achievements. was organized on the lawns of the Dr. B Kumar, Principal, Sikkim Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Law College was more elaborate in Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling his account of Dr. Ambedkar’s life. The public and the leaders at Hissey Lachungpa’s Lachen meet was present as the chief guest. He spoke of the glorious struggle The programme began at of the man against social norms like around 11 in the morning with Vir untouchability and the caste struc- Lachungpa tries to win Bandana followed by a welcome ture. He praised Dr. Ambedkar for address by BB Lohar during which raising the status of the scheduled he espoused the essence of the Dr. castes in India and bringing them over Lachenpas Ambedkar’s work. into the mainstream. cious with your vote,” he told them. DEEPAK SHARMA Mr. Chamling then garlanded Mr. Chamling, in turn, while He was also against the use of the statue of Ambedkar followed by urging the gathering to learn from LACHEN, 12 April: Lachen is be- Pipons and the Dzumsa for politi- an address by KK Thatal, vice presi- Dr. Ambedkar’s struggle for equal- ing misguided by Congress candidate cal purposes, saying they should dent, All Sikkim Schedule Caste ity, stressed that democracy rings Anil Lachenpa, feels Hissey only be utilized for social meetings. Welfare Association [ASSCWA] hollow if their is no equality among Lachungpa, the area MLA and SDF “The people of Lachen should which organized the function. He the people. Social peace, he candidate for the Assembly elections. support the SDF for more progress informed the gathering that observ- stressed, should be the final aim of Addressing a gathering of and development,” he stressed shift- ance of Dr. Ambedkar’s birth anni- all those living in a democracy. around a thousand persons at ing focus again to his campaign versary was observed in a big way Other speakers included CD Lachen on 12 April, Mr. Lachungpa Accompanying him at the meet- for the first time in Sikkim only af- Rai and SP Wangdi, Advocate Gen- asked them not to be carried away ing was Zilla Adhyaksha, Lobsang ter the SDF came to power in 1994. eral who said that BR Ambedkar is by such misinformation. Tenzing, former Chairman, NT “Before that it was a small known as the architect of the Indian “Congress Party will never Lepcha, Peter Lepcha, Jigmee event. The credit of celebrating this Constitution. form the government, so be judi- Lachenpa, Panchayats MB Thapa, Lhendup Lepcha, Loden Lepcha and party youth. Cong [I] misinforming voters Addressing the gathering, the AS Bareilly hits campaign trail Zilla Adhyaksha and Chairman on EVMs, warns KN Rai Mr. Lepcha, reminded the gather- corded to women in Sikkimese soci- PURAN TAMANG from OUR CORRESPONDENT ing that the SDF government had ety by the SDF government.” done a lot for the area in the last NAMCHI, 14 April: With the declaration of his name as SDF party can- JORETHANG, 14 April: An SDF He also went on to accuse the nine years. This time more benefits didate from Rateypani constituency, West Pendam, Aita Singh Bareilly, meeting for Jorethang candidate Cong [I] of spreading false informa- have been planned for the region, too, has begun to blaze the campaign trail. KN Rai was held at Dhargaon to- tion regarding the working of the they assured. From Rateypani on 09 April, he proceeded on to Bikmet the next day, day. At the meeting, which had a EVMs among the poor villagers. “This is our appeal to all the to Tangzi on 11 April and was at Rangpo, Majitar, on the 12th. All along large gathering of villagers, Mr. Rai Later, Mr. Rai made his way to public to support our good MLA he was accompanied by a huge following of party supporters. promised to complete all the pend- Salghari to address the people Hissey Lachungpa for better Feedback from the locals and Panchayat members of Rateypani hints ing developmental works in the there. Here, too he met party mem- progress and to solve problems of at a “sure victory” for the SDF candidate. The locals are happy that their constituency on assuming his seat bers and discussed various issues unemployed youth of north dis- candidate is a local unlike many other constituencies where candidates at the Assembly. On the other hand, with the villagers. He was accom- trict,” they lobbied. from elsewhere have been sent. the villagers made demands for a panied by former area MLA, Bhoj According to the gathered pub- Belonging to the same area, they believe Aita Singh Bareilly will do school, a playground for children Raj Rai, Binod Rai and Bhim Raj lic, Lachen has been facing a lot of something for their constituency. Incidentally, he also has the support of and proper electricity. Rai. The series of meetings for problems. “At present we have the SSP candidate from Rateypani for the 1999 elections, Madan Cintury. Assuring to meet these demands, Jorethang constituency by Mr. Rai problems including scarcity of wa- The constituency at present is looking forward to the Chief Minister’s Mr. Rai told the largely rural gather- began yesterday, 13 April and will ter, in cabbage and apple produc- public meeting scheduled for 20 April. ing that, “Full respect has been ac- continue till 04 May. tion as well as electricity prob- lems,” they complained, alleging that they were always getting step- motherly treatment by the present government. With a fellow Lachenpa present in the fray as a Congress candidate, Mr. Lachungpa will find it tough to win over voters here. Inciden- tally, in 1999, too, Mr. Bhandari had fielded a Lachenpa, but SDF won by a comfortable majority.

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CMYK  NEWSSCAN 15 April, 2004; NOW! 5 “BHANDARI’S POLITICAL CAREER IS IN COMA, CONG THE LIFE SUPPORT” GET UPTO Chamling introduces new faces as proof of SDF’s commitment to the youth and future of Sikkim 30% advisers, Mr. Chamling said, “No It is now a party of discarded and Sikkim’s population, therefore, we pre- SARIKAH ATREYA DISCOUNT ON member of the SPC is being paid any disgruntled people. What credibil- sented a youthful team that befits the GANGTOK, 14 April: Finally salary. They consist of imminent eco- ity do these people have? The Con- present-day society. We have tried to breaking his silence, Chief Minis- nomic planners and advisers of the gress is now run by fly-by-night op- forge together a new team, with new ter and country. In fact, they are doing a great erators, who are opportunists and faces mixed with senior and more ex- president, Pawan Chamling, laid to honour and service to the State by be- nothing else,” he said. perienced members. There are eleven ONLY AT rest some of the allegations made ing part of the Planning Commission Incidentally, the Congress’ new faces, while 15 old faces have been REEBOK SHOWROOM against him by the Opposition. and contributing their expertise free nomination list, which was released retained. We have given tickets to three BELOW BANK OF BARODA Speaking to media persons at of cost. Instead of criticising, the Op- here today, has given berths to five women candidates, two of them new MG ROAD, GANGTOK the release of the party manifesto position should appreciate such ges- SDF dissidents who joined the Con- entrants. This way, youth make up about here today, Mr. Chamling lashed tures to the State.” gress after they were denied tickets 30 percent of our candidates,” he said. If the out at the former Chief Minister for According to Mr. Chamling, the to contest the election by SDF. “Our candidates represent our “complete lack of vision” and of Opposition leaders are stuck in a “If the Congress is the only hope party’s ideology, that of promoting land-lines being “ideologically bankrupt.” time warp. for the people of Sikkim, as Mr. the youth of the State. We are look- let you down, “In the past few days, the Op- “Mr. Bhandari, who is already Bhandari claims it to be, then what ing at a team that is youthful, and NOW! can also position has gone on an offensive politically dead, is managing to was the party doing for the last ten at the same time, experienced and be reached at against the SDF party and my Gov- breathe through the Congress life- years in the State? The party has sur- mature. The veterans will take the ernment. There have been a number support. He is still stuck in the pre- faced only now just to further Mr. fresh faces under their wings and editorial: of reports in the media on the alle- 1994 era and is completely devoid Bhandari’s own personal cause and nurture them,” he explained. 98320 80753 gations made by the Opposition. But of any vision or ideology. What can ambitions,” Mr. Chamling countered. “In the last nine and a half years, 98320 17202 I have nothing to hide from anyone. one expect from someone with as Speaking on his own party’s we have worked as a team and this business: I have always advocated the princi- tarnished an image as his,” he said. candidates, Mr. Chamling said that has greatly contributed to our suc- ples of a transparent Government The present Congress outfit in a conscious effort has been made cess. Through this team effort and 98320 42096 and this transparency applies to my the State, Mr. Chamling said was to present a “well-balanced list.” hard work, our mission would be to 98320 80838 politics as well,” he said. “old wine in new bottle.” “The next government is going to achieve a corruption-free, poverty- email us at: Starting with the Opposition al- “Almost all the Congress’ so- be the first of the 21st century. Youth free, illiteracy-free and a disease-free [email protected] legation of “overpaying” government called leaders are former Sangramis. make up more than 40 percent of State of the 21st century,” he added.

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CMYK 6; NOW!; 15 April, 2004 NEWSSCAN  SDF releases 92-pg... CONTENDERS 2004 Contd from pg 1 SDF CONG [I] creased accountability of public rep- Lok Sabha Nakul Rai NOTICE resentatives and public servants is as- 1. Damthang Pawan Chamling Amar Yonzan sured along with a series of pro- 2. Yoksum Kalawati Subba Mangal Bir Subba grammes to make Sikkim self-reliant. 3. Tashiding DN Takarpa Sonam Dadul Bhutia On trade over Nathula, the Those candidates who have manifesto assures that “appropriate 4. Geyzing Sher Bdr. Subedi Dal Br. Gurung legislation and policies” will be 5. Dentam Deepak Kr. Gurung Sherhang Subba introduced from time to time to 6. Hee-Bermiok Narendra Kr. Subba Pushpak Subba submitted their applications for ensure that Sikkim derives the 7. Rinchenpong Dawcho Lepcha Pema Kinzang Bhutia maximum benefit from the trade. 8. Chakung PS Tamang Satish M. Pradhan the post of Statistical Inspectors A separate chapter on SDF’s de- 9. Soreng Ram Bdr. Subba Ashok Kr. Subba mands with the Centre lists the guar- antee that Article 371F “should be kept 10. Daramdin Ran Bdr. Subba Amar Subba at Directorate of Economics, inviolate” on top followed by the de- 11. Jorethang KN Rai Purna Kr. Rai mand that the BLs “continue to enjoy 12. Ralang DD Bhutia Chuzang Bhutia Statistics, Monitoring and all protections as provided under the 13. Wok Chandra Bdr. Karki Yuwa Raj Rai Constitution.” Restoration of seats re- 14. Melli Girish Chandra Rai Taraman Chettri served for the Sikkimese Nepalese in Evaluation, Church Road, “honour” of Sikkim’s history and tra- 15. Temi-tarku Garjaman Gurung Laxmi P. Tiwari dition finds prominence along with the 16. Cntrl-Pendam Somnath Poudyal NB Bhandari Gangtok are required to come demand for an increase in the number 17. Regu KB Chamling Arun Rai of seats in the State Assembly and rep- 18. Pathing Mingma T. Sherpa Tseten T. Bhutia to the office for updating the resentation in Lok and Rajya Sabhas. 19. Sang-Martam DT Lepcha Sonam T. Bhutia The demand for declaration of Sikkim as a Tribal State is raised along with a 20. Rakdong-Tintek Norzang Lepcha Phuchung Bhutia incomplete documents on or request to write-off loans taken by pre- 21. Lachen-Mangshila Hishey Lachungpa Anil Lachenpa vious governments. The State is also 22. Kabi-Tingda Thinley T. Bhutia Palden Bhutia before 17.04.04. lobbying for a special economic pack- 23. Rhenock Bhim Dhungel KN Upreti age of Rs. 3,000 crores for develop- 24. Assam-Lingzey Kunga Zangpo Bhutia Kunga N. Lepcha Smt. Ok Sonam Paljor ment along with the plea to keep Cen- 25. Loosing-Pacheykhani Manita Manger Bharat Basnet tral Direct Taxes out of Sikkim. Joint Secretary Reports suggest that the party has 26. Gangtok NK Pradhan NB Bhandari also prepared a series of manifes- 27. Ranka Nimkhit Lepcha Pintsho C. Lepcha DESM&E toes for every constituency with area- 28. Rumtek Menlom Lepcha DN Barphungpa specific promises. These, it is learnt, 29. Khamdong DM Ramudamu Santosh Bardewa will be released during public meet- 30. Rateypani AS Baraily Janga Bir Darnal Kutse Shegu ings at the respective constituencies. th 31. Dzongu Sonam Gyatso Lepcha Sonam Choda Lepcha The 49 Day “Shegu” of late Dhondup Tshering Bhutia who ex- [more details on SDF pired on 4th March 2004 falls on 21st April 2004. All relatives, friends 32. Sangha Tshering Lama Manifesto in tomorrow’s edition] and well- wishers are requested to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul at Tshoka Tshum, Nam Nang, Gangtok. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those wo ex- When 8 Enfielders decide to do North tended their help in our hour of bereavement. way] to be able to stand around the were tucked away and snoring. I Pempa Bhutia (wife), Namgyal Dorjee Bhutia, son , Nedup Doma Bhutia, Daughter, Contd from pg 2 Passang Bhutia, Brother, Chung Chung Bhutia Sister-in-law, Lhakpa Bhutia , Brother, stove in the corner. Our captain woke up the next morning at about Tshewang Bhutia, Brother. Ph. 98320-71692, 227970 Enchey Compound, Tibet Raod. the brink of being sent back, with walked in with a half smile and or- 5am. The others were still asleep shattered dreams, when something dered us off the vicinity of the when I went down to see Thangu FOR SALE Compaq Presario [P1, 1610 series] happened that I can’t reckon [there stove. Numbed skin when suddenly in twilight. was too much high speed Nepali exposed to heat leads to frost bite… Laptop in excellent condition. Price: Rs. 20,000. conversation] and everyone looked I did not know that and I was glad Kutse Shegu Contact: 98320 14604 relaxed. The problem had been re- to continue shivering. We were put The 49th Day solved and we celebrated with ex- up in a largish room which was to “Shegu” of late FOR RENT tra sweet tea. It was 5 in the evening serve as our dormitory. We changed Manoj Tamang Barsaana College Building & NOW! already and Thangu was around 40 from drenched to damp clothes and who expired on Hostel available for rent in CLASSIFIEDS kms off. went down to the kitchen which 26th February Kalimpong after June 2004. It was still drizzling and we set had a huge fire in the middle. By 2004 falls on 14th Contact B K Ghatraj. to book space in NOW! off to the final destination of the then we were too warm for frost April 2004. All Phone: 953552-257810 classifieds, call 270949 or relatives, fiends day. The road was wet and slippery bites and literally hugged the fire. EARN 98320 80838 and as we rode higher it grew The rest of the evening was what and well-wishers are requested to join us in offering prayers for Excellent Money Making colder. High speed was unthinkable one can call a khattu-break. WONDERFUL BUSINESS the departed soul at our resi- Franchise Opportunity and soon enough the ambient day- Singing is amazing fun, but at OPPORTUNITY dence at Ranipool Bazar, East available for Foreign Education Work from home! Earn Rs. light was replaced by 8 halogen 14,000 ft it was even better. I had and Employment. Interested Sikkim. We would also like to 20,000 to 60,000, per month headlight beams. The tarred road been up at that altitude only once take this opportunity to thank all parties please e-mail: part time. Call Dr. Supriya @ disappeared and we were riding on when I had ridden up beyond those who extended their help [email protected] broken ground. The bikes sputtered Changu and Nathula to Nathang. in our hour of bereavement. 98320 55121 and coughed in the high altitude. But I had been there for about 20 Smt Man Maya Tamang, Smt Suk Maya FOR SALE INCREDIBLE NATURAL They needed a high fuel-air mix- minutes before I hurried on to zones Tamang (Mother), Smt Sakuntala Pure Jersy Cows for WEIGHT LOSS. Pradhan (wife), Sisir Tamang, Basant immediate sale in Kalimpong. Nutrition & Energy products! ture setting. Half the people did not of more oxygen and vegetation. Tamang, Sunil Tamang (Brothers), C know what that meant and those This time I was to live at that alti- Doma (Sister in Law), ph: 03592- Contact: B K Ghatraj. First time in Sikkim!!! Call who did chose to keep riding as tude and it was a heroic feeling. 251784® 251524® 94341- Phone: 953552-257810 Dr. Supriya @ 98320 55121 43969(M). hands and feet got numbed beyond Fifteen minutes post dinner we ESTEEM FOR SALE!! comprehension in the almost LAND FOR SALE 13,000 ft altitude cold. Nobody A Black Esteem Velocity for knew where they were riding and Kutse Shegu sale. Five months old, with 6th Mile Tadong. Area The 49th day Kutse Shegu of the late Jiwan Kumar Lama who left for the ride eventually became holding all accessories including a 34,000 sq. ft. Near the handle bar as tight as one could his heavenly abode on 01 March falls on 18 April. Sony X-Plod CD system. All friends, well-wishers and relatives are requested to join us in and just going on… over slush, offering prayers for the departed soul at our residence at Soreng Ba- Extremely reasonable. Youth Hostel, 6th Mile. muck, loose stones… everything. zaar [West Sikkim]. Contact: 94340 20677 Contact: 94341 31430 After what seemed like eons, We also take this opportunity to thank all those who stood by us during we stopped in front of a small hut the time of bereavement and regret our inability to do so individually. TO-LET with dragon inn written on a small Pavitra Mala Yonzon (Mother), Munna & Champa (Wife), Asis Lama (Son), GROUND FLOOR SPACE AVAILABLE board propped in front - our lodge Rosni & Prabina (Daughters), Binod Yonzon (Brother), Bijoy Yonzon (Brother), 24 feet X 40 feet, roadside at Development Area. Preferably for Res- for the night. Everyone rushed in Sabnam & Ranjana (Sister in-law), Chandra Km. Lama (Sister). taurants, Showrooms, etc. and fought [in a civilized sort of a Phone: 284349(R), 9832034713 (M) Please Call: 03592 - 225480 / 98320 61037

CMYK  XFACTOR NOW! FOR THE YOUNG 15 April, 2004; NOW! 7 When the chord strikes ‘G’ it’s time to rock t’s heartening to hear a consist- Bent studiously over an Ibanez ent outpour of musical strains sonam worth Rs 16,000 is Vishal - another Ifrom the beat houses of the suman new addition after the self-subtrac- hills. At one time it was like hav- tion of Samir. He’s just given his ISC ing a go at studio music was as ex- exams but the guitar seems to have asperating an effort as hoping for been a longer companion. Netra has water in taps around here. There acquired a double base pedal for his were and still are as numerous air drum kit which is worth writing guitarists and band hooters as home about and also indication dreams and fantasies but the mo- enough that only metal matters now. ment of truth seems to be finally Suman is a cool one with a deciding who hoots and who goes diwash Yamaha bass. Sometimes you feel solo with his breezy customer. It’s netra he doesn’t care for the next note but still dawn yet but the heat’s on. the next note comes-a-callin. As for Still Waters are Sikkim’s first Sonam it doesn’t matter what guitar music house to record and release make he straddles. He really rides an English album. This was during them. He’s got a Peavey now. “From September 2002. They are also the Singapore and worth 10,000,” he first and only band from Sikkim to reveals. Then there is a GFX8 and a perform at the Great Indian Rock. Zoom 1010 for the !@#$% stuff. Make that twice. Now they are plan- The jam is a treat. These are canny ning another sit-in at the studio for musicians. I’ve never emerged from the cutting of their second album, a jam session without my ears sore and which tells you they are alive and… dumb but this time I did. For many yeah, kicking about and verily too. veteran bands the right mix and lev- Diwash their new vocalist – though els of various instruments remains the chords he strikes belies his nov- eternally elusive. Not so bad here. elty – makes a tentative guess for When the chord strikes G it’s time to August for their second release. rock. Smoke on the Water like how And in the mean space of time vishal Dire Straits might have done, Iron they have been playing around. Maiden like how Still Waters would “Yeah, we’ve been playing around like to do, AC/DC in a medley, An- and we’ve topped a few music fests matter if that sounds like a place- Christ. But that’s beside the point- make the difference. Not so subtle a other one bites the Dust like Queen… recently,” Sonam says – but with ment agency - everyone will get his as all negative thoughts ought to be. change comes also in their music. “We also have a few originals”, him around you could work your call. What’s important is that mu- A forthcoming release of song The shade of southern rock has been says Diwash. But, of course. There way out of cube 80s and into the sicians around here are finally get- compilations from the same brother- blasted out of contention by will be another time for that. charts. So we don’t have one ting serious enough for a studio re- hood is titled “Chakraview” for the Diwash’s shine of metal. -otis around these parts but some bloke cording though their music brand promotion of which Still Waters are had better be giving it a good part remains staid as ever. I mean Iron preparing for a show in Kalimpong. of his head. It’s gonna be a buster. Maiden and AC/DC are good as So on 28 April they along with four And dropping in at the studio is other bands from Darjeeling and The Royal Plaza also a certified way for the making Kalimpong featuring in the compila- A 75 Room, Four Star, Luxury Hotel in Gangtok, opening in of mean space and time. Any musi- tion will burn melodies at the Mela May 2004, introducing the highest standards of hospitality cian worth his whatever will tell you Ground there. A few days later a re- that that is a hell of a mean way to peat performance will to Sikkim requires a Chief Engineer, F&B Manager, spend your melody. But it’s got to be for Darjeeling. Executive Chef, Front-Office Manager, House-Keeper be done and even a maverick needs “We also have one in and Executives for all Departments. a calling card these days. And none store for Gangtok”, The property is managed by the Sarovar Park Plaza Group – of the melody makers of the sur- says Sonam, “…that A chain of 23 Prime Hotels and Resorts in India, part of the rounding mountain towns will ever will be after the elec- US-based, Park Hospitality Group. Candidates with previous knock on that. “Our first album was tions”. So, what are experience of Launching / Operating hotels would be pretty successful here and around”, we really waiting for, says Sonam. I don’t remember the you tell me. preferred & should Apply Immediately. name of that piece but what’s im- At the Still Waters jam-pad Remuneration will not be a constraint for deserving portant is that I remember it to be somewhere downtown there has candidates. Send complete Resume with photograph to: worth at least 3 if not 4 stars out of been a tangible change. An ob- Regional Director: 5. So that’s what you get from a visit vious one involves their Sarovar Park Plaza Hotels and Resorts to the “sweat house”. vocal department C/o Teesta Rangit Pvt.Ltd. Upper Syari, Gangtok, Sikkim 737 102 Then there is “First for the where their original vo- Tel: (03592) 281570 / 281571 / 281576. Fax: (03592) 280232 Road,” a compilation of Nepali and calist Anant is nowhere English numbers from every musi- to be found or heard. But cal brotherhood of Gangtok and there is Diwash. “I got a sore VACANCY surrounding towns. It was pro- throat,” he says after gulping Wanted a Sales/ Marketing Girl. The candidate duced here in Gangtok - by Sonam down a few lyrics but I can’t himself along with Neiky - and has should be at least 10+2 pass wwith fluent English just been released. So, it doesn’t BAHRAIN (MIDDLE EAST) REQUIRES and good communication skill. Contact: Sikkim Flora SNOD Complex, VACANCY WAITERS (M/F) 20 - 28 Class XII Deorali, Gangtok. Female Sales SALES GIRLS (F) 20 - 28 Class XII ph: 281596, 98320-86307 Manager required for DRIVERS (M) 20 - 40 --- an exclusive STEEL FIXERS (M) 20 - 40 --- CARPENTERS (M) 20 - 40 --- WANTED a Smart Female Graduate having showroom in Gangtok. ELECTRICIANS (M) 20 - 40 Class VIII computer knowledge with fluency in Qualification - Graduate. MASONS (M) 20 - 40 --- Salary Negotiable. Apply with Bio-Data to: English to work in a Travel Agency. contact: BAYUL Tours & Travels (P) Ltd. Contact: Bayul Tours & Travels [P] Ltd., Gangtok 222973, 281465 Gangtok. Tel: 228341. Mobile: 94341 27094 Tel: 228341, 94341 27094

CMYK 8; NOW!; 15 April, 2004 THEFINALONE  today in MEL MAKES TV ‘PASSION’ PLAYS DEAD CANDIDATE WINS LOS ANGELES: Will “The Pas- VOTES IN INDONESIA History sion of the Christ” play in JAKARTA, Indonesia: A candi- tee member in south Sulawesi prov- primetime? Mel Gibson’s Icon date in last week’s legislative elec- ince where the mix-up occurred. 14th April Prods. has quietly started the proc- tions in Indonesia won nearly 800 Mirdin Kasim died in February, 1452: Leonardo da Vinci is ess of shopping for TV licensing votes despite shortly after the born in Italy. deals for “Passion,” which is the having died deadline for 1469: Born, Guru Nanak, the first hugely successful film to come three months ODDLYENOUGH printing ballot first guru of the Sikhs down the pike as a true free agent ago, poll officials said. papers had passed. It was impossible 1784: First balloon flight in for pay TV and broadcast/ basic ca- “It’s a bit ridiculous,” said Andi to inform all the people in the region Ireland ble licensing in more than five Mappinawang, an election commit- of his death, Mappinawang said. 1800: James Ross discovers years, since Fox scooped up the North Magnetic pole rights to George Lucas’ Star Wars: 1912: Titanic sinks at 2:27 AM A MOBILE PHONE THAT GOES Episode I — The Phantom Menace. in North Atlantic. OFF WITH A BANG 1923: First sound on film public Industry sources say each of the Big Four broadcast networks has HBO, Showtime and other major HONG KONG: When Chan Tin-hon’s mobile phone went off, it went performance shown at off with a bang. “I was lining up in a bank,” the 22-year-old from Hong Rialto Theater (NYC) been pitched the movie, along with cable outlets. Kong told local Cable TV. “When I hung up the phone, it exploded. It was 1923: Insulin becomes generally available for POLICE PROBE NEW MICHAEL very loud.” Last year there were several incidents of Nokia phones ex- diabetics ploding or bursting into flames in Europe. Nokia said other manufactur- JACKSON MOLESTATION CASE ers’ batteries, and not its own, were to blame for the incidents. 1941: First helicopter flight of LOS ANGELES: Police are investi- 1 hr duration, Stratford, gating claims by an unidentified man Connecticut, USA. 1948: First Jewish-Arab that pop star Michael Jackson mo- military battle, arabs lested him in Los Angeles in the late defeated 1980s, authorities said on Tuesday. 1948: State of Himachal The probe comes as Jackson Pradesh is created. battles charges in central Califor- 1955: Ray Kroc starts the nia that he molested a young boy McDonald’s chain of fast seen in a controversial British tel- food restaurants evision documentary, which was 1966: The Rolling Stones filmed partly at his Neverland Val- LA Police has confirmed that an release “Aftermath” ley Ranch in Santa Barbara County. investigation is in progress, but declined to comment on the details of the case. THE FUTURE, NOW! 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Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Darpan Publications Pvt. Ltd, Siliguri. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Executive Editor: Mita Zulca Now! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 270949 email: [email protected] CMYK