06 April, 2004; NOW! 1 Bharat Sanchar Tuesday, 06 April, 2004 Vol. 3 No. 10 Gangtok
Rs. 3 Air-Conditioned Nigam Ltd. a Govt. of India enterprise Grocery Shop Office of the General Manager Telecom for Provisional Goods, Dry Gangtok : Sikkim Fruits & All Hotel NOTICE Requirements (for kitchen) WHOLE-SALES All BSNL subscribers are hereby informed that all tel- RETAIL-SALES ephone numbers in Gangtok at the most reasonable prices beginning 222, 223, 224 and 225 are being changed in a phased manner to now be- gin 20, ie is the second Rajdeep number of these phones will Spectrum Color Lab Building, Near Amar/ henceforth be “0.” Chaman Garage, Sevoke Road, Siliguri ph: 2640799, 2640599 MORE SUPRISES IN SDF’S FINAL LIST HAND-PICKED TO DRIVE SDF BACK TO POWER
CHAKUNG GETS GOLEY BACK
NAKUL TEAM SDF RAI BAGS LOK SABHA TICKET
FIVE LOK SABHA: Nakul Rai CENTRAL/ EAST PENDAM: Somnath Poudyal MINISTERS, 5 MLAs DROPPED Sonam Dorjee. DAMTHANG: Pawan Chamling REGU: Karna Bdr. Chamling a NOW REPORT Contrary to claims by senior YOKSUM: Kalawati Subba PATHING: Mingma Tsh. Sherpa GANGTOK, 05 April: The final party leaders that the first list was TASHIDING: DN Takarpa SANG-MARTAM: Dorjee Tsh. Lepcha list of the Sikkim Democratic Front final, one change, which snow- candidates for the upcoming simul- balled to affect the political futures GEYZING: Sher Bdr. Subedi RAKDONG-TINTEK: Norzang Lepcha taneous polls was released today as of two others, was effected. PS DENTAM: Deepak Kr. Gurung LACHEN MAGSHILA: Hishey Lachungpa expected. Although rumours of what Tamang [Goley], was reverted to it contained had started floating Chakung, replacing Bina Rai, HEE-BERMIOK: Narendra Kr. Subba KABI-TINGDA: Thinley Tsh. Bhutia from early morning, it was not until whose candidature had been an- RINCHENPONG: Dawcho Lepcha RHENOCK: Bhim Dhungel way past noon, that the official list nounced earlier. She has been CHAKUNG: Prem Singh Tamang ASSAM-LINGZEY: Kunga Zangpo Bhutia substantiated several of the rumours. dropped from the list of candidates. The list came with many surprises. Replacing Mr. Tamang at Central SORENG: Ram Bdr. Subba LOOSING-PACHEYKHANI: Manita Manger Five ministers and five MLAs Pendam is Somnath Poudyal. DARAMDIN: Ran Bdr. Subba GANGTOK: NK Pradhan have been dropped by the party and It might be recalled that a huge including, the Lok Sabha candidate, delegation of Chakung voters had JORETHANG-NAYA BAZAR: KN Rai RANKA: Nimthit Lepcha SDF is offering eleven new faces rolled into Gangtok to claim Mr. RALANG: Dorjee Dezum Bhutia RUMTEK: Menlom Lepcha to the voters of Sikkim. Tamang as their rightful candidate The ministers dropped are Thutob on 31 March. Party-insiders reveal WOK: Chandra Bdr. Karki KHAMDONG: DM Ramudamu Bhutia, CK Mohra, Tseten Lepcha, that more than the show of strength, MELLI: Girish Chandra Rai RATEYPANI-WEST PENDAM: AS Baraily OT Lepcha and KT Gyaltsen. The rul- it was Mr. Tamang’s influence in TEMI-TARKU: Garja Man Gurung DZONGU: Sonam Gyatso Lepcha ing party MLAs ignored this time more constituencies than just around are Tulsi Pradhan, Bhojraj Rai, Chakung that convinced the party First-timers shaded in grey Gopal Lamichaney, JK Bhandari and turn to pg 7 Cong accomodates dissident SDF leaders EDUCATION presents It’s where your future is DB GURUNG, SHERHANG BAG Level 1 : Diploma in IT foundation Level 2 : Hon’s Diploma in Web programming Level 3 : Advanced Diploma in Solutions Architect CONGRESS TICKETS Level 4 : Master’s Diploma in Software Expertise Media Coordinator, SPCC [I], many since the activities which trig- a NOW REPORT Near Krishi Bhavan, Tadong, Gangtok. ph: 270876 BP Bajgain confirmed that former gered the expulsions came when Below Power Deptt., Kazi Road, Gangtok. ph: 227917 GANGTOK, 05 April: Politics is Deputy Speaker, DB Gurung, and the two were overlooked in the SDF Nayuma Building, Main Bazar, Namchi. ph: 263919 definitely not about permanence. former Chairman, Sherhang Subba ticket-distribution process. Pandey Colony, Geyzing. ph: 251187 There are no permanent allies or [expelled from the SDF on 02 While Mr. Subba steps in uncon- email: [email protected] website: www.ssi-education.com enemies. The ruling party effected April], called on the Sikkim tested domain within the Congress, JOB PLACEMENT ON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION adjustments in it’s list of candidates Pradesh Congress Committee [I] Mr. Gurung has spiked the chances within a week of claiming that it president, Nar Bahadur Bhandari, of former Power Secretary and Con- was final and barely days after a at his Ranipool residence today and gress leader, LP Tewari, who has senior Congressman said that dis- joined the party. been cultivating the Geyzing con- HONG KONG sident SDF leaders could join Con- With the joining, they were also stituency for quite some time. While gress but not expect tickets, two awarded Congress tickets. While Mr. Gurung goes up against SDF’s SDF leaders, expelled for alleged Mr. Gurung will contest on a Con- sitting MLA and minister in the out- BAZAAR “anti-party” activities, not only gress ticket from Geyzing, Mr. going government, SB Subedi, Mr. joined the Congress, but also won Subba wins the ticket for Dentam. Subba has NK Subba of the SDF to Any Item Rs. 90 to Rs. 150 a Congress ticket each. The news has not surprised contend with. FIRST Gift Items, Crockery & Other TIME IN Mingma Sherpa impresses Pathing Bharat Tenzing Chettri unhappy with SIKKIM GM Gurung’s candidature, offers to Attractive Goods! voters with his easy charm contest as an Independent INSIDE DETAILS ON pg 4 DETAILS ON pg 7 HOTEL BAYUL, MG MARG, GANGTOK

CMYK 2; NOW!; 06 April, 2004 ED-SPACE THE VOTE NOTES NOW! perceptive journalist of a stabilising influence in the hills and political leanings, and hence can FIRST WITH THE NEWS local paper once com it was game set and match for the afford to observe the spectacle from Amented on the paradigm GNLF. This, of course, is not to say the vantage point of supreme de- The Sangram Continues shift that the spin-doctors of the that they did anything other politi- tachment. A few observations GNLF had brought about in the lo- cal parties had not done before therefore are in order. Members of the Sikkim Sangram Parishad seem to take the cal political scenario. He wrote that them or would not do given either Like in the rest of the country party name too seriously. They are constantly in a state of there was a time when political par- the chance or the political acumen. politicians here too are a much-ma- Sangram. Had this sense of agitation been directed outwards, ties fought elections on the basis of The fact of the matter is that for ligned tribe. They are either fawned as it was in 1984 when it was formed and then again in 1999 promises that they would make to a long time the opposition was to a upon or ignored, with very few when it performed well at the polls, one would have seen a much solve voter problems such as un- large extent invisible, busy as they willing to look at them with the se- better Opposition party in Sikkim in the past five years. The party, employment, lack of drink- were in inter- riousness that some deserve. But in however, appears to have turned the mirror inwards and directed ing water etc. necine squab- one perceptible way, there is trend all the flak and aggression to its own office bearers. First, Mr. The GNLF turned this bles. This time here that is different from Bhandari opted for mercy killing by merging the party with the on the head by evolving the rest of the country. Congress. But even before the new signboards at Congress a stratagem in which While magazines like the Bhavan had dried, Rajendra Upreti and some others picked on they went a step ahead. Time can feature the likes a technicality and knocked out Mr. Bhandari’s claims of a merger. They enlightened the of businessmen turned And now we have DB Basnet and his ilk claiming to have booted public on what actually politicians such as Vijay out Mr. Upreti and his clique for hobnobbing with the SDF and their problems were. Issues such Mallya, in Kalimpong we for anti-party activities. Mr. Upreti of course has countered with as the 6th schedule, no man’s land have seen the season of the claim that Mr. Basnet resigned from SSP some time back etc were purported as being the real politician-turned-busi- and thus has no legal authority to make such expulsions. But problems that the people faced and too things do not appear to be very nessmen. Of course, there’s noth- these are political arguments and can stretch forever. The audi- the party was seen to be the only different. The power equations ing wrong in being unwilling to put ence is more concerned about what the party is going through. agency that would bring about a seem to have the same operating all your eggs in one basket. And SSP truly heralded the arrival of the regional party in Sikkim. It semblance of order in the mad variables. The intrigues have started also there isn’t much that is differ- spoke local concerns and raised regional issues through the house of issues that the hills had to engage the public mind and the ent from engaging in the business fourteen-odd years that it was in power. But like most other re- become. political specimen’s imagination. of politics to well, just business. As gional parties, it started disintegrating the moment it was up- In a sense this was a master- Things get murkier by the day with somebody said, while in a democ- staged. The party’s decline actually started in 1994 when the SDF came into power. It lost MLAs, then constituencies, then stroke. statements from both sides of the racy you vote with the ballot, in youth and then all semblance of any organisational network. A You could, in corporate terms, fence making up the sound bytes. capitalism you do so with your resurgent Mr. Bhandari did manage to infuse some life into it in equate it to a situation where a com- In true political fashion issues are chequebook. What matters there- 1999, but even though the party saw an increase in voter-share, pany sells you cars and also the type being unearthed every other day. fore if in the fledgling outpost of its seats in the Assembly dropped. Along with it dropped out Mr. of fuel to run it with. The party it And as much as these charges are capitalism and democracy that is Bhandari from the public scene. Since the fate of political par- seemed was not just answering grave, there is also room to suspect Kalimpong there are some who ties, specially regional ones, are so closely linked to the fates of questions, but asking them too. the intention in bringing them command your attention in both its Leaders, SSP double-marched towards annihilation the mo- Couple with that the covert threat about, given their timing. ways possible?
ment Mr. Bhandari got more occupied with personal involve- they issued in the name of being a I, fortunately, do not have any ments to spare time for the party and its requirements. The situ- ation deteriorated to such an extent that at one time merger talks were on with both Congress and the BJP. It is from such a Corruption charges threaten valuable U.N. role in Iraq situation that some managed to restore SSP. One does not use or all of Iraq’s current problems, at least the oil- hired accountants and lawyers to investigate Iraqi docu- the term revive because that remains debatable. All that has been achieved thus far is an official endorsement of the continu- rich country now can trade with the outside ments it says provide proof of corruption and fraud in ing existence of the party. While aspersions have been cast on Fworld. That wasn’t the case in the mid-1990s. the oil-for-food program. what motivated this resuscitation, fact remains that a regional In fact, after the 1991 Gulf War, Saddam Hussein’s re- Iraq’s media have cited at least 270 suspects, including party was rescued. What we have in effect at present are two fusal to prove he had rid his country of weapons of mass French and Russian firms, a senior UN official and regional parties of the same mould. SSP is alive and Sikkim destruction was punished with a company linked to the son of UN Pradesh Congress Committee [I] is for all intents and purposes United Nations sanctions that barred elsewhere Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Last being run like the SSP of old. A national party is finally getting a other countries from doing business month, a US congressional investiga- crash course in the parochial wisdom of regional politics. with Iraq. But ordinary Iraqis would have suffered even tion esti- mated that Saddam siphoned $10 bil- But if all this was really good, then why is there so much infight- more without a U.N. program that, starting in 1996, let lion or more from the program in kickbacks and bribes. ing plaguing the SSP? The party does not threaten anyone po- Iraq sell $65 billion of oil for food and other essentials. The charges could be shrugged off as the unfortu- litically at present, so the only reason left to instigate trouble in Today, evidence suggests UN officials abused the nate but all-too-typical type of corruption that defines its ranks is the massive real estate that lies in dispute. program, enriching themselves, Saddam and favored both dictators and international aid programs, except foreign companies. The Iraqi Governing Council has turn to pg 6

-24- made a photograph of my arm. He said no dam- was given a place to sleep for the night, age had been done. When I returned to the po- and the next morning was told to go to The Kindness of Strangers lice station with the doctor’s letter, the police Ithe police station to report everything sahib asked me then whether I wanted to go back about this bad sahib. I could not yet walk prop- the same way, asking me where I had learned and showed the marks on my back. The police to Delhi or stay on here in Karachi. I said I pre- erly, so Rahim Ali, a Sindhi and an engine to say “Salaam alaikum.” I told him I had sahib looked at them very carefully and wrote ferred to go back to Delhi if I could get the train cleaner, took me directly to the place by tram. learned it from the railway sahib’s cook, a down everything on a sheet of paper. He told me fare from the railway sahib. Then I was told to The police inspector was very kind to me. Muslim, who had always told me to not to worry and he promised he would get meet the police sahib at the railway sahib’s house. He promised to help me get the money from become a Muslim, but I had not some money from my sahib. But first I I went there with my friend, and soon the my sahib. He asked my name, birthplace, and wanted to do so. “It would be very must go to the city hospital and see police sahib arrived. At first the railway sa- also my caste. There was no use telling a good for you to become a Mus- what the doctor said about my arm hib said he would not give me any money to police sahib any lies about my life in India, lim,” said the kind man, “be- and back. At the hospital the doctor go to Delhi, but at last he agreed. Only he so I told him the whole truth. I gave my proper cause then all the Muslims will did not give me money, but a railway ticket name as Twan Yang and said that I was born be kind to you and give you to the place. The wages, which I was paid, of a Chinese family in Kalimpong. Then the work if you are without it. Es- came to eight rupees, and I was quite con- police sahib said I should return to his office pecially because you are an or- tent with this amount. It would have been next day at about ten o’clock to appear be- phan you should do it for the silly not to be satisfied; whatever the amount fore the bigger police sahib and be taken to sake of your future.” might be which was due to me. the house of the railway sahib. I began to see that what he However, I did not go to Delhi. I sold the I rested till late I the afternoon in the home was saying was very sensible. ticket for ten rupees to someone going to Delhi. Artist, filmmaker, keen photographer, columnist with international of my kind Muslim host. When he came home I kept on thinking about this for magazines... It’s hard to pin Twan Yang down. Born to a Chinese The buyer was happy to get it at a bargain price, in the evening I paid my respects to him say- the remainder of the day. father and Tibetan mother, he grew up in Kalimpong and worked in and I had now eighteen rupees in all. ing, “Salaam alaikum.” He was greatly sur- The next morning I went to Sikkim. NOW! serializes Twan Yang’s autobiography, Houseboy in India... I kept then very carefully. prised to hear me and returned my greeting in the police station with Rahim Ali, -to be continued CMYK
NEWSSCAN 06 April, 2004; NOW! 3 [PH]ED UP WITH WORKS IN PROGRESS regular ferocity, the people are get- As if things were not bad a NOW REPORT ting restive. There seems to be no enough, the PHED has initiated a GANGTOK, 05 April: “This is for solution in sight. Mud, slush, over- fresh round of digging along the the information of the general public flowing drains and the impossibil- NH31A with sandbags and flags of Gangtok and surrounding areas. ity of walking on certain stretches warning people to stay away. The That the Roads & Bridges Department is evidence that the state government public, too overwhelmed by all this is undertaking the task of improving has failed to provide the most basic ‘digging’ manages the best they the overall condition of major roads civic facilities to the capital. can. After all, they have been told in and around Gangtok. The said work Speaking to NOW! earlier, the it is for their own good. entails a great deal of excavation department had blamed it on the “It is all for a reason,” says D works as well as transportation of con- delay in giving out tenders. Subba, Principal Chief Engineer cum struction materials. As such, this must “We don’t care for excuses,” Secretary, PHE. Apparently, when cause inconvenience to all persons. says Karma Gyatso, a resident of GREF carpeted the highway, about We therefore appeal to public to bear Syari, adding, “it’s getting worse 500 manholes were covered. The with us and extend full co-operation everyday.”So what is the problem? department, at present is carrying on to enable the department to execute It goes something like this. the task of digging the manholes and the work as per schedule.” Over the last few months long constructing them at surface level. Thus read appeals in newspa- stretches of road have been dug up This is being done to maintain the pers issued by the department. But in nearly all the residential colonies 30 inch pipes that are laid under Gangtokians step cautiously! There’s a lot of work in progress for how long is the public expected of the capital. From Development ground. A stretch of 12 kilometers to bear this inconvenience? One Area to Arithang to Tadong. The from Gangtok to Adampool, where and check the pipes, if there is no Anyway, assaulted as the people month? Two months? Or longer? roads have been half dug up and the sewage treatment plant is located maintenance then there is a fear of of Gangtok are by the collective dig- All this makes no sense to the seemingly left like that. There is no will be covered by the department. a landslide,” informs Mr. Subba. ging up frenzy undertaken by all the people who have waited patiently point in going into the daily misery “At present if the pipe gets bro- Makes good sense, except why departments at the same time, all they for the last 6 months, if not more, this causes the people of the areas. ken, there is no provision of repair- now? It has been nearly two years can do is ask wearily, “How much for the roads in their vicinity to be Suffice to say that with the weather ing, the water will seep into the since the roads were carpeted. Is this longer do we have to bear this.” repaired. Winter came and went, so playing truant, the misery has in- ground causing the soil to loosen, the best time to dig up all the roads? did the spring. Now when the clouds creased. And so has the apprehen- resulting in natural calamities, thus With the tourist season coming up, are preparing to burst on us with sion that it will get worse. the manholes are required to get in followed by the rainy season! GET UPTO

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SDF has fulfilled only 40% of its promises, alleges Pradhan a NOW REPORT GANGTOK, 05 April: The state STATE-BJP CLAIMS IT’S GETTING FEELERS FROM SDF AND CONGRESS BJP president, HR Pradhan, told a press conference here today that the DISSIDENTS; SAYS IT HAS ALREADY DECIDED ON 11 CANDIDATES party’s attempting at forging fresh alliances was progressing well. Lambasting the SDF, the state uled Tribes list along with the Sanyasi communities by the SDF. Pradhan revealed that the party had Speaking at the meet Mr. BJP president pointed out that of Tamangs. The delimitation is already “These communities were prom- already decided on about eleven can- Pradhan said that communal har- the 133 promises made by the SDF on the anvil and the Limbus and ised OBC status, but later the SDF didates for the Assembly polls and mony was the main issue for them. during the last elections, only 40 Tamangs may not get their political gave OBC status to the Thami, Jogi also revealed that they had been get- “This communal harmony has been per cent have been fulfilled. rights until 2026 as the SDF has failed and Dewan communities. They then ting feelers from certain dissidents played with by the SDF with their “Actually, only 49 of the 133 to submit a resolution passed by the offered OBC status to the left-out from the SDF as well as the Congress. policy of allotting reservations to have been looked into, that makes Assembly of the state government to communities when some SSP mem- “There are many youth who are only certain communities”, Mr. for less than 40 per cent,” he said. the central government for necessary bers merged with the Congress. OBC joining our party. As many as 80 had Pradhan alleged. On the same note, he said that the enactment,” Mr. Pradhan alleged. status without clearance by the State already joined till yesterday,” he “Initially, reservations were to government had failed to pass the Another allegation levelled by OBC Commission is nothing but a claimed. He also said that they had de- be provided for Gurungs, Bhutias, Local Protection Act as promised the state BJP was the misleading of political gimmick,” said Mr. Pradhan. cided to recommend to the central BJP Lepchas and Sunuwars. But only in its last manifesto. the Chettri, Bahun, Newar and Responding to queries, Mr. leadership to break ties with the SDF. two of them have benefited. The “They have also failed to provide Gurungs and Sunwars have been reservations to Nepalis and Tsongs SIKKIM’S SAFFROM LEADERS WANT HIGH deprived of reservations. This, for as promised by them even though them, is an injustice,” he added. they have been included in the Sched- COMMAND TO SEVER TIES WITH SDF Mingma Sherpa impresses Pathing Mangars revive tribal demand, back YB as their representative Front in promoting ASMA eco- voters with his easy charm a NOW REPORT nomically, socially, culturally and SARIKAH ATREYA GANGTOK, 05 April: The All literally. Offering its gratitude, the Sikkim Mangar Association has Association also appreciated the MAMRING-AMBA [PATHING, asked for the inclusion of government’s effort to mobilize the EAST SIKKIM], 05 April: A large Sikkimese Mangars in the Sched- Backward Classes in the state. number of people of 20-Pathing uled Tribe list to “ensure social The Association has unani- converged from remote corners of and political security to the com- mously decided to project YB this constituency to get up, close munity.” The association has also Thapa, who is also the ASMA and personal with their new neta at asked for the Mangar language to president, as a leader of Backward the Panchayat Bhawan premises be taught in schools in areas Mangars in the forthcoming elec- here today. where the Mangar community is tion so as to ensure the progres- There were apprehensions and in majority. sive well being of the community even some indifference on their part These demands were raised in in all facets. even as the Sikkim Democratic a meeting called by the All Sikkim ASMA will soon release a book Front candidate, Mingma Tshering Mangar Association [ASMA] at on the history of Mangars written Sherpa was introduced to them by Mingma Sherpa meets his new constituency’s voters on 5 April Sudunglakha Busty, East Sikkim on by Santosh Alley, adds a press re- former ministers, MLAs and 03 April. Mangars from all over lease issued by the Association. Panchayat leaders of the area. on an SSP ticket last time and vote for the party that was based Sikkim are reported to have at- The meeting concluded with a The veteran leader, however, joined SDF recently. So were Cheli on pro-poor polices. tended the meeting held at the resi- thanksgiving speech delivered by won them over with his easy charm, Morcha leader Karma Doma and Various issues that needed im- dence of Krishna Bahadur Mangar Parsuram Thapa Mangar in which wit and struck a direct rapport with Laxman Lepcha. mediate attention were brought up in large numbers. he said the main aim of the asso- the villagers. Mr. Sherpa managed But today, all professed sup- during the meeting and assured de- The meeting which was pre- ciation was to promote general to ease the awkwardness and pro- port for Mr. Sherpa and promised liverance by the SDF candidate. sided by Gyan Bahadur Magar, amiable camaraderie in the soci- jected himself as the winning can- to elect him with a majority. All About 8,531 voters will exer- former Panchayat, Subani Dara, ety and work towards the didate from the constituency. those who spoke at today’s meet- cise their franchise from the East Sikkim, acknowledged the role upliftment and bright future of the Having fought and won the ing reminisced about the work Pathing constituency. played by the Sikkim Democratic community. Rakdong-Tintek seat on a Sikkim done by Mr. Sherpa in Rakdong- Sangram Parishad ticket twice in Tintek and expected the same pace THESE ARE NOT APRIL’S FOOL PRICES. THEY ARE FOR REAL! a row, Mr. Sherpa who joined the of development and progress for Software SDF during the second term, this “neglected and forgotten” con- BIZ BLACK PC @ Rs. 29,987/- only proved that he was the man of the stituency as well. SVPL Intel Pentium IV/ 2.0 GHz. with Solutions grassroots. He even spoke their Present for the welcome cer- Original Intel Motherboard. 17” language. emony today were former minis- MY HOME PC @ Rs. 19,606/- only Colour Monitor. 40 GB Hard-Disk. Now “Most of you are under the ter Ram Lepcha, minister and 256 RAM. 600 KVA UPS. 56 kbps impression that I am a new face. area MLA, Rhegu, KB Internal Modem. Multimedia Keyboard. PS2 Mouse with Well, I am definitely not new. I Chamling, senior Cheli Morcha Pad. 400 Watt Speakers. am 62 years old and have already and Panchayat leaders from the spent more than a decade in ac- area and Youth members. tive politics. I have fought and Mr. Sherpa, on his part, prom- Intel Celeron 1.8 GHz/ 15” NOTEBOOK @ RS. 39,999/- ONWARDS won two Assembly elections in a ised to bring development to the Colour Monitor/ with Intel-based row. But for 20-Pathing, I am cer- doorsteps of the people of Pathing. Motherboard. 128 MB RAM/ 40 GB Hard Disk/ Keyboard. WEB APPLICATION tainly new. So, I need to be shown “The poor janata need not come Mouse. Speakers SMART-CARD SOLUTIONS around but definitely not carried to Gangtok for anything. I will ???? BIO-METRIC SECURITY around,” he quipped. make sure that all benefits reach What else should I know Easy Bank finance available
EMI as low as Rs. 490/- per month SDF high-command has sent you directly. This is my promise to SYSTEMS him to a constituency which has not you,” he assured. NO HIDDEN COSTS! Enterprise Resources Planning voted for the SDF in the last two While asserting his complete RATES INCLUSIVE OF FREIGHT + LOCAL TAXES AND ALL OTHER APPLICABLE CHARGES Customer Relationship Management elections. That too in the face of faith and support in the leadership 31-A National Highway, Above Office of Spices Board RSS, Small & Medium Enterprises Solutions Tadong, Gangtok, East Sikkim many other hopefuls. Ram Lepcha, of Chief Minister and party leader, SPECIAL PACKAGE SOFTWARE former minister and SDF’s candi- Pawan Chamling and his policies, Customer Service Centre ph: +91-3592-231224 DEVELOPMENT FOR HOTEL & date in the last elections, was in the Mr. Sherpa asked the people to TRAVEL INDUSTRY fray as was Sonam Dorjee who won move away from “caste lines” and email: [email protected] CMYK
NEWSSCAN 06 April, 2004; NOW! 5 Darj BJP’s discontent goes on slow burn over the proposed candidature of wrath of the Hill BJP leaders when to then announce Dr. Yonzone’s However, spitting out deep set BIRENDRA S. Dr. Yonzone and there were he claimed that the present BJP Dis- candidature. discontent, he added, “Yonzone DARJEELING, 05April: The chances of an all out rebellion, trict Committee with Kishore Balaram Chettri, General Sec- may be educationally qualified but sensational saffron brigade drama things ended on a quiet note today. Chandra Rai as the President and retary, Darjeeling BJP Committee he lacks quality.” ended on a drab note today with the Most of the BJP Hill leaders Balaram Chettri was “superficial.” softened his stand today. A few days The Darj BJP president today name of Dr. G.S Yonzone being have already softened their stand, Tathagata Roy, the BJP State back he was on the verge of declar- stated: “Though we will support announced as the candidate from the magical effects of meeting be- President had to come to the res- ing an all out war on the proposed the BJP candidate, deep inside we the Darjeeling parliamentary con- tween the district leaders and mem- cue of the committee clarifying that candidature of Dr. Yonzone. feel hurt.” stituency. bers of the BJP State Committee in the BJP District Committee was the “I will wait for the high com- Dr. Yonzone, the candidate Though the Hill BJP leaders Siliguri, yesterday clearly showing. “actual one” and that no other com- mand’s decision and then decide on however was not available for had clearly expressed discontent Dr. Yonzone had incurred the mittee existed in Darjeeling, only my stand,” he said today. comments. JaK SOLDIERS CYCLE ON HANUMAN LANDS taking part in this expedition cover- a NOW REPORT ing a total distance of approximately GANGTOK, 05 April: The JAK HI- 300 kms at heights ranging from IN KALIMPONG Bird Cycle expedition took off from 8000 feet to 13000 feet. The expedi- Nathula yesterday. The expedition tion is being undertaken to com- was flagged off by Brig. Ravi memorate Zorawar Day which falls KARAN SHAH Pandalai. The expedition, which is on 13 April. Zorawar Day is celebrated KALIMPONG, 05 April: There is the first of its kind to be undertaken by the J&K Rifles in homage to Gen. good news now for all the worship- in Sikkim will pass through Tsomgo, Zorawar Singh, the warrior who took pers of the mythological deity Rumtek Monastery, and Darjeeling the boundaries of Kashmir right up to Hanuman . The Hanuman Park at before finishing at Sukna. One of- China. The expedition is being spon- Deorali Dara here was inaugurated ficer, a JCO and 12 Other Ranks are sored by Safari cycles. today. The park, which covers a to- tal of 3 acres, is now adorned with a 31ft giant statue, a magnificent BAHRAIN (MIDDLE EAST) REQUIRES creation of Virendra Pal from WAITERS (M/F) 20 - 28 Class XII Kolkata. The intimidating presence SALES GIRLS (F) 20 - 28 Class XII of such a giant Hanuman is cer- DRIVERS (M) 20 - 40 --- tainly something that the people of The 31ft. statue of the Monkey God which lords over the 3 acre Hanuman Park in Kalimpong Kalimpong can be proud of. 29,000 towards the construction of the Park. Then, it was the turn of STEEL FIXERS (M) 20 - 40 --- The figure has enhanced the was contributed by the DGHC, and the Bahajan group to further cleanse CARPENTERS (M) 20 - 40 --- beauty of the existing sacred sites that some thirty percent of the work the already purified atmosphere. ELECTRICIANS (M) 20 - 40 Class VIII of the hill town such as the Mangal was still to be completed. “We thank all those who have MASONS (M) 20 - 40 --- Dham, Kali Mandir and a host of “We intend to start cultivating put in such an effort, and also to Apply with Bio-Data to: monasteries. The statue is made en- medicinal plants in the park which those who are present to witness BAYUL Tours & Travels (P) Ltd. tirely of fibre and weighs nearly could prove beneficial to students this milestone event,” said Mr. Gangtok. Tel: 228341. Mobile: 94341 27094 half a ton. of Botany and also to the tourism Pakhrin who has himself put in a While speaking to NOW!, in Kalimpong,” Mr. Sherpa added. lot of time and effort in the build- Dawa Sherpa, Executive-Councilor A couple of thousand people ing of the park. QUOTATION [Games & Sport Dept], DGAHC, were present at today’s inaugura- “We are also planning to build informed that the entire project had tion ceremony, along with Sewa a statue of Lord Buddha in Quotations are invited from Registered firms/ been taken up on a voluntary basis. Samitis. Eminent town personali- Kalimpong. If things go according “The Marwari community has ties, apart from Mr. Sherpa, in at- to plan, its height should be about suppliers for the supply of laboratory played a great role in the making tendance were Dawa Pakhrin, Ex- 108 ft,” he added further. consumables and materials for sputum of the park. They have contributed ecutive Councilor [PHE] and almost 80 percent of the funds re- Gurudev Tulku Karma Wangchuk microscopy under RNTCP to be used in mi- quired for the project, not forget- from Darjeeling, who was also the Inner-Wheel to organise croscopic centres of State. The specification ting the many workers who have chief guest for ceremony. also helped,” he said. The programme commenced free PAP-Smear camp details of items required to be supplied can be He also disclosed that Rs. with the Gurudev’s official opening for Gangtok women obtained from the office of the State TB Of- ficer, Bhanupath, Gangtok. SITUATION VACANT a NOW REPORT FOR SCIENCE GRADUATE TEACHERS, COMPUTER TYPIST GANGTOK, 05 April: Inner Quotation with rates of specified items should AT CAREER’S COUNSELLING INSTITUTE, TIBET ROAD, Wheel Club of Gangtok, part of an reach the office of the STO. Bhanupath on or GANGTOK. international women’s organiza- CONTACT IMMEDIATELY PHONE: 226510, tion, is holding a PAP-Smear Camp before 20.04.2004. 94341-53355 for detection of Cervical Cancer on sd/- Wednesday, 07 April, to com- Additional Director-cum-STO memorate World Health Day. This Vajra Guru Dhungdrup is to spread awareness that cervi- State TB Cell, Deptt. of Health & F.W., at Pemayangtse Monastery, West Sikkim cal cancer is the most preventable Bhanupath, Gangtok cancer if detected in early stages. The Vajra Guru Dhungdrup or recitations at Pemayangtse Gompa, The camp will be held at Care Di- Sikkim’s premier monastery in West Sikkim will commence from agnostics, Opposite Private Bus DEALS 8th April 2003 ( Lunar calendar : Dawa Nyipa Tsey Chopgay). Stand, National Highway, Gangtok The recitations will be headed by his Eminence Yangthang at noon. IN ALL Rimpoche. Due to constraint of resources Devotees and interested persons from all over Sikkim who are pre-registration is a must. A nomi- TYPES interested to participate at the recitations are invited to join us. nal charge of Rs. 50 shall be col- OF MOBILE We would also like to inform that we will be providing free fooding lected towards material cost only. and lodging for those participating at the recitations. However, You can register at The Junc- PHONES please bring your own utensils like plates, mugs and spoons. tion, MG Marg, Sai Jewelers, New amola Tharo Line,Lal Market AND Once again all are invited to join us for the recitations. Market and Care Diagnostics, Op- CELLULAR RCELLULAR Road. Ph: 201062, ACCESSORIES Dueche, Pemayangtse Gompa posite Private Bus stand, National SALES & SERVICES Mobile: 9832062684 Highway. CMYK 6; NOW!; 06 April, 2004 NEWSSCAN

AKSHAY JAISA one but Goley as their MLA. The gentleman himself must be mighty re- Corruption charges KOI NAHIN lieved not to have to take on two heavy weights like Bhandari and GM ven before he has had time to get his bearings, the verdict is out. The Rai at Central Pendam. threaten valuable Enew SP East is no match for his predecessor. At least as far as public perception goes. He’s been declared a softie by the taxi drivers, a breed LONE RANGER U.N. role in Iraq who now claim to be missing Akshay’s strict demeanour. But don’t forget f there is any one thing that is keeping the Congress flag flying in the Contd from pg 2 these are the same fellows who always complained of the overbearing Icapital, it is literally the one atop a red Gypsy. The occupants of this for one thing: The scandal tars an manner of the former SP. But kya karein, absence makes the heart grow vehicle can be seen and heard many times a day driving up and down the organization that could play a cru- fonder and these days all they can talk about is how the No Akshay factor highway, cheering on the Congress and infusing some sign of life in the cial supporting role in US efforts is turning the Home Guards more relaxed and less efficient in their ways, party’s campaign for the Gangtok seat. It always leaves one wondering to turn Iraq into a stable democracy. which is of course having a spiralling effect on the drivers. The New SP, that if one vehicle can make so much noise, imagine what a dozen would The oil-for-food corruption apart from getting more aggressive, do. Guess the time to find out will scandal raises serious questions better practice his Nepali [a matter of soon be here. By the way, the bazaar about how the UN would handle that some amusement for traffic police and people were quite impressed by the daunting job. And it focuses atten- taxi drivers] and throw in singing padyatra taken by the Congress Chief tion on the potential for abuse in any classes as well, to make Gangtokians last week in Gangtok town. And no, massive government reconstruction get over the Akshay Act. With the elec- it is not for the reason you think and program. Indeed, charges have sur- tion and tourist season on at the same he hopes for. Instead, People were faced in Iraq that some members of time, traffic management, he will find, heard remarking that he still looks the governing council are profiting could be as challenging as dealing with pretty ‘Handsome’ and ‘Debonair’. from rebuilding contracts. confrontations between SIBLAC and Let’s hope his telegenic ways stem As the US considers ways it can GAC, as he did in his tenure as SP somewhat the huge SDF victory that rely on the UN to help Iraq after it West. is being predicted in the state. Never- gains self-rule June 30, the fraud theless, the man was seen smirking all alleged in the oil-for-food program THE CANDIDATE through Sunday having engineered the provides a microcosm of the prob- he list is finally out and Hanuman latest SSP split. lems that also could plague Iraq’s TJayanti has not proven to be very rebuilding: Lax accounting. Proper auspicious for the ones who got left MODEL CODE OF oversight could have caught abuses behind. KT Gyaltsen, the sitting MLA CONDUCT in the oil-for-food program. The from Rumtek has been denied a ticket Much needless drama was witnessed Iraqi Governing Council’s investi- this time, although he was quite cer- at a not-to-be-named government de- gation shows the way to prevent tain that he would be declared the can- partment recently, making reporters future problems: Hire credible au- didate in the second list. And you can’t blame him for feeling rejected. As turn out in droves, only to return with no story. Apparently, a girl who was ditors to monitor the UN as they one of the few well educated, intelligent and high profile ministers, one working on Muster Roll was given an out of turn promotion and con- would private businesses. would have thought he would be a sure-shot for the ticket but ground- firmed in her job. Nothing so extraordinary in normal times. But these are Bloated bureaucracy. The oil-for- level realities have decided otherwise. Another ticket hopeful, who’s been election times and we have a model code of conduct in place, which does food program - involving nine sepa- very aggressive about campaigning for the party in the capital was YB not allow for anything of this sort to happen. So the rest of the folks on rate agencies, projects and funds - was Thapa, but again NK Pradhan, with his bazaar vote bank was deemed Muster Roll went on an impromptu protest against this favouritism. After a classic example of the bureaucratic more suitable to take on Bhandari, who has Balchand Sarda to get the many arguments and discussions with officers in charge, including the jumble that has been a UN hallmark. vyapari votes for him. In all this one feels sorry for Bina Rai, who was Secretary of the department, the work order was taken back and the mat- Two rounds of US-pushed reforms in first given the ticket from Chakung and then ignominiously dropped after ter laid to rest. 1997 and 2002 to streamline the UN pressure from the people of the constituency, who wanted Goley and no Like I said, no story. have made limited progress. Poor policing. Saddam was al- Government of Sikkim lowed to choose the companies and Roads & Bridges Department Kutse Shegu countries the oil-for-food program did Gangtok The 49th day Kutse Shegu of late Sonam Pintso business with - a clear invitation to Bhutia who left for his heavenly abode on 24th Feb- pick those open to bribery. Yet a UN ruary 2004 falls on 12th April 2004. spokesman said the organization had APPEAL All friends, relatives and well-wishers are requested no responsibility to investigate allega- to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul at our residence at Rongong, Phodong, North Sikkim. tions of corruption. In fact, though This is for the information of the We also take this opportunity to thank all those who stood by us charges swirled for more than a year, during the time of bereavement and regret our inability to do so the UN started a credible investiga- general public of Gangtok and individually. tion only after the Iraqi Governing surrounding areas; Khamsum Bhutia (Father); Diki Doma (Mother); Pema Yangchen (Wife); Sonam Council recently began its probe. Tenzing (Daughter); Peden Bhutia (Sister); Sonam Thendup (Brother); UN officials say they are deter- That the Roads & Bridges Department Tenzing Namgyal (Brother); Gita Pradhan-Bhutia (Sister-in-Law); mined to get to the bottom of the Dup Pintso Kaleon (Brother-in-Law) scandal that overshadows the suc- is undertaking the task of improving ph: (Gangtok) 228419, (Mobile) 9832005509 cess of a program responsible for feeding 60% of Iraq’s 27 million the overall condition of major roads people for seven years. Even if they do, unmasking corrupt players falls in and around Gangtok. The said Kutse Shegu short of the need to address the sys- works entail a great deal of excavation The 49th day Kutse Shegu of late Tshering Doma who left temic UN failures that allowed it for her heavenly abode on 20th February 2004 falls on 7th to happen in the first place. works as well as transportation of April 2004. All friends, relatives and well wishers are As the UN considers taking on requested to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul a bigger job in Iraq, its success de- construction materials. As such, this at our residence at Manjushree Niwas, Tadong, Gangtok. pends on learning from this embar- must cause inconvenience to all We heartily thank all those who stood by us during the time rassing episode. of bereavement and regret our inability to do so individually. persons. H. R. Sharma (Husband), Vijay Sharma, Ajay Sharma (sons), Neelam Sharma, Dr. Yogita Sharma (daughters) We therefore appeal to Public to bear with us and extend full cooperation, Kutse Shegu to enable the department to execute The 49th Day “Shegu” of late Manoj Tamang who expired on 26th February 2004 falls on 14th April 2004. the works as per schedule. All relatives, fiends and well-wishers are requested PPositive to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul at Inconvenience caused is sincerely our residence at Ranipool Bazar, East Sikkim. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all Summer Collection regretted. those who extended their help in our hour of bereavement. Chief Engineer, Smt Man Maya Tamang, Smt Suk Maya Tamang (Mother), Smt Sakuntala Pradhan Hotel Golden Pagoda (wife), Sisir Tamang, Basant Tamang, Sunil Tamang (Brothers), C Doma (Sister in STYLE MG Marg, Gangtok Roads & Bridges Department Law), ph: 03592- 251784® 251524® 94341- 43969(M).

CMYK
POWERPLAY 06 April, 2004; NOW! 7 KN Rai gets LUCKSOM STRIKES BACK, SAYS THE CLASSIFIEDS acquainted with ATTACK WAS OTHER WAY ROUND “arrest of those persons who had Lucksom for hiring goons from his new voters a NOW REPORT INVITING made the false allegation on my outside Sikkim to beat up the two PURAN TAMANG GANGTOK, 05 April: In a re- prestige…” SDF supporters. This, Mr. Lucksom ACHIEVERS NAMCHI, 05 April: The people versal of sorts, reports had sur- Condemning media reports for vehemently denies and has de- Looking for of Jorethang constituency today got faced of an assault on SDF work- suggesting his participation in the manded proof to substantiate the the opportunity to get acquainted ers on 29 March by former deputy assault, he has counter-alleged that allegation. SALES EXECUTIVE (2) with their new MLA candidate, KN chief minister, PT Lucksom, and it was in fact the SDF which tried Mr. Lucksom goes on to defend Applicant should be: Rai in a programme held at the youth owing allegiance to him in to stop him from attending a pub- himself saying that his vehicle had a) Minimum – XII pass Namchi Dak Bungalow. It was an west Sikkim. lic meeting at Khanisirbong [west earlier been stoned and its way b) Possessing Excellent introductory meeting in which the The news made headlines and Sikkim] on the day of the incident blocked by boulders on the Communication skills. c) Be fluent in English, Nepali & candidate and the people attempted was widely broadcast, now, Mr. even though he had already been Chakung-Khanisirbong road. In a Hindi. Lucksom, president of Sikkim given permission by the concerned letter to the DGP, he has demanded to get familiar with each other. d) Have basic computer Around 1,000 people from Nebhola National Liberation Front, authorities to hold a public meet- “immediate action” against those knowledge. Jorethang constituency met their has countered that the allegations ing at the said place. involved in harassing him on the e) Possess positive attitude & new candidate and related to him are “false” and he has sought the The SDF party had accused Mr. said road. outgoing personality. their problems. f) Be a resident of Namchi or Mr. Rai, while speaking to Jorethang. NOW! explained, “This is basically Bharat Tenzing Chettri challenges All application with bio data & a programme for us to get familiar- photograph should be forwarded ised with each other.” He also vis- to CEO, Entel Motors (P) Ltd. ited the Namchi General Hospital GM Gurung’s candidature 6th Mile, Tadong Gangtok before where he chatted with patients be- 15th April 2004. ph: 231828, 231950, 232059 longing to his constituency. a NOW REPORT GANGTOK, 05 April: Bharat LAND FOR SALE While there will always be Tenzing Chettri addressed a meet- Land for Sale at Sichey [above dissidence, there is also ing here at his residence at Kazi DC Court] and Tadong [above road today to gauge the mood of Manipal Hospital]. For details, unconditional support his supporters on the announce- contact: 9434028001 a NOW REPORT ment of GM Gurung as the candi- date for Temi-Tarku, a constituency NOTICE GANGTOK, 05 April: SDF can- that even he was eyeing. didates who bagged a party ticket Tseten Bhutia, while conduct- State Bank of Sikkim Employ- for the upcoming polls have wel- ing the meeting said that the meet- Bharat Tenzing Chettri speaks to representatives from Temi Tarku ees’ Association raffle draw comed the party decision as one ing was called to arrive at a final extended up to 16.05.2004. taken impartially and have sought decision on Mr. Chettri’s future People want change of candidate, Norbu Tamang, the support of party workers to con- course of action. While speaking to not party, claims Chettri even as he offers General Secretary vert the tickets into winning com- NOW!, he claimed that representa- ph: 9434117402 binations for the party in Sikkim. tives from all 34 blocks of Temi to contest as an Independent 281469 [r] Those passed over in the final list, Tarku were present to express their ple vote for him looking at the party the people’s aspirations had been ig- barring a few who are not taking the support for Mr. Chettri as against president,” Mr. Tiwari said. nored. On his future course of action, FOR RENT denial too well, are also coming out Mr. Gurung who is the official party When it was Mr. Chettri’s turn he said that a final decision would in support of the party choices. Barsaana College Building & candidate and also a minister in the to speak, he admitted that the peo- be arrived at within “two or three” Hostel available for rent in Rinzing Ongmu, who had won outgoing government. ple wanted a change - a change of days after his supporters sent back Kalimpong after June 2004. from Ranka in 1994 on an SSP ticket Prem Tiwari, an active party candidate, not party, he stressed word from the constituency directing Contact B K Ghatraj. and later joined the ruling SDF as a youth said that the younger genera- while adding that party high-com- him on what step to take next. Phone: 953552-257810 Minister, has supported the candi- tion at Temi-Tarku wanted a change mand should send observers to What momentum, Mr. Chettri dature to Ms. Nimthik Lepcha, in- and suggested that even Mr. Temi-Tarku to get a better under- can keep in face of Mr. Gurung’s EARN forms an SDF press release. Gurung’s traditional vote-banks standing of what the people wanted. first visit to Temi-Tarku since the Excellent Money Making Similarly, Gopal Lamichaney, PK were shifting their loyalties against While addressing voters from announcement of his candidature Franchise Opportunity Lamichaney and Basant Lamichaney, him. The main grouse, no real de- the constituency, Mr. Chettri even scheduled for tomorrow [06 April] available for Foreign Education and Employment. Interested all ticket hopefuls for Khamdong, are velopment in the constituency in offered to step out of the race if they remains to be seen. parties please e-mail: also reported to have expressed their the past ten years that Mr. Gurung wanted so and said he was as will- [email protected] support of BM Ramudamu who was has represented it. ing to contest as an independent if Accounting problems? No problems picked over them. Speakers at the meeting pointed the people backed him. CALL FOR SALE OP Bhandari, who was lobby- out that Mr. Gurung continued to Mr. Chettri, while speaking to Pure Jersy Cows for ing for the Loosing Pacheykhani win from Temi-Tarku because he NOW!, admitted that he was not sat- immediate sale in Kalimpong. seat, has similarly assured full sup- Tally Professional was an SDF candidate and not be- isfied with ticket distribution as far Contact: B K Ghatraj. port for first-timer Manita Mangar. cause of personal appeal. “The peo- as Temi-Tarku was concerned since 98320-90490, 251336 [r] Phone: 953552-257810

Contd from pg 1 WONDERFUL BUSINESS high-command that he was more OPPORTUNITY required in west Sikkim than in east, More suprises in SDF’s final list Work from home! Earn Rs. where he would be too occupied in Lepcha from Ranka and Ms. Manita The two reserved SC seats were “The SDF party does not be- 20,000 to 60,000, per month his battle against SPCC [I] president, Mangar from Loosing Pacheykhani. given to BM Ramudamu and Aita lieve in mixing religion with poli- part time. Call Dr. Supriya @ Nar Bahadur Bhandari, and GAC Conspicuous in his absence from Singh Baraily who will stand from tics,” he emphasised. 98320 55121 chairman, GM Rai to devote enough the list was Tourism Minister, KT Khamdong and Rateypani-West Responding to a query on the INCREDIBLE NATURAL time to campaign in west. Gyaltsen, who lost Rumtek to Pendam, respectively. selection of candidates, he said that WEIGHT LOSS. BB Gooroong, political advisor Menlom Lepcha. Mr. Lepcha had in- The party, in pursuance of its it was not so much as the candidates Nutrition & Energy products! to the SDF president, who released cidentally won against Mr. Gyaltsen policy adopted in the last elections, as the leader who was important. First time in Sikkim!!! Call the final list today, when asked to from Rumtek in 1994 on an SSP ticket has decided not to field a candidate “The image and quality of our leader Dr. Supriya @ 98320 55121 explain the recall said, “PS Goley before joining the ruling party and was for the Sangha seat. Mr. Gooroong is what will win us the elections,” he has been renominated from the officiating as the political secretary to said, “Our party will not contest the said while stressing that SDF would TO-LET Chakung constituency due to po- the CM till recently. Sangha seat, but will support which return with a “big bang.” GROUND FLOOR litical exigencies and in the larger A surprise inclusion has also ever candidate is thrown up by the Also revealed today were the SPACE AVAILABLE interests of the party.” been that of Nakul Rai, former electoral college of monks at Sangha. names of party seniors who formed the 24 feet X 40 feet, roadside at De- New faces in the list of candidates SIMFED chairman, for the party’s We did the same during the last elec- parliamentary board which decided the velopment Area. Preferably for include Bhim Dhungel, from Lok Sabha ticket. Mr. Rai’s name tions when we supported Palden candidates. They are: Pawan Chamling, Restaurants, Showrooms, etc. Rhenock, Kunga Zangpo Bhutia from had not cropped up in the list of con- Lachungpa, an independent candi- DD Bhutia, Ran Bahadur Subba, Please Call: 03592 - Assam Lingzey, and Ms. Nimkhit tenders for the post till only recently. date from the Sangha constituency.” Garjaman Gurung and KN Rai. 225480 / 98320 61037 CMYK 8; NOW!; 06 April, 2004 THEFINALONE
today in TOM FOR A GO BIG MONEY! f you want to know who’s overdoing and who’s underdoing when it CHANGE? History Icomes to moolah, the Globe has the tantalizing tally this week. Among the tidbits in its multipage spread: Jay Leno spent $2 million on garages 6th April for his 160 vintage cars, and Celine Dion, with no more fashion sense 610 Lailat-ul Qadar, the night the than God gave a cat, has a custom-built $200,000, 300-square-foot closet koran descended to Earth 648 -BC- Earliest total solar for her 1,000-plus pairs of shoes. Mariah Carey, also a member of the eclipse; chronicled by Greeks 1,000 shoes club, once bathed in 68 bottles of Cristal champagne, which 6 BC This day is believed by at $300 a bottle makes for a $20,000 bath. She must have felt really dirty some Biblical scholars to be the before and after. actual date of the historical birth of Jesus Christ. 1199 Richard I the Lion-hearted, King of England, dies at 41. WASHINGTON AS 1866 Famous outlaw of the wild ‘Hellboy’ Bedevils American Box Office DRUG-LORD west, Butch Cassidy is born. he Oscar-winner knows a good 1874 Born, Harry Houdini fa- comic-book character deal when he sees it. He will mous magician/escape artist. replaced a cartoon dog T A join his Training Day director, 1893 Longest bout in boxing his- at the top of the North Ameri- tory ends after 7 hrs in St Louis Antoine Fuqua, in a new film based can box office on Sunday, as 1896 First modern Olympic games on a New York Magazine article by begin in Athens. American, James “Hellboy” emerged from the Mark Jacobson. Tru Blu, a Uni- he speculation machine is Connolly, wins 1st Olympic gold fiery depths to lead three versal Pictures’ and Imagine Enter- working overtime suggesting medal in modern history. other newcomers aiming to T 1906 First animated cartoon tainment production, will tell the that Cruise wants to go back to the capitalize on school spring copyrighted. true story of Harlem drug lord Frank future for his next romance. Yes, vacations 1909 Matthew Henson, explorer, Lucas, who once smuggled heroin news is that he and ex-wife Nicole leads a party of 6 to North Pole Hellboy,” based on a into this country inside the caskets Kidman may get together again. 1966 Mihir Sen swims the Palk comic book series about a Strait between Sri Lanka & India of soldiers killed in Vietnam. After Say people close to him, “I think sensitive, crime-fighting 1975 Chiang Kai-Shek National- he was caught, Lucas helped the there’s a real chance Tom and devil, sold an estimated ist Chinese leader, dies at 87. government catch the people in dif- Nicole might try and start again. I 1992 Isaac Asimov science fic- $23.5 million worth of tick- ferent countries who made money believe that’s what Tom wants, but tion writer (I Robot), dies at 72. ets over the weekend. on the deal. No shooting schedule Nicole I’m not so sure about.” has been announced yet. Penélope Cruz apparently wasn’t so sure about Nicole either, often THE FUTURE, NOW! ODDLYENOUGH CALL NOW! @ getting worried that the Far and Away stars might get their eyes wide ARIES: Social events, cultural activities, especially the romantic side of it. In social PATIENT WINNER shut together. Meanwhile, pretty and entertainment are highly favored. 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He’s Deals in Towel, Purdah Cloth, VIRGO: This is a time when it is diffi- PISCES: Agreements, contracts, and a very patient, laid-back man.” SALESALE BAJLA Sleepwell products, Raymonds Blankets, Uphostery, cult to stay within a budget or on a diet, as joining your efforts with others will work out The 47-year-old self-employed your tendency is to splurge on beautiful very much to your advantage now. A friend FURNISHING Bombay Dyeing computer repairman tucked the sheets, WELSPUN things and to enjoy yourself as much as or person in authority may offer help or winning ticket away in a safety de- Hotel Vinayak Bldg., sheets/ possible. It's a good time for a party, as present an opportunity which will benefit posit box - not even telling his fam- Hill Cart Road. towels etc. long as you don't overdo it. you now or in the future. 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