THE BIHARI FLAVOUR IN GANGTOK28 March, 2004; NOW! 1 DETAILS ON pg 6 Summer Collection Sunday, 28 March, 2004 Vol. 3 No. 01  Rs. 3 Air-Conditioned Slippers, sandals & formal/ casual shoes Grocery Shop for Men for Provisional Goods, Dry Flora sandals, Fruits & All Hotel Requirements (for kitchen) flat slippers WHOLE-SALES for ladies RETAIL-SALES at at the most reasonable prices Rajdeep the shoe shoppe Spectrum Color Lab Building, Near Amar/ Chaman Garage, Sevoke Road, Siliguri MG Marg, Gangtok. ph: 228865 ph: 2640799, 2640599 GREEN SIGNAL FROM LAL KOTHI Sikkim GNLF seeks Cong alliance, wants border constituencies SIKKIM REQUISITIONS 5 GNLF (S) SAYS NO TO COMPANIES OF CRPF FOR POLL DARJ-SIKKIM MERGER

DUTY round of talks with the SPCC [I] RANJIT SINGH president TURN TO pg4 GANGTOK, 27 March: The in this regard. GNLF’s Sikkim unit is keen on When pressed further on what The President of the GNLF (S), Satish Rai, 2nd from left, at the press conference. contesting the Assembly elections seat-sharing arrangement the party IXth Regional in May and seeking to strike an al- has in mind, Mr. Rai said, “Though test from the border constituencies Rai said the GNLF [S] had re- liance with the Congress [I] to ideally we would like to contest since those are the areas where we ceived the green signal from Lal present a joint opposition to the from at least 18 constituencies, we have most of our supporters.” Kothi to broach negotiations Language Day ruling ’s could settle for 12-13 seats provided When asked whether the with the Congress. attempt at returning to power. Mr. Bhandari assures us of his sup- Sikkim unit was acting on its He further revealed that the observed Addressing a press conference port in the border constituencies.” own or in consultation with the SPCC [I] working-president Ashok here today, the GNLF [Sikkim] Replying to queries as to why party bosses in Darjeeling, Mr. continued on pg 4 president, Satish Rai, revealed he wanted the border constituencies, TURN TO pg5 that GNLF [S] has already held a Mr. Rai explained: “We want to con- HONG KONG CONGRESSMEN BAZAAR Any Item Rs. 90 to Rs. 150 FIRST IN THE FRAY Gift Items, Crockery & Other TIME IN evated to the post of Upadhakshya SIKKIM a NOW FEATURE Candidates for [North]. Attractive Goods! GANGTOK, 27 March: Cong [I] 10 constituencies Starting with the Lok Sabha has thus far publicly announced announced, aspirant – Mr. Adhikari’s concilia- HOTEL BAYUL, MG MARG, GANGTOK candidates for eight constituencies. tion with Mr. Bhandari had raised Add the name of Biraj Adhikari for Cong [I] opts for many eyebrows when it happened NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR HOTEL MANAGEMENT the Lok Sabha and the almost defi- more than year ago. He had earlier AND CATERING TECHNOLOGY, PUSA COMPLEX, NEW DELHI -110012 fresher fare [UNDER MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE, DEPTT. OF TOURISM, GOVT. OF INDIA] nite possibility of SPCC [I] presi- won a case of human rights abuse AND dent contesting from two constitu- thus far, six will be contesting elec- against the Bhandari regime and INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY encies and that’s eleven constitu- tions for the first time. Except, was one of the founder members ANNOUNCES JEE - 2004 FOR ADMISSION TO THE FIRST YEAR OF 3-YEAR BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.SC.) encies accounted for. Although a Phuchung Bhutia from Rakdong of the ruling Sikkim Democratic PROGRAMME IN HOSPITALITY AND HOTEL ADMINISTRATION formal announcement is still Tintek, who has been an SSP MLA Front. He had stayed away from Last date for sale of Information Brochure and Application Form for awaited, another nine candidates and also a minister in the Limboo elections in 1994 when SDF con- admission to the above course has been extended upto April 6, 2004 have reportedly been finalised. This cabinet, only Palden Bhutia, given tested the elections for the first time IMPORTANT DATES brings the party’s tally to twenty, the Congress ticket for Kabi- and parted ways shortly after. He Sale of Prospectus at Institute of Hotel Up to 5th April 2004 including the Lok Sabha seat. The Tingda, has any prior electioneer- returned to Sikkim politics wearing Management, Near Ayurvedic Hospital, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim 737102 twelve that remain undecided are ing experience. He had lost in the SSP colours and is reported to have Last Date for receipt of completed 7th April 2004 obviously in wait for either the right 1999 Assembly elections as an in- piped several other contenders to Application Form candidate or to adjust the spill-over dependent and later won the the LS ticket. Was instrumental in Date of JEE Written Test 18th April 2004 [2:30-5:30pm] that will divert Congress’ way af- panchayat elections and was el- engineering the SSP-Congress Centralized Counselling for allotment of Inst. 7th June to 16th June 2004 ter the ruling party announces its “merger.” Commencement of academic session 19th July 2004 list of candidates. Another former SDF leader bag- for details access www.nchmct.org or contact Institute of Hotel Of the eight names announced POLLPULSE turn to pg 6 Management, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim. Ph: 270735, 270557 CMYK 2; NOW!; 28 March, 2004 ED-SPACE NEPAL NOW! Will peace initiative prevail? FIRST WITH THE NEWS Particularly for the king’s camp it bring in the Indian army in Nepal. By MADAN REGMI will be shocking. They are being This speculation got more ground Tongue-Tied Taking advantage of the exacerbat- heard for giving priority to invit- on the very expression of the In- ing situation, King Gyanendra has ing the foreign troops to win the dian defense minister Singh who The observance of regional languages day in the capital might or installed himself far above the 1990 war on the rebels then to give proclaimed that India was pre- might not resuscitate the fate that awaits regional dialects, but Constitution. He is ruling through chance to the United Nations pared to provide any help to Ne- offers us the chance to ponder more seriously on where we are ordinance and decrees, thanks to pal. This statement was interpreted going wrong with our efforts at keeping these languages alive. the performances of the party rule. as a signal of the defense deal Languages are essentially about communication, then they take elsewhere The Royal regime is heading clinched by Kathmandu and Delhi: on aspects of culture and invariably underline the ethos of a peo- towards arranging a parliamentary to make peace. This was followed by an unusual ple. That said, a language obviously ceases to be one when there is no one left speaking it. This does not necessarily happen with election, which is going to be a The Royal government’s louder groundwork. the complete annihilation of a people and is most times caused by mere mockery. The show of rejection of the UN offer for play- The changing of the Royal army the language becoming redundant as a communication tool. The strength staged by the armed rebels ing the broker’s role has already uniform matching to that of Indian best examples of this are Sanskrit and Latin. Both are now pur- in Bhojpur in the east and Beni in been repelled by none other than army was alarming. The plan of sued for purely academic reasons, but the languages for all prac- the west of Nepal appears that the the Monarch appointee Prime Min- inviting the foreign troops however tical purposes are dead. But how does a language die? Past ex- international community is in no ister Thapa who has a long but in- could not be implemented. The rea- perience proves that the moment “outsiders” stop trying to learn a mood to entertain the claim of this discreet legacy. Some of the so- son is unknown. Moreover for language, it is already on death-row. And outsiders stop learning Royal regime that it can eliminate called Party leaders who are many watchers, the obvious reason a language when they feel no need for it as a tool for communica- the rebels by the use of force. groomed by Delhi also reject the was the pressure on India from tion. All old members of the plainsmen business community speak Looking at the worsening situ- idea of UN mediation. The United other powers. As per the official fluent Tibetan. They had to, if they wanted to trade with Tibet. Eve- ation, almost all the countries of the States whose hawkish role has been version of government of India re- ryone in Sikkim, including those who have been here barely a world are silently rejecting this criticized as one of the major stum- garding its military involvement in year, speaks Nepali. They have to because they need to get their plunk of the ruling class. The Eu- bling blocks on the way of peace- Nepal, it was denied afterwards by message across. Similarly, any Sikkimese going out for studies ropean Union since the very onset ful resolution of ongoing armed the new Indian Foreign Minister comes back equipped with Hindi-speaking skills. The Chinese are of armed conflict in Nepal has conflict, in its latest call has shown Yaswanta Sinha who during his introducing English in their schools because they want to now taken an unflinching stand for the some interest towards bringing the visit to Nepal was categorical in converse with the world. That more or less settles what is actually peaceful resolution of the conflict, government and the rebels in the saying that India will provide Ne- a redundant argument that language is about communication. presumably with the initiative of negotiating table. pal with all the possible helps ex- Now, let’s look at Sikkim. Take the Bhutia or Lepcha languages as examples. We don’t see too many non-Bhutias or non-Lepchas France and Germany. However, Washington has not cept its army. This however was wanting to learn the language unless they are involved in some These two Western nations are yet come clean and impartial. Its act perceived by two different angles. research. Very soon, even the families which still use the lan- in the fore to restore the authority of enlisting of the Communist party The first was that India sensed guage will stop doing so because they have to interact with peo- of the United Nations and of the of Nepal (Maoist) in its “watch list” something fishy which stopped it ple from outside everyday. These languages then lose all utility international law. The United Na- of terrorists at a time when the of burning its finger once again. and within a generation are lost. Also, because there is so little tions also has stepped up its scheme Nepali government and the armed The second reason might be that literary work in these languages, even the aesthetic appeal of of playing a role of mediator to re- rebels were under negotiation had India also calculated that in case its learning them is lost. instate peace in Nepal. In its latest clearly implied that the United army moves into Nepal even at the Now, let’s look at what is being done about it. The State govern- bid no other than its Secretary Gen- States doesn’t want the peaceful call of the Nepalese rulers it will ment has made it mandatory for all government schools to teach eral Kofi Annan himself has once settlement, rather it is interest to not be digestible to other powers. these languages to anyone interested. And that is the best it can again thrown his weight. prolong the armed conflict. But the establishment is once do. The students have to enrol to the classes from there on. Is that The Secretary General in his India too had similarly by de- again orchestrating a rumor that the happening? The other problem is that the government diktat runs official statement rebuffed the clared the rebels as terrorists long Royal government is going to in- only over government schools. Private institutions, which are ei- lobby which offers the military ac- before Nepal had considered of tak- vite the Indian army to help it in its ther cramped for funds or driven by profits, don’t encourage too tion as an easy solution. His state- ing such decision. fight with the rebels. Among the many language classes. Since these are also institutes which pro- ment has expressed serious con- Nevertheless, friendly countries several buzzes the one which duce the better achievers, we are also releasing too many non- cerns over the loss Nepal is incur- have been suggesting that Nepal is claims that the Royal Government regional language speakers into positions of power in the coming ring in every segment of its society capable of solving its problem by is going to announce the date of years. To cite an example, although the PNGSSS has a Lepcha language teacher, it has hardly any students taking the language when he declares, “civilian casual- itself. This thinking could have general election on the first day of and the number keeps dropping each year. The number of ties and serious human rights vio- been realistic had India been Nepal’s New Year. The Royal enrolments for Nepali and Hindi are much higher even among lations are a routine occurrence, stopped intervening in Nepal and government as rumor is rife is those for whom neither language is their mother-tongue. The situ- and the country’s economic and Nepal’s right to regulate it’s border planning to complete the general ation will only worsen with time unless we make it worth the while social development is being seri- with India would have been en- election in more than a dozen of those who take the trouble to learn these languages. For that, ously hampered.” sured and implemented. phases. However, as the country is those who complain about losing their language need to create Kofi Annan’s statement mani- However, India being given a almost engulfed in civil war, it more awareness, produce more literature, get a pop-culture go- fests the growing concern of the clean chit to do whatever it wants looks impossible to hold a free and ing in these languages, make it more vibrant. The present gen- world body, which has every rea- to do in Nepal by our so-called impartial election, which will be eration, with its millisecond attention-span, wants a lot of colour to son to observe the current armed friendly countries, Nepal’s capabil- acceptable to the parties as well as keep them interested. Even if this comes at the cost of diluting conflict in Nepal as a flashpoint for ity is overemphasized by them. But to the people. some aspects, do it. So what if a compromise has been made, at a bigger and wider conflict. If it they have not ruled out the possi- Some observers view in a dif- least a language would have been saved. could not be managed peacefully bility of military intervention. To ferent way. They summarize that in time, it would spread out as a recall an envoy of a great power and King Gyanendra wants to legiti- bush fire beyond the Nepalese Nepal’s neighbor in an interview to mize his present actions and for it New HIV test using saliva gives boundary. the Spotlight weekly, had signaled there must be a poll whether the results in 20 minutes Annan’s determination to set- the possibility of foreign military turnout is low or high. If this rumor tle the problem through negotiation intervention in the pretext of quell- is true the establishment must have he US Food & Drug Adminis testing, the company, OraSure should not be taken as his personal ing the insurgency and had subse- prepared itself for committing more tration on Friday approved the Technologies of Bethlehem, Pa., is T urge. Rather his growing interest on quently warned. monkey business. But such a per- first HIV test that uses saliva rather not yet seeking approval for over- Nepal should be viewed as the out- In the reminiscence immedi- fidy will bring more disorder even than blood and delivers results in the-counter sales. come of the understanding among ately after the Royal carnage of if it may comfort those power who 20 minutes. The OraQuick HIV-1/2 test is the UN members who want to see June 1st 2001 some reliable sources blindly believe in the thought of the Public health officials hope the more than 99 percent accurate, said the UN back to its heel. Kofi had pointed out at the possibility bad Prince of Nicolo Machiavelli, new test will encourage wider and Michael Gausling, OraSure’s presi- Annan’s latest deliberation on Ne- of the Indian military involvement who had low rating on humanity more frequent testing. Around the dent. Typical HIV tests require a vial pal beyond doubt has strong sup- at the behest of Nepali rulers. The and had said that the democracy world, 95 percent of the people who of blood and are sent to a laboratory port of the majority member of the much-awaited visit of the Indian and parliaments were superficial carry HIV do not even know they that returns results in two to 14 days. Security Council. Defense and Foreign minister nonsense,” because they could have the virus and refrain from tests The company says the new test Nevertheless it won’t be easily Jaswanta Singh to Nepal, which never produce ‘decision’ and to which are lengthy. can detect HIV antibodies as soon acceptable to Nepalese political took place a few months after the apply the adjective sovereign to a Although the new test is as easy after infection as earlier tests - forces including the Monarchy, Royal massacre, was then taken as people is a tragic farce”. to use as a home-pregnancy kit and roughly six weeks, though the time which are dangling in dichotomy. to have done the groundwork to (courtesy: Kantipur Online) could eventually revolutionize HIV for each person varies. CMYK  NEWSSCAN 28 March, 2004; NOW! 3 SIKKIM ROUND-UP Our duty to inform people on virtues of alternative SALESMAN SELLS OUT therapy, says Governor GANGTOK, 27 March: RK Prasad, proprietor of Good-will 2-DAY WORLD CONGRESS Enterprises, Tibet Road has lodged a complaint against his salesman accusing him of theft. According to ON HOLISTIC NATURAL Mr. Prasad’s statement recorded with the police, his salesman, Rajesh Gupta, had stolen Rs.10,000 HEALTH SCIENCE BEGINS from the cash box using a dupli- different regions reaching treatment SAGAR CHETTRI cate key. The accused has been ar- to many patients. rested and the stolen cash has also GANGTOK, 27 March: The 7th Alternative therapies or alterna- been recovered. Anniversary of Mani Himalaya tive medicine is popular through- Academy and VIth World Congress out the world with about 50 per cent ing that it was cheaper and also vantage of it,” he added. One dis- of Holistic Natural Health Science of the world population having al- safer. And since 70 per cent of the advantage of alternative medicine 5-day field trip started here today at Community ready accepted this way of treat- Indian population was poor and he pointed out was its long healing Hall. The inaugural programme ment. But, it is relatively new in lived in rural areas, they relied more process which put off people and for aspiring was graced by Governor, V Rama Sikkim, hence the main motive to on alternative treatment as they forced them to turn to allopathy. Rao, as the chief guest and attended organize this programme here is to could not afford the cost of allo- The organisers are confident tourist guides by holistic science doctors, foreign introduce the Sikkimese to natural pathic treatment. that by the time the two-day event GANGTOK, 27 March: The delegates, members of Mani holistic health science and also to “It is our duty to tell the people wraps up, more locals would have students of Radiant Vocational Himalayan Academy, departmental engage educated unemployed, in- about this method, so that they can been converted to the “obvious” Training Institute embarked on a officials and local peoples. The pro- terested students and health lovers also try this method and take ad- benefits of alternative medicine. five day field trip for Mangan to- gramme, which is to continue into into this line. day as part of their ‘practical the next day, was also attended by In the welcome speech, Dr. small price training’ for their course. research scholars, doctors of holis- Manohar Sunar, Chief Coordinator tic natural health science, scientists, said that the main objective behind HCL The Titanic Park at MG Marg HCL Desktop PCs Rated No. 1 local doctors and others. the programme here was to tell the served as the point of commence- by Dataquest - IDC Customer ment for the field training exer- Discussions on the conven- people about the advantages of ho- Satisfaction Audit 2004 tional therapies and the non-con- listic science. The treatment cise. The 21 students will be HCL EzeeBee HURRY ventional therapies were held. For through natural science cures dis- Home PCs now at touring North Sikkim till 31 AMD 1800 / 2000 XP L March. At the end of the six- better understanding of the people, eases at its roots, some of them like unbelievably low prices 128 MB DDR RAM 40 GB HDD I month course, which is to pre- there were provisions of slide pro- yoga asana, ayurveda, acupressure starting at 52X CD ROM M pare them for the role of tourist jectors and CD projectors for the etc. are also used for treatment, he 1.44 FDD I dissemination of information. added. He also informed that they Rs. 18,000/- * Internet Keyboard T guides, they will be awarded a Scroll Mouse E certificate which will be valid all Books on alternative therapies were planning to open a medical With Color Printer 10/100 LAN D were also displayed and are being used college on holistic sciences here. 15” Color Monitor over the country, informs Chair- Color Printer STOCK man, Radiant Academy, Subhas to promot holistic natural treatment. Dimple Bharati, the first Also available Singh. Mani Himalayan Academy is an Sikkimese lady to complete a five- HCL EzeeBee:- Intel Pentium 4 Processor, 2.0 GHz, 128 MB DDRAM, 40 GB HDD, 52X CD ROM, 1.44 FDD, Multimedia Keyboard, Scroll Mouse, Incidentally, the vocational organization for holistic health pro- year degree course in homeopathy, 10/100 Mbps NIC, 15” Color Monitor at Rs. 22,500/- training provided at Radiant is only motion and allied education and also had some words for alternative available to those belonging to the research and training on natural treatment. She informed that there SPECIAL OFFER: Inkjet Color Printer + HCL UPS @ Rs. 5,500/- SC/ST category. The programme is holistic health. For the last five is a homeopathy association with Sole Authorised Dealer in Sikkim: being sponsored by the Social Wel- years this institute has successfully some doctors in the state. Later, she fare Department. conducted health training camps in also presented the Mani Himalaya NAYUMA INFOSYS, SSi EDUCATION Academy with a Rs.10, 000 cheque. NEAR KRISHI BHAWAN, TADONG, GANGTOK The Governor, too, spoke in PHONE: 270876, CELL: 98320 97317, 98320 89970 Namchi observes favour of alternative medicine say- * Frieght & Local Taxes Extra World Theatre Day INTRODUCING SIKKIM TO SERVICE @ ITS BEST

PURAN TAMANG NAMCHI, 27 March: Saughat, an NGO in Namchi and Navdit Pratibhasha Sangh Kitam jointly observed World Theatre Day today at the Lower Kitam School premises. Mr. Padam Chettri, a lecturer in Nepali of Govt. College Namchi was the chief guest for the occasion with Gokul Rai, a National Youth Awardee as the programme president. Roshan Kaushik, president of Saughat introduced the programme to the gathering in while Samjhana Kaushik, general secretary, Navdit Pratibhasha, presented Association the report of the club. with Various cultural programmes were held along with other activities. NOW! Surya Jyoti Sangh, a club from Upper Ghum enacted a play – “Sahi Nirnay while Saughat, presented “Ekta ne Bal Ho”. In his address the chief guest, Mr. P. Chettri expressed appreciation at the youth for their social services while Mr. Gokul Rai focused on the role of a club in society. More than 300 locals were present at the occasion. NOW! can be contacted at 953592 270949 or emailed at [email protected]

CMYK 4; NOW!; 28 March, 2004 NEWSSCAN  SIKKIM REQUISITIONS 5 COMPANIES OF CRPF FOR POLL DUTY Sikkim GNLF Admn gets a NOW! file foto seeks Cong going on alliance, wants ensuring border... from pg1 free & fair Tsong had already spoken to GNLF president, Subhash Ghising, on 20 March and then again on 25 March polls when the proposal of giving the border constituencies to GNLF [S] was first mooted. SARIKAH ATREYA SENSITIVE POLLING STATIONS WILL BE DE- “Now it is up to the Congress to decide what suits them. If they agree GANGTOK, 27 March: With to our proposal, then we will cer- Sikkim slated to go for simultane- CIDED AFTER CANDIDATES ARE ANNOUNCED tainly have an alliance with them. If ous polls on 10 May, the State ad- they do not agree then we will have ministration has also launched its first reported earlier this month, has sion once the formal announce- and Rambang check post. to go it alone,” Mr. Rai said. preparations in top-gear. With the Opposition crying hoarse over ments are made. In order to meet the security When asked to comment on the barely a month and a half remain- the “total collapse of law and order Section 144 does not put any requirements of the State during the recent proposal to merge the ing for the entire electioneering situation” in the district and de- restrictions on organizing rallies, polls, Sikkim Police has already Darjeeling hills with Sikkim, Mr. process to formally begin, it is manding imposition of president’s processions, public meeting etc. made some arrangements. Five Rai clarified that GNLF was “ve- about time. rule. with prior permission of the authori- companies of CPRF will be de- hemently opposed” to the idea. “We One major issue concerning the While Sikkim Police and the West ties, or on any political activity re- ployed to Sikkim on 3 April, the have already managed to get an State and its voters is the law & district administration maintain that all lated to the elections. However, DIG said. In addition to this, there autonomous council status, it won’t order situation in the run-up to the is peaceful and quiet in the district, there are restrictions imposed on are already two companies of Indo- be long before we have a state of polls even though elections in the suggestions that “curfew” had been certain activities in order to ensure Tibetan Border Police force in the our own,” he explained. State in the past have been rela- imposed there added more grist to the a conducive atmosphere for a free State, along with one battalion of Mr. Rai, during his press tively peaceful and incident-free. rumour mill forcing the DC [West] to and fair election and provide a level the Sikkim Armed Force. About briefing, expressed his dissatis- Poll-related violence may not be the issue a disclaimer clarifying that “no playing field to all political parties. four companies of the SAP may be faction of the 1994 Supreme order of the day in Sikkim yet, but curfew” has been imposed anywhere In the case of West District, the used for law and order duties dur- Court verdict which declared the the administration is not taking any in West Sikkim. restrictions are on four parameters, ing the polls, it is learnt. 70 per cent Nepali population in changes and is putting all precau- The imposition of Prohibitionary which include restriction on posses- Although elections in the State Sikkim as “immigrants”. He said tionary measures in place to ensure Order under Section 144 in the North sion and carrying of arms and weap- have been peaceful in the past, that the reports on which the Apex that the polls are conducted in a free District, which has not seen any un- ons, restriction on number of vehi- some polling stations will be cat- Court had based its verdict were and fair manner. toward poll-related incident thus far, cles moving together in a convoy, egorised as “sensitive,” depending obviously “wrong” and accused The precautions are not mis- also cast doubts over the law and or- restriction on giving inflammatory on the stature of the contesting can- the frontline parties of the state placed given the fact that the der situation up north and gave rise speeches or posters and banners didates and general political back- for not speaking out against the upcoming polls are a head-on colli- to unnecessary speculations. which produce hatred between dif- ground of the area. The Sikkim verdict. sion between a party in power and DIG, Range and Crime, SD ferent communities, restriction on Police is still in the process of “Only Subhash Ghising, in his party desperate to get back in power. Negi, told NOW! that the imposi- movement of people across the bor- evaluating the potentially sensitive speech at the Paljor Stadium in The situation in West District, tion of Prohibitionary Order in the ders, for the West District it would polling stations, which is expected 1994, voiced his reservations on especially in the Tharpu area, where districts is a part of the Preventive mean the movement of people from to be completed once the names of the Supreme Court ruling,” Mr. incidences of clashes between the Magisterial procedure recom- West Bengal to West Sikkim. Peo- all the contesting candidates are Rai claimed. He further said that SDF and Congress supporters were mended by the Election Commis- ple can enter through Akkar Bridge announced by the parties. the Gorkha community of the state included everybody such as FRESHERS WELCOME! the Limbus, Rais, Tamangs, Chamling urges Subbas, Bhutias etc, and they are A REPUTED COMPANY NEEDS so classified only in the “diction- 18 Nos : 10 passed ary of the GNLF.” He further said rural youth to 20 Nos : 10 + 2 passes that this community was feeling 5 Nos : Graduates insecure and was being denied for different posts of management / administration justice in the state. shun violence (with attractive remuneration) for further expansion of Replying to whether he the company in the North East. Age 18 - 28 years genuinely believed that the reliant,” he said. a NOW REPORT WALK IN INTERVIEW: GNLF could do well in the While calling on the party- LANDMARK INTERNATIONAL, State, he said that they had been GANGTOK, 27 March: Chief workers to be alert and dedicated, Sarda Building, 6th Floor, MG Marg, Gangtok. Ph: 98320 90007 working in the villages of Minister and Sikkim Democratic Mr. Chamling asked them to not to Sikkim for quite a few years Front president, Pawan Chamling give in to greed and succumb to now and if the people voted in has said that the SDF party, in es- money-power and take on the man- the right manner, they could sence, has not changed in the last tle of the oppressors of the poor. Anthyesthi Kriya surely make a difference espe- ten years of its existence. He also appealed to the youth, es- Our beloved father late D. N. Sharma of Central Pandam cially since GNLF was the only “The basic objectives and vi- pecially those from the rural areas, party caring for the welfare of sions on which the party was to abstain from indulging in vio- who was a retired teacher of Senior Secondary School left for his heavenly abode on 16 March 2004. We heartily the Gorkha community of the formed ten years ago have not un- lence during the upcoming polls. state. He said that he believed dergone any mutation,” Mr. In another development, a pub- thank all relatives, friends and well wishers who stood that GNLF [S] would certainly Chamling told a delegation of rep- lic meeting of the SDF party was with us during the time of bereavement. The Anthyesthi form the government in the state resentatives from the Rhenock and held at Dentam Bazar in West Kriya falls on 28 March 2004 and all friends, relatives sometime in the near future. Central Pendam constituencies at Sikkim today. The meeting was pre- The GNLF made an entry into the Samman Bhawan here today. sided over by West District SDF and well wishers are requested to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul at our residence at Cen- Sikkim politics on 10 February, “Our language, tone, policies, vice-president, RB Subba. A rally 1993 and was formally established ethics and programmes have not of the party was followed by a pub- tral Pendam, East Sikkim. in the year 1994. It also took part changed. Our struggle for social lic meeting, which was attended by Chandra Kala Sharma (wife), Januki Sharma, Ganesh Khanal in 1994 state elections and again in justice is still on and will continue the youth and Cheli Morcha repre- (son), Khagendra, Prakash, Keshav, (son), daughters & in- 1999 when it participated only in until every Sikkimese becomes sentatives of the party from the laws, grandson and granddaughters. Ph: 263809 the Lok Sabha elections. confident, self-sufficient and self- West District. CMYK  NEWSSCAN 28 March, 2004; NOW! 5 IXth Regional Language Day observed South gearing up for the polls

“Postering will be allowed in cer- PURAN TAMANG tain designated areas as per the or- NAMCHI, 27 March: A meeting der of the Election Commission of the sector magistrates and sec- for all political parties. Police de- tor police magistrates of South Dis- ployment will be more in the sen- trict was held here today at the sitive polling stations. In fact, po- Community Hall. The meeting was lice patrols have already been de- jointly called by DC South and ployed there. The mobile patrol- Returning Officer, Vishal Chauhan ling will also be launched.” and SP South, MS Tuli. When asked about Section 144 Various issues concerning the being imposed in the south, he ad- upcoming state and assembly mitted it to be a possibility but only polls were the main topics of dis- if the situation demanded. cussion on the day, including the “But,” he added, “the situation model code of conduct, what here is peaceful and under control constitutes “corrupt practices as of now”. and electoral offences”, details The meeting was attended on various sensitive polling sta- by all the magistrates of the ten tions of South District and du- sectors and sub-sectors of ties of the sector magistrates. South District. Along with the Also discussed were the terms sector magistrates, also present regulating the postering of cam- at the meeting were the DFO paign material of the political South, Joint Director, Educa- parties in designated areas. tion, DE Irrigation and BPO According to the DC, South, South. extinct, and more are on the brink the day’s proceedings. ANAND OBEROI of extinction. Several publications were also GANGTOK, 27 March: The 9th During the day’s function po- released on the day and certificates Regional Language Day was ob- ems were recited, articles read out distributed to the participating as- served here today with much zeal and cultural programmes per- sociations. and enthusiasm to a packed house formed in a celebration of regional The different associations also at Sikkim Government College au- languages represented at the func- thanked the chief minister, Pawan ditorium. The function was organ- tion by sixteen regional language Chamling for his continued en- ized by Most Backward Classes associations. couragement and assistance to the Limboo Tamang Association The day’s observance was em- development, preservation and [MBCLT]. bellished with such performances as propagation of various languages, The main objective behind the rendition of a Bhujel folk-story scripts, cultures, costumes, tradi- holding this function was to access from the 14th century, recitation of tions, history and religions of vari- the development of various re- poems from a spectrum of languages ous communities in the state. They gional languages and for an ex- stretching from “Letter,” in Bhutia further thanked the State Govern- change of ideas among the various to “the person I am searching for” ment for recognizing Rai, Mangar, groups. This is seen as especially in Lepcha to “We have to survive” Sanyasi, Gurung, Tamang, beneficial to all associations which in Limboo, to “Wake up” in Gurung Mukhia, Bhujel, Sherpa, Newar, have started language schools in the to “My country” in Mangar and “re- Thami, Jogi and Dewan as Sikkim recent past as the function provided gional day” by Rai. A common State Languages in 1995. them with a platform for valuable thread was obviously the love and Additional Chief Secretary, ND exchange of ideas and guidance search for respective roots. Chingapa, presided over the day’s from the established languages like An Exhibition displaying books proceedings as the chief guest while Lepcha, Bhutia, Nepali, Hindi and on different languages, text books, Secretary Bhan Subba was present English in the state. journals, magazines, Grammar and as the guest of honour. Others who The need for such an observ- Old hand-written manuscripts in attended the function were senior ance is made more urgent by recent various regional languages, News- government officials, staff of studies which suggest that about papers, periodicals, calendars, au- Sikkim Government College, stu- 6,000 languages, dialects and dio and video cassettes, and pho- dents and representatives of various scripts in the world have become tographs added more meaning to communities from all over the state.

NOW! can also be editorial: 753 98320 807202 contacted at 953592 98320 1 270949 or emailed at business: sikkimnow@ 98320 42096 98320 80838 rediffmail.com Massage Therapy Services Clean - Hygienic - Professional   De-stress Full Body Massage, 1 hr, Oil Massage, 1 hr  Rs. 400/- Essential Oil Massage (Aromatherapy),  Rs. 500/- Positive Regular Health Massage, 21 sittings  P Herbal Massage, Rs. 500/- @ Rs. 200/- each *PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT *WOMEN ONLY  Therapeutic Massage  Preliminary Conservative Treatment The White Orchid Summer Collection (Acupressure oriented), Rs. 400/- Beauty Parlour  Special Acu-therapy treatment, Rs. Naya Bazaar, Gangtok. ph: Hotel Golden Pagoda 400/- 222660. Yoli: 9832056562 STYLE MG Marg, Gangtok ACTUAL PRODUCT MAY DIFFER FROM THE PICTURE SHOWN.

CMYK 6; NOW!; 28 March, 2004 ELSEWHERE  CHHAT PUJA - BIHARI FLAVOUR IN GANGTOK The crowd out Thakurbari swells as the Chief Minister arrives to wish Gangtok’s Bihari community on the occasion of Chhat Puja observed on 27 March, 2004 GANGTOK, 27 March: While all in their finery to observe the setting sun civilisations traditionally wor- and chant their prayers. They usually shipped the ‘Sun God’, the Chhat observe total fasting for the day and Puja in Bihar and eastern Uttar only break it on seeing the sun rise the Pradesh is the only occassion the next morning. Setting Sun is worshipped. It is cel- Here in Gangtok, too, the local ebrated twice a year, once in Bihari populace observed the festi- Chaitra, which falls in March, and val with zest and fervour turning up in Kartik which falls in November. in colourful clothes at Thakurbari For the four-day festival, people where the puja is traditionally held. maintain sanctity and purity for a The women sported heavy make up month before the event. Folk songs and of course, vermilion to seek Kutse Shegu sung in the honour of ‘Surya Dev’ blessings for their respective fami- 49th Day Kutse Shegu of late - The Sun God and ‘Chhati Maiyya’ lies. The puja began at 4:30 in the ex-Panchayat Gyen Tsh. - the Twilight Mother - can be heard evening and ended only as the sun Lepcha who left for his at every nook and corner in Bihar. set as is the custom. According to heavenly abode on 11 The worshippers, especially the pandit, the women will again February 2004 falls on 29 women, come with their offerings of start prayers from 3 in the morning March. flowers and vermillion to the banks of and it will continue till sunrise. All the well wishers, friends the Ganges in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh The Chief Minister, too, at- and relatives are requested Chhat Puja in Gangtok or gather at a large water body, dressed tended the prayers at Thakur Bari. to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul at our residence at Lum Lower Dzongu, North Sikkim. I, the present Panchayat of Congressmen in the fray Lum along with bereaved PIL he filed against the then Chief [Purna Kumari Rai, a lady lawyer]; nest, which should be coming any family also take this from pg1 Secretary, Sonam Wangdi; an MBA Wok [Yuvraj Rai, Congress youth time now. As is apparent from the opportunity to thank all those ging a Congress ticket is Delek Sonam Bhutia from Sang and the president]; Yuksom [Mangal Bir shortlisted names, there are many who stood by us during the Namgyal who will contest from first Lepcha to contest the Sangha Subba]; Hee-Bermiok [PR Subba]; new faces and many from the time of bereavement and Rumtek. He fell out with the ruling seat, Tsering Lama, who is an Daramdin [Amar Subba, Ashok Sangram days. The Congress, how- request our inability to thank front in 1999 when the party high- Acharya to boot. Tsong’s son]; Tashiding [Dadul ever, can hardly complain given its them individually. command chose KT Gyaltsen’s [in- Informed sources reveal that Bhutia] and Rinchenpong [Pema more than dismal performance in Family member and cumbent MLA and Tourism Minis- Mr. Bhandari is no longer making Ginzang Bhutia]. the last elections. Whether the new Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, ter] candidature over him. He is ob- any secrets about his decision to These names, inform sources, format can bring any changes in Panchayat, viously viewing the upcoming elec- contest from Central Pendam and will be announced as the Congress Congress’ poll track-record in Lum Village tions as “payback” time. Gangtok. While this puts to paid starts its campaign trail in the ear- Sikkim, only time will tell. Ph: 9434179290 Two former bureaucrats figure Balchand Sarda’s election plans, it in the list of eight. Santosh Bardewa, frees Rhenock for KN Upreti’s re- a former Additional Secretary who turn. Mr. Upreti’s candidature, al- has had a running spat with the rul- though not announced yet, has re- ing party ever since it came to power portedly been communicated to in 1994, has bagged the Congress party supporters in the constitu- ticket from Khamdong, an SC re- ency. Lachen-Mangshila is also The Statesman, 22nd March, 2004 served constituency. The going more or less decided for Anil should be tough for him given the Lachenpa and it is obvious by now fact that Khamdong is the Chief that Ashok Tsong will stake claim Minister’s ancestral home and con- to Mr. Bhandari’s traditional seat – sidered one of the strongest SDF Soreong which was bagged by SDF pockets. Chozang Bhutia, a former in the last elections. LP Tewari, the Assistant Director who took VRS re- former Power Secretary, who now cently, will represent Cong [I] in sits in the Congress camp will be Ralong where he squares off against seen in Geyzing, while Pintso SDF heavyweight DD Bhutia [re- Chopel Lepcha will try his cam- ports indicate that the SDF high- paigning skills from Ranka again command has thus far cleared only [he contested on an SSP ticket in Mr. Bhutia’s candidature]. 1999 and lost]. Then there is a “social-worker” Also decided, inform senior Congressman from Melli, Taraman Congressmen, are candidates for Chettri, whose claim to fame is the Pakyong [Bharat Basnet], Jorethang ADMISSION ANNOUNCEMENT AVAIL OFFERS AIEE & AFMC Alto VXI - Free 1 yr Insurance + Rs. 10,000 Discount For 2004 Entrance Exam [Starting 1st April, 2004] WagonR - Free 1 yr Insurance M800 - Free 1 yr Insurance [Maruti] BY A GROUP OF EXPERTS FROM SACHDEVA INST. Esteem [Petrol] - Rs. 30,000 Discount REGULAR COURSE FOR 2005 AIEE, PMT, *Versa - Free 1 yr Insurance AIIMS, AFMC, CET, DCE ETC. Omni - 50% Free 1 yr Insurance [Except Ambulance] MOTORS Zen [Petrol] - 50% Free 1 yr Insurance RIMC COACHING IS ALSO GOING ON ENTEL (Pvt.)Ltd. *select models Contact: Mrs. Dey, Career’s Counselling Institute, Tibet AUTHORISED MARUTI Road, Gangtok. ph: 226510, 94341-53355 6th MILE, TADONG, GANGTOK. Ph: 231828, 231950, DEALERS 232059 FAX: 231950 C.C.I CONDUCTS COACHING FOR C.E.T. (SIKKIM) UNDER STATE QUOTA

CMYK  SPECIALS 28 March, 2004; NOW! 7

AS SOCIETY CONTINUES Developed to the TODAY TO DEVOLVE WE TAKE A point where it could Digital cameras with multiple LOOK AT HOW THINGS produce three crops facilities for maximum utility – CLASSIFIEDS HAVE CHANGED. Y’KNOW of paddy a year de- assuming you can read WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT pending upon the humour and understand the ac- FOR RENT of the monsoons. companying booklet CHANGE – THE MORE Barsaana College Building & TODAY which is the instruc- Hostel available for rent in THINGS CHANGE THE It has been developed to tion manual on how to Kalimpong after June 2004. MORE THEY REMAIN THE the point where it can pro- use it! Contact B K Ghatraj. SAME. AS MUCH AS duce three crops of paddy EDUCATION - Phone: 953552-257810 THINGS MAY HAVE a year depending upon the YESTERDAY SUCKED FOR OUR PAR- humour of the monsoons. The ‘F’ word was a letter EARN SPARE TYRES – TODAY among 25 other letters ENTS NOW! SHOWS THAT Excellent Money Making An emergency spare tyre that which comprise the WE SUCK JUST THE SAME! Franchise Opportunity takes up 20% less space in alphabet SEE HOW MUCH WE HAVE available for Foreign Education PROGRESSED the trunk and takes you 99% fewer TODAY miles on the road. The ‘F’ word is the and Employment. Interested YESTERDAY word among 25 others parties please e-mail: CARS – YESTERDAY spare tyre that was your trunk and which comprise your vo- [email protected] The best way for an easy, clean felt good against your back as you cabulary! and trouble-less suicide. You could waited for the next car to give you FLYING – YESTERDAY FOR SALE either crash (but there was always a lift coz you had a flat. Airplanes were synonymous Pure Jersy Cows for the danger of surviving without CARS – TODAY twelve inches in diameter – and with smiling air-hostesses and you immediate sale in Kalimpong. your limbs) or suffocate your self That run on gas and can travel 500 create mutant worms twelve feet didn’t want to land till you’d fixed a Contact: B K Ghatraj. in a locked garage with the engine kms on a full tank which is almost long to eat them. date with one Phone: 953552-257810 running. Absolutely no mess. far enough to get you to the next YESTERDAY TODAY TODAY gas station. A twelve centimetre worm nibbling If you’re lucky there’ll be no mid- Cars come with a set of electrically NOTICE YESTERDAY on a twelve cm tomato without the air collisions or engine faults or powered windows and doorlocks A petrol car that could run 5 kms help of any fertiliser to serve as technical snags. The air-hostess State Bank of Sikkim Em- that help you to a slow, and maybe on a single tank which was far catalyst may actually give you a genuine ployees’ Association raf- unwanted, death if the battery ever enough to get you to the next pet- CAMERAS – YESTERDAY smile but watch out! – the man fails while you’re trapped inside. fle draw extended up to rol pump They were very mysterious as they across the aisle is a bearded, bush Again, absolutely no mess. 16.05.2004. AGRICULTURE – TODAY only clicked in Japanese and the browed, flare nosed @#$%$^&&* CARS – YESTERDAY Norbu Tamang, An amazing breed of fertilizers that instruction manual which was all of who might yet fix your fate! Any spare part of your kharala gaari General Secretary enables you to grow tomatoes four lines was the same. - OTIS could be obtained and repaired by ph: 9434117402 the roadside mechanic, who, after 281469 [r] tampering with your vehicle the o long time Incubus fans, this album will be night before is waiting for you. widely accepted. To the teenyboppers who THIS VIEW’S TODAY Tare afraid of anything different, it will be hated. HOUSING They come with a computerized This album definitely surprised me, in a good way. It’s, as auto ignition system that can only every album has been, different. And that is a good thing. DEFINITELY BETTER! IN SILIGURI be repaired by a mechanic with a A few songs are kind of mediocre, but as for the rest, I Book your Ownership Ph.D from a Japanese University. like it. Even the mediocre songs are good, and will prob- Flats in Siliguri. AGRICULTURE – YESTERDAY ably grow on me. On every CD, there are a few songs that Beside Sevoke Road, 2nd you think suck.. until you listen to them a few more times. Mile Checkpost with Loan My first impression... Megalomaniac was obviously made Facility. CELLONE... for the radio, but that’s not a bad thing, because it’s still a Contact: great song. I really liked Zee Deveel, just because Modern Associates A SHORT TAKE Brandon’s voice was so crazy, and it really showed what Mayadeep Building, 2nd he could do. Here In My Room was awesome as well, Floor, 11/22, Kalibari Road, (would’ve been long Siliguri - 734404 but Network Problem) because it’s one of those songs you can listen to over and ph: 2661362, 2543684, over again, and it hits you right in the heart. Sick Sad 98320-57663 Teet! Teet! Teet! Teet! Little World was cool, with the extra vocals from Ben Is route ke sabhi lines vyast Kenney, their new bassist. It kind of switched things up WONDERFUL BUSINESS hain. Kripya thodi der baad dial and made it neat! -sounding. The lyrics in most of these OPPORTUNITY karey! songs were as good as they’ve always been, and of course Work from home! Earn Rs. Teet! Teet! Teet! there are those lines that really make you think. I first 20,000 to 60,000, per month NETWORK BUSY! really got into Incubus after watching a few songs on MTV, part time. Call Dr. Supriya @ [Three O’ Clock in the morning ] and the first album I bought was , because 98320 55121 Teet! Teet! Teet! that was the only one I could find. I soon found SCIENCE, INCREDIBLE NATURAL Connected SO&SO... Enjoy Incubus, and , and was delighted. WEIGHT LOSS. [HEAR YOUSELF BREATHE] This one’s the icing on the cake! Nutrition & Energy products! Teet! Teet! Teet! - DIGITAL HARI. First time in Sikkim!!! Call Connected SO&SO... Dr. Supriya @ 98320 55121 [HEAR 4 PEOPLE SPEAK] Ring! Ring! Ring! SO&SO Calling... Accept! TO-LET [HEAR 4 PEOPLE SPEAK, GROUND FLOOR two of them in Bengali] worth a cry SPACE AVAILABLE Teet! Teet! Teet! Connected SO&SO... saw a film called “50 First big high five, hand to fin. Yeah, it’s 24 feet X 40 feet, road- [Converse for 13 seconds Dates” all alone. How sad! Sandler and it’s funny, sometimes side at Development EXACTLY, Auto-Terminate IWhat do you do, right? Any- over-the-top, occasionally Area. Preferably for probably enabled somewhere] way, thanks for caring, but it’s not sophomoric funny, but it’s essen- Teet! Teet! Teet! your problem. Let’s get to the re- tially a tender love story that works. Restaurants, Show- The mobile you have dialed is view. Heck, I liked the film. Yeah, The production is strong and even rooms, etc. switched off OR out of reach I laughed, I cried (granted I may be believable, but a weak climax robs Please Call: [The mobile belongs to a friend, a little more disposed toward cry- it of an otherwise well deserved A-. who’s right next to you on ing these days), but a good cry Fear not, it could have also rounded 03592 - 225480 / titanic, and the two of you were never hurt nobody. I’ve always up with a very disappointing end- 98320 61037 just seeing what the female in been a Sandler fan and he’s great ing (after 1.25 hours of solid pro- MOBILE PHONES the phone would say.] here, very funny, absurdly so at duction), it’s only the climax that’s Teet! Teet! Teet! times, and extremely graceful car- somewhat lame. The resolution re- OUR OATH! NATION’S rying off serious heartfelt moments. turns to the strength and seriousness, amola GROWTH! Barrymore also deserves kudos, the real heart of the picture. And, Ha! Ha! Ha! CELLULAR and let me tell you - that walrus - despite the fact that we may have R GROWTH? NETWORK BUSY! he’s such a big lush! I wanted to seen it coming, the resolution is still SALES & SERVICES Tharo Line,Lal Market Road. take him home with me, slap him a rewarding, fulfilling even. - KARCHOONG - MOVIE REVIEW by BHAI SCOPE Ph: 201062, Mobile: 9832062684

CMYK 8; NOW!; 28 March, 2004 THEFINALONE  Historytoday in 28th March 1941 Virginia Woolf novelist/ critic, dies 1969 Dwight D Eisenhower the 34th US president dies in Washington at 78 1980 Jesse Owens dies at the age of 66, in Tucson, Arizona 1797 Nathaniel Briggs of NH patents a washing machine 1917 Jews are expelled from Sony Sets Stage for Tel Aviv & Jaffa by Turkish CRUISE AND CRUZ CALL IT QUITS authorities LOS ANGELES - Hollywood quently. “They’re just not boy- 1960 Pope John raises the 1st power couple Tom Cruise and friend and girlfriend anymore.” Japanese, 1st African & 1st ‘Spider-Man 3’ Penelope Cruz have ended The couple met in 2000 Filipino cardinal. their romance after nearly three while working together on the LAS VEGAS - Even before comic superhero battles a new nemesis Dr. years, though they remain SECURITY GUARD Cameron Crowe -directed film book hero Spider-Man can weave Otto Octavius, a.k.a. Doc Ock (Al- “good friends” and are not dat- “Vanilla Sky” and began dating his crime-fighting web in movie fred Molina). Ock’s four mechani- STABBED AT ROCK ing anyone else, their publicists in July 2001 after Cruise’s dec- theaters for a second time, Sony cal appendages give him superpow- CONCERT said on Friday. ade-long marriage to Oscar- Pictures Entertainment on Wednes- ers, too, but unlike Spider-Man, “They broke up at the end winning actress Nicole Kidman security guard was stabbed day set a May 2007 launch date and Ock’s heart is cold and hard. of January,” Robert Garlock, a fell apart. during a SOUTH BY star lineup for “Spider-Man 3.” Along with fighting his rival, spokesman for the Spanish- A source said Cruise, 41, SOUTH WEST showcase Returning for a third film in the Spider-Man’s alter ego, Peter A born actress, told Reuters. “It’s and Cruz, 29, ultimately split up hit series will be Tobey Maguire Parker, battles personal demons and in TEXAS for electro-rock outfit amicable, they are good friends because of the difficulty of CHIKINKI. (news) as the man with the powers deals with his love for Watson. In The altercation occurred at and talk often. There’s no other maintaining a relationship of a super spider and Kirsten Dunst one revealing clip shown on around 1am last Saturday (March person involved.” while spending much of their (news) as his love interest, Mary Wednesday, Parker gives up his 21) after the Bristol-based band had He added that neither star is time apart in distant locations Jane Watson. Sam Raimi (news) Spider suit in search of true love. finished their set at The Copper dating anyone else at the mo- making movies. will be back to direct, Sony Pictures But don’t mistake “Spider-Man Tank in Austin. ment. Cruise, a three-time Oscar Entertainment Vice Chairman Jeff 2” for all romance because the A spokesman for the bar said Cruise’s sister and publicist, nominee and star of the recent Blake said here at the ShoWest con- comic hero wrestles with Ock high the incident had not been fatal but Lee Anne DeVette, also con- historical action drama “The vention for movie theater owners. atop city skyscrapers and inside the victim had needed surgery. firmed “they did break up,” but Last Samurai,” is currently in Blake added that Sony is “so rushing subway trains. If “Spider- “There was a problem in one said the two stars are “very pre-production on a third “Mis- excited” about “Spider-Man 2,” the Man” fans can’t wait for June’s sequel to the 2002 box office smash part of the bar and a security guard good friends” who talk fre- sion: Impossible” film. “Spider-Man 2” or, for that matter, went over to deal with it. It was at “Spider-Man,” that it is debuting the May 4, 2007, debut of “Spider- that point that he was stabbed.” he the second film on June 30 this Man 3,” then Sony promises to added. year, two days earlier than planned. have their newest promotional clips “After the show we were just THE FUTURE, NOW! In “Spider-Man 2,” the in theaters by next month. chilling out and suddenly the po- lice came running in, they closed ARIES: Your thoughts turn to love to make decisions about your fi- the place and told us to go home,” and this is a favorable time to nancial affairs, as your judgment Chikinki frontman Rupert Browne bring out any concerns you have is sound and reliable, though a bit said, adding, “There was an ambu- in your personal relationships. conservative. Investing in beau- lance and we saw a stretcher being Agreements and cooperation can tiful things which are likely to in- SWASTIK carried out. I think it happened in be achieved easily now. crease in value over time (such the kitchen which was also the TAURUS: You are contentious, as jewelry or fine art) is favored. SILIGURI backstage area. argumentative, and impatient SCORPIO: Exchanging informa- “Things like this seem to hap- now. Disagreements erupt be- tion, ideas, and opinions plays an pen to us all the time,” he admit- cause you aren't willing to over- important role in your life now. A ted, “We played at Cargo (in Lon- look minor irritations as readily as significant conversation with don) about a month ago with usual. someone who has a very differ- Kasabian and we got bottled. This GEMINI: You feel quite amorous ent attitude or perspective than guy took offence when I jumped off and affectionate now and will very your own is likely. stage and landed on his girlfriend. much want to share this time with SAGITTARIUS: You are impul- She didn’t seem to mind but he someone you love or at least with sively affectionate and flirtatious smashed a bottle and threw it at me. congenial company. Your creative at this time, and you feel quite It missed me but hit Steve (drum- or artistic inclinations are also restless if you are in a stable, pre- mer) on the shoulder. Later that stimulated. dictable relationship that offers lit- night he hurt someone really badly CANCER: Your desire for love, tle excitement. and the police turned up to take him companionship, and affection CAPRICORN: Your vitality and away.” predominates at this time. A new courage are strong now and you Bring Rs. /-* Margin Money only friendship or romance could be- are eager to meet challenges. You 64,650 CALL NOW! @ gin, or an established relationship can accomplish a great deal of Plus First EMI + Insurance + Service Charge & TAKE AWAY can be revitalized and enhanced. work, especially if it involves Mahindra AND LEO: You feel love, affection, har- physical effort. Festara REST ON EASY 270949 mony with others, and a need for AQUARIUS: You are conten- Ma X X 2WD INSTALMENT WITH beauty in your surroundings. Do- tious, argumentative, and impa- ing something to add to the attrac- tient now. Disagreements erupt FREE! Gift hamper of...* orial: tiveness of your environment or because you aren't willing to over- edit 5 3 20” COLOUR TV + 170 LTR. FRIDGE + VCD PLAYER + SEAT COVER + 80 7 appearance will make you happy. look minor irritations as readily as 8 3 2 0 WHEEL COVER + FOG LIGHTS + STEERING COVER + WRIST WATCH 9 7 2 0 2 VIRGO: Your usual routine is usual. Confrontations with others 2 0 1 9 8 3 likely to be disrupted now, either may be fruitful if you don't allow HURRY! OFFER VALID FROM 20TH TO 31ST MARCH ONLY! business: 9 6 by "freak" accidents beyond your your anger to get out of control. * Conditions apply 42 0 RUSH TO: 3 2 0 control or by your own impatience PISCES: Underlying or previously * Finance at the sole discretion of MMFSL 9 8 8 3 8 SIKKIM MOTORS 0 80 hidden aspects of a situation AUTHORISED MAHINDRA DEALER. 6th MILE, TADONG, GANGTOK. Ph: 270601, 270602 9 8 3 2 with the status quo. LIBRA: This is an excellent time come to light now. Lhendup - 9434137192, Ravi - 9434203528, Vikash - 9434126860, Ajay - 9832079060

Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Darpan Publications Pvt. Ltd, Siliguri. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Executive Editor: Mita Zulca Now! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 270949 email: [email protected] CMYK