CATCH UP ON August 14-20, 2002 NOW! YOUR 1 WEEKLY Panorama CHINESE ZODIAC Color Lab FORECASTS IN Beyond WOMEN Competition NOW! MG Marg, Gangtok, Sikkim - 737 101 GANGTOK WEDNESDAY, August 14-20, 2002 Vol 1 No 11
Rs. 5 ph: 25098 / 22488 Stage III to NHPC too? DIKCHU a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK: The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is hopeful that the Sikkim government will award them with the Teesta Hydroelectric Power Project Stage III. NHPC Chief Engineer, VK Jain is “confident” that the Stage III project will also come their way, after the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling made his intentions in this regard at a function in Namchi recently. While it is not clear whether the CM actually meant NHPC when he said that his government is “ready to tap the full hydro power potential of the Teesta river and would award the rest of the Project Stages (I, II, III, IV and VI) to any competent party, including the NHPC,” sources hint that the Stage III will most probably fall in NHPC’s lap. Stage III of the Teesta Hydroelectric Power Project is the biggest of all the six stages, which will have an installed capacity to generate 1200 MW of electricity. It would be located in North Sikkim, at Mangan, Chungthang and Monpu. The total installed capacity of all the six projects is at about 3635 MW. Experts have said that the Stages I and II, located at extreme north of the Sikkim, would be difficult to execute because of the S.O.S. terrain and the fact that it would be snowbound most of the year. Together, the two Stages could generate 1070 MW of power. Mr. Jain is however, hopeful and confident that the Stage III project will be handed over to them since “NHPC has excellent track record and has already proved their credibility in the Stage V project, the construction of which is five and a half months ahead of schedule.” While commending “the vision and farsightedness” of the State government in wanting to tap the full hydro power potential of the State, Mr. Jain said that this is “an excellent idea for the rapid development of the State. “If this is achieved, Sikkim will be the richest State in the country,’ he said. Mr. Chamling had earlier said that his government’s aim would be to generate its own revenue of Rs. 1,000 crores by 2015 through tax and non-tax avenues. That would include tapping the hydro power potential of the State and tourism. TURN TO pg 3 FOR DETAILS turn to pg 11 BEND IT LIKE BAICHUNG NOW! on Baichung’s triumphant return to form... 2 NOW! RECAP SIKKIM Augsut 14-20, 2002 LEPCHA CULTURE AMONG THE RICHEST: CHAMLING 7 with the traditional worship of language, art and culture.” The understood our policies towards Mount Tendong at its summit in SLYA expressed its “gratefulness” preservation of our unique heritage Namchi, South Sikkim by a group to the Chief Minister for giving and culture and now it is up to them of senior and revered Bongthings. “equal opportunity to all the ethnic to work in close coordination with This was followed by a day-long communities of the State and our principles,” he said. He literary and cultural programme at providing them with a platform to expressed his happiness over the the Community Centre here, which grow and prosper.” fact that the people have consisted of a quiz competition, an The Chief Minister gave away appreciated the efforts of his elocution and cultural programme the prestigious GB Mainwaring government. “Actions speak louder with participation of Lepcha Youth Literary Award to writer Ugen than words. People can see the Associations members from Shipmo and Late Lha Tshering results for themselves,” he said. throughout the State as well as Kunchudyangmoo Literary Award Mr. Chamling said that the from the Darjeeling Hills. to Phurkit Lepcha of Dzongu who language and literature of the The next day’s programme secured the highest marks in Lepchas was “richest amongst the started with a drama competition, Lepcha language in the class X ethnic communities” and it should followed by the main programme examinations this year. be preserved at any cost. in the evening during which the Mr. Chamling also released a Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling documentary film on the Lepcha He said that the progress of any Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, was felicitated by the SLYA for his community during the occasion. community does not necessarily by SARIKAH ATREYA Kolkata organized the festival. The contributions towards the welfare Speaking on the occasion, Mr. mean only economic growth. “It two-day festival incidentally of the Lepcha community in Chamling, while reiterating his also means the development of its GANGTOK: Tendong Lho Rum marked the completion of ten years Sikkim. government’s commitment towards language, literature, art and Faat was celebrated with of Sikkim Lepcha Youth The SLYA presented Mr. the preservation and promotion of culture,” he said. He urged the traditional pomp and grandeur in Association’s involvement in Chamling with a traditional thanka all communities in the State, said Lepcha community to come the State on August 7 and 8. celebrating this festival in such a with gold inscriptions in that it was up to the people to work forward and participate in the This year, the Sikkim Lepcha large scale in the State. appreciation of his “relentless towards the welfare of their own progress and development of the Youth Association, along with the The first day of celebrations interest in the welfare of the communities. “We are merely the State in a big way. Department of Culture and the began in the early hours of August Lepchas, their history, tradition, facilitators. The people have now
LETTERS LAND SLIDE KILLS FATHER SIKKIM COULD DO SPCC (I) CANNOT AND DAUGHTER WITHOUT HATE RONGLI: On the fateful night of he article “Sikkim needs no August 7, 2002, a landslide that THarvest of Hate” (NOW! Vol EXPEL ME: KAZI occurred due to heavy rainfall 1 No 10) must be applauded for it throughout the night washed away to come from much higher in the exposed itself even more. Everyone takes a strong stand against any the house of Gorey Karki. Gorey party hierarchy,” he said. knows where they stand,” Mr. Kazi kind of misinformation. a NOW REPORT Karki and his 19-year-old daughter Earlier, the SPCC (I) through a said while alleging that the decision I read The Week of August 4, Mamta Karki were washed away GANGTOK: Reacting to reports in Press release issued by its General was prompted more by directions 2002 only after the article in your along with the debris of the house. the media that he had been expelled Secretary, Press and Publicity, from the ruling SDF party than an paper and I whole heartedly Their bodies were later recovered from the primary membership of Tseten Lepcha, had announced that initiative of the local Congressmen. support your retort to the article on from the debris and were sent to Sikkim Pradesh Congress Commit- Mr. Kazi had been expelled from While commenting on the ac- Sikkim in The Week. the Singtam Hospital for post tee (SPCC) (I), former General Sec- primary membership of the party for tivities of his party colleagues (Mr. It is obvious that the journalist mortem. writing for The Week has collected retary of the party unit, Jigme N. his continued “anti-party” activities Kazi maintains that he continues to his information from hearsay rather Kazi, told NOW! that the SPCC (I) and his failure to justify his actions be a Congressman), Mr. Kazi said than through research or was not authorised to take such ac- alleged in a show cause notice is- that certain senior leaders had sold TATA INDICA investigation. Such sort of tion. “The decision to expel and sued to him in August 2001. out to the ruling front after reports ABANDONED intellectual dishonesty mars suspend members cannot be taken “With their latest action, the that former CM, Nar Bahadur journalism – thank god your paper by the SPCC (I). The orders have Congress leadership in the State has Bhandari, was interested in merg- NAMCHI: A silver colored Tata took a stand against it. ing his Sikkim Sangram Parishad Indica was found abandoned on the Moreover faith of any kind is with the Congress (I) started mak- Namchi-Jorethang road. The always beyond question, so how ing the rounds. “They supported the vehicle seems to have met with an can anyone question another’s 11-YEAR-OLD COMMITS SUICIDE move and then started sabotaging accident after which it was the process after they were bought abandoned. No documents of the reason to believe? SORENG: The sequence of Worried that something must have over by the ruling party which felt vehicle could be found, and so far Sonam Ongmu, Gangtok suicides continues and this time it happened to the kid, his threatened by the development,” no claimant has turned up, report involves an 11-year-old. Chitra grandfather went to look for him. Mr. Kazi said. sources. GET INTERACTIVE Bahadur Gurung, 11-year-old son Around 11.30 am he found his irst of all let me thank and of Dal Bahadur Gurung, a resident grandson dead, hanging from a tree SIKKIM STATE CO-OPERATIVE SUPPLY AND Fcongratulate you on the of Chakung Pakha Gaon, did not with a noose around his neck. The launching of NOW! - an excellent return from his usual grass-cutting boy had committed suicide barely MARKETING FEDERATION LTD. paper and also for including our rounds long after his regular 300 feet away from the house. (A GOVT. OF SIKKIM UNDERTAKING) request i.e. giving space for returning time on August 10, 2002. THONDUPLING BUILDING, MG MARG, GANGTOK horoscope. Now, we would like to see a DEAD BODY RECOVERED TENDER NOTICE column for people’s opinion and FROM BHARI KHOLA TRESSPASS Samples of uniform materials for Class IV grade employees of the message board too. So, we can keep JORETHANG: An unidentified Govt. of Sikkim are invited in sealed boxes or envelopes. The firms in touch with you all and your paper body was recovered from Bhari TURNS shall submit the following documents alongwith the samples. and also with our relatives and well Khola at around 11 am on August A) EARNEST MONEY wishers abroad with freedom of 8. An inquest was conducted and The samples should be accompanied by a T.D.R. of Rs. 20,000/ speech. after the autopsy the body was sent BLOODY - (Rupees twenty thousand) only drwan in favour of Dy. Manager to the morgue at the District RUMTEK: Som Kumar Karki and (Fin.) SIMFED, Gangtok which is refundable. So if your paper wants to give Hospital in Namchi. his wife Kamala Karki intruded close views of Sikkim, you people B) SAMPLES into Yam Kumar Karki’s brother’s should spread your good media ASSAULT The samples of each item should be serially marked with per- house at around 6 pm on August persons to each and every district RANIPOOL: Pukar Baraily centage composition of texture alongwith trade name. 12, and allegedly assaulted Yam for complete news. If you send out lodged a complaint with the police Kumar with lathis and stones, due C) REGISTRATION your reporters then it’s ok, here that he was assaulted with a to which he suffered injuries on the Photocopies of the trade licence to deal with the items alongwith otherwise for Mangan district you knife by Wangchuk Bhutia at the right side of his face and his right income tax and sales tax clearance certificates and Delership cer- can contact our members for the Ranipool School area at 3.30 pm elbow and also on the back of his tificate of relevant companies should be enclosed alongwith sam- District update. on August 12. Baraily was taken ples. Firms should submit the dealership certificate from the com- head. The police inspected the Thank you to the STNM Hospital and the pany without which the sample submitted will not be accepted. house and the available witnesses. Deepak Kumar, Joint Secretary, police arrested Bhutia. The police Som Kumar Karki and his wife Educated Unemployed Youth are conducting further Sample approval form can be obtained from SIMFED office were arrested, but Kamala Karki Association, North Division investigations into the case. during office hours by paying Rs. 1,000/- only (non-refundable) was released on bail after the being the cost of the form. The last date of receipt of the form is on NOTICE interrogation was done. 16.09.2002. This is to inform that we have no business dealings with M/S MLM The opening of the sealed samples is on 17.09.2002 at 11 FEEDBACK a.m. in the presence of the Selection Committee and the firms, the Consulting (P) Ltd., Tower House, 2A Chowringhee Square, Kolkata - BOUQUETS OR 700069, Corporate Agents of METLIFE Indian Insurance Co. Pvt. Selection Committee shall approve the samples on the basis of Ltd. We are not responsible for anyone transacting with MLM Con- BRICKBATS - quality and merits of the firms. Thereafter only the firms whose sulting (P) Ltd. and MLM Consulting (P) Ltd. has no office existing INVITED @ NOW! samples are approved will be invited to submit their rates. in our premises. email- MANAGING DIRECTOR CAPITAL ENTERPRISE; Deorali, Gangtok. ph: 81043 [email protected] SIMFED August 14-20, 2002 UP-FRONT NOW! 3 DIKCHU STARES DOWN THE BARREL OF HEALTH CRISIS

reported by males. The women, she RANJIT SINGH on the feels, are shy to come out with their problems. health crisis that “We had organized an could erupt at any awareness camp in Makha STD TODAY; AIDS sometime back and realized that the moment at Dikchu rise of STD was mainly due to unsafe sex and the habit of keeping DIKCHU: The Primary Health multiple partners.” She doesn’t deny Centre in Dikchu is today faced the presence of sex workers either. with a peculiar problem which is Nor does she deny the rise in gradually assuming disturbing TOMORROW the number of unwanted proportions. The fact that nothing pregnancies among the young has been done about it nor are there prerogative of treating labourers supposed to. “It is very annoying intimate relationship with the women of the area. any indications of any action lies with the NHPC dispensary. that we have to cater to their migrant labourers. The number of Abortion cases are something towards alleviating the problem is According to the locals the patients when clearly we are STD cases has shown an alarming the PHC, though frequented with, alarming, given its critical nature. reason why the NHPC doctors do neither obliged to nor have the increase from 5% before the project is totally unprepared and The PHC in Dikchu, though not attend to their patients is that manpower or space,” she says. She started to 70 % today,” claim unequipped for and neither are they well equipped, is a sub-centre they are just not interested in the wishes the NHPC doctors would at members of the Dikchu Youth permitted to do so. Abortions do, building with a capacity to treat plight of the labourers. “They are least cooperate with her and share Welfare Association (DYWA). however take place and it is about a dozen patients a day. Apart more concerned in running their the workload. And while the number of STD anybody’s guess where. While from the full time doctor, there are private side business, they just Last year there was an outbreak cases in steadily increasing the ignoring the morality of the issue, five nurses and a compounder. But refuse to see the labourers,” said of cholera in the area, which caught NHPC dispensary remains the health hazards it poses need to of late, this PHC has been regularly one. Another opined that it is also the NHPC doctors napping. Not unconcerned and, as usual, shifting be addressed. attending to 50 to 70 people and due to the fact that the doctors at being properly equipped or the burden onto the PHC. According to DYWA, which even 80 people a day. NHPC do not speak or understand farsighted enough to foresee such “Till recently most labourers has concerned itself with “Most of these patients are Nepali (and a sizeable chunk of the eventualities they had to borrow came in with diarrhoea, dysentery prevention of HIV transmission labourers working on the NHPC workers at the site are Nepalese) medicines from the Centre, which and viral fever,” says Dr. Rawat, and prevention and cure of STDs, project site,” says Dr. Indu Rawat, and so very conveniently send them they have yet to return. “when I toured their homes I saw neither the government nor the in-charge of the Dikchu PHC. She over to the PHC. While such incidents of the reason why; there is absolutely NHPC have any screening process says there are approximately 1,500 “They do not even have enough irresponsible behaviour and no sanitation and with the piggeries for the labourers before they come labourers in the stretch from medicines,” says Dr. Rawat, “at cavalier attitude of the NHPC close to their homes their quarters into Sikkim which they feel should Samdong to Dikchu and is also of least that is what these labourers medical fraternity might in itself become extremely unhygienic with be made mandatory if the State is the opinion that catering to sick tell me.” But then how do they run not cause much alarm, it is time the the filth and excreta all around. to keep the incidence of STDs labourers is the responsibility of the their ‘side business’. According to entire state and not just Dikchu And then they don’t get boiled under controllable limits and AIDS NHPC. her, the sick labourers are usually woke up to the explosive issue of water in the NHPC mess either. totally off limits. The four companies working at handed just two tablets for rising sexually transmitted diseases And yes, there is at present an It is learnt that a monthly report the NHPC project site have their whatever sickness they have which in the NHPC project site. increase in the incidence of STD”. is forwarded by the Dikchu PHC own medical facility with the obviously is not enough. So they “Within the span of seven years She says she has treated around to the State Aids Cell, Gangtok. primary responsibility of treating land up at her doorstep. There is since the project started there has 50 such cases already largely those And while the SAC has yet to sick labourers. While the primary also a rumour that the doctors at been a vast change in the behaviour of urethral discharge and genital undertake any damage control function of the health centre is to the NHPC dispensary charge for of the general public. The local ulcer. Most of the STD cases, action, an STD case today could look after the locals, the the tablets, which they are not people share a very close and which have come to her, have been mean an AIDS case tomorrow.

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Do you think even I could PANCHAYATS POLLS lose weight that way? ON SEPT 30 Chamling defends panchayat polls on party basis as a measure of ascertaining accountability a NOW REPORT GANGTOK: Its official now. Sikkim will go in for panchayat polls on Spetember 30, next month. Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling Sherpa Karmapa’s new bogey announced this at the State Level Panchayat Sammelan held here on bet from where he escaped in 2000. August 12 at the Paljor Stadium a NOW REPORT The Sherpa Karmapa, as Dawa Indoor Gymnasium. Sangpo Dorjee is more popularly The Sammelan was organized GANGTOK: The Central Commit- known, has, through the Press re- by the Rural Development tee, Norbu Yangdup Choling Mon- lease, even alleged that Orgyen Department and saw a huge astery, Damthang, South Sikkim, Trinley Dorjee has “installed a gathering of Panchayat members joins the Karmapa Charitable Trust Jamyang Kongtrul Rinpoche at from all over the State, officials and and the Joint Action Committee of Rumtek as caretaker”. party members. would work for the welfare and Panchayats across the State Buddhist Organisation of Sikkim in He has also alleged that his ri- Mr. Chamling announced the benefit of the people” get the posts. who have performed exceedingly exchanging allegations and counter- val was planning to leave for date of the polls as September 30 Defending his stand on the well in the last term were presented allegations over the fate of the Tsurphu without sitting for the “au- and also that the polls will be held party system for the Panchayat the “Panchayat Shree” awards by Karma Kagyu order and its head- thentication test” but emptying on party-basis, as supported by the polls, Mr. Chamling said that this Mr. Chamling. quarters at Rumtek Monastery. Rumtek of all its precious items. ruling SDF party. As announced would “strengthen the democratic The revision of the electoral The Central Committee, which While reiterating his challenge to earlier by Mr. Chamling, this time, process and popularise it in the rolls is expected to be completed backs Dawa Sangpo Dorjee’s claim “undergo the Tibetan Buddhism Tra- the Panchayat polls would be held grassroots level.” by August 14. The four District as the “real” incarnation of the dition of identifying the authentic according to the “pool system” for Brushing aside the criticism by Collectors, who are also the Karmapa, has, in a Press release is- Karmapa”, the “Sherpa Karmapa”has candidates and seats. Also, there the Opposition on his government’s returning officers for the polls have sued on August 11, alleged that even threatened to leave Sikkim for would be 33 per cent reservation decision to hold Panchayat already submitted their reports on Orgyen Trinley Dorjee, the one or- three and a half years to prove to the for women. elections on party basis, he said that the delimitation of the Panchayat dained by the Dalai Lama as the 17th Sikkimese that he is the real incarna- Mr. Chamling had earlier his decision ensures that the wards to the State Election Karmapa, was in “illegal possession” tion. His departure, the Press release desired that the SDF party should Panchayat leaders are made more Commission. The delimitation of of Rumtek valuables and was “plan- maintains, will leave behind conse- “win all the seats uncontested,” and accountable and the benefits wards will create new gram ning” to “leave” for Tsurphu, the quences which the Sikkimese people appealed to the people to “make provided by the government Panchayat units. original seat of the Karmapa in Ti- will have to “bear”. sure that the right candidates who reaches the people.

Sikkim Football Association joins the nation and football fans all over the world in congratulating Baichung Bhutia for having captained the Indian team to its first international victory outside the subcontinent in 30 years. We always had faith in Baichung’s skills and proficiency as a striker and we now know that he can even motivate a young team into near impossible feats. We wish him all the best for his next big challenge - the Pusan Asian Games.

On behalf of football fans all over Sikkim

Sikkim Football Association August 14-20, 2002 FROM THE SPOT NOW! 5 BAD ROADS - WHOM DO WE BLAME?

department of its budget leaving In trying to figure out next to nothing for protective and why the State roads improvement drives. The official also pointed out are in such deplorable that the repair work done by the condition, SUMANLATA department goes unnoticed because rains damage the stretch almost PRADHAN discovers immediately. that there are no But all is not lost for those still hoping for a better riding simple answers. The experience even on State roads. problem with Sikkim The department is at present working on getting a Rs. 70 crore roads is as complex project cleared from the Centre. as it can get and there This ambitious project aims to repair and improve all State roads are no easy solutions in Sikkim. Another proposal of Rs. in the offing 10 crores is in the pipeline to carve out link roads for remote areas. The department, however, is GANGTOK: Everyone knows the not certain whether the required condition of the roads in the State. funds will be released. All they As soon as the monsoons sets in state is that they will try their best travelling becomes a nightmare for and the rest is up to those who everyone. With landslides control the purses and whether the occurring everywhere and the road monsoons will be slightly more conditions being what they are, considerate. travelling or even taking a joy-ride After trying to blame the for that matter, becomes painful. road can say without any The question here is - whom do That’s work for 43 months and all department let us now try blaming We have a state of the art reservations that the bumpy ride is the people blame for the condition the Department gets is a 4-month ourselves. Don’t we as citizens of Highway in the capital and when not at all befitting the Capital of a of the roads? Do we blame nature, window period between monsoons. this State have some we think of the other roads here, State. The potholes on these roads the Department or ourselves? “How can we expect good roads responsibilities? What appear well all we can say is there can be seem to be perpetually growing in Nothing can be done about the when Mother Nature is so minor misdemeanours contribute to no comparison. Let us take any size. It starts as a small scratch on roads because the landscape is such ruthless?” asks an R&B official the quicker damage of roads. Take road other than the Highway and the road and grows into something and the monsoons make it even But nature alone is not the for example the practice of putting let us limit ourselves to the capital, hindering a smooth ride. worse when the roads have to be culprit here. Whatever its a stone behind the wheel when the Nam Nang incline, Diesel The roads in the other districts of constructed over hills that have justifications, an entire department parked on a slope and then driving Power House road, the roads in and the State are no better off; it is the been cut out. It is impossible to is in place to coordinate measures off without putting the stone on the around Tathangchen, all of them same bumpy hazardous rides remove the debris of the landslides to keep Sikkim’s State roads in side. Subsequent vehicles riding are in a deplorable state. Anyone everywhere. The west and the north in a jiffy when it is perpetually good health. What is it that the over the stone damage the road, commuting from MG Marg to districts are the worst lot, with raining. The load of the debris itself department is doing given that they leave a crack which is then acted Deorali and taking the Nam Nang landslides compounding the problem. damages the road further and a don’t have much to show as far as upon with much vigour by the slush vicious cycle sets in. road conditions are concerned? and rain. Then there are those who Officials at the Roads and the When approached by NOW! routinely excavate through the Sikkim Cricket Association Bridges Department complain that officials at the department said that roads laying or repairing water they only get 4 months of clear paucity of funds did not allow them pipeline and then leaving the road NOTICE weather in a year and it takes 1 to do the desired work. scared and open to further damage. Selection trials for Under-14, Under-16, Under-19 and month to finish a kilometre of road “People want all the roads to Under-22 (East Zone) for 2002-2003 will be held on the under perfect conditions; that is if be like the National Highway in In trying to uncover who is to blame for Sikkim’s poor road 25th of August, 2002 from 9AM to 2PM at the Venues they get resourceful contractors. Gangtok. What they don’t realise This limits their ability to maintain is that this requires an outlay of Rs. conditions, most people tend to mentioned below. good roads even if the intention is 50 lakhs per km. We don’t have that forget the problem itself. The DISTRICT SCA REPRESENTATIVE VENUE there. As a comparison, State roads kind of lavish budgets at our blame-game can be played at in and around Gangtok measure disposal,” said an official. Salaries leisure. What we need are urgent NORTH Sonam Palden Bhutia Mangan approximately 43 kilometres. and emergency repairs drain the repairs. 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Wsummoned by the DEEP Incidentally Geelani is accredited HEALTH POLICY BEFORE Foreigners Regional Registration with the Press Information Bureau Office in New Delhi it had – which does so only after the bona DEVELOPMENT PUSH apparently “nothing to do” with his FOCUS fides have been duly verified by the authorship of an irreverent, though Union Home Ministry. Increasing influx is a direct indication of a region’s develop- by RANJIT SINGH totally legitimate and not And only last week Anirudh mental graph. Since just about everyone in Sikkim subscribes completely inaccurate piece on Bahal, senior Tehelka journalist was to the belief that “influx” is swamping Sikkim, then, by the same Atal Behari Vajpayee’s poor health arrested in another case of vindictive count, we could also safely assume that Sikkim is developing and even poorer attention span. The frame-up. He was accused of rather well. The increased influx has also caused an increased piece, titled “Asleep at the Wheel”, assaulting a CBI official when all he paranoia among the locals who want more stringent measures was relegated to some remote did was shake hands with him. to keep “outsiders” out. How this can be achieved without up- corner of the magazine’s mid-pages Frame-up or not, the government setting the development cart is something for the policy-mak- where one would have needed a stands guilty of hounding journalists ers to figure out. Because the influx thus far has not come in a magnifying glass with a matching who have dared to expose corruption trickle, it has never really expressed itself as a health issue nose for news to dig out. Nor was in high places. which needs to be addressed. But now that some major projects the whole article Perry wrote Till this day not a single charge have gotten underway and more are in the pipeline, Sikkim published but only a portion of it. has been proved against Geelani, needs to work out how it will protect its health. This, one might And yet dug out it was. By who has been behind bars for two add, needs even more urgent consideration than proposals to those smelling hounds in the PMO months, nor could Perry be protect its political rights. One does not attempt to claim here who can’t stand a stench; but their deported despite the harassment, that the migrant population which follows large projects are “un- own they don’t detect or just refuse nor could they stop the media from healthy” and vectors of possible epidemics. It is just that pre- “poaching case”. How many reporting the truth in Gujarat. caution is always the more advisable option. Take for example to acknowledge. the cholera outbreak at the Teesta Stage V dam-site last year. And when one of Tehelka’s ‘actual’ poachers have ever been The Union Cabinet has just The disease obviously came out of the labour shanties and did reporters was arrested a few months arrested with such quick diligence? approved a draft bill on Freedom infect some locals also. A proper screening of people joining ago, it, of course, couldn’t have had And why only poachers? How of Information even as the state the ranks in large projects will not only protect the locals, but anything to do with ‘defence-gate’. many politicians or influential repeatedly bears down on ‘errant’ would also be a safeguard that the employees at a project site One might recall the expose of crooks who have been implicated journalists. This just reveals the will appreciate. Even if some protest the idea, the screening vulnerability to wads of currency in in worse crimes have cooled their kind of mockery the government methodology should be adopted. Most western countries screen the high offices of the Ministry of heels behind bars, or even faced has made of such notions as visitors for HIV and although the practice was opposed earlier, Defence where national sovereignty CBI inquiries? Notorious mafia transparency and accountability it has now become a norm. There can be nothing wrong in and integrity are, by all indications, dons like RJD’s Mohammad which have been reduced to hollow wanting to keep the local environs healthy and Sikkim, which smirked upon. This led to the forced Shahabudin, involved in a galaxy absurdities by the press paranoia has exercised this concern in matters relating to protecting its resignation of defence minister of major crimes like shooting at prevailing in our political, environment, should now do the same in regard to public health. George Fernandes - though he was police officials come to Parliament bureaucratic and military The MoU signed with the NHPC while handing over Stage V to subsequently re-inducted and quite as MPs with a dignity that could establishments which are ruled not them ignores health concerns, this could probably be included peacefully too. Tehelka.com, the only have been qualified with an only by corruption and abuse of in all future MoUs and even incorporated into the conditions news portal, had exposed corruption impressive criminal CV, while the power but also secrecy and fear of governing the existing working arrangement with the power cor- in the NDA and now had to pay for government looks the other way. freedom. poration. It would also be inadvisable to wait till the locals raise it. The poor reporter has been The message is clear: if you What we are witnessing is not a hue and cry over the matter before a decision is arrived at. detained in the Tihar Jail, New dare expose a fraud in public merely suppression of press One must bear in mind that the local population around the Delhi, a house of hard-core interest, you will be hounded with freedom in some kind of slow project site is too dependent on the project (specially in mat- criminals. such vicious consistency that you motion undeclared Emergency but ters of trade and business) to raise a voice against it. They are While Alex Perry was detained can go for an electric shock in a a vindictive, malignant and cold however concerned and the Government should respect this on the flimsy charge of possessing lunatic asylum while the Hindutva blooded attempt to murder concern and assuage to whatever degree possible all the threats two passports - he in fact has three loonies can dance their war dance democracy itself. A free press is the that they perceive from the project. One need not limit the ini- perfectly legal passports - the with their trishuls around hacked best indicator of a thriving tiative to just health issues. Any large influx also brings along Tehelka reporter has been charged bodies of children with kerosene democracy. No regime, much less with it social implications. While some of these might be good, by the CBI of poaching - certainly and matchsticks in their month - a democratic one, can afford to there are many that are best avoided. NGOs should be pro- an imaginative peg. Tarun Tejpal celebrating the Great Awakening. adopt a holier than thou attitude. moted in the project area because only they will dirty their hands of Tehelka, said on Star Talk last The government not only At some point or the other the working among the people. They would be the first to sense a week that all they (CBI) found is a arrested Iftikhar Geelani, the skeletons are bound to tumble out matter of concern and apart from being our first line of defence, phone number of this reporter with Kashmir Times bureau chief on the over-stuffed closet. And then will also be the best bets to work out a solution... a poacher; but they have ordered a incredibly trumped up charges but will you gorge my eyes out for CBI inquiry on the so-called also planted stories in the media seeing them?

ver since the Nepali Maoists raised arms to confront the successive Ecorrupt, inward looking and Confusion pushes Nepal to the brink irresponsible governments formed after 1990, causing enormous sufferings to force), the government clamped down a state Nepal’s poor, especially the rural mass, the KIRTI NIDHI BISTA on the Maoist problem which besets Nepal of emergency some five and half months once scattered looting and kidnapping and all that is wrong in the present approach to tackle it back. The decision to enforce the Emergency incidents have turned into blood letting of resulted from a near consensus among the unimaginable proportions. So much so that within political parties resulting in confusing major parties in the past several months. major parties represented in the Parliament. the unfortunate killings of the people on both statements and actions, look on amazed and In fact, because of these very anomalies Later, this crucial national decision was sides on a daily basis have now become mere bewildered. created by those in power and in the ratified in the Parliament as per Nepal’s numbers to some, who don’t even realize that The questions in everybody’s mind are: opposition, Nepal appears as one of the most constitution of 1990. Accordingly, the pride this dangerous state could engulf them as Where are we heading with the present style confused nations before the world. We seem of Nepal, the Royal Nepal Army was well, if not curbed soon. of governance? What is our goal in to have mastered the art of creating, fuelling mobilized by the government, amidst many The state of indifference among the continuing the present state of inaction mired and sustaining confusions of one kind or constraints including lack of adequate Nepalese has grown so large that the nouveau in total corruption? Even if the current state another. This very action, now almost finance, with a view to controlling the rich who are basking in the comfort of their of fighting against the Maoists comes to a characteristic of Nepali governance, was one insurgency and declaring the Maoists as mansions and air-conditioned offices see halt and dialogue resumes between the of the primary reasons behind the failure to ‘terrorists’. Since November 2001, hundreds hardly any difference between the situation warring parties, can the country take the right implement the Arun III hydroelectric project of security personnel including members of in Nepal and that of Afghanistan. Even by direction under those very leaders who have some years back. In fact, many other Nepali military have sacrificed their lives in official accounts, thousands of people, made no attempt to mend their ways? Will opportunities have been lost in the past the service of the nation. Setbacks and including the security forces, have already we have to live with poverty and deprivation decade. These were opportunities which casualties suffered by Nepal’s military so far lost their lives, especially since the for generations? Must we continue sending could have been channeled to relieve the are primarily due to lack of resources. declaration of state of emergency. While on our able bodied and skilled people to foreign common folk of their misery and put Nepal Nepal’s soldiers, popularly identified as the one hand, the general public seems to countries so that their families can survive on the path to prosperity. Confusion, inaction ‘Gurkhas’ the world over, are known for their have lost its confidence in the ability of its back home? Are we so inept that we can’t and corruption have been identified as our professionalism, valour and unqualified leaders to steer Nepal out of her misery, on even create a modest work environment to primary indicators, an extremely painful dedication and commitment. It is almost the other hand, it is forced to live in a state prevent brain-drain? reality for the nation. becoming synonymous with an all-purpose of permanent fear resulting from atrocities These and hosts of other questions have Having already missed many peace-keeping force being deployed in many carried out by Maoist cadres. Frequent abuse literally overwhelmed us for quite some time opportunities to come to an agreeable mode parts of the world today. Nepal’s military has of simple, defenseless rural people as human now. We must find answers soon. Only then of governance under Nepal’s present served our motherland with unprecedented shields is one such inhuman action. Virtually, can the people support the new approach constitution, the leaders of parties in power, courage. Nepal is fully indebted to the brave everyone appears to be intent on satisfying being enunciated by the leaders of major occupied with furthering their personal and soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to his/her own goals in the name of the Nepali parties, who find self-justification in their party-related ambitions, unwittingly lost uphold Nepal’s independence, territorial Janta. The majority, the hardest hit due to yet unsubstantiated and murky demands for valuable time to put Nepal back on track. integrity and sovereignty. It is really painful the severe impact of insurgency and the constitutional amendments. It is more Unable to contain the antisocial and to listen to irresponsible comments coming subsequent battles, economic stagnation and confusing than ever if one looks at the ever- destructive actions of the Maoists through from responsible leaders of major political spiraling unemployment, and in-fighting changing statements made by the leaders of convetional state apparatus (the police - turn to pg 8 August 14-20, 2002 OPINION NOW! 7 INDIA ACCORDING TO THE MAHATMA

The Father of the Nation did more than spin a Charkha, he weilded a weapon much mightier - the pen. He edited a newspaper “Young India” and in it voiced many of his thoughts on the India of his dreams. As the nation prepares for its 55th Independence Day, NOW! reproduces here some of the Mahatma’s editorials...

HOW DEMOCRACY WORKS valued correspondent has written to me Atwo letters, one issuing a timely warning about the ill effects of hasty decontrol and the other about the possibility of an outbreak of Hindu-Muslim riots. I have dealt with both the letters in a letter which has become unexpectedly argumentative and gives my view of democracy which can only come out of non-violent mass action. I, therefore, reproduce the letter below without giving at the same time the letters to which it is in answer. There is enough in the answer to enable the reader to know the purport of the two letters. I have purposely refrained from giving the name of my correspondent and sent a long. letter not to Dr. Rajendra Prasad hooked its politics deliberately to then expressed, remain unaltered. One thing the scene of action, not because the letters but to me. He asks for a public discussion of fundamental morals and vital social reform. has created a misunderstanding. Some are confidential; but because nothing is to the points raised by him. Omitting the It came to the conclusion that Swaraj could friends have read compulsion in that note. I be gained from disclosing either: prefatory paragraphs, which have no interest not be won without non-violence and certain am sorry for the obscurity. In it I had “You still write as if you had a slave for the reader, the letter is reproduced definite social reform, viz. prohibition and answered the question as to what mind, though the slavery of us all is elsewhere. removal of representative governments could do if they abolished. If decontrol has produced the To take the ministerial resignations first, untouchability. It also put the charkha at wished. I had, I hope pardonably, assumed effect you attribute to it, you should raise I feel sure that they have added to the prestige the centre of its economic, programme that such government’s notices too could not your voice, even though you may be alone of the Congress. The Working Committee indeed it eschewed the then known political be interpreted as compulsion. For every act in doing so and your voice may be feeble. would no doubt have done better to have programme i.e. the parliamentary. Hence, the of a bona fide representative government As a matter of fact you have many accepted my proposal, only if it could have introduction of morals into Congress politics would assume consent of the voters companions and your voice is by no means assimilated non-violence with all the was not and is not irrelevant to the Congress represented. The voters would mean the feeble unless intoxication of power has implications suggested by me. But the fight for freedom. It is its core. There were a whole populace, whether registered as voters enfeebled it. Personally, the bogey of the members of the Working Committee were few grumblers then. But the vast majority or not. With that background, I wrote that shooting up of prices by reason of decontrol too conscious of their duty to accept my welcomed the programme as the Congress the government should notify to the villagers does not frighten me. If we have many Sharks proposal mechanically and without heart had never done in the whole of its brilliant that mill cloth would not be supplied to the and we do not know how to combat them, belief. The Working Committee’s resolution history. The programme justified itself by villagers after a certain fixed date, so as to we shall deserve to be eaten up by them. was, therefore, the only true course for the giving rise to a mass awakening on a enable them to wear Khadi prepared by Then we shall know how to carry ourselves Working Committee to adopt. Having done phenomenal scale. By it the Congress gained themselves. in the teeth of adversity. Real democracy so resignations were the logical result. an importance it had never before enjoyed. Whatever the meaning of my article, I people learn not from books, not from the It would have been unbecoming to have Shri Roy would not expect rrfe48t this stage want to state that any scheme adopted about government who are in name and in reality retained office for the doubtful advantage of to repeat here the argument that led to the Khadi, without the willing co-operation of their servants. Hard experience is the most guarding civil liberty. If they were ministers enthusiastic acceptance of the Programme. those concerned, must mean death to Khadi efficient teacher in democracy. The days of of autonomous States, they could never have He should turn to the pages of Young India as a means for attaining Swaraj. Then the appeals to me are gone. The cloak of non- been ignored as they were about the war. if he would know the pros and cons of the taunt that. Khadi was a return to the darkness violence which we had put on during the Having been ignored, they would have been subject. The Congress became a mass and slavery of the Middle Ages would be British regime is no longer now necessary. given satisfaction, when the attention of the democratic organisation from the time of true. But I have held the contrary view. Therefore, violence faces us in its terrible British Government was drawn by the acceptance of the programme, and it framed Whilst Khadi under compulsion was a badge nakedness. Have you also succumbed or you Working Committee to the grievous omission a democratic organisation, which stands to of slavery, Khadi intelligently and voluntarily too never had non-violence? This letter is and when they were told how they could this day without much material and prepared, primarily for one’s own use, was not to warn you against writing to me and repair the mischief and retain India’s co- fundamental alteration. easily the badge of our freedom. Freedom is giving me your view of the picture, but it is operation in the prosecution of the war. The The Congress has a double function. It nothing if it is not all-round self-help. I, for intended to tell you why I would swear by least that the ministers could do, therefore, Is a democratic organisation in peace time. one, would have nothing to do with Khadi, decontrol even if mine was a solitary voice. was to resign if only to show the hollowness It becomes a non-violent army in war time. if it were not a free man’s privilege as well ‘Your second letter about Hindu-Muslim of autonomy. To remain in office after the In its second capacity it has no voting power. as duty. tension is more to the point than the first. discovery of their importance would have Its will is expressed by its general whoever A friendly critic asks whether Khadi thus Here too you should raise your voice openly been to court ignominy. To retain office for he may be. Every unit has to tender him prepared could also and at the same time be against any soft handling of the situation or the protection of civil liberty would have willing obedience in thought, word and deed. for sale. Yes, if sale is its secondary use; not smug satisfaction. I shall do my part but I been to mistake the wood for the tree. And Yes, even in thought, since the fight is non- if manufacture for sale is its only or even am painfully conscious of my limitations. Shri Roy may feel quite sure that the violent. primary use. That we began with sale of Formerly I could afford to be monarch of all weakened ministers would have been poor Shri Roy and other Congressmen do not Khadi shows temporary necessity as well as I surveyed. Today I have many fellow guardians o’, civil liberty. The Governors need to be told that I am not in the habit of our limited vision. Experience is a great monarchs, if I may still count myself as such. would have set aside their decisions and losing co-workers. I go a long way with them teacher. It has taught us many things. Not If I can, I am the least among them. The first caught hold of those whom they would have in winning their affection and retaining it. the least is its primary use. But it is by no days of democracy are discordant notes chosen to imprison. The ministers But there does come a limit beyond which means the last. But I must leave this which jar on the ear and give you many had taken office principally to advance my compromise does not and cannot and fascinating field of speculation and proceed headaches. If democracy is to live in spite independence. When they failed, they were should not go. No compromise is worth the definitely to answer the question put in the of these killing notes, sweet concord has to bound to forego every other advantage name which endangers chances of success. heading. rise out of this seemingly discordant however great in itself. And they can never My first business as the minister in necessary lesson. How I wish that you would go back to their offices so long as the demand IF I WERE THE MINISTER charge of revival of the villages as the centre be one of the masters who would contribute of the Congress remains unsatisfied. he talks with the Ministers concerned at of all governmental activity would be to find to the production of concord out of discord! Civil disobedience is by no means the TPoona on village-crafts and basic out from among the Permanent Service “You will not make the mistake of next inevitable forward step. It depends upon education have given rise to a lot of honest and incorruptable men capable for the thinking that your duly is finished when you a variety of circumstances some of which I correspondence and private discussion. For work. I would put the best among them in have apprised me of the situation in your part have already mentioned. Inaction is often the the guidance of the Provincial Governments touch with the A. I. S. A. and the A. I. V. I. of the country.” most effective action in the strategy of war- and others interested in the question of Khadi A., creations of the Congress, and bring in a more so when the war is non-violent. which has naturally occasioned the bulk of scheme for giving the village-crafts the POLITICS v. MORALS Now for the crucial point. Non-violence the correspondence and discussion, I set forth greatest encouragement. I would stipulate, n response to my suggestion in my article is the central fact of the civil disobedience below my thoughts on the subject. there should be no compulsion on the Ion the Congressman Shri M. N. Roy has technique. It was in 1920 that the Congress I refer the reader to my note. My views, - turn to pg 8 8 NOW! EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Augsut 14-20, 2002 Over 500 Nepalis cheated of Confusion pushes NRs. 156m by US attorney Nepal to the brink when the Clinton administration with the Immigration and dialogue with the Maoists, passed a law to provide legal status Naturalization Service (INS). bypassing the executive organ, is by Prateek Pradhan Contd from pg 6 to all the immigrants who could According to federal agents the biggest threat to the smooth ver 500 Nepalis are on the obtain sponsorship from the Kooritzky and Bogardus, allegedly parties against the military. All functioning of parliamentary Overge of losing about NRs.156 employees, with the payment of obtained the names of local reports and assessments made so democracy. In such a scenario, the million, and prospective US additional $1,000 fine. businesses, prepared 2,700 fake far about the performance of leaders are right that there is an working visas, as the attorney they Attorney Kooritzky, 63, and his employer’s documents and Nepal’s military in its engagement obvious threat to democracy — not hired got arrested by the federal accused accomplice engineer submitted them to the labour against the Maoists, both by from any external force but from agents under allegations of Ronald W. Bogardus, 65, exploited department. The list of victims internal and external sources, their own actions which undermine fabricating fake labour documents. the opportunity to cheat both the include Nepali, Bangladeshi, convey a lone message: True to the role of the executive, subject Reports indicate that over 500 government and the vulnerable Pakistani, Koreans and other Asians. their name, the military, despite military to unwarranted Nepali workers got in touch with immigrants. “According to our estimates, serious constraints of basic military humiliation, and disregard people’s the lawyer, Samuel Kooritzky, They advertised widely among over 500 Nepalis have been duped equipment, gears and logistics, has call to stand to their promises made believing his claims that he would South Asian community that they by the attorney’s wrong doings, and given its best. Critical comments during three elections since the find an employer for them, and also would help both legal and illegal in average all of them have already against the military given such a restoration of democratic polity in file for “labour certificate” in the immigrants achieve labour submitted $4,000 each,” said Ram situation are totally uncalled for. Nepal. labour department. certificates, which could be used Ghimire, one of the victims from Notwithstanding the problems, Peace and stability must be It all started in January 2001, to apply for permanent residency Dallas, Texas. mostly of a self-created nature restored before it is too late. All besetting Nepal today, the recently leaders must learn to be Nepal welcomes concluded gathering of the seven- responsible: in words as well as in Druk National Congress party leaders in Kathmandu has actions. Even more so in matters proposed Bagdora- added another chapter of confusion of national interest. Only by acting that could not only alienate Nepal’s concertedly can the present leaders Ktm flight VP passes away friends from the vital support resolve the crisis. How long will it required at this stage of military take to finally bring back the KATHMANDU: Nepal KATHMANDU: Choeku Drukpa, support to the pro-democratic operations, but it could also expose alienated segment of Nepali society Association of Tour Operators Vice President of Druk National movement of 1990 launched by the our soldiers as well as the poor to the national mainstream remains (NATO) has welcomed the Congress (DNC) in exile, passed Lhotshampa community in Bhutan. people to greater danger. The a painful question that is going to decision of the Indian government away at 5.45 p.m. on August 9, As a result he was arrested by the strong indications coming from the haunt every Nepali day and night. to link Kathmandu and Bagdora in 2002 in AMDA Hospital, Damak Royal Body Guard in 1991 and was parties represented in parliament, (The author is a former Prime West Bengal by air this winter. (Jhapa) while undergoing imprisoned for over two years. specifically in support of direct Minister of Nepal) “This will be a new opportunity treatment. He was suffering After his release he was staying in for the Nepali tourism sector. The traumatic hernia which his Bhutan but continued to work for flights will help Nepali tour supporters believe was caused due the Bhutanese cause of political operators to sell Nepali to inhuman torture while he was and human rights. In early 1997, UNITED NGO’S OF DIKCHU AREA destinations to more tourists,” an imprisoned by the Royal Body he was invited by the DNC to join announcement said. Guard in Bhutan in 1991. Late the democratic movement in exile. presents The air link will facilitate travel Choeku is survived by his wife, Both father and son came to Jhapa between Nepal, Darjeeling, Sikkim three sons and three daughters. His (Nepal) and remained very active and Bhutan. eldest son Tshewang Rinzin is in in the democratic movement. He The announcement made by exile and lived with him in Nepal, played a crucial role in organising Mega Musical Nite Civil Aviation Minister, Shah while others are all in Bhutan. peaceful demonstrations in Eastern Nawaz Hussain on August 5 at Bhutan in October 1997, which on the evening of 15th August 2002 Bagdogra has already been Late Choeku Drukpa was one galvanised the entire country for welcomed by the Nepal Tourism of the prominent members of the peaceful pro-democracy Time: 6:30PM Board. Mr. Hussain had announced Sharchop community to express his movement. Venue: Dikchu Bazar, East Sikkim that Indian Airlines flights from Kolkata to Kathmandu would (FREE SHOW) touch down at Bagdogra soon. NOW! OUT EVERY WEDNESDAY INDIA ACCORDING TO THE MAHATMA people’s measure, though bearing true that the Assemblies are not popular sense of the term. representatives in the absence of Contd from pg 7 the Government stamp. The sufficiently representative of the It has been suggested that definite instructions from the villagers, that they must not slave Government money will be used whole people. Nevertheless the Congress Ministers who are Congress. It would proper for the for others and that they should be for the benefit of the poorest suffrage is wide enough to make it pledged to non-violence cannot Ministers to report what they taught to help themselves and rely villagers, making the largest return representative of the Nation in resort to legal processes involving consider is a violent behaviour of upon their own labour and skill for possible to the people concerned. matters of Law and Order. in seven punishments. Such is not my view any member of the public to their the production of articles of food, It will, therefore, be probably the Provinces the Congress rules. It of the non-violence accepted by the own Provincial Congress cloth and other necessaries. The most profitable investment in seems to be assumed by some Congress. I have, personally, not Committee or the working scheme would thus have to be which expert assistance will be persons that, in these Provinces at found a way out of punishments committee, and seek instructions. comprehensive. I would instruct voluntary and overhead charges the least, individuals can say and do and punitive restrictions in all If the superior authority does not my first man, therefore, to see the least item. The notification will what they like. But so far as I know conceivable cases. No doubt approve of their recommendations, Hindustani Tamili Sangh and see give in detail, the whole cost to the the Congress mind, it will not punishments have to be non- they may offer to resign. They may what it has to say. country and the return to the tolerate any such licence. Civil violent, if such an expression is not allow things to drill so far s to Let me assume that the scheme, people. Liberty means the fullest liberty to permissible in this connection. Just have to summon the aid of the thus produced, contains a clause The only question for me as say and do what one likes within as violence has its own technique, military. In my opinion, it would saying that the villagers themselves minister is whether the A. I. S. A. the ordinary law of the land. The known by the military science, mount to Political bankruptcy, declare that they would not want has the conviction and capacity to word ‘ordinary’ has been purposely which has invented means of when any Minister is obliged to fall mill cloth, say, after one year from shoulder the burden of creating and used here. The Penal Code and the destruction unheard of before, non- back in the military, which does not a fixed date, that they require guiding a Khadi scheme to success. Criminal Procedure Code, not to violence has its own science and belong to the people, and which, cotton, wool and necessary If it has, I would put my little speak of the Special Powers technique. Non-violence in politics in any -scheme of non-violence, implements and instruction, not as barque to sea with all confidence. Legislation, contain provisions is a new weapon in the process of must be ruled out of count for the a gift but to be paid for on the which the foreign rulers have evolution. Its vast possibilities are. observance of internal peace. easiest terms. The scheme provides CIVIL LIBERTY enacted for their own safety. These yet unexplored. The exploration One interpretation I put upon the too, that it will not apply at once to urudev has given the poetry of provisions can be easily identified, can take place only if it is practised India Act is that it is an unconscious the whole of any province but only GCivil liberty. It bears and must be ruled out of operation. on a big scale- and in various fields. challenge to Congressmen to to a part to begin with. The scheme reproduction in a weekly journal like The real test, however, is the Congress Ministers, if they have demonstrate the virtue of non- further tells one that the A. I. S. A. HARIJAN, although the statement interpretation by the Working faith in non-violence, Will violence and e sincerity of their will guide and assist the working has gone round the world. The Committee of the power of the undertake the explorations. But conviction about it. If the Congress of the scheme. reader will find it in another column. Ministers of law and Order. whilst they are doing this, or can give such a demonstration, most Being convinced of its It is a paraphrase of “Work out thine Subject, therefore, to the general whether they do so or not, there is of the safeguards fall into desuetude, soundness, I would give it legal own salvation”, or “Man is his own instructions laid down by the no doubt that they cannot ignore and the Congress can achieve its goal form in consultation with the law enemy and his own friend”. Working Committee for the incitements to violence and without a violent struggle, and also department and issue a notification, Civil Liberty is not Criminal guidance of Congress Ministers, manifestly violent speech, even without iii disobedience. if the fully describing the genesis of the Liberty. When Law and Order are the Statutory Powers limited in the though they may themselves run Congress has not impregnated the scheme. The villagers as well as the under popular control Itie Ministers manner indicated by me, must be the risk of being styled violent. people with the non-violent spirit, it mill-owners and others would have in charge of the Department cannot exercised by the Ministers against When they are not wanted, the has to become a minority, and remain been party to it. The notification hold the portfolio for a day, it they those who, in the name of Civil public will only have to signify its in opposition, unless it will alter its will show clearly that it is the act against the popular will. It is liberty. preach lawlessness in the disapproval through its creed. August 14-20, 2002 ADVERTORIAL NOW! 9 Jig-backing over Gangtok

The UD&HD has undertaken a mega- project which nears completion with the first ride becoming possible as early as in September. The Gangtok Ropeway Project, once it is commissioned should offer not just the tourists with an exciting ride, but would also help ease the congestion on Gangtok roads. SUMANLATA PRADHAN on the project which promises a view of Gangtok till now reserved for chopper passengers...

The Gangtok Ropeway Project was started in April 2002 in order to attract more tourist to the State, but it seems that this project has lot more to it than just increasing the number of tourists coming in. This will be the first of its kind in the State. It is a Bicable jig back passenger ropeway system. The upper terminal of the ropeway will be located at Tashiding Secretariat and the lower terminal at Namgyal Institute of Tibetology at Deorali. An intermediate terminal is also being constructed near the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.

This will facilitate the tourists to cover three tourist spots in one go - the Deorali Chorten Monastery and the Tibetology at the lower terminal, the Legislative Assembly and the Hurhuray point at the intermediate terminal and the Tashiding Secretariat The latest of technology is being used to construct and the Deer Park at the upper terminal. this ropeway. The executing agencies of this project are M/S Voest Alpine Austria Draht (Austria) and M/ The local people, too, can benefit from the ropeway, S Doppelmayr Tramway Limited (Switzerland), with especially those who have to travel from Deorali to the Department of Development of North Eastern the Secretariat or vice-versa on a regular basis. The Regions is funding the project under the Non Government is planning to make passes available Lapsable Central Pool of Resources. to the daily passengers at concessional rates, and it is also being proposed that locals be given priority The brake system for the ropeway is being imported over the tourists regarding the rides. This has been from Switzerland and the cable lines have been proposed especially for the employees working at imported from Austria. Both are countries with an the Secretariat and other Departments in and around extensive network of ropeways. The company that Deorali. has undertaken the project, Damodar Ropeway Construction Company, Kolkata, is manufacturing Apart from being a major tourist attraction it is also the cabins. the only pollution free and environment friendly The length of the cable is approximately one mode of transportation in the State. Officials at the kilometre and there will be two cabins, one each at Urban Development and Housing Department say the upper and lower terminals. Each cabin will have that the ropeway will be instrumental in reducing the capacity to hold 25 people, including one traffic on the Bazaar-Deorali stretch which is attendant. There will be lift facilities in the lower and otherwise clogged with jams during office hours. intermediate terminals, which would make it easier for the passengers, especially children and old The total cost of the project, it is learnt is Rs. 9.69 people to reach the boarding and de-boarding area. crores and the funds released till date stands at Rs. The UD&HD also hopes that the Government will 6.07 crores. The physical progress of the project, earn a sizeable amount of revenue in the form of report officials at UD&HD is 80%. Officials add that WORK-IN-PROGRESS The infrastructure support the indirect taxes from this venture, as it would increase trial runs will start as soon as September 2002. The Gangtok Ropeway under construction at Deorali, Nam the flow of tourist to the State. project is scheduled for a January 2003 commission Nang and Tashiling Secretariat when the foreign collaborators will give the The Gangtok Ropeway Project is a pioneering effort completion certificate. For a project which should of the Government to promote an environment- prove an instant hit with tourists and locals alike, friendly and pollution free mode of transportation in work is sadly lagging behind schedule by 2-3 months the State and it also promises to be a must visit, or due to financial crunch and inclement weather. rather must take, ride for the tourists. 10 NOW! DEVELOPMENT Augsut 14-20, 2002 CHAMLING LIGHTS ANOTHER CANDLE High precision comes to THIS TIME FOR INDUSTRIALISATION

Namchi; South stipulated time frame of one year despite a host of logistic difficulties Sikkim gets its incumbent to setting up a project as big as SPIL in Sikkim,” said first PSU in SPIL Taga Khampa, MD SITCO, who also doubles as the MD of the new a NOW REPORT project. SPIL, incidentally, is a Rs. NAMCHI: The Chief Minister, 3.70 crore project. The plant has Pawan Chamling inaugurated the the capacity to manufacture five TO-220 Power Device Project of million devices per year and has the Sikkim Precision Industries employed about 80 workers on full Ltd. (SPIL) here on August 9. capacity production. SPIL, a Government of Sikkim “In 1998, the Chief Minister enterprise was set up in 1999. The asked me to identify industries TO-220 Power Device Project has viable for operations out of South been started with technical and West Districts so that the collaboration with Bharat region did not lag behind in the Electronics Limited, Bangalore. industrialisation process of the The TO-220 power devices are State. This Unit has resulted from electronic components used in this goal in mind,” he said. telecommunications, consumer This is the second hi-tech electronics and defence project in Sikkim started with the applications. technical support of BEL, the first Dr. VK Koshy, Chairman and being the very successful Small Managing Director, BEL was also Signal Device Project of Sikkim present on the occasion. Time Corporation Ltd. (SITCO), Speaking on the occasion, Mr. started in 1988. Chamling said that his government The plant at Namchi is the first has spelt out its goals of economic supplied all input raw materials and hi-tech electronics project and also development and identified will also see to the marketing of the the first public sector undertaking industrial potential in the State. end-product. BEL will sell the in South-West Districts of Sikkim. SPIL is one of the outcomes of this devices under its brand name. Minister, Industries, PS Golay comprehensive process. A MoU was signed between said in his address that in an effort “The thrust of our government BEL and SPIL in August, 2001 for to bring in industrialisation in the is in developing our human the manufacture of the power State, the government is providing capability and the State is now device and the implementation of training and financial support to geared towards creating a large the project was started with the about 2,400 local unemployed pool of trained manpower and support and assistance from BEL youths. “The Department is making entrepreneurs in the near future. in the form of technical know-how, all out efforts to attract potential Multi-pronged strategies are in the procurement of machines, training investors and entrepreneurs to the making to achieve 100 per cent of engineers and workers and the State by creating an investor- growth rate targeted by us,” Mr. plant layout. friendly atmosphere,” he said. Chamling said while adding that In his address, Chief Secretary, “The formulation of a national the private sector companies are SW Tenzing, who is also the industrial policy by the Centre for welcome to invest in Sikkim and chairman of SPIL, said that the the States is going to provide a wide that the procedures for setting up project marked an important range of incentives to the member industries are being simplified milestone in the State’s nascent States. Sikkim will benefit further and all efforts are focused industrial development history. immensely once the proposal for its on creating an environment “The unit recorded a yield of 95 per inclusion in the North Eastern suitable for industrial growth. cent in the manufacture of the Council is formally accepted by the “Industrial corridors, where devices and it has been taken as a central government,” he added. even outsiders can lease land on challenge by the Corporation to The state government is also set long-term basis, have been sustain the yield and increase it to to disinvest some public sector identified as well as notified. The 97 percent,” he said. undertakings which have not next Five Year Plan has “The project received strong shown any profit or expansion industrialisation as top priority on support from the Chief Minister, potential, on the lines of the Central our agenda,” he said. who has been working relentlessly disinvestment policy, Mr. Golay While stating that his towards industrial development of disclosed. government would like to give an the State and create job impetus to industries relating to opportunities for the youth. The fact Dr. Koshy from BEL, while information technology and that this Unit went into production appreciating the work culture and electronics, Mr. Chamling said that within seven months of its setting the dedication of the people of non-polluting, precision-oriented, up reflects the work culture of our Sikkim, hoped that association high-value, low-volume industries people,” he said, adding that the between the state government and would be “encouraged” in the sustainability of this venture BEL would continue in the future. small and medium sectors. depends on the commitment and He announced that BEL would The current project has been dedication of the workers and the honour its commitment and initiated with technical continued support of BEL, which continue to load the SPIL Unit with collaboration with Bharat CM lights the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate SPIL at Namchi [top]; should continue loading the Unit full capacity production Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Bangalore The TO-220 power devices that the unit will produce 5 million of in a with full capacity production. requirement and will lift 5 million and will manufacture TO-220 year [middle]; and MD, SPIL and SITCO, Taga Khampa (second from “The 7-month implementation devices per year even when the power devices. BEL has provided right), shows the CM around the high precision unit. pix NOW! period was clocked up against a market demand is lower. the technical support as well as IN DEPT PREPARES TO CONTAIN CERVICAL CANCER The camps will be held at the held in May this year will also be The Biochemistry Unit of the a NOW! REPORT government-run STNM Hospital conducted during this camp. Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata rajdhani and the Singtam Government This camp will basically focus is being represented by Dr. GANGTOK: In an effort to prevent Hospital in the East District here on cancer of the uterus and the Chandralekha Dutta, Associate the occurrence of cervical cancer and as well as the Namchi Government cervix in women. Professor and her team which will INCINERATOR FOR achieve early detection amongst the Hospital in South Sikkim. For the early detection of cervical also prepare a database on the female population of the State, the According to Dr. Yogesh cancer, an examination of the cervix prevalence of cervical cancer in STNM, SECURITY FOR Department of Health and Family Verma, consultant, department of shall be done followed by a PAP Sikkim. Welfare, along with the Biochemistry pathology, STNM Hospital, the smear test. Simultaneously, tests The first such camp held in DOCS, NO CIGARETTES Unit of the Indian Statistical Institute, first camp was held at the STNM would be conducted for the detection May, saw 104 patients being Kolkata, is organising a three-day Hospital on August 13. A follow- of the Human Papilloma Virus screened for HPV, out of which 7.7 FOR MINORS cancer detection camp in the State up of the patients with suspicious (HPV), one of the major causes of per cent tested positive for the from August 13-15. lesions detected in an earlier camp cervical cancer in women. virus, Dr. Verma said. August 14-20, 2002 BUSINESS NOW! 11 METER MOU FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT THEFT The agreement envisages the will include suggesttions for its development of many implementation and financing. infrastructure projects in Sikkim The central government will and will initially consist of project infuse Rs.3 crores to fund the FOILED management and development of project study, it is learnt. a NOW REPORT the National Highway 31A, and On the role of Border Roads focus on improving road Organisation in this project, which GANGTOK: Pemba Sherpa a connectivity between Gangtok and has the responsibility of resident of Such, Darjeeling when the plains all the way up to maintaining of the National found loitering around the Power Bagdogra and will extend up to Highway 31A, Mr. Rai said that Department on August 8, 2002, in Nathu La. they will be working “in close “a very suspicious manner” was “The state of the roads in coordination with the BRO” in this detained by the police and Sikkim does not reflect the State’s project. thoroughly interrogated. vision and vigour and has been Prior to undertaking the The next morning, August 9, seen as a deterrent to the project, IL&FS will do a detailed 2002, a complaint was lodged by development of trade and tourism feasibility study to assess the the chowkidar of the Power in the State. We want this effort to potential of implementing the Department, Mandhoj Subba result in providing an all-weather project on a commercial format and saying that some people had broken access to our State given the fact will also conduct a series of other into the storeroom of the Power SIDICO chairman, PD Rai and that the government has accorded studies, Mr. Parthasarathy Department and managed to get by SARIKAH ATREYA Ravi Parthasarathy, Vice Chairman top priority to tourism,” Mr. Rai elaborated. All key parameters away with some electrical meter GANGTOK: The Sikkim and Managing Director, IL&FS said while talking to mediapersons including assessment of boxes. The police then got Government on August 10 signed were the signatories to the after the signing. environmental and social risks and suspicious of Pemba Sherpa’s a Memorandum of Understanding agreement which was signed at “We are certain that the impact will be carefully evaluated, involvement. with the Infrastructure Leasing and Mintokgang, the official residence improvement of this road, a vital he said, adding that the West On further questioning he Financial Services Ltd. (IL&FS), a of the Chief Minister. link to Gangtok, will assist Bengal government will also be disclosed that he had indeed been Mumbai-based company, to work This is the first time ever that a economic development as it will consulted for this project as most involved in the theft along with a with the Sikkim Industrial public-private partnership provide a boost to tourism and trade parts of National Highway 31A fall friend of his, Chandra Kumar Development and Investment framework has been used by one in the State,” he added. in West Bengal. Chettri. They had broken into the Corporation (SIDICO) to assist in of the North East States for IL&FS will assist the Sikkim The project report is expected storeroom and stolen the meter the development of infrastructure complete project management and government in preparing a detailed to be completed by January 2003. boxes. projects in the State. development, Mr. Rai said. report of this ambitious project that Later, 39 meter boxes were recovered from behind a pan shop near the Food and Civil Supply Office Building at Kazi Road. JASLAL MANAGES INDIAN JUNIORS Chandra Kumar Chettri is still absconding. However the police have deployed its sources and the beat party has been alerted to trace TO BRONZE IN GERMANY him down. CORRIGENDUM Asian Games. Apart from that his The team for the upcoming SABA, in its quest to promote The report ‘Pilgrimage turns Fatal’ a NOW REPORT career is also highlighted by a Asian Games to be held in South the sport in the state is hosting the th carried in NOW! dated August 07- participation in the XXIII Olympic Korea has already been formulated 35 Junior National Boxing 13 mistakes the driver of the Maruti st GANGTOK: Jaslal Pradhan is just Games, Los Angeles and a bronze by the Selection Committee. The Championship and the 1 Women’s van which fell into the Rangit near back from a fruitful trip to Germany in the 1981 Commonwealth Games team comprises seven members Boxing Championship in the State Jorethang to be Karma Lepcha where he was team manager to the held in Brisbane, Australia. with two coaches. “The selection starting October. A total of 280 and states him to be missing. Indian boxing contingent Today, he is a member of the of the team is done on the basis of athletes along with about 100 Karma Lepcha, in fact, was not in participating in the 7th Brandenburg Selection past performance, officials will be participating. The the vehicle at the time of accident Cup International Tournament, Committee, Indian present training State is the biggest sponsor of the and is alive and well as intimated Frankfurt. The tournament which Amateur Boxing fitness and event with the Chief Minister to NOW! by his wife. The error is was scheduled from July 31 to Federation, and is experience, assuring full support. regretted and any anguish caused August 4, 2002 had a total of 12 responsible for team especially in the As far as boxing in the state is is sought to be pardoned. Also participating teams with India as the selection along with international concerned Mr. Pradhan says, regretted is the mention of seven only Asian contender and Mr. four other members. arena,” informs Mr. “There is a need for more coaches passengers in the van. At the time Pradhan has reason to be proud for The recent good Pradhan, “if Ali – especially in the districts.” of accident the vehicle was he guided India to 3rd position in the fortune of the Indian who got the gold for carrying five passengers. overall rankings in a sport that is team in Germany Indian in the dominated by Europeans and in a comes close on the Commonwealth tournament held in Europe. heels of another Games – holds on to Incidentally, Hungary was ranked scintillating his form he has a Kuste Shegu first followed by Germany. The performance of the Indians in the good chance of appropriating Junior Indian Team bagged 2 golds, boxing arena in the just concluded another gold,” he continues. one silver and 2 bronzes to end up Commonwealth Games. But, feels Mr. Pradhan started his coaching in the third position. Mr. Pradhan, the Indian Boxing career in 1993 and carried on till Mr. Pradhan feels it was a team can do much better if they are 1996. He is now Chief Coach with “good performance” and attributes provided with better training and the Sports and Youth Affairs the good show to “good physical proper facilities. Department, Government of Sikkim. fitness and also prior exposure and He is also the technical advisor to experience” of the team. The teams “The Indian team has won a Sikkim Amateur Boxing Association participating had to be in the 17- boxing gold in the Commonwealth which he says is not a government 19 years age group. Games for the first time in fifty job but comes with being its member. Mr. Pradhan is himself a former years and if India has any chance DIG (Range), SD Negi, President of boxing champ of India and the first of an Olympic medal it lies in SABA, has forwarded his good Arjuna awardee from Sikkim - the boxing. But for that there has to be wishes and congratulations to Mr. second recipient of the prestigious an improvement in the basic Pradhan for his rise to the Selection award being Baichung. He has training standards and better Committee of the IABF and for the done his bit for the country winning facilities for the boys,” says Mr. his good performance in Germany the Asian gold medal in the 1982 Pradhan. on behalf of SABA.

The 49th-day Kutse Shegu of late Kinzam Lhamu Bhutia, who left for her heavenly abode on 1st July, 2002, falls on 18th Au- Stage III to NHPC too? gust, 2002. All friends, well-wishers and relatives are requested to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul at our resi- dence at Makpen Kothi, Namcheypong, Pakyong. We would Contd from pg 1 definitely sees the power sector as are handed over to one company.” also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped a commercially viable industry. Mr. Jain said that the State us in our hour of bereavement and regret our inability to do so The hydro power potential of While the government had made government had awarded the Stage individually. the State has been worked out to its intentions clear that tenders III to NHPC “in principle” and “the Mrs. Youthok Bhutia (Mother), Dichenla, Phuchung & be at 8,000 MW, with a firm base would be floated for the remaining Corporation has already started the Loday (Brothers), Diki Doma Bhutia (Sister-in-law), of 3000 MW. The State five stages of Teesta Hydroelectric initial ground work for this project.” Chumki, Chumkila & Norzim (Sisters), government would earn about Rs. Power Project, NHPC feels that “it The State government is yet to G. Mapkpen & T. Makpen (Uncles) 90 to 100 crores per year through would make much better business make any formal announcement in ph: 57723, 24619 the sale of power alone. It and economic sense if all the stages this regard. 12 NOW! SPORTS Augsut 14-20, 2002 aichung Bhutia has done the very helpful. “We were given the impossible. A Rambo that best of facilities, training kits and Bfew could have predicted. even the training schedule was well He has led a debutante Indian team planned,” he says. to its first international victory BEND IT LIKE As for the question mark on his outside the subcontinent in 30 years personal form and fitness Baichung trouncing home team Vietnam 3-2 has answered as only he can. With in the finals of the LG Cup held at two Man of the Match awards Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on under his belt he is brimming with August 10. confidence. “It’s good to be back Talking to NOW! over the among the goals,” he says. It’s good phone from Kolkata, Baichung to have you back in India, credited the victory to the fresh BAICHUNG Baichung. With his performance, Indian team’s “dedication, attitude Baichung has proven yet again that and fitness.” Slugging it out against he is blessed with a spirit that never the “A” teams of Indonesia, ebbs. His two and half year struggle Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore, with East Bengal before he became Baichung commented that the a regular with them and his Indian contingent was the fittest. persistence with Bury bear out this A rare feat given the slack attention trait. His mentor, Karma P. Bhutia paid to fitness by Indian sportsmen seconds this opinion. “I was always and authorities. confident that Baichung would The finals saw the home team bounce back soon. He has and feels kick off to a flier as its striker found really great,” he told NOW! the Indian net twice in the first half The Indian team is taking a well- hour of play. The Indian fight-back earned 5-day break after which they rode on Baichung’s knack for goals reassemble in Delhi for a training as he struck for India just minutes camp. The Pusan Asian Games before half time. starting late September is the next The second half began with an goal in the Indian football horizon. energized Indian side pressurizing NOW! on Baichung’s The immediate exercise of the team the Vietnamese defence consists of two exhibition matches consistently and culminating in return to form... in England sponsored by Sapphire another goal from Baichung, which Enterprise – a media management levelled the score. Just as the game group – in support of the victims of seemed headed into extra time, the Gujarat earthquake. They are substitute Abhishek Yadav booted scheduled to play the two matches the winning goal in the dying against Jamaica. minutes giving India its first major It is an irony that the first major win in 30 years. The last Baichung admitted that the first “My performance in the semifinal tight training schedule.” Baichung international Indian soccer trophy international tournament won by two matches were “awful” for him and the final matches are among is all praise for his team and also in 30 years could not be enjoyed India was way back in 1974 at the even though he bagged the Man of my personal best,” he disclosed. attributes the victory to “good team by Indian fans as no channel Asian Youth Championship. the Match award in the second A jubilant sounding Baichung spirit and discipline.” thought it worthy of telecast. For The victory was more than just match. The Sikkim lad soon said over the phone, “We were “We also played according to a ardent soccer fans there is a comeback for Indian football; it enough found his rhythm and confident right from the first match. plan with the coach boosting our compensation in the form of a was also a reiteration of Baichung’s dominated the tourney semifinal Though the team was new we were spirits with his pep talk,” he further recorded telecast of the LG Cup credentials as the best striker in the onwards bagging the Man of the remarkably fit having played adds. He also gives due credit to Tournament by Ten Sports in the business. Talking to NOW! Match award for the finals as well. practice matches and followed a the management which he says was upcoming week.

1. Every consumer has a right to check quantity Be quality and potency of the goods purchased. An 2. Insist on cash memo if you have purchased goods costing more than Rs. 100/- 3. “Don’t get cheated” check the Maximum Retail Alert Price and the date of expiry of the goods. Do not Consumer pay more than Printed Price. 4. Do not accept package goods which do not have proper declaration. 5. Always insist on standard marks like ISI/ Agmark for quality goods. 6. Always buy from authorized sales outlet. 7. Don’t go for spurious and sub-standard goods which may be hazardous to your life. 8. The Consumer Protection Act 1986 has been enacted for the safe guard and protection of general consumers.

If you have any complaints about defects in goods purchased or deficiency in service you hired please contact the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum of your respective District or the Department of Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs for redressal of your grievances. Department of Food & Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM

Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Baba Offset, Tadong. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Now! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 70949 email: [email protected]