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Rs. 5 ph: 228341/ 226627 Ph: 221182 / 221181 / 221180 NOW! mobile: 94341 27094 TWO BHUTAN MURDERS Brawl at Baba Mandir PREPARES TWO FOR WAR DISTRICTS Druk Yul has set aside a Rs. 200 crore “war fund” to flush Rising crime has been a mat- Bhutanese territory of the Indian ter of concern for the State of militant organisations which are late and the past week has not using its lush forest cover bor- offered any respite. There was dering Assam and West Bengal a murder each in East and for training camps. Everyone West district. While the murder from ULFA to NDFB to KLO at Gangtok was solved within seems to be operating out of days, the west episode has of- Bhutan. The country, which is fered no concrete leads thus accused of having encouraged far. Although arrests have been such camps in the past has now decided to turn away the guests made, the murder is far from who have overstayed their wel- solved. The Gangtok murder GANGTOK: More than a hundred taxis crammed into a space not Interestingly, both the Army and come. The Bhutanese PM resulted from a fight between equipped to handle such traffic controlled by army personnel not the drivers want Sikkim Police Jigme Yoezer Thinley outlines friends who had just spent the used to taking no for an answer. A flare-up at Baba Mandir was an to monitor traffic there. his country’s strategy in a NOW! evening sharing drinks. incident waiting to happen. It did on 30 November, Sunday, and left TURN TO pg 3 exclusive. TURN TO pgs 6 & some bruises in its wake. The taxis are now refusing to ply beyond TURN TO pg 10 FOR Tsomgo until action is taken against the jawans at Baba Mandir. FOR DETAILS 15 FOR DETAILS DETAILS THETHE MELAMELA RETURNSRETURNS

TURN TO pg 4 FOR DETAILS

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CMYK 1 2; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 GANGTOK 03-09 DEC, 2003 ED-SPACE North-east Saath Hamare NOW! SULFA. Having realised the ad- SIKKIM MATTERS The question that really needs to needs to be vantages of the backing of an answered is “North-east ke saath koun?” armed outfit, the AGP cosied up The Relevance of Days to the SULFA after it came to The National Women’s Day is over. The World AIDS Day was ahara TV’s programme of power on an anti-SULFA plank. observed on 1 December and 3 December is the Day for the the above name, for all its VIEWPOINT In the elections of 2001, the Disabled. Through the year, we have many more Days devoted Seffort, is not without its er- PRANAB BORA people of Assam threw out the to various issues, people and concerns. The instant public re- rors. Garden-fresh journalists AGP, blamed for a series of ‘se- action to the observance of such days is that of disdain. Some paradropped into an alien North- State had abated after the govern- cret killings’ carried out by see it as a waste of time and others as a nuisance which dis- east report on the hot “jolokia ment arrested the extremists? SULFA. After his defeat in 2001, rupts traffic and wastes the time of the people involved. Issues, mirch” of Assam [jolokia, inciden- All that in a state that has now Mahanta openly accused the most feel, cannot be addressed through processions, banners tally, is mirch in Assamese], and for years been under a Unified ULFA of having helped the Con- and hoardings and require a much more dedicated approach. on how Guru Tegh Bahadur con- Command; where security has gress tilt the balance in its favour. This logic has merit, but the argument is incomplete. What verted the first Sikhs in Assam been placed in the hands of a py- Any statement on extremists most people forget is that Days are earmarked through the year during the time of King Ahom [in ramidal, all-pervasive structure and the ULFA made by a state for continuing problems. Problems which do not surge and ebb, reality, Ahom is the name of the headed by the army and backed government of the present age in but consistently eat into the social health of the masses. AIDS dynasty which ruled the region be- by the state police and central se- Assam cannot be free from inher- for example, does not suddenly claim more lives, nor does in- tween 1228 to 1826 and not a king. curity forces. All that in a state, ent contradictions. How, for ex- sensitivity towards the disabled rise at any particular time of The word Oxom, the Anglicised where a law such as the Armed ample, do the security forces suc- the year. This consistent [albeit persistent] attack numbs the version of which is Assam, is, ac- Forces Special Powers Act 1958 ceed in zeroing in on ULFA cad- people to the real dangers posed by the problems. Soon even cording to one school of thought, the media, the deliverer of information, loses interest and be- [AFSPA], and the Assam Dis- res within days, sometimes hours, fore anyone notices it, a problem fades from the public memory. derived from ‘Ahom.’ The Ahom turbed Areas Act 1955 [AADA] of an attack by the outfit, if they Those working on the problems start working in a vacuum and king referred to would have been have been in place since the were actually operating out of the whole pressure to deliver a solution relaxes. It is essentially Chakradhwaj Singha]. launch of Operation Bajrang in neighbouring states such as to bring a problem back into focus that we observe various Days But these are errors that would the ’90s. These are laws that em- Meghalaya and Arunachal through the year; to keep reminding the public that the problem perhaps pale in comparison to power the jawan and the regular Pradesh and foreign countries has not gone away; to remind them that their support has to those made by “young, idealistic police constable to shoot to kill if such as Bangladesh and Bhutan? continue. It is on such days that the media is also forced to and gullible” journalists, who, he thinks that what a person is It is an uneasy calm that exists report on the problems and find fresh angles to deliver the same despite being of some vintage holding can be used as a weapon; between the ruling government message. These days are observed so that we do not forget. now, were fooled into believing arrest and search without war- and the extremist lodged so often The observance of special days is also to fix accountabil- that the “boys” of the Assam agi- rants, and destroy property that he within the state, who may not al- ity. The World AIDS Day is not observed only to update us on tation could do no wrong and thinks may be used by extremists. ways be in a position to appreci- the numbers living or dying with the Virus, but also to tell us were actually a part of the The DGP’s statement at the ate the finer points of political what progress has been made in combatting the disease. If subcontinent’s breed of dema- very minimum is a subtle admis- survival. It is also something that those appropriating lakhs of rupees through the year have gogues who articulate a sion of a mutual status quo be- the BJP will have to address nothing positive to show, then the public should exert pres- minority’s grievances, real and tween the Congress government sooner or later in its attempts to sure for a change in approach and policy. These “Days”, the imagined, so effectively as to in the state and the ULFA. Beyond enter Assam on an anti- public has to understand, are about more than just getting build a mass persecution com- that, it proves a nexus, fragile as Bangladeshi platform. shocked with sensational figures and heart-rending stories, plex. And that while they are also about understanding the next plan of action and it expectedly would be [some- Every political party comes endorsing or denouncing it... Bhindranwale, Prabhakaran, thing that the Mahantas and with its baggage. The BJP would Subhash Ghisingh, and Pakistan’s Phukans of the past have discov- have the Bihari and the Bengali in NOT I ALONE Mohajir leader Altaf Hussain ered]. How else would Tarun the Cachar district, the Congress would like to thank Mr. Dil
LETTERS were all masters of the same craft, Gogoi’s government explain the its Bangladeshis. For the Assamese IBahadur Rai for his kind letter “there was no one better at it than arrest of 500 people in the two and the 2.3 million unemployed on appreciating my work with the stu- and which has been agreed upon Mahanta and Phukan”. weeks of rioting? How could 500 the rolls of the state’s employment dents of Sichey Junior High by parties involved. We however One isn’t making a case here “extremists[?]” have been walk- exchanges, that would mean get- School. Although it is good to be thank you for highlighting this for Prafulla Mahanta or his one ing the streets of Assam when the ting boxed in by the poverty of the appreciated publicly, there are project and issue related with it. time friend and later worst foe, government had the army, the Bihari [some 1.5 million are al- some clarifications that need to be Public of Toong-Naga, North Bhrigu Phukan, for it would be AFSPA and the AADA at its dis- ready there and not all gainfully made. One, it has been wrongly Sikkim foolish to do so given the volu- posal? Were the ordinary employed] on one end; the Hindu mentioned that Jeevan Gurung is minous list of their crimes against Assamese rioting? But then the Bengali migrant from Bangladesh participating in the National games THANK YOU FOR litNOW! the Assamese. Yet, one needs to DGP said “500 extremists” were who has wiped out the Tripuri in in Hardwar and secondly, it is hank you NOW! for not only ask whether the “national colour” rounded up? Not to even mention his own land on the other; and the wrong to credit me alone for the Tbeing a source of encourage- that Mahanta and Phukan are that the worst riots were reported pressure of the Bangladeshi Mus- achievements of the students in ment to budding writers by incor- blamed of having added to a re- from the upper Assam districts, lim who now controls close to sports. It is the collective effort of porating the litNOW! section for gional movement [the anti-for- including Tinsukia, for decades a seven districts and at least 30 of all the teachers and the support and budding writers to share their eigners Assam Agitation], should Congress bastion. the 126 assembly constituencies of the encouragement of the princi- work, but also for being a constant have been seen as a national Truth is, in the Assam of the his state. It is perhaps here that the pal that is responsible for the companion for all of us! movement from the very begin- present [as in Manipur, Nagaland Assamese learns the benefits of student’s all around performance. Priya Dolma, Gangtok ning itself. Shouldn’t the farsight- and Arunachal Pradesh], one rioting and the facelessness of the Sova Tamang, Teacher, Sichey edness of the nationalist politician needs to be aligned with some rioter. A white paper on the 500 Junior High School IGNORING DRUG ABUSE and the “national press” journal- armed group or the other to rule. arrested in Assam following the hank you for the thoughtful ists have recognised a national The AGP, under Mahanta, in its recent riots would be in order in NO CONDEMNATION, Tand timely article on drug problem to be so even though it initial days of glory, turned a blind this regard. JUST CONCERNS abuse in Sikkim [In Denial, Vol. 1 was not a part of the nation’s eye to the doings of the ULFA, And this is why the ULFA too propos your article “A new No. 22]. As a recovering addict, I agenda of the day? while Hiteswar Saikia split the perhaps exists. Because, away Ahydel protest” carried in the can vouch for the stories narrated How, for example, would one ULFA and created the “surren- from the corridors of power in 26 November issue. We would in the article and can even recognise explain the recent killing of Biharis dered” yet armed version of it, the Dispur and Delhi and the edito- in Assam? As one sparked off like to clarify here that neither our some of them. As for the denial, I HOW COULD 500 rial rooms of the national association nor the people of want to come out and help recover- by unemployment alone? And “EXTREMISTS” HAVE press, there is a section of the Toong-Naga have so far categori- ing addicts, but my family is not yet the strikes by the ULFA [the BEEN WALKING THE Assamese whose land and cally condemned the project per prepared to admit my addiction in outfit’s denials notwithstand- STREETS OF ASSAM livelihood are at stake, who se, as mentioned. We had simply public even though I have been ing]? And the claim of the Di- WHEN THE want them to be there. They expressed our reservations and clean for the past 3 months. rector General of Police of GOVERNMENT HAD THE see ULFA as their army and called for a dialogue on the mat- recvd on email [name withheld Assam, PV Sumant, on 28 No- ARMY, THE AFSPA AND which is why in the villages of ter between the concerned parties on request] vember, that the violence in the THE AADA AT ITS turn to pg 10 DISPOSAL?

2 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 3 UP-FRONTUP-FRONT AIDS Day at Nimtar Brawl at Baba Mandir It is Targetted ARMY-TAXI DRIVER STANDOFF BEYOND TSOMGO and it definitely is his men to fall back. The taxi driv- hicles at Baba Mandir that day. ANAND OBEROI ers were rushed away and they The situation just deteriorated Intervention eventually filed an FIR with the from there on. We are not deny- a NOW REPORT GANGTOK: Baba Harbhajan Sherathang PS after receiving first ing that some taxi drivers got in- Mandir has stretched beyond the aid at a nearby army medical room. jured, but it would be unfair at this GANGTOK: Out of the 69 persons who had checked into Sikkim Rehabiltation Centre [SRC] for drug abuse, 51 were intravenous reach of visiting tourists with the The drivers want action taken stage to suggest that the army drug users, meaning they injected a cocktail of drugs straight Jawaharlal Nehru Road Taxi Driv- against the army personnel involved started the fight,” said a senior into their veins. Thirty-three agreed to get screened for infec- ers Association refusing to ply in the fight and are demanding that officer with the 17 Mountain Di- tions, eleven were found to have contracted serious diseases. beyond Tsomgo following an “in- Sikkim Police be deputed to con- vision at Gangtok, whose officer While seven had Hepatitis C & B, three tested positive for HIV. cident” at Baba Harbhajan trol traffic at Baba Mandir. is still investigating the matter. Although aware of the dangers, 47 had shared syringes in the Mandir on Sunday, 30 November. Interestingly, they find support He went on to assure that if past and acquired the diseases. Members of the drivers associa- on this count from the army too. culpability of army personnel at Considering the serious nature of the problem, the World Aids tion allege that taxi drivers were “We have been asking for de- Baba Mandir was established af- Day observed on 1 December all over the State assumes impor- “beaten up” by army personnel at ployment of Sikkim Police person- ter the investigation was over, tance and is even more relevant when held at the SRC. Baba Mandir following an alter- nel to control traffic not only at then action “will definitely be Sponsored by Sikkim State Aids Control Society, the cation over parking in the area. Baba Mandir, but also at Tsomgo taken against the errant jawans.” programme had Dr. Raja Gopal, Medical Superintendent, Manipal Chewang Norbu Bhutia, Presi- and on the final Nathula stretch. He, however, pointed out how Institute of Medical Sciences as Chairperson. Others present dent JNRTDA told NOW! that the Taxi drivers don’t take directions the matter was being blown out were Dr. Dutta, STD specialist, MIMS, school teachers of Baptist association had decided against from army-men too well since they of proportion. School, Nimtar and Nimtar Government School, local residents, plying any vehicles to Nathula know we have no powers to “I believe the drivers are now staff and members of SRC. from the next day itself [1 Decem- challan them and this obstructs the claiming that a truckload of jawans Addressing the gathering, Phurba Yolmo, Project Director, ber, Monday]. “We are plying smooth flow of army movement in pounced upon them. What actually SRC, stressed on the growing number of AIDS cases in the state only upto Tsomgo and that too the area,” said a senior army of- happened was that an officer ar- and the danger of its spread through intravenous drug users. Dr. Gopal, touched upon the nature of the disease and ways it because we don’t want the tour- ficer posted at Gangtok. rived at the spot in his jonga and a could spread. He also asked for more compassion to be shown ists to suffer,” he said. When asked to present their subedar major from a nearby de- to those who had contacted the disease. “AIDS patients are also Narrating his side of the story, side of the story, army officials ployment arrived at the spot with human beings, who unfortunately had contacted the disease, Mr. Bhutia revealed that a taxi investigating the matter stress that a Sikkim Police constable when he we should take care and show our support rather than treating broke down outside the Baba the driver association version can- was told of the incident. This ar- them like aliens,” he said. Mandir and could not make it to not be taken at face value. rival cannot be construed as an at- Dr. Dutta spoke on Sexually Transmitted Diseases and their the designated parking area. Even “One has to bear in mind that tacking mob of soldiers,” he said. symptoms. He said that STDs were totally curable and hospitals as the driver alighted to repair the the army holds a free langar at The truth obviously lies some- in Singtam, STNM and Namchi also conduct STD clinics that a vehicle an army jawan assaulted Baba Mandir every Tuesday and where in between the two versions. suffering person can go to. “Hiding the disease will only worsen him, Mr. Bhutia claims. When the Sunday. The traffic is heaviest on What is clear though is that we things. A person having the symptoms should go to the doctor assembled drivers protested, a the two days and almost impos- have a situation at hand. Tsomgo, immediately,” he said. shrill whistle blew out and some sible to handle. As per the infor- Baba Mandir and Nathula are SRC had also put up a poster exhibition on the disease and its 20 army personnel descended on mation reaching us, the incident must-visit destinations for tourists implication. Pamphlets were distributed amongst the villagers. An the drivers and a free for all broke started off when a taxi parked and all three fall in defence area. interactive question and answer session amongst the doctors and out. The drivers came out worse outside the designated area. When This is not the first time that an the people present was also held. At the end of the day, the spe- from the scuffle with Norbu and our jawan went over to ask the altercation has broken out between cialists had managed to convey the message that “careless Mingma Sherpa sustaining seri- vehicle to move an argument the army and taxi drivers. Since behaviour spreads the Virus, not bad people.” By the end of the ous injuries, Mr. Bhutia claimed. broke out. Soon this jawan was both sides want Sikkim Police to day, everyone also agreed that “populations are fluid” and that there is no such thing as a drug user who is not also a father, The fight broke up only after an gheraoed by the taxi drivers and take over the traffic management husband, son or wife - categorising people comforts us, but does army officer who happened to be a shouting match ensued. There at the spots, it perhaps time that not prevent HIV transmission into our social circles. in the area intervened and ordered must have been some 150 ve- the demand was granted. SILIGURI, NEW REGIONAL ARMS MARKET ULFA, the Kalashnikov range of CHINA, MAOISTS, POLITICIANS AND EX-NAXALS ARE KEY PLAYERS assault rifles, they are, reportedly, not targetting Siliguri given its prox- at the disposal of the ULFA, KLO plosives and detonators. as readily available in Siliguri as they BIJOY SHANKAR HANDIQUE imity to Nepal, Bhutan and the and NDFB in Bhutan is not certain, “There are several former are in Cox Bazar in Bangladesh and North-east,” sources said. Chi- what is clear is that the Bhutanese Naxalbari militants in Siliguri who parts of Thailand. “Most of the INDO-BHUTAN BORDER: As nese-made arms and ammunition government doesn’t consider these can assemble sophisticated impro- people gunned down in Assam re- talk of a showdown between the are being routinely smuggled into groups to be pushovers, consider- vised explosive devices [IEDs] cently were shot with AK-47s,” Bhutanese government and north- Siliguri through Nepal by the ing that it has hired the services of with components that are Union Minister for the North-east- eastern insurgent groups operating Maoist militants, they add. 2,000 “militiamen” to fight the smuggled in from China,” the ern region, CP Thakur recently said, from its soil intensifies, there are “It’s very difficult to rein them north-eastern ultras alongside the sources said. These devices then following the recent killings of reports of increased activity among in especially since they are backed regular Bhutanese army. find their way to the insurgent out- Biharis in the state. The involvement the gunrunners of Siliguri in West by politicians,” the sources said. “The Chinese are encouraging fits in the North-east and Bhutan, of the KLO incidentally was not Bengal. According to intelligence Former militants of the Naxalbari production of weapons such as the the sources said. The ULFA has ruled out in the shooting of four driv- sources, the area has become a hub movement are also believed to be M-22, a self-loading assault rifle that been known to use IEDs to counter ers in Golakganj on the Assam-West for gunrunners, with active support aiding the Kamatapur Liberation is being transferred to the Siliguri security force offensives in the Bengal border earlier last month from China, and the Maoist mili- Organisation [KLO] and the Na- market,” intelligence sources said. past, especially when their camps since the area falls in the boundary tants of Nepal, and involves local tional Democratic Front of Siliguri is now a major market for in Lakipathar and Saraipung were being claimed for a separate home- politicians and former militants of Bodoland [NDFB] in setting up Chinese-made weapons such as M- attacked during Operation Bajrang land for the Koch Rajbongshis of the Naxalbari movement. explosives units. 20, 9 mm pistols and M-22 assault in the late ’80s. North Bengal by KLO. “China is particularly While the amount of firepower rifles, apart from Chinese made ex- As for the chosen weapon of the [By arrangement with Newsfile]

CMYK 3 a NOW REPORT 4; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 POWERPOWER PLAYPLAY The Mela returns 5,400 families in West to benefit from second round of Janata Melas will move to Hee-Bermiok and will pearing to be in the electioneering SARIKAH ATREYA cover Rinchenpong, Dentam and mode, the CM made sure that the Hee-Bermiok Constituencies. The message that the SDF is the “party SORENG: At least 5,400 fami- last phase of the West District Janata of the people” was driven home to The CM hands over a free LPG connection to a beneficiary at the Soreng Janata Mela on Monday, 1 December. lies below the poverty line in the Mela will be held at Geyzing and the rural masses. Mr. Chamling’s West District will benefit from the will cover Tashiding, Yuksom and opening remarks during his speech System to provide one-stop deliv- non-issues and vitiating the envi- second round of Janata Melas, Geyzing constituencies. were directed at reminding the ery of service to the people. “The ronment of brotherhood we enjoy which were kicked off from the District Collector, West, R. people that “only the SDF govern- system has now become single- here. Such anti-people activities Soreng Senior Secondary School Telang, while underlining the ba- ment could think of distributing window, many-doors system. It will not be tolerated,” he said. grounds by the Chief Minister sic objectives behind holding welfare schemes directly to the has somehow failed to serve the He also criticised the former Pawan Chamling here on 1 De- such Janata Melas, said that it was people, right at their doorsteps.” whole purpose. People from the the Bhandari-led Opposition in cember, Monday. the government’s stress on trans- The CM said that the welfare rural areas still have to run from the State for trying to take credit Short-listed beneficiaries from parency and reaching democracy schemes had actually percolated one section to another in govern- for the present government’s pro- BPL families from three constitu- to the people which led to the to the people at the grassroots and ment offices to get their work poor programmes and said it was encies of the West District - holding of such Melas. “There has the results were evident. done,” he said. only natural for those without is- Soreng, Daramdin and Chakung been a paradigm shift in the “Our efforts to bring welfare Mr. Chamling also took the sues at hand to grab at straws.. received various benefits during government’s outlook to ensure schemes directly to the people have opportunity to criticise the oppo- At the end of the day, there the day-long Mela. Various gov- that the benefits reach directly to started to bear fruits as it is evident sition for “misleading the people” were many smiling faces and ernment schemes such as rural the people. With this end in mind, in the improvement in the socioeco- and fanning communal passions. SDF’s poll-platform for the next housing [RHS], free LPG connec- the concept of Janata Mela was nomic conditions of the people, but “Organisations such as SIBLAC elections was made clear - its pro- tions, free rice and GI sheets were conceived,” he said. we still have to do lot more to and GAC are making issues out of poor governance. distributed directly to the benefi- The West District administra- achieve if we have to fully realise ciaries during the Mela. Benefi- tion also took the opportunity to our vision of a economically self- ciaries of the Chief Minister’s felicitate the CM on receiving the reliant State by 2015,” he said. Self-employment Scheme, Social Doctorate from the Manipal Uni- While pointing that bureau- SBI & MARUTI Welfare Scheme and Old-Age versity. A memento and citation cratic bottlenecks and loopholes Pension also received cheques was presented by area MLA and in the administration were still announces during the Mela. PWD minister, RB Subba to the proving to be major deterrents, the A new scheme aimed at pro- CM on behalf of “all the MLAs, CM said that the general attitude viding land to landless BPL fami- Zilla Adhyaksha, Upadhyaksha, of government officials needed to lies was also doled out during the all Zilla and Gram Panchayat undergo a radical change. Lash- Mela by the Chief Minister. Un- members, public and SDF party ing out at the government officials der this Land Bank Scheme, land- workers of the West District.” for “not showing genuine con- less BPL families will receive at Government employees and cern” towards the welfare of the least half an acre of land. In all, NGOs from the West District also people, Mr. Chamling said that 200 beneficiaries of RHS, 100 of felicitated the CM. unless the government officials GCI sheets and 300 for LPG con- The latest round of janata melas improved their attitude, the soci- nection in the nine constituencies is being seen as one of a major sig- ety would never progress. in the West District will benefit nificance for the SDF given that The CM also criticised the ad- GET A CAR from the Janata Mela. the State is gearing for the Assem- ministration over its “failure” to From Soreng, the Janata Mela bly elections in 2004. Already ap- implement the Single Window in just ONE DAY SCHEME BJP welcomes hike in MR wages ALL YOU NEED ARE: PASSPORT SIZED PHOTOGRAPHS earners from April 2003 as prom- lar State government employees PROOF OF INCOME a NOW REPORT ised in the SDF party manifesto. have been receiving regular incre- PROOF OF RESIDENCE Mr. Pradhan advices in his let- ments along with Dearness Al- PROOF OF IDENTITY GANGTOK: The State unit of the ter that the State government lowances, MR employees should Bharatiya Janata Party [BJP] has should consider increasing daily also be benefited accordingly. welcomed the State government’s wages of labourers as promised to Mr. Pradhan pointed out that & EMI ONLY Rs. 1660 / LAKH decision to increase the wages of a minimum of Rs. 100. the rate of daily wage for con- Muster Roll employees. A meeting Referring to page 9, item 20 of struction workers, as on 31 March STATE BANK Personal Banking Advance Centre of the state unit held here on 19 the SDF party manifesto, which 2002 with the Building & Hous- NH 31 A Cintury Bhawan November, unanimously decided to says that the “with the SDF form- ing Department was Rs. 80 per OF INDIA Gangtok Ph No: 221165 welcome the decision taken by the ing the new government, the daily day for unskilled male and Rs. 75 State government said the BJP wages of labourers would be in- per day for unskilled female. Get a full medical check-up through energy energy mea- state-unit president, HR Pradhan, in creased to Rs. 100,” Mr. Pradhan While asking the CM to con- surements at Krishna Meridian Diagnostic Centre, a letter to the Chief Minister. reminded the CM of the “commit- sider this suggestion as “construc- While “appreciating” this de- ment” made by his party in the tive’, Mr. Pradhan said that this PS Road, Gangtok. Computerised reading. cision, the BJP has also “re- run-up to the last Assembly elec- would enable the BJP “help the Get international consultation through the internet. quested” the Chief Minister to tions in 1999. ruling party fulfil its commitments A REVOLUTIONARY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM increase the wages of daily wage He further said that since regu- made in the manifesto.”

4 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 5 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM Chamling shoots off letters protesting attack on Sikkim passengers in Bihar An IPR press release informs Dadar Express on 12 November, safety of lives and properties of rail- sured various communities “living a NOW REPORT that the CM, in a separate letters 2003, were assaulted and robbed way passengers from Sikkim pass- amicably” in the State that there GANGTOK: The Chief Minister, addressed to the Deputy Prime near Bhagalpur between Akbar ing through Bihar and that neces- was no reason for any apprehen- Pawan Chamling has expressed Minister, LK Advani, the Union Nagar and Jamalpur junctions by sary measures be taken to avoid sion among them. Mr. Chamling serious concern over the security Minister for DONER, Dr. CP residents of those areas thereby such unpleasant incidents in future. also stressed that his Government of Sikkimese passengers travel- Thakur, the Chief Minister of inflicting serious injuries and Meanwhile, the Chief Minister will not tolerate any kind of crimi- ling through Bihar, especially Bihar, Rabri Devi and the Chief causing damage to properties. has appealed to every section of nal, anti-social or disruptive activ- since the recent unfortunate as- Minster of Assam, Tarun Gogoi, The letters also list the names of the Sikkimese society to remain ity in the State and anyone found sault on the railway passengers has mentioned that some the victims and details of proper- calm and beware of the elements indulging in vitiating the peaceful from Northeastern States in vari- Sikkimese travelling by ties looted from them on that day bent on undermining the peace and atmosphere of this state will be ous railway station in Bihar. Brahmaputra Mail and Guwahati- and requests the leaders to ensure tranquility of this state. He also as- severely dealt with. Art exhibition Tarjum elects VP for Maghe GAC ON KHECHEOPALRI a NOW REPORT Mela at in the controversy. Later, Mr. Rai, Act, 1978. Former Chief Secre- GANGTOK: The Renjyong a NOW REPORT while speaking at the public meet- tary and GAC member, PK Mutanchi Rong Tarjum, in its Jorethang GANGTOK: Now that the ing revealed that the State Gov- Pradhan, while addressing the meeting held at Daramdin in west a NOW REPORT Khecheopalri mandir controversy is ernment had issued a plot each to gathering is reported to have al- Sikkim on 29 November, last Sat- out in the open, Sikkim can prepare the mandir committee and the leged that the failure of previous urday, unanimously resolved to GANGTOK: Sikkim Academy for some harsh words from either monastery at Khecheopalri in and present governments in elect Chairman, Land Use and En- has announced plans to hold a side. While SIBLAC took out a 1991. While the monastery could Sikkim to implement this Act in vironmental Board, Nim Tshering state-level art exhibition titled scathing press release on the issue arrange the funds and proceed the State was proof of their “ad- Lepcha as the state-level vice- “Brushstrokes” at Jorethang dur- some two weeks back, it is now with the construction, the mandir ministrative weakness.” president of the body. The ing the annual Maghe Mela cel- GAC’s turn to add to the debate. committee was not as successful Noted Nepali writer Praveen Daramdin meeting, informs a ebrations which will be held from A GAC press release on its in arranging the funds and hence Rai “Jumeli,” maintained that Tarjum press release was attended 12 to 14 January next year. meeting held at Dermiok in west the delay, he said. It has been this GAC was the only organisation by thousands of Lepchas from all The exhibition is being helped Sikkim on 26 November, last delay that organizations such as voicing the inner-most fears of the over the State. Incidentally, with partial financial assistance Wednesday, reveals that it held a SIBLAC are exploiting to derail oppressed in Sikkim even as po- Daramdin is also the spot where a from Lalitkala Academy, New meeting with the Khecheopalri the mandir project, he alleged. litical parties have paid only lip Rs. 2 crore monument “Stairway to Delhi, and will showcase the works Mandir Committee before the ac- GAC, it is learnt, has also re- service to the down-trodden. Heaven” is also under construction. of artists from all over Sikkim. tual meeting got underway. solved to ask the State Goverment HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION OF SIKKIM, a Paintings on display will also be to furnish details on the funds it At the said meeting, the GAC leading Charitable Non-Government –Organisation in the field offered for sale and a jury will also president GM Rai is reported to has sanctioned for the construction of education, recipient of the National Award for Children Welfare judge the best five works of art have held discussion with the of a monastery of the plot alloted 2002, invites applications for the following posts which will also win cash prizes. mandir committee members on along with the site for the mandir. Sikkim Academy will also be how to go about the construction Another issue raised at the Senior Administrator cum Manager to run the Head providing artists with lodging and of the mandir and the issues raised meet related to the Land Reforms Office and the overall finance and day-to-day administration travel allowance for the three-day of the Organisation. exhibition and has invited interested Requirements for the position: artists to approach its office at Old THIS 10TH & 11TH - Post Graduate or Graduate with overall experience in Council House, near Zero Point, administration and finance management of an organisation Gangtok for further details. The last (either in a profit or non-profit organisation) date for participating in the exhibi- - accounting and budgeting skills tion has been set for 15 December. DECEMBER - excellent skills in English language - high social and human competences Duties and responsibilities: Tarjum forms - Secretary to the Board of Trustees block level Just walk into Gangtok, Zero Point, - Management and supervision of office staff Deorali, Tadong, Singtam, Jorethang, Namchi & - Management of day-to-day administration of the committees organization Mangan branches of the State Bank of - Working in a network of different units a NOW REPORT - networking with Governments and Major Donors DENTAM: Executive members of India and your Housing loans will be Senior Hostel Manager (couple also welcome) to run the central executive committee of our Hostel for 200 children(Boys & Girls) and the day-to-day the Renjyong Mutanchi Rong sanctioned on the spot administration of the Hotel. Tarjum [Sikkim Lepcha Associa- Requirement for the post tion] led by its president CT Lepcha - Post Graduate or Graduate with experience in running made visits to Lepcha villages of hostel (Girls / Boys) Lower Mukrung and Radhu- just carry your: - experience in working with children of 4 – 18 age group Khundu in Dentam Constituency - managing , accounting and budgeting skills and held meetings on 22 and 23 * Sanctioned building plan - Good skills in English language November. A press release informs - High social and human competences that the meetings were held to form * Salary Certificate Attractive and competitive salary package negotiable. block level committees of the Tarjum Also be prepared to work in difficult circumstances. Should be

HOUSING LOAN MELA * Proof of Identity and appoint executive members open to new ideas. Apply in own hand writing giving complete from the four villages of Bangten, * Xerox copy of land title personal and professional bio-data with supporting documents Frekram, Gitam and Bulung at and contact number to: Mukrung. Similarly block level Attention: committees were also formed in Executive Director Radhu-Khandu and Hathidunga STATE BANK Human Development Foundation of Sikkim under Rinchepong constituency. P.O.Box 47, Chongey TAR, Gangtok - 737 101 (East Sikkim) During the meetings, the objectives OF INDIA Queries by phone may be directed to (03592) 229565 and activities of Sikkim Lepcha As- PH: KUMAR GAJMER @ 221165 between 9.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. or 98320 32890 after 5.00 sociation were also highlighted by p.m. or by E-Mail: [email protected] different speakers.

CMYK 5 6; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM MURDER SHOCKS WEST SIKKIM Since the body was discov- have since been picked up and the trace of either Dadul or the girl ment on how accurate their state- a NOW REPORT ered, Sikkim Police sleuths at fateful day’s events are pieced to- and they proceeded to Pelling. ment is, they do let on that a bag with Kaluk PS investigating the mur- gether from their statements. The vehicle they were traveling women’s clothings was found in the PELLING: This sleepy tourist der have been able to piece to- Apparently, the four, left in was a taxi and left for Siliguri vehicle. The duo have stated that the escape in west Sikkim is still in a gether some details of the events Dentam for Pelling late in the af- the next day. In the meanwhile, the girl had taken a lift with them the state of shock over the gruesome leading to the murder. It is when ternoon and as per the admission body was discovered and Dadul earlier day from Pelling, while they murder of Sonam Dadul, a resi- it comes to the actual act and made by the arrested duo, first the linked back to the vehicle. Wire- had come across Dadul only later. dent of Chumbung, Geyzing, motive that they draw a blank. girl got off from the vehicle and less messages were immediately The case is far from solved and whose body was discovered at Informed sources reveal that then Dadul followed suit after flashed across the State to nab the there are still many loose ends the Liching on 28 November, last Fri- Dadul was last seen in the com- some time. He is reported to have vehicle and the two boys on sight. cops admit. Lying next to Dadul’s day. Given the injury marks on the pany of two boys and a girl at told his two friends to return to They were arrested while return- body was a black dupatta and body, it is obvious that the victim Dentam a day before his body was Dentam and come after some time ing from Siliguri the same evening there is still no trace of the girl was beaten to death. What is still discovered. They had arrived to pick him up. However, when at the Melli checkpost. who could be the last person to unclear is by whom and why. there from Pelling. The two youth the duo returned, there was no Although cops refuse to com- have seen Dadul alive. NABARD Mangar to celebrate Barahi Mijong Gurung Assc felicitates reduces rate Sikkim and in such a grand fash- ion. The decision to observe the its president a NOW REPORT join the monastic life to preserve of interest festival was taken at an Associa- and contribute towards Buddhism GANGTOK: The All Sikkim tion meeting held on 30 Novem- a NOW REPORT GANGTOK: NABARD has re- in the State. He also revealed that Mangar Association has an- ber, Sunday, it is learnt. duced the rate of interest on refi- TEMI TARKU: The All Sikkim the Association was already press- nounced plans to celebrate Barahi Mr. Thapa further informed nance availed by commercial Gurung [Tamu] Buddhist Asso- ing the ruling government to in- Mijong, an ethnic Mangar festi- that the festival, which falls on 13 banks, regional rural banks and ciation, south Sikkim, felicitated clude Gurung in the tribal list. val in a grand way this year. December this year, will be cel- cooperative banks in the North its president KB Gurung at The Association, which has The Association general secre- ebrated at Assangthang near Eastern Region including Sikkim Lamitar, Temi, on 28 November, been plagued by infighting of late tary, Ashal Thapa, while speaking Namchi in south Sikkim. to six per cent. This has come in last Thursday. Mr. Gurung was has also appealed to the media not to NOW! contended that this He further disclosed that the effect from 2 November, Tuesday, felicitated for his contribution to- to entertain any press releases would be the first time that the festival, one the most important and is available irrespective of the wards the community and his self- claiming to be from the Associa- purpose and amount of refinance. festival was being observed in for the Mangars is still observed in a grand fashion in Nepal, but less service in keeping the Asso- tion unless they bore the joint sig- HUMAN DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION OF SIKKIM, a had died out in Sikkim. The As- ciation alive since its inception natures of the president and the leading Charitable Non-Government –Organisation in the field sociation hopes that its involve- eleven years back. publicity secretary. of education, recipient of the National Award for Child Welfare ment will revive the tradition. While speaking at the function, 2002, invites applications for the following post: The Association has also called Mr. Gurung stressed the need to preserve the Gurung culture and email POST REQUIREMENT upon all its members and their fami- way of life and even urged the NOW! 1. Vice Principal -Trained M.A. / M. Sc. / M. Com. lies to attend the celebrations at [email protected] With minimum 8years teaching Assangthang and make it a success. gathering to encourage children to experience at Secondary / Senior Secondary level. It’s a little like the Nobel & Pulitzer -Experience as head of any Secondary / Sr. Secondary school Mot everyone possesses one -Trained Graduates with minimum 10 years teaching experience and as head of Secondary / Sr. Secondary school may also apply 2. Graduate Teacher a) B. Sc. (Bio) B. Ed. b) B.A. with Geography / Economics c) M.A. / B.A. with English honours. 3. Sports Teacher - B.P. Ed. 4. Music Teacher -Minimum Grade VIII, experience in teaching students in groups & individual. -experience in western classical & entertainment music. -Instruments: Guitar, Violin, Keyboard and/or Voice / choir technique and conducting 5. Staff Nurse (G.N.M.) Should be willing to : -stay in the hostel with the children -take up other assignments Preference will be given to candidates with higher qualification! IBM Thinkpad X31 - Wireless Model IBM ThinkPad Notebooks, powered by the Mobile Intel * Intel Centrino Mobile Technology / Intel Pentium M Processor 1.4 Ghz / Pentium 4 Processor - M or Mobile Intel Pentium III Applications in their own handwriting with complete Bio-data, Processor - M, are designed to suit varying needs. Intel PRO Wireless Network Connection / Intel 855 Chipset family address with telephone No. and other documents (Xerox) should * 256 MB SDRAM, 40 GB HDD * Optical Drive of Media Slice R-Series: Best blend of portability and essential features. Ideal for sales people. reach the following latest by 19/12/2003. Please enclose self- * 16 MB Video RAM * 30.73cm XGA screen T-Series: A balance of performance and portability. For the office, at home or anywhere in between. addressed stamped envelop for further correspondence. * Integrated Ethernet, 56kbps modem * weight 1.64 kg X-Series:Extra-light, extra-small, ultra-portable notebook. Ideal for frequent travellers. * Microsoft Windows XP professional * Three year CGI global warranty A-Series: A high performance desktop alternative. Ideal for people who need to carry work home. Price Rs. 1,45,000/-* Chairperson, Human Development Foundation of Sikkim Business Partner: Children’s Village, GRBA Road, P.O. Box 47, Sikkim Software Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd. Gangtok- 737 101, Sikkim New Market, Gangtok - 737101

Queries by phone may be directed to (03592) 229565 between 9.30 a.m. * Price indicates Estimated Street Price, sales tax and other levies extra. Ph: 222665 & 222640 IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the US and/or other countries. Intel, The Intel and 4.30 p.m. or 98320 32890 after 5.00 p.m. or by E-Mail: [email protected] Inside logo and the Pentium are trademarks of Intel Corporation or it’s subsidiaries. E-mail: [email protected]

6 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 7 Rural Development Department FOCUSFOCUS Government of Sikkim, Gangtok NOTICE INVITING TENDER

1. The Chief Engineer, Rural Development Department on behalf of the Secretary, Rural Development Department invites the percentage rate bids from the eligible and prequalified Contractors for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana works as per their evaluated bid capacity finalised by the department and as already notified and registered with Sikkim Public Works Department for each of the following works including their maintenance for five years:

S.No. District Name of work Contract Earnest money Time allowed for Date and place Last date of Time and date cost value @ 2.5% (Rs. in completion of sale of receipt of of opening of Package No. (Rs in lakhs) lakhs) of contract tender forms tender docu- tender value in the form -ments of TDR or 1% (Rs. in lakhs) of the contract value for the contractors having fixed deposit of Rs. 5 lakhs in favour of Chief Engineer, RDD.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 1 South Sumbhuk Lunchok Rs. 602.70 15.07 18 months 17th - 20th Dec 12hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan to Sadam via 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Mungrang Gupti Bhavan, Gangtok 03/37/1 2 South Namthang (Mam- Rs. 250.95 6.27 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan -ring) to Kabrey 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 (Phase I) Bhavan, Gangtok 03/75/1 and Namthang (Mam- -ring ) to Kabrey (Phase II) 03/76/1 3 South Sangmoo (JLVC Rs. 176.04 4.40 18 months 17th - 20th Dec 12hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan Road to Gangla 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Peku (Extension) Bhavan, Gangtok 03/02/124/1 Sikip to Pakzer 03/1/4/1 4 South Gangtok - Namchi Rs. 89.76 2.24 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan SPWD road to 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Samdruptse Bhavan, Gangtok 03/11/1 and Tshalamthang to Lower Namphing via Diary 03/85/1 5 South Rayong Tinkitam Rs. 153.14 3.83 18 months 17th - 20th Dec 12hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan to Makthang 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Leyong Bhavan, Gangtok 03/02/117/3 6 West Rimbi (Darap Rs. 160.40 4.01 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan Mangsabong 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 SPWD Road) to Bhavan, Gangtok Timbrung (Topung) 04/01/09 7 West Lingchum Rs. 121.29 3.03 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan Gyalshing SPWD 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 road to Chongzong (Lower Bangten) 04/01/15 8 West Gyalshing Sakyo- Rs. 163.32 4.08 18 months 17th - 20th Dec 12hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan -ng (Gyalshing 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Upper Naku) SPW Bhavan, Gangtok D road to Kabirth- -ang (lower Chum- -bung 04/01/12 9 West Rinchenpong ( Rs. 89.74 2.24 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan Reshi SPWD road) 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Dakbangla Road to Bhavan, Gangtok Hattidunga (Lower) 1/12/2003 Dated: 141/IPR/03-04 No: Order Release 04.02/71 Contd on pg 8

CMYK 7 8; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003

Rural Development Department. Notice Inviting Tender. Contd from pg 7

10 West Pelling Gyalshing Rs. 147.36 3.68 18 months 17th - 20th Dec 12hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan SPWD Road to 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Pemayangtse Bhavan, Gangtok 04/01/13 and Dentam Pelling SPWD Road to Sangacholing 04/01/114 11 West Dentam (Kumuk Rs. 97.35 2.43 18 months 17th - 20th Dec 12hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan Sepi SPWD Road) Uttarey SPWD road to Bega farm (Middle Begha) 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 04/01/50 Bhavan, Gangtok 12. West Upper Daramdin Rs. 148.42 3.71 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan High School to 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Nalbo Gaong Bhavan, Gangtok Lungyam 04/02/111 13. West Upper Gelling Sr. Rs. 323.13 8.07 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14hrs of 3rd Jan School to Middle 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Gelling Bhavan, Gangtok 04/02/094 14. North Chawang to Rs. 190.34 4.75 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan Phamtang Gumpa 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 via Malam. Bhavan, Gangtok 01/06 15. East Pakyong to 32 No. Rs. 475.25 11.88 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan 02/02/01 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 Bhavan, Gangtok 16. East Pradhan Gaon to Rs. 217.00 5.43 18 months 17th to 20th Dec 12 hrs of 3rd Jan 14 hrs of 3rd Jan Aritar Maney Dara 2003 at Gram Vikas 2004 2004 02/03/02 Bhavan, Gangtok and

Upper Tarethy to Kerenari 02/02/02 Release Order No: 141/IPR/03-04 Dated: 1/12/2003 Dated: 141/IPR/03-04 No: Order Release 2. The site for the work is available. 3. Bidding documents requested by mail will be despatched by registered/ speed-post on payment of an extra amount of Rs. 500.00. The authority inviting tenders will not be held responsible for postal delay, if any, in the delivery of the documents or non-receipt of the same. 4. Bid documents consisting of qualification information and eligibility critierion of bidders, plans, specifications, drawings, the schedule of quantities of the various classes of work Contractor can be seen in the office of the Chief Engineer, Rural Development Department, Gangtok, between hours of 11.00 AM and 4.00 PM of any working day between 17th to 20th December, 2003. Tender documents will be issued from his office during the hours specified above, on payment of tender form cost amounting to Rs. 20,000.00 (Rupees Twenty Thousand only), non-refundable against the challans issued by the Department to the State Bank of Sikkim in favour of Joint Director, Accounts, Rural Development Department, Gangtok, for each package. The debitable head of accounts in case of Bank Receipt is 0515-other-Rural Development. Programme-800-other receipt-cost of Tender Forms. 5. Receipt of application for issue of tender forms by post will be stopped from 1600 hrs., of 2nd Jan., 04. 6. a) Bidding documents must be delivered to the Chief Engineer/ Engineer in charge, Rural Development Department, Gangtok, on or before 12.00 hrs of 3rd Jan 04 in the Community Hall, Gangtok. If the office happens to be closed on the date of receipt of the bids as specified the bids will be received on the next working day at the same time and venue. b) Bids will be opened at 14.00 hrs on 3rd Jan 04 in the Community Hall, Gangtok. If the office happens to be closed on the date of opening of the bids as specified, the bdis will be opened on the next working day at the same time and venue. 7. Bids must be accompanied by the earnest money of the amount specified for the work in the table. The earnest money will have to be in any one of the forms as specified in the Press note/ NIT. 8. The bid for the work shall remain open for acceptance for a period of ninety days from the date of opening of bids. If any bidder/ tenderer withdraws his bid/ tender before the said period or makes any modifications in the terms and conditions of the bid, the said earnest money shall stand forfeited. 9. A bidder shall not be permitted to bid for works in the Circle responsible for award and execution of contracts in which his or his spouse’s near relative (defined as first blood relations and their spouses) is posted as Divisional Accountant or as an officer in any capacity between the grades of Superintend- ing Engineer and Assistant Engineer, both inclusive). 10. No Engineer of gazetted rank or Gazetted Officer employed in Engineering or Administrative duties in an Engineer Department of the State Government is allowed to work as a Contractor for period of two years after his retirement from Government service, without Government permission. This contract is liable to be cancelled if either the Contractor or any of his employees is found any time to be such a person who had not obtained the permission of the Government as aforesaid before submission of the tender or engagement in the Contractor’s service. 11. Other details can be seen in the bidding documents.

SPECIAL CONDITION 1. Rates are based on 2002 SOR. Strict adherence to standard specification. IRC technical parameters and good engineering practice shall be insisted upon during each stage of execution of work. 2. Procurement, transportation, handling, storage and use of explosives shall be the sole responsibility of the respective contractors. The contractors should ensure the following while blasting operations are taken up. a) Visible signs such as Red flags is conspicuously displayed around periphery of the operation area. b) High pitch whistle or siren is blown to warn the people to retreat to safe distances. c) Service of police personnel is arranged by the contractor for supervision. d) All the relevant rules not covered above should be followed by the contractor to avoid accidents. e) The contractor should maintain detail and accurate account of explosives received and used and no discrepancy in account will be considered. Contd on pg 12

8 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 9 DEVELOPMENTDEVELOPMENT PHC medical officers oriented to the special needs of the Disabled rated the programme, which had rehabilitation management of loco- Spastic Society, along with the a NOW REPORT many resource persons, doctors motor disablilities, with Dr. Pempa Department of Health & Family and other officials in attendance. T. Bhutia, stressing on the need for Affairs will be celebrating World GANGTOK: A week ahead of The first day saw discussions early detection and referral. Disablity Day, which falls on 3 World Disability Day, a “National being held on various issues con- The following day Dr. Ongden December, Wednesday, at Com- Programme on Orientation of cerning the disabled. While Dr. Gyatso, ENT surgeon, STNM munity Hall, Gangtok. Chief min- Medical Officers Working in Pri- BP Dhakal, General Secretary, Hospital, defined and classified ister Pawan Chamling will be the mary Health Centres” was held at SSS, introduced the objectives of ways of identifying mental retar- Chief Guest on the occasion. Ral- the STNM Hospital conference hall the three-day training programme, dation, while Dr. IL Sharma, Psy- lies will also be conducted in all here from 27-29 November. Dr. MB Chettri, consultant Indian chiatrist, STNM, spoke on assess- the sub-divisions of the State. Organised by the Spastic Society of Institute of Cerebral Palsy, ment, educational intervention and Teaching and training material Sikkim and sponsored by the Re- Kolkata, gave a historical per- management of mental retardation. will be distributed free to all the habilitation Council of India, the spective on disability and laws re- On the last day a field visit was participants. programme was the third such ini- lated to disability. President of organised to Special Education The theme of this year’s Dis- tiative taken by the authorities and Spastic Society of Sikkim, Dr. and Rehabilitation Centre ability day Celebration is “Inclu- will ensure that Sikkim is one of Bela Cintury gave a brief run- [SERC], to meet the disabled chil- sion - as a part and not apart.” In- the six states in the country to have down on institutions and organi- dren. A valedictory function was clusion is now being acknowl- completed the national programme. zations working for the disabled held later in the day which con- edged as the key to providing eco- Dr. TR Gyatso, Secretary, in the state. cluded with the distribution of nomic independence and social Health & Family Affairs inaugu- A video film was screened on certificates. security to the disabled. HIS HOLINESS ATTENDS SUMMIT OF NOBEL LAUREATES Deptt. dumps confrontationist Last century was one of War and bloodshed, approach, seeks help let the present be the century of non-violence from faith healers a NOW REPORT and dialogue: Dalai Lama MELLI: Practitioners of alternative ROME: The Dalai Lama, on 28 tolerance, self-discipline, content- medicines and faith healers from the November, last Friday, attended ment, etc. South District were given a special the 4th Summit of the Nobel Lau- He categorised spirituality into orientation training by the Health reates at the City Hall in Rome. secular and religious ethics. He Department at the Melli Primary The three-day proceedings began defined secular ethics as the ba- Health Centre on 18 November. with the Nobel Laureates signing sic good human qualities such as Dhamis, Jhakris, Purohits, and Bud- the Summit Inauguration parch- a warm heart, honesty and sense dhist monks from all over the South ment followed by presentation of of caring. He further elaborated District congregated at the Melli Man for Peace Award 2003 by the on the importance of following PHC for this training, the first of its Dalai Lama and Walter Veltroni, and practicing one’s own religion kind in the State, to be specially Mayor of Rome to representatives sincerely and making it a part of briefed on modern medical practices. of the famous Italian singers’ daily life. He pointed out that the A press release from the De- Football Association which concept of one religion, one truth partment informs that the main has, through exhibition matches, is important and relevant for the objective of this training raised millions of Euros for hu- individual believer while he programme was not to take “the manitarian projects around the stressed on the need to embrace confrontationist view with these world. the concept of several truths and opinion leaders who are very in- Mr. Veltroni and former Rus- several religions for community fluential in their villages but to sian president Nobel laureate and society. seek their help and cooperation in Mikhail Gorbachev, conveners of In his concluding remarks, the conveying the message of health the Summit welcomed the Nobel Dalai Lama stated that genuine to the people.” laureates, which included, among peace comes through inner peace Dr. Chewang, Medical Officer others, Oscar Arias Sanchez of Dalai Lama meets Pope John Paul II, doesn’t and that inner disarmament must incharge of Melli PHC gave the Costa Rica, Shimon Peres of want nations to confront China on Tibet issue be realised through efforts to re- welcome address while resource Israel and Lech Walesa apart from VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II received the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s duce hatred, anger, greed, ill feel- persons Dr. Bimal Rai, DRCHO, representatives from the UN and spiritual leader, in an audience last Thursday that the Vatican kept ing, etc., and external disarma- Namchi, Mrs. IS Thapa, HEO, NGOs, which have also won extremely low-key to avoid a further chill in its icy relations with ment by a step by step approach Mrs. Diki Lhamu, HEO and Mrs. Nobel Peace Prize. China. A one-line statement by papal spokesman called it a “brief through reduction and elimination Shanti Chettri, LHV conducted The Dalai Lama spoke at a courtesy visit of strictly religious content.” of armaments and demilitariza- classes on subjects such as mother panel discussion called The Dalai Lama was on a three-day visit to Italy with a message tion globally. and child care, immunization, “Thoughts about Peace” along- that countries shouldn’t confront China directly on the delicate Ti- His Holiness described the last communicable diseases and envi- side Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, bet issue but rather befriend it and then work to promote human century as the century of war and ronmental sanitation. rights and religious freedom. Emeritus President of the Inter- bloodshed. His Holiness appealed The press release claims that the “I do not want to create any embarrassment, any inconvenience,” participants “appreciated” the religious dialogue, the Vatican, he said. “My main interest, or main purpose or goal is promotion of to all to strive to turn this century Chief Rabbi of Rome, Stefano human values and promotion of religious harmony.” into a century of non-violence and holding of such training Disegniellah and Abdellah He told reporters that while he had no specific issues he wanted dialogue. programmes and realised and as- Redouane, General Secretary of to raise with John Paul he did want to express his appreciation for The Dalai Lama will arrived in sured the officials that they would the Italian Islamic Cultural Cen- the pope’s work promoting peace and religious harmony “in spite Darjeeling on 2 December on the send patients to the nearest PHC tre in Rome. of his age, his health.” invitation of the Dharma Chakra or Primary Health Sub-centre for His Holiness stated that despite China and the Vatican do not have formal ties. China allows its Committee, Darjeeling, compris- medical treatment instead of keep- fundamental differences in phi- Catholics to worship only in a state-monitored church with no offi- ing of all the Buddhist communi- ing them under their observation. losophy all the major world reli- cial ties to the Vatican. Millions of others belong to an underground ties in the Darjeeling area. Such training programmes will be church that remains loyal to the pope, but its priests and members gions have the same message of - A report sent by Tibet soon held at Namthang, Temi, are often arrested and harassed. love, compassion, sense of caring, Bureau, Geneva Rabong and Jorethang PHCs.

CMYK 9 10; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 DESPATCHESDESPATCHES BHUTAN PREPARES FOR WAR Last round of talks with Indian militants before we strike: Bhutanese PM from the neighbouring areas in India.” The ing up the issue as its top priority. According to Thinley, the ULFA had from BIJOY SHANKAR HANDIQUE militants, said Thinley, managed to enter “We are waiting for a peaceful solution eight camps in Bhutan with an estimated in Thimphu the areas because they were at that stage but if that does not happen, we will have 2,650 militants. Four of the camps were not being patrolled adequately. It is widely to resort to our last option. The people of closed down in the early part of this year aving held four rounds of talks believed that groups such as the ULFA had, Assam have to understand our action,” said following the signing of an agreement with with the United Liberation Front at least in the initial pe- the prime minister. The the Bhutanese government, he said. The Hof Asom [ULFA] leaders, includ- riod received state pa- country had strengthened NDFB, meanwhile has eight camps with ing its self-styled commander-in-chief tronage in Bhutan, on the its security forces under about 840 cadres. The KLO has three camps Paresh Baruah and chairman Arabinda assurance that they NOWexclusive! the spiritual leadership of with about 430 militants inside Bhutan, the Rajkhowa in Thimphu, the Bhutanese Gov- would assist the govern- His Holiness the Je prime minister said. ernment is now considering the fifth and ment in ousting Nepali BHUTAN SETS Khenpo, while the clergy The Bhutanese government has worked “final” round of talks before pressing its dissidents inimical to has been performing out a three-pronged strategy to deal with army into service to flush Indian militant Thimphu. The militant ASIDE Rs. 200 kurims [prayers] for the the North-east militants operating from its outfits from its territory. groups are, however, be- CRORE well being of the nation soil. This includes talks, cutting off supply Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigme Yoezer lieved to have later re- WAR-FUND; and its people, he said. lines, and a final, frontal attack against the Thinley, in an exclusive interview granted neged on their commit- “People across the insurgents. Preparations for a conflict are at Taschho Dzong in Thimphu revealed that ment. SAYS “NO” country have been also on in full swing. the fifth round of talks would be held “soon” Since then, the TO JOINT briefed in public meet- “All basic and emergency requirements, in an undisclosed destination in Bhutan. Bhutanese government ings; service facilities such as the construction of at least four Since 2001, three rounds of talks have has established 20 army OPERATION and installations are be- refugees camps for people from militant- also been held with the National Democratic camps along the Assam- WITH INDIA ing protected and several inhabited areas are ready,” Thinley said. Front of Bodoland [NDFB], represented by Bhutan border and security coordination “All military equipment, ammunition, sup- its negotiator DR Nabla, Thinley said, add- posted 5,000 trained troops along with meetings have been held in Gelephu, ply lines and 12 army transit camps are also ing that the NDFB, had remained noncom- around 20,000 “militia volunteers” in the Samdrup Jongkhar and Gedu,” he said. in place.” mittal about leaving Bhutanese territory and area, Thinley said. He blamed the presence Although the stress is apparent, the Most ULFA and other Indian insurgents that it had refused to come for talks in the of Indian militants for ruining the economic Bhutanese Premier ruled out any joint opera- from the Norh-east have set up their camps past two years. Bhutan’s ministry of home climate of the region where they have set tion against the militants with the Indian army. in the three districts of Samdrup Jhonkar, affairs had also sent two letters to the up their camps. “The Bhutanese government has ear- Gelegphu and Gedu in Bhutan, bordering Kamatapur Liberation Organisation [KLO] “The sale of all goods to the militants marked a contingency fund of Rs. 200 crore India. “We have been tolerant towards the of West Bengal, asking it to close down their has been banned and Bhutanese people aid- for possible military strikes against the ULFA, militants as we are a Buddhist kingdom,” camps in Bhutan, and had invited its self- ing militants are being punished and im- NDFB and the KLO militants lodged in the he said, “but in times of emergency and styled commander-in-chief Tushar Das to prisoned under the country’s National Se- jungles of southern Bhutan,” he said. Apart national cris we must have both the will come for talks to resolve the matter peace- curity Act,” Thinley added. At present, the from the regular Bhutanese army, 2,000 “mi- and capacity to protect the well-being of fully. While a four-member team of the home militants were sustaining themselves on litiamen” would undertake the operations our country.” ministry had met some KLO leaders in June rations procured from border markets in against the Indian insurgents, he added. Apart from a last round of negotiations this year, the outfit had shown “complete West Bengal and Assam, he stressed. The developments in Bhutan have come that need to be held with the ULFA before disregard” towards the Bhutanese initiative, The Bhutanese king, Jigme Singye at a time when the ULFA, which had re- taking a final decision on a military strike, the Prime Minister added. Wanghuk, has ordered the suspension of cently issued a quit notice to the “Hindi- Thinley, who also holds the Home portfo- The Bhutanese government was not ini- all planned developmental activity follow- speaking” population of the state, has been lio, said there were other, internal activities tially aware of the entry of militants from ing his return from the Indian capital re- held responsible for the continuing attacks to be handled before the government could India’s North-east, Thinley said. cently. The cabinet has been expanded to on the Bihari population leaving scores of launch its armed operations. This included “In the past thirteen years, the forest ten and extra portfolios created, while the the community dead in Assam. ULFA has, the completion of the annual school exams cover in our country had extended by up to King himself, as Chief of the armed forces however, denied any involvement in the in all the 20 districts of the country, he said. 72 per cent and this attracted the militants of the Royal Bhutan Government, is tak- present violence. (By arrangement with Newsfile)

such as Manipur and Nagaland cure an area such as the North- since the ’50s and in Assam since east, strategically located as it, and North-east Saath Hamare the ’90s, laws such as AFSPA be- one that provides it with 60 per rectly to keeping the Bangladeshi and the North-east into ing in force, the Centre’s shifting cent of its petroleum. And yet one Contd from pg 2 in India and perhaps even encour- Bangladesh’s colonies - and stat- the Assam Rifles [a ‘paramilitary’ needs to here ask if the central Assam, the ULFA still recruits. aging illegal migration. As for the ing from day one that it does not force that gets its men from the government is willing to demon- Should one be the least bit sin- national media, one wonders if the want the Bangladeshi votes in regular army] to the Home Min- strate the same amount of aggres- cere in one’s belief that the alien- fact that the Muslim population Assam. The BJP, however, holds istry, the appointment of former siveness towards a country such ation of the North-east must to be in West Bengal districts of Malda, aloft its thesis that the roots of army generals as governors of the as Bangladesh that creates its contained, the Indian state will Murshidabad and Nadia have re- terrorism, and in that light perhaps region, the Unified Command, problems, as it does with its own have to understand why the corded increases in excess of militancy, should not be consid- and the recent placing of North- people in the North-east. Worse, Assamese allows the existence of 136, 176 and 237 per cent respec- ered. This would also explain the eastern security in the hands of the could it do so even if it wanted groups such as the ULFA and al- tively between 1951 and 1991, or noticeable silence of the Congress Assam Rifles, point towards the to, with the Congress party, one lows its anti-Bangladeshi stance. the fact that Delhi now has 1.3 and the Communists when the creation of a security state, in it- that brought it its freedom now On that one count, the Congress million Bangladeshi, as yet quali- Biharis were being butchered in self an alarming development for siding with the aggressor? Viewed in all its myriad shades, be it the fies to be a “national” problem. Assam, for in that state, talking Indian democracy, but not a phe- from that perspective, the North- Indian National Congress, the The BJP has, for its part, has about one issue may also mean nomenon that one would, not sur- east does not have so much of a Nationalist Congress Party or the held on to its attempts to repeal having to talk about the rest. prisingly, expect the nationalist problem, but the nation does. Trinamool Congress, along with the infamous Illegal Migrants The North-east has, over the politician or the national press to Only, it’s not as yet willing to groups such as the CPI and the [Determination by Tribunals] Act, years, been completely and sys- be able to comprehend in the im- see it. CPM are summarily guilty, given 1983 [IMDT] - a Congress cre- tematically militarised. Apart mediate future. It is only to be their support directly and indi- ation that threatens to turn Assam from the army being out in states expected that the union will se- [By arrangement with Newsfile]

10 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 11

“Dignity is the entitlement of all as long as life exists” Justice, J. S. Verma

It includes people with HIV / AIDS - let them live with dignity - not suffer in despair FIGHT: STIGMA & DISCRIMINATION livelive andand letlet livelive

SIKKIM STATE AIDS CONTROL SOCIETY Yangthang Building, Kazi Road, Gangtok

CMYK 11 12; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 FOCUS From The To Our

In the second episode of a three-part series on drug addiction. What about the supply the streets again. Don’t they have abuse in Sikkim, MITA ZULCA looks at how easily drugs chain? any information on the peddlers Speak to addicts and you dis- who are the main criminals? that kill are available in Sikkim, the social response cover just how easy procurement Okay, these are prescription [more the lack of it] to this problem and the ap- is. If earlier person-to-person con- drugs that we are talking about proach of the law enforcement agencies tact was necessary to get the and they can be legally sold. But, DRUGSTORY 2 “stuff,” with the advent of cell- fact is they are being abused on a The problem, say the police, is not through accidental overdose. phones, all you need to do is to large scale, fact is no peddler or so serious here. It is not like in Such things are beyond price and rent? make a call and have it delivered user is carrying prescriptions. So other states of the North-east. yet they have measurable cost to There to the place of your choice. wouldn’t that make it come un- There, the abuse is of harder the society. are many “There is an excellent network der the domain of illegality? drugs, here it is still the softer pre- But we continue to stay in de- who think at place. It’s very easy to smuggle No, say the police. “We have scription drugs that are being nial. If we don’t even acknowl- that this is it across the border and sell it here. only the NDPS Act and these abused. edge that we have a problem, what worsening the It’s no longer taxi stands or the ba- drugs don’t fall under it. If you Not serious? solution can we hope to find? problem rather than zaar that is the main place of ac- want me to take stricter action, Even as we researched for the The drugs continue to be helping. tion. A lot of the transaction is done then give me stronger laws. A law article, another young man was readily available anytime you “We are still stuck in the in isolated places making it more needs to be put in place where you found dead. Overdosed on want it. Although most local police model. Catch them, put difficult for the police to inter- can book people for possession Spasmo Proxyvon; lying in the chemists may not be actually abet- them behind bars. It doesn’t help vene,” explains Phurba Yolmo, beyond a certain limit. Seeing the back alleys of Lall Bazaar, with a ting abuse, users and peddlers in in the long run. You can see it in Project Director, Sikkim Reha- seriousness of the situation, the needle still stuck on his thigh. perfect understanding ensure that the Manipur experience. It wasn’t bilitation Centre. state government can enact a spe- How many more gory images the supply line is always main- successful at all,” says Dr. One peddler, on condi- cial law which makes it a non- do we need to realize that the tained. Namgyal Sherpa of STNM tions of anonymity, offers bailable offence,” offers the SP. problem is already too serious? “There’s a huge market via Hospital who is also in-charge more detailed information. While the police continue to see How many more need to die, for Siliguri. Most of the stuff is be- of the Emerency Ward and of- “I pick up twenty car- their roles more as enforcers of law it to be too many? ing brought across the border ten comes across OD cases. tons at a time from and not reformers, no laws are yet “We have to wake up to the from Rangpo by users,” informs “I am a strict believer of Champasari, in Siliguri, in place which can keep a peddler brutal reality of addiction. Never SP East, Akshay Sachdeva. enforcement. There is no al- where you can get any- of Spasmo Proxyvon and other have so many lives depended on So, what is he doing about it? ternative to enforcement. I thing in wholesale rates. similar drugs in lock-up for more finding the right dose in time,” say “See, these drugs do not come have to create fear of law. The I bring it across the border. than a night. Even as rehabilitation parents of an addict. under the NDPS Act, which police have the dirty job of iden- In Gangtok, I have a deal with centres take their first tentative They know. They are one of the means that even if we arrest users tifying people, let us do our job. some users. For every three strips steps in the state, and parents lie many whose every waking mo- or pushers we cannot keep them It helps when you lock up people. they sell, I give them one free. awake worrying about their chil- ment is dominated by the addic- beyond a night in lock-up. We ar- Various people are at various This way I never have to take any dren, the number of addicts con- tion of someone in the family. rest people almost daily but we stages of abuse, some are new risks,” he says, totally blasé about tinues to grow. More than twenty You cannot put a price on hu- have to let them go the next day,” users, beyond parental control, the dealing. young men died of drug overdose man suffering. You cannot calcu- he replies. and this lot gets scared and can So why isn’t the police going this year. Many OD deaths went late the value of wasted years; of One night in lock-up, beaten be influenced. Fear factor works after these bigger dealers? What’s unreported. How many will it be a burnt-out brain dulled by abuse up by the police, the addict is back in their case,” asserts the SP East. the point of arresting users, beat- next year? Will we still say the of painkillers; or of a life lost on the streets. Is it really a deter- But that might be a solution for ing them up and letting them roam problem is “not so serious?

Rural Development Department. Notice Inviting Tender. Contd from pg 8 3. The Rules and regulations issued by the Sikkim PWD or any other competent authority shall strictly be ensured as regard to procurement, transportation, storage, handling and use of explosives at all times. Proper daily record of receipt and issue of explosives shall be maintained by the contractor. 4. No extension of time from the stipulated date shall be allowed under any circumstances for completion of the works. The contractor is liable to be financially penalised @ 5% on the balance work on a monthly basis. 5. Cost over run shall not be allowed at all. The bidder will be required to submit Bar Chart to depict the proposed progress in the works. 6. A very high degree of works standard shall be insisted upon so that the roads do not require major repairs for at least five years (Clause 4.5 of Govt. of India Guidelines). 7. The contractor is also required to plant fruit-bearing trees to be specified by the department at the completion of the road works and ensure their survival at his own cost (Clause 4.6 of Govt. Of India Guidelines). 8. The contractor shall also make arrangements to have photographs of the road taken during at least three stages of the construction period beginning, middle and completion stages. 9. Quarrying of stones and sand shall be allowed only from designated quarries approved by the department. Binding of materials for WBM shall strictly be in accordance with specifications, both in quality and quantity. Works such as compacting/ consolidation, stabilisation etc. will be required to be done on trial stretches to ensure that the materials, procedure and equipments are producing the desired results. (Clause 5.1 of Govt. of India Guidelines). 10. Damages to properties in an around the work site must be avoided at all cost. The contractor shall be held responsible for any acts of negligence that may be established and made to make good the damages. 11. Any additional expenditure involved for wuality verifications of materials and procedures used in teh works namely: cube strength of concrete, crushing strength of road materials etc. at site or in laboratories in or outside the State shall be borne by the contractor. The contractor shall make arrangements accordingly as and when called upon to do so. 12. The department reserves the right to alter the above estimated cost without assigning any reason what so ever. 13. The Department also reserves the right to include further additional conditions during the course of execution of the work which would be equally binding on teh contractors as the above and the contract agreement. sd/-

Chief Engineer 1/12/2003 Dated: 141/IPR/03-04 No: Order Release Rural Development Department Gangtok

12 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 13 VOL. 2 NUMBER. 23 UNI STYLE IMAGE NOW!

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available only at: STYLE HOTEL GOLDEN PAGODA, extras MG MARG, GANGTOK. THE NOW! 8-PAGE SPECIAL PH: 03592 223276 NOW, POST INFLIGHT LETTERS a NOW REPORT tourism potential. “The Helicopter Mail is a very popular service in the Euro- ow, you can post a letter or a post pean countries. We felt that by intro- Ncard to your friends and family ducing it to Sikkim, it would add to the while flying over Sikkim in the Sikkim tourism appeal of the State,” he said. Tourism helicopter. This has been He also expressed appreciation for made possible through the joint initia- the Tourism Department for its support tive of the Department of Postal Ser- to the innovative service. vices and Sikkim Tourism. “In this age of the Internet, the es- The Helicopter Mail Service is the sence of any service lies in the speed first of its kind in the country. Passen- at which it is executed. The Helicopter gers traveling on the Sikkim Tourism he- Mail will ensure not only that, but will licopter can post letters and parcels also promote Sikkim in a big way,” Mr. while aboard the flight, without the need Gyatso said. Onboard the first Helipost to find the nearest Post Office. The let- flight, Mr. Samuel, “cancelled” special ters posted at an altitude of more than First-Day Covers addressed to the 6,000 ft while on board an aircraft will Governor, the Chief Minister and other have its own distinctive appeal and State government officials and dropped charm with tourists visiting Sikkim. them in a letter box in the chopper. This unique service was inaugu- The previous day, on 1 December, rated jointly by the Post Master Gen- The Post Master General and Secretary, Tourism, release the first day covers of Monday, the Department of Postal Ser- the Helicopter Mail at the Sichey helipad, Gangtok eral, John Samuel and Secretary, Tour- vices launched the Sikkim Mail Motor ism Department, Karma Gyatso at the and envelopes at the Sikkim Tourism while flying over Sikkim”onboard the flight. Service for the convenience of the Helipad here on 2 December, Tuesday. counters at the Helipad and post letters Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Samuel people of the State. A mail van will now Passengers, especially tourists, can while on flight. The letters will be stamped said that the concept of Helicopter Mail ply between Gangtok and Siliguri car- buy special First Day Covers on Sikkim “Posted on the Sikkim Tourism Helicopter was apt for a State like Sikkim, with its huge rying mail everyday.

a NOW REPORT he HIV virus, which causes AIDS, has long infiltrated the borders into Sikkim. There Twas a time when we were secure from infection in our insulated, clean, safe worlds. But the virus is a simple communicable disease. It does not discriminate. It does not see barriers of class, religion or geography. So, today, eight years after the first HIV case was reported in the state, we have 28 HIV cases with eight cases of full blown AIDS. IN And yet HIV-related stigma and discrimination remains an enormous barrier to effec- tively fight the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Combating the stigma and discrimination against people affected by HIV/AIDS was the main theme of this year’s World AIDS Day Cel- ebration on December 1. In Gangtok, various Taxi Driver Associations marked the day by organizing aware- ness programmes at the different taxi stands. Sponsored by the State AIDS Control Society and with active participation of Voluntary Health Association of Sikkim, the day AID long programme at the taxi stands saw quizzes being held, talks delivered on the dis- ease and free distribution of condoms. A rally was also organized from the Deorali Taxi stand. In the evening, the Interact Club of Gangtok Hills presented a musical programme at the ongoing Tourism fest, to heighten awareness on the disease. In an official message, Minister, Health & Family Welfare, DD Bhutia said that OF awareness and education about the disease were the only weapons to combat this growing menace, as there is neither any vaccine to prevent it nor any medi- cine for its complete cure. “Lets all join hands to combat this ever-growing menace of HIV epidemic and at the same time make the HIV patients feel comfortable and live in the society where they have grown up. Let our children also learn the basic tenets of healthy AWARENESS behavior and value of love and compassion in life and living”

Come 9 December 2003 a Hard and Heavy feeling will engulf Gangtok!

Be There at FIVE.. ...or you’ll never forgive yourself!

CMYK 13 14; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003

extraneous THE GANGTOK STATE-OF-MIND Urban Development & Housing Department & WIN Government of Sikkim eyeDENTIFY To, Identify the venue shown Md. Quium Ansari, alongside and Managing Director, one lucky Sikkim Cable Television, correct entry will win RELIANCE Super Market, RECHARGE Gangtok. COUPON WORTH Sub: Suspension Order for operating Cable Television Network. RS. 200/- from Reference Memo No. 6749/UD & HD dated 28/6/2003 regarding notice Cindrella Mobiles for payment of outstanding Entertainment Tax amounting to Rs.31,41,510/ MG MARG, GANGTOK. PH: 229897 - (Rupees thirty one lakhs forty one thousand five hundred ten) only. NAME:...... Inspite of our notice received by you on 15/7/2003 you have not depos- ANSWER: ...... ited the first installment of Entertainment Tax amounting to Rs. 7,85,377.50 LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: SIKKIM LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY (Rupees seven lakhs eighty five thousand three hundred seventy seven WINNER: SANGEETA LAMA, DARAGAON and paise fifty) only on the stipulated date. Further, an affidavit made before the Hon’ble High Court of Sikkim for balance outstanding pay- - QUESTION OF THE WEEK - ment of Entertainment Tax has also not been complied with. Ample rea- Darker roasted coffee, ie. sonable opportunities for payment of outstanding balance of Entertain- Espresso contains ment Tax has been granted to you by the Department.
less caffeine
Therefore in exercise of the power under Sub-rule (1) (c) of Rule 24 of more caffeine
same amount as regular the Sikkim Entertainment Tax (Amendment) Rules, 1998 it is hereby or- coffee dered that the license issue to you stand suspended with immediate ef- fresh everyday fect and you are directed to close down your Cable Television Network NAME: ...... operation until further order. ADDRESS: ...... In the meanwhile you are directed to show cause within 15 days from this coffee Last week’s answer: Oil WINNER: Samantha, MG Marg order as to why your license should not be revoked cancelled. If you fail CONTEST to submit a show cause within the time stipulated, it shall be deemed you Tick the right answer and rush entries to NOW! office at Tadong to have nothing to submit and the matter will be decided in your absence. WIN A COFFEE & SNACKS COUPON (Nalini G. Pradhan) WORTH Rs. AT BAKER’S CAFE,MG MARG, GANGTOK R.O. 140/ IPR/ 2003-04 Date: 29/11/03 Special Secretary, Urban Dev. & Housing Department 100 Kutse Shegu The 49th Day Kutse Shegu of late Lassim Bhutia who expired on 26 October 2003 falls on 13th December 2003. All relatives, friends and well wishers are welcome to join us in offering prayers for the departed soul at our residence at Sang, East PLUS Sikkim. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all Handyman those who extended their help in our bereavement. Namgyal Tshering Bhutia, Norbu Tshering Bhutia, Don’t you think having your Telephone, Electricity and Water Lakpa Tshering Bhutia & Lachung Bhutia (sons) Bills collected from your doorstep and getting your payments Ph: 9434127196, 9434153211 receipt back again is a great idea?

Well, the good news is, . presents A correct entry (decided Midas Touch Inc by draw of lots) will win 2 Plus FREE TICKETS to the THE GOLDEN CIRCLE, Handyman , latest flick playing at VAJRA CINEMA, Digital whereby you become a member and avail the above facilities Surround Sound. VA RA Last week’s answers: plus additional benefits like: MOVIEj Preity Zinta / Anand WINNER: Praveen q EMERGENCY SERVICES (CARPENTER, PLUMBER, ELECTRI- Pradhan, Triveni, Dev Area CIAN, SWEEPER ON CALL). q PRIVILEGE CARD SCHEME (AVAIL DISCOUNT AT PARTNER OUT- 1.Contest Name the director of the upcoming war film star- LETS WHILE YOU SHOP). ring Hrithik Roshan? 2. Which english song gets a hindi twist in KHNH? For further details contact: NAME: MIDAS TOUCH INC., Gangtok - 225521 / 220677 / 9832054742 ADDRESS: and we will be glad to answer your queries or send our marketing team over to explain the scheme.

14 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 15 PRESTOLITE batteris start from: for MARUTI - Rs. 1250/- for COMMANDER - Rs. 2550/- WHAT THE Kalimpong Supply Agency CAPITAL’S NH Way 31 A, Gangtok (Sikkim) Ph: 226237, 9434103124 Deals in: Genuine Spare Parts, Lubricants & Batteries BEEN Distributor: Exide, Amron, Shell, Prestolite rajdhani UP TO ATM would qualify to be a big now planning to set up ATM’s at ANAND OBEROI success, with an increase from Singtam, Namchi, Jorethang, A.T.M. 40 in the initial days to an aver- Gangtok Secretariat and one at ore than 40,000 ATM card-holders in age of 200 per day now. And we the SBI branch office at Gangtok. the State. An average of 800 hits daily are only talking of its ATM counter All the ATM counters are Gangtok laps Mat ATM’s in Gangtok. Less than two at New Market. interlinked making it convenient for years since the service was first introduced But it was UTI Bank that the bank’s customers to make trans- in March 2002 ATM’s are become a regular started the ATM craze here. UTI actions where ever it is feasible. up the luxury of part of the lifestyle of the people here. General Manager, Jayanto UTI Bank has six ATM “I can no longer remember the days be- Chatterjee is proud to have been counters in the State with ready fore ATM’s happened. The whole boredom of the first off the post. money available 24 hours a day. instant cash standing in line at the bank to get your money, “We are proud to say that we The bank also offers a long list thank God, I no longer need to do that,” says are the pioneers of the ATM ser- of tie-ups with other banks, pro- Selina, a government employee. vice in Sikkim. When we installed viding customers with access to She’s not the only one to feel like this. More our first machine at New Market 8,50,000 ATM’s all over the world. and more people are giving in to the easy in 2002, no one else had even “We are also planning to pro- charm of electronic money access. The job thought of it,” he says. vide card-swiping machines to of the bank cashier is slowly becoming obso- UTI Bank played a pioneering some high-end shops in town to lete, as people prefer the convenience of the role in introducing modern bank- make it more convenient for the ATM machines. ing in Sikkim with facilities like consumer,” informs Mr. Says Gopal Chettri, AGM, SBI, Gangtok: free international ATM-cum-Debit Chatterjee. “The number of customers is increasing daily. cards, introduction of free internet There seems to be no end to Initially, people did not have an idea about how banking, free at-par cheques for the limits of convenience. UTI convenient the facility was but now there is a savings account and also intro- Bank has even opened an ATM steady increase in users.” ducing the revolutionary concept at Thegu, near Nathula for sol- SBI, which faced many teething problems of Travel Cards, all part of the diers and tourists. in the early months of providing the service ATM culture. With ATM’s receiving such a due to unavailability of power and other tech- SBI did not take long to follow wholehearted welcome, there nical problems, is today happy with the re- suit. Just four months later, the seems to be no possibility of the sponse of the people. bank installed the first of its three trend reversing. The electronic If popularity of an ATM is judged by the ATM’s. Seeing the overwhelming money transfer culture is here to number of “hits” it gets everyday, then the SBI response of its customers, SBI is stay and will only grow with time. DEORALI TO GET SOME FRIENDS MURDER FRIEND BREATHING SPACE Drunken brawl leads to murder, sober senses to cold-blooded cover-up a NOW REPORT the crime committed by the five check on Rajen, they realised friends. that he was dead. It appears that ajen Tamang, a father of It is now learnt that on 24 No- none of them wanted the matter two and a resident of De- vember, Mohan took his friends, reported and decided to get rid Rvelopment Area, realised including the deceased for a ride of the body. They kept the body to his peril that alcohol and friend- around town in his jeep. In fact, in the house the whole day and ship don’t mix. He was so merci- Rajen even drove the jeep smuggled it to Rani Khola at night lessly beaten-up by his so-called around, while the friends looked where they disposed it. friends that he lost his life. The for a bar. They finally ended up at In the meanwhile, Rajen’s friendship turned even more mor- Development Area where they worried wife learned that he was bid when his friends tried to hide bought some cases of beer and seen with Mohan’s group on the the crime by dumping his body even added to their company a day he disappeared. She went where no one could find it. young girl. All of them then went over to Mohan’s and enquired The first hint of wrongdoing to Ranka for an impromptu picnic. about her husband, but was came to light on 26 November They returned to Mohan’s resi- brushed off. She grew suspicious when Rajen’s wife lodged a miss- dence at Sichey a little after mid- and filed a report with the police. ing persons complaint with the night and soon an altercation When the cops arrived at take the diversion, move down and Sadar Police station here. A search broke out over where the girl Mohan’s residence on 26 No- a NOW REPORT then turn from the STCS office. was launched. But even as cops would put up. The argument vember, he had fled. The diversion “fly-over” is see- combed Gangtok for signs of the heated up with Rajen on one side After he was handed over by DEORALI: The Deorali intersec- ing hectic work at present with missing person, the crime unfolded and his five friends on the other. A his brother, he spilled the beans tion which is one of the most con- some 20 labourers rushing its in distant Tashiding in west Sikkim. fight broke out with Rajen on the which led to the arrest of his ac- gested traffic bottlenecks, has progress. This initiative is part of a A day after the missing person re- receiving end. Drunken brawls are complices. found a solution in an innovative larger plan for offering Deorali with port was filed, Sub-Inspector Arun always loud and even the The body has been recovered engineering feat. more breathing space. The taxi Thatal from Tashiding, handed neighbours heard the shouts and and the five friends booked un- A diversion is being carved out stand has been shifted into the NIT over his brother, Mohan Thatal, to screams. Few, however, ventured der sections 302, 201 and 34 from where the Syari road meets complex opposite the ropeway cops here. out to find out what was happen- IPC. The girl has also been ar- the highway so that vehicles join junction opening up the space at Apparently, Mohan had ing and the scuffle stopped only rested and booked under section the stream of highway traffic with- Deorali which was earlier crowded sought shelter with his SI brother when Rajen fell unconscious. 41 CRPC on “reasonable suspi- out disrupting the flow. Vehicles with cabs. and confessed to Rajen’s murder. His “friends” then took him up cion” that she was involved in the coming up from Syari or out of the Also on the anvil is Deorali’s Instead of trying to cover-up, the to Mohan’s house and left him crime. The main accused are Namgyal Institute of Tibetology own park below the ropeway com- astute officer made him surren- there. Early next morning they Mohan Thattal, Manoj Gurung, stretch will also not be allowed to plex for locals and tourists to to der. Based on Mohan’s admis- gathered again at Mohan’s resi- Buddha Tamang, Sunder Chettri move up the highway from the enjoy one of the few green-cov- sion, the police pieced together dence and when they went up to and Bijay Rai. cross-section. They will have to ers in the capital.

CMYK 15 16; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 INTHECITY Jhoras cleaned, but will they remain that

simple function attended by area MLA, NK Various speakers on the day also urged by ANAND OBEROI Pradhan, Secretary, UD&HD, T. Dadul, the people not to always expect the govern- Secretary, Forests, Chairman SPCB, ment departments to always do the dirty work batement of pollution through Member Secretary, SPCB, ST Lachungpa, for them when just some civic sense could way Acleaning of jhoras in and around Additional Secratery, UDHD, Nalini improve the quality of life in the capital. Gangtok started with the Vishal Gaon jhora Pradhan. Also present were panchayats The area MLA in his speech reminisced shouldering the old gos-khan here at members, NGOs and local residents. about how beautiful Gangtok used to be Arithang on 30 November, Sunday. The ini- Dr. Gopal Pradhan, senior scientist, and rued the present state of affairs. tiative, undertaken by the State Pollution SPCB, while addressing the gathering re- The UD&HD Minister, in turn urged the Control Board in collaboration with UD&HD vealed that most of Gangtok’s daily gen- locals to form committees not only to en- and sponsored by the Central Pollution eration of 27,500 kgs of garbage is dumped sure the general cleanliness of their Control Board is the first of its kind in the directly dumped into the jhoras. The dam- neighbourhods, but also to police against country and is aimed at catalyzing im- age this unhealthy practice does to the en- dumping in the jhoras. “This is your prob- proved civic sense among the vironment needs no further stressing. lem and the solution should be initiated by Gangtokians. The theme says it all: “Let The concerned departments will now you. We can of course facilitate the pro- us all join hands in order to keep our town hand over clean jhoras to the local resi- cess,” he said. neat, clean and pollution free.” By clean- dents who should now take care of these A lasting impression of the day was the ing the 9 jhoras of the capital once, the of- water bodies, the SPCB member secre- suffocating stench that the jhoras threw up ficials hope that improved environs it cre- tary said while further outlining the various when UD&HD workers started digging into ates will make the locals take the initiative Acts and fines in place to guard against the filth that had congealed there. The VIPs and keep it that way in the future. Depend- the pollution of jhoras. As a further incen- and the public sat through the function al- ing on the fate of this initiative, similar tive, the Secretary, Forest Department, an- most covering their noses. Awareness on drives will be replicated elsewhere in the nounced the institution of a special award the filth that festers in Gangtok’s jhoras country. for the locality with the cleanest jhora. This could not have been driven home more The jhora cleaning drive was kicked off award will be announced on World Envi- forcefully. Let’s hope that the memory does by the UD&HD Minister, TT Bhutia, at a ronment Day observed every 5th of June. not fade anytime soon… Buying & selling CJ CHAIRS MACT property just got easier MEET TO EXPEDITE ith the spate of construction ACCIDENT CLAIMS works going on in the capi- W meeting between the Pa- tal, and newer businesses com- meeting was to expedite the trons-in-Chief - the High ing up, it was only a matter of time A claims of motor accident cases Court Chief Justice, RK Patra, the before real estate and property which are pending with the vari- sitting Judge of the High Court, dealers made their presence felt. ous insurance companies. Prob- Justice N. Surjamani Singh, A real estate agency, GMT lems leading to pending of cases members, Motor Accident Claims Company has set up shop below with the insurance companies Tribunal [MACT], Sikkim, and se- Hotel Madhuban, Development were discussed and solutions Outstanding performances were the order of the day at the Tourism nior officials of insurance compa- Food and Culture Festival on 2 December, Tuesday. Padma Odzer Area to cater to this growing mar- were sorted out amicably. The in- nies was held at the State Legal Choeling singers from Human Development Foundation-sponsored ket of people looking to buy or sell surance companies accepted Services Authority office here on school at Chongey put up an outstanding performance, charming all property. “We will help people find that in order to expedite the pro- 29 November 2003. with their collection of old Beatles and other pop songs. A Lepcha song the right place at the right time cess, certain cases with complete The District and Sessions documents can be forwarded to sung by them was also appreciated by the audience. The evening had for the right price,” says BK more in store. The talented children of Gandhi Ashram, Kalimpong en- judges and representatives of the Lok Adalat for early settle- Bhujel, MD, GMT. thralled all with their violin orchestra. They were supported by students various property insurance com- ment. While the South and West He believes that having a reg- of Sikkim Government College. The programme was organized by Kiran panies also attended the meet- istered company here will be con- MACT has 21 cases pending, Rasailly, Chief Engineer, Building and Housing Department, who is a ing chaired by Justice Patra. venient not only for the locals but North and East has a list of 20 skilled musician himself. The cherry on the pudding, so to speak, was The main idea behind the also for people who are inter- cases it is learnt. [IPR] his rendition of old songs on the accordian. ested in setting up business here. Anyone wanting to buy or sell can drop into the office or call 9434204217. SIKKIM FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION place your orders Coaching Camp For Referees SFA is organizing a coaching camp for football referees at Gangtok from 14 December 2003 to20 December 2003. The for christmas goodies training will be imparted by an instructor deputed by All India Football Federation. Anybody who is interested may obtain application forms from our office near Gandhi Statue, MG Marg, Gangtok. Last date of submission of forms now! complete in all respects is 10 December 2003. ❅ ❅ ❅ ❅ Menla Ethenpa, Hony Secy CAKES COOKIES CHOCOLATES PASTRIES

16 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 17 POETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRYPOETRY STORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESLiTSTORIESSTORIESNOWSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIESSTORIES WHEN THE HILLS WRITE The Thief some COMPASSIONATE Timeffor me in the hope that she may relent. When no by Tashi D Bhutia, Hee-Gyathang SSS breakthrough seemed possible, I re- quested her to consider my case, in the All I ask is some Time for me, most courteous manner. Yet she wouldn’t a thought for me, a pause for me, budge. After a good hour had been lost, she a gaze for me, bluntly ordered me to leave. On a later day, my Somewhere in the midst of your jovial day, application was granted immediately and I had still not a call for me! arranged for the “important document.” As it turned out, Don’t give all the humour to me, By SAMDUP BHUTIA the “very important” thing was as negligible as the lady’s those dazzling little pearls to me, meticulousness. Just give a little of your precious time to me, That is why my heart pained at the prospect of repeat- t was only when I was preparing to leave for office one Everything I ask for is some time for me, ing such encounters. I went through the day in a haze of day that I noticed that I had lost my wallet. There was a kindness for me, nothing unusual about this discovery. I have lost and nightmares on getting all knotted up in red tape again. As I a smile for me, found my wallet umpteen times. I would hide it someplace I reached home, a silent prayer went up. I was hoping my a passion for me, and then invariably forget where in the rush to make it to mother had found the wallet in some corner that I had Somewhere in the core of your heart, office in time. I work out my hiding places with great care overlooked. But there was no such luck. and ironically am the one most foxed when trying to fig- As the evening sky grew darker, I became even more a memory of me, ure out where. So, once a wallet is misplaced, it is as convinced that the nightmares I had through the day would Don’t give all the peace of mind to me, good as lost for me for that immediate moment. It does come true. There was to be no sleep for me that night. I those cherished dreams to me, turn up later when I try to hide another wallet and chance stared at the ceiling and the seepage marks on the walls Just give an elegant talk to me, upon an older wallet hidden there. kept morphing into violent images of the babuni. In this dismal monotonous life However, unlike other times, that day I could not re- I got out of bed early the next morning. The sky was a little drop of immortal love for me. trieve it even after I had finished sifting through all my clear and bright, but my mind was muddled and con- belongings and secret places and even involving family fused – it was wracking with the Hobson’s Choice of and friends in the search. Now, it was time to get worried. returning to the office with a fresh application or risking Not so much for the money. After all, there were hardly a the highways with the ever-vigilant cops. As I strolled hundred rupees in it [in spite of the market being bullish out with a steaming cup of tea and tried to shake the and forex reserves clocking an all-time high]. Even the cobwebs from my head I was greeted with a visage L.O.S.T. few passport size photographs, some bills and receipts that even the Kanchenjunga massif on a perfect day and phone numbers were not the cause of worry. It was canot surpass. There, lying next to the flowerpot at the by ANJAN RAO, Class VIII, TNA the loss of my newly acquired Learner’s License that gate was my wallet. The first lesson in life I heard troubled me most. I have seldom reacted so joyously, but that day was God made man, yes, he made all One may wonder why... special. I screamed and jumped around with joy. Living creatures great and small. One could always approach the Motor Vehicles De- Later, as I sifted through the wallet, I noticed that A year later I’m told partment and get another license issued. But that’s easier the Learner’s Licence was there, along with the bills, “Man evolved from monkeys!” said than done. Anyone who has been through the grind receipts and phone numbers. Apart from the loose I’m confused, science doesn’t help. of circumventing government offices to get things done change, the wallet had been emptied of all money. The conflict in my mind keeps growing can empathize with my plight. The things that would nor- Then it struck me. I had not misplaced the wallet, it My parents are right, they should be knowing, mally have taken a day, would stretch to a week; those had been picked. Or maybe I dropped it and who- How can man from monkeys form? taking a week end up taking months and the cycle keeps ever found it had succumbed to greed en route to And why isn’t that the present norm? replicating. reaching it back to me. Nonetheless, whoever took But how can my science teacher be wrong? I have a clearly etched image of the lady I met at one the trouble to actually return the wallet has my full Confusedly I nod along. such encounter. According to her, I had fallen short of gratitude. I enter my teens, a stage which my uncle terms one “very important” document for my job to be done. I Whether a thief or a good Samaritan with a weakness As “a cocktail of hormones” or rather of worms had already been there on two earlier occasions and each for cash, one thing is certain, he was a compassionate I meet other guys of my kind, time they turned me away asking for more documents one. With clenched fists and seething minds and details. Why couldn’t they inform at one go? Wasn’t I am grateful to him for returning the other things and Why does everyone confuse us with lies? there a checklist they could provide me so that I came saving a great deal of difficulties that were set to befall on Can’t they see the hopelessness in our eyes? fully prepared? me. Whether or nor he was a thief, one thing is for sure Anger boils inside my head Although seething inside, I waited there for half an hour he was a compassionate one. Everything goes dark and the midfinger goes up My bike speeds at 80 kmph Marshall coming up the slope Me going down the first love letter RAJNI LAMA What d’you think is in my head? Kanchi, If you tried to make a guess the closest to my heart, life walks on, years flow by, You’d be wrong Coz I’d be dead. seasons alter and so do we; we may become strangers or incognito lovers in this journey adorned with alluring elegances or along these stony paths, but the footprint of your soul, the bliss of your shadow will prevail forever and ever in my insecure heart; this is just not a desire but an ambition to forfeit all those eyes which gaze upon you, you have invaded my dreams and conquered my thoughts but surrendering this mortal to a betrayer like you, is my only excuse for this silly existence; an illusion like you is very rarely discovered, and a dad like yours should better not be discovered (god forbid! save my rivals too!); Insanity, this is not, nor is a fancy, But the only thing to pride upon is my possession of you, lucky are those whom you admire, fortunate ones whom you desire, but impossible it is for me to live, a life, excluding you, my soul! affectionately yours, Kancha

CMYK 17 18; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 EXTRA SPACE FOR THE FAIRER SEX WOMENWOMEN NOW! “Maithunam paramam tatvam Shrusti stithi, anya karanam,” [Coitus is the ultimate principle behind creation, preservation and destruction] - Lord Shiva in the Kailas Puraan The Karma of Sex? anam kundlis don’t have HIV chakras. JOr maybe Jahnabi Goswami wouldn’t Our most basic instinct now carries tution, she pointed out. have had to, by age 25, cremate a husband, The larger picture: that AIDS isn’t al- bury a child and be HIV positive herself. In the dread of the pandemic ways about prevention; that the millions of the purgatory of the present, the words of unempowered, and often battered, the Lord couldn’t have come more true - women, who are, to start with, given away except that the preservation bit didn’t quite in marriage by parents in a male-domi- hold, for her husband, or her little daughter nated society are not in a position to bar- who died of AIDS-related infections. gain for safe sex and so are prone to in- Jahnobi, who comes from the Nagaon dis- fection. trict of Assam, now spends her time run- Also, AIDS isn’t always about promis- ning a support group she has founded for cuity, or sex beyond what it has been made people who are HIV positive. Along with the out to be in the Indian context: breeding. millions of others stricken by the virus, they Says Solomon: “How can the target of are the fringe dwellers of India, victims of a violence be expected to negotiate with her country’s new state of denial. aggressor, especially for something that Brindapati Das, a state president of the aggressor doesn’t want?” ISKON, the Krishna Consciousness Move- What is needed, among others, she ment, exemplifies the contradictions that said, is an effort to remove the silence and AIDS has brought about: “We are not only shame that surrounds sexuality. against pre-marital sex but any sexual ex- AIDS or no AIDS, people will have sex, perience in general.” That, in a land of a bil- because it’s human to do so. A place such lion, where, once every week, maidens in as Guwahati is seeing an increasing num- search of the ideal mate pay obeisance to a ber of abortions, not among the illiterate divine phallus projected through a womb. but college-going youngsters as well. “The For the fringe community, the attitude girls come to me accompanied by their has frightening implications. Goswami’s parents or their boyfriends,” says Dr. B landlord in Guwahati had asked her to by PRANAB BORA Bora of the city’s Noonmati area. Says leave after getting to know of her status. Sushmita Barua, a 17-year- old school stu- In a village in lower Assam, she talks to dent: “When you have a relationship, it is people about a family they’ve excommu- FACTS AND FIGURES - INDIA CASE STUDY: ANDHRA PRADESH difficult to always draw the line at kissing.” nicated, whose home they won’t even walk Number of people infected by HIV in In- According to the latest figures available, Given the country’s stringent abortion past anymore. It’s easier for her to make dia: 4 million 10 per cent of pregnant women in the laws, Dr. Bora’s clients are at best only an the point. “Can you tell I am HIV positive?” 65.5 per cent of the total number of in- coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh are esti- indication of what the real picture could be. she asks. “One of your men could have fected people in South East Asia are from mated to be HIV positive. As Pranjit, a student of Cotton College, the ended up marrying this girl had she kept India 2 per cent of the state’s total population is premier institution in the region, says: “It’s her status a secret ...” Number of infected people in the 15-29 estimated to be HIV positive (the national no big deal as long as you practice safe Back in the offices of the AIDS Preven- age group: 2 million average is 1 per cent) sex.” The grey area: that even condom tion Society in Guwahati, Dr. SI Ahmed, More than 1 per cent of the total popula- 21 per cent of the rural population has mul- companies now promote “safer sex”; pre- the person-in-charge, talks about ‘long- tion in Nagaland and Manipur are infected tiple sex partners. (Urban figures are not viously promos said “safe”. According to term survivors’. In Manipur’s Churachandpur, 5 per cent available.) AIDS experts, sex itself is high risk “Ten, twelve years before the first symp- of pregnant women have tested positive. The average age of a girl’s first sexual ex- behaviour. Abstinence is low, not zero risk. toms of AIDS show ...,” he says. Sikkim has recorded 28 HIV+ve patients perience is 16 years in the state. That Indians are as sexually active as Jahnobi was 16 when she was infected. and eight cases of full-blown AIDS anybody else isn’t going to change. Yet the “My husband knew his status when he Indian representative pointed out that girls only solution that the country seems to married me,” she says, “Now my in-laws, munity that considers itself superior to the and young women show a higher rate of have worked out so far is victimising the who refused to have me back, say I’m a all that is western and disorganised, this infection compared to men of similar ages. victim. Jahnobis are a part of us. Ques- loose character, and responsible for what is a situation simply not meant to be. At On an average young women are infected tion is, are we willing to see this? More happened.” the recently concluded AIDS 2002 Con- 10 years earlier than men due to early than HIV its ignorance and hypocrisy that For a guarded, sexually closeted com- ference in Barcelona, Suniti Solomon, an marriage, rape or being forced into prosti- costs lives. What women need to know about HIV he number of women with HIV [human behaviors of their partners. some people get a flu-like illness within a that may be enlarged for more than 3 Timmunodeficiency virus] infection and Women suffer from the same compli- month or two after being exposed to the months. Other symptoms often felt months AIDS has been increasing steadily world- cations of AIDS that afflict men but also virus. These symptoms often go away to years before the onset of AIDS include: wide. By the end of 2003, according to the suffer gender-specific manifestations of within a week. During this time, HIV is Lack of energy or fatigue, Weight loss, Fre- World Health Organization [WHO], 19.2 HIV disease, such as recurrent vaginal present in large amounts in semen and quent low-grade fevers and night sweats, million women were living with HIV/AIDS yeast infections and severe pelvic inflam- vaginal fluids and it is very easy to pass Frequent yeast infections, Skin rashes or worldwide, accounting for approximately matory disease, which increase their risk the infection to another person. All people flaky skin that is hard to get rid of, Short- 50 percent of the 38.6 million adults living of cervical cancer. Women also exhibit dif- who have HIV go through what is called term memory loss, Coughing and short- with HIV/AIDS. ferent characteristics from men for many an asymptomatic period of infection. But, ness of breath, Seizures and lack of coor- Worldwide, more than 90 percent of all of the same complications of antiretroviral during this time they can still pass the in- dination, Difficult or painful swallowing, adolescent and adult HIV infections have therapy, such as metabolic abnormalities. fection to another person. The asymptom- Mental symptoms such as confusion and resulted from heterosexual intercourse. December 1 was World AIDS Day, atic period varies greatly from person to forgetfulness, Severe and persistent diar- Women are particularly vulnerable to het- Women Now! asked doctors and health person. Some people may begin to have rhea, Fever, Loss of vision, Nausea, ab- erosexual transmission of HIV due to sub- workers in the state to answer some basic symptoms within a few months, while oth- dominal cramps, and vomiting., Extreme stantial mucosal exposure to seminal flu- queries on the disease. ers may be symptom free for 10 years or fatigue and Severe headaches. ids. This biological fact amplifies the risk Here’s what they said. more. HIV is active inside a person’s body, What can I do to keep myself from get- of HIV transmission when coupled with the What are the signs of HIV infection? even when no symptoms are present. For ting HIV? high prevalence of non-consensual sex, Many people have no symptoms when many people, the first symptom they no- There is no cure or vaccine for HIV infec- sex without condom use, and the high-risk they first become infected with HIV. But tice is large lymph nodes [swollen glands] turn to pg 21

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Answer: ______movies Name: ______4 FREE Address: ______ONE CORRECT ANSWER TO THE FILMI QUESTION WINS 2 TICKETS TO LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: Shaan DENZONG Winner: Phurba Lepcha, Rakdong, East Sikkim. ONLY DOLBY DIGITAL SURROUND - EX CINEMA HALL IN THE HIMALAYAS ADMISSIONS ON! ACROSS DOWN FOR CAREER IN TRAVEL & TOURISM INDUSTRY 1. Home (9) 2. Petroleum (3) OFFERS DIPLOMA 8. Narrow street (5) 3. Proverb (6) 9. Lying flat (5) 4. Jumps on one leg (4) TRADE WINGS (TIM) COURSES IN 10. Increase in size (6) 5. Large spotted cat (7) 12. Bird of prey (4) 6. Moon (9) 14. Nobleman (4) 7. Person who raises honeybees TRAVEL & TOURISM HOTEL MANAGEMENT 15. Flat-bladed oar (6) (9) 17. Fang (5) 11. Living room (7) FOREIGN EXCHANGE SABRE 18. First name of several 13. Spanish rice dish (6) Lincolnshire villages (5) 16. At what time (4) AIRLINES CARGO MANAGEMENT 20. Fit to print (9) 19. To be unwell (3)

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CMYK 19 20; ; 03-09 December, 2003 NOW! FACEofTheWEEK NOW!extracurricular... Tune Academy: Making music for you NUINTOWN usic teachers across the Mworld hope to instil in their students a love of music and to develop their skills and talents. For the musically inclined in Sikkim, Tune Academy, in Gangtok hopes to do that and much more. Although Sikkim has its share of music lovers and talent, what has so far been lacking is a full- fledged institution which trains and grooms students professionally. This is the space that the faculty at Tune Academy say they want to fill. Opened only recently at 6th has promoted excellence in mu- of their choice, while Intermediate Mile Tadong, the school offers sic for 125 years. Players are taught today’s popu- various courses for different ages “Candidates here also get up- lar styles of music. and abilities. You can train for key to-date syllabus with a wide rep- Classes are held on Sundays board music, guitar, drums, vio- ertoire, varied and affordable for the convenience of music lov- lin and other instrumental music. support materials and a world- ers and instruments are given at “The focus here is not only to wide network of representatives nominal rates for extra practice PASSANG. Listening to music is his favourite time pass. encourage a hobby but to groom experienced in giving advice and time. You can also opt for two the students in such a way that support in preparing candidates,” classes a week. they are able to make a career informs Bishal Pradhan, Princi- “There will be regular concerts The FACE OF THE WEEK receives a FREE GIFT HAMPER sponsored by out of it. There is a great demand pal, Tune Academy. by outside performers too in or- for instrumental musicians,” says Specially designed courses are der to give first hand exposure. Albert Gurung, Technical Super- also available for children. These Theory of music, and music ap- visor and main music teacher. courses give an introduction to preciation, which are so neces- urbanMART The best thing about Tune music concepts and various lev- sary for all round music devel- Academy is that it is affiliated with els of sound. Primary classes for oper, will be incorporated into the ONE STOP SHOPPING EXPERIENCE Trinity College, London, which children above eight emphasizes practical classes,” adds Albert. means that when someone on the total musical development To see some of the faculty per- a department store that adds passes a Trinity grade or certifi- while focussing on how to play the form, go check the ongoing Tour- cate examination their musical piano. There are two levels for ism Music fest on 9 December, next Convenience to Necessity! skills are recognised by an inter- adult learners. Adult Beginners Tuesday. Albert Gurung and others Opposite Oberoi Building, Naya Bazaar, Gangtok. Phone: 228032 national examination board that learn to play any music instrument will play as the band “Nomads”. the chase of immovable property. SAGITTARIUS: Understanding NEXT CHANGE FUTUREis NOW with your life partner will be good. DOLBY DIGITAL; ARIES: Happy and harmonious life tors will have substantial recognition Peaceful life will be maintained. Some DENZONG will be maintained. Business people and cash rewards from superiors. may have little health problem. Un- SURROUND EX will find easy cash flow. Long travel LEO: Support from family members wanted and unneccessary tension will FROM FRIDAY will be there. Tension will be reduced. will be there.Medical expenses may be over. Professionals will be brisk and busy. occur due to some set back in CAPRICORN: Unexpected specu- TAURUS: Status and popularity will health.Don’t undertake long travel. lative gain will be enjoyed. Some may be maintained well. Some may be in- VIRGO: Your ambitions will be ful- be blessed with over seas trip. Finan- terested to do new line of business filled bye your hard cial position will be maintained well. activities. Those who are in cine line work.Encouraging communications AQUARIUS: Sudden growth in Wah Wah will find some set back in their career. will be received from your partners. business. Domestic happiness will be GEMINI: Business people will un- Financial crists will be over. Un- there. Those dealing with paint, dertake extensive tours. Service wanted expenses may occur. varishes,ceramic, hardware and people will find change of place due LIBRA: You will lead a successful pe- chemicals will find improvement. to promotion Those who are writing riod with good support from your offic- Business activities will yield profit. Ram Ji PISCES: Political people will have competitive examination will be ers. Students will find a taugh period. Paresh Rawal, Gulshan Grover successful.Share market will be af- Automobiles business will flourish. tough time.Export business will pick fected due to some political changes. SCORPIO: You will expand you up in garments, gems, electronic 11:15; 2:30; 5:30 CANCER: Business will be brisk business in various branchers. Men- goods. Children education will give and busy.Trading and leasing will be tal tensions will be reduced. Good satisfaction. Health will be maintained profitable. Don’t take new communications will be well.Support from life partner is de- ULTRA STEREPHONIC ventures.Partners willsupport in your received.Health conditions will be noted. Alround success in your busi- VAJRA SURROUND SOUND business, teachers, lawyers and doc- sound.Some may be going for pur- ness is indicated. NOW SHOWING 11:15; 2:30; 5:30 TASHI MOVIE CLUB LATEST ARRIVALS alphabets A BOOK SHOP MATRIX REVOLUTIONS IN HELL (Jean Claude Einstein: The Life & Times Van Damme) by Ronald W. Clark UNDER WORLD (Kate Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl Beckinsale) The Spirit of Peace KILL BILL (Uma Thurman, by HH The Dalai Lama KALKAL HOHO NA HOHO Lucy Liu) Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDE PREITY ZINTA, SAIF ALI KHAN & SHAH RUKH KHAN (Harrison Ford) PS ROAD, OPP. HOTEL TIBET www.sikkiminfo.net/vajra

20 CMYK 19-2503-09 November, December, 2003 2003; NOW! 21 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM TheEmployment The culmination of a year of learning HELPLINE A NOW! initiative in coordination with HELPLINE CAREER a NOW REPORT COUNSELLING INSTITUTE, Deorali, Gangtok MANGAN: The ten months of
Joint Entrance Examinations 2004 [JEE-2004] for admissions the current academic session cul- to undergraduate courses at Indian Institute of Technology - minates with the ongoing final ex- Kharagpur, Guwahati, Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Madras and ams, which got underway on 24 Roorkee Institute of Technology, B.H.U. and Indian School of November, last Monday, at vari- Mines, Dhanbad, announced. ous government schools around the State. Although the day was
Applications have been invited for posts of Probationary Of- sunny and bright, students at the ficers [PO] at Allahabad Bank. No. of Posts - 360; Payscale - Mangan SSS could be seen shiv- Rs. 7,100-12,540 pm; Qualification - Graduation or equivalent ering through the initial jitters of with computer knowledge; Age - 21 to 30 yrs. the first exam when NOW! vis-
Indian Air Force recruitment ited the school last Monday. keeping in mind the students. the year were conducted individu- Qualification - Matriculation or Intermediate with 50% or above; Interestingly, the principal, L. Ms. Pradhan revealed that the ally for the subjects and collating Age - 18 to 20 yrs; Height - 162 cms Pradhan, while speaking to question papers prepared by the the marks would have been an- NOW! disclosed that her school Department combined History, other problem, she said.
Export-Import Bank of India calls applications from ST/ SC has decided against using the Civics and Geography into one The principal also added that candidates for posts of Managers. Salary - Rs. 1.83 to 2.44 question papers prepared by the question paper for social studies. she had already taken “verbal per- lakhs per annum; Qualification - B.Com./ B.E. [graduate]. Appli- Examination cell of the Education Her students, she said were used mission” from the department to cations to be submitted before 6th December, 2003. Department for classes VI and to taking the examinations for ignore the social studies question For further details on the job-listings posted above, VII. This is an initiative under- these subjects separately and paper prepared by it. please contact Helpline Career Counselling Insti- taken from this year and while would have been confused when The results for all government tute, Deorali. ph: 281985/ 94341 91789/ 94341 26851 Ms. Pradhan said that she sup- all three subjects were crammed schools are expected to be re- ported the concept in principle, into one question paper. Further- leased on 13 December, just she had to opt out for his year more, all previous exams through ahead of the winter vacations. GOOD NEWS!!! SGEA places Special coaching classes for SSC Examinees will begin shortly. Applicants can enrol immediately. GO, FIGURE! demands before If you are searching for a project consultant and ac- Chamling counts management for your business upliftment. a NOW REPORT For details contact: GANGTOK: The executive body HELPLINE CAREER COUNSELLING INSTITUTE of Sikkim Government Employ- ‘Nepal Niwas’ Deorali School Road ees Association called on the Gangtok - E Sikkim Ph: 281985 / 94341-91789/26851 Chief Minister at his official resi- dence at Mintokgang recently. Apart from felicitating the CM on being conferred the Doctor of ACADEMIA SIKKIM Philosophy by Manipal Univer- (UNDER CONSTRUCTION) sity, the Association also placed Located at Nimtar, above Power Colony its demands with Mr. Chamling. The demands include promotion of accountants who have already Session starts Feb 2004 passed the departmental promotion exams; a request not to decrease the Contact: 9832067886 present cadre strength of under sec- A photograph sometimes fails to capture the real apathy of a situation. retaries while reviewing the State The above picture is difficult to comprehend, but that is exactly what it Civil Service Cadre; reduction of JOIN CRASH COURSE FOR BOARD’S EXAM - 2004 by Career’s Counselling is about. The bathroom at the Mangan SSS Boys Hostel has very few the minimum years of service be- 15 DECEMBER 2003 TO 15 FEBRUARY 2004 REGISTRATION ALREADY STARTED FROM 1 NOVEMBER FOR 2004 things apart from the stench which qualify it to be one. The door is fore allowing withdrawals from BOARD EXAMS - ISC & CBSE - ALL SUBJECTS (PHY/CHEM/MATH/BIO) broken and the window-panes missing. The water pipes bring in no GPF from 20 to 10 years; and FOR XII (FINAL) AND ADVANCE COACHING FOR XI PASS STUDENTS. water and the basins are all broken. This, incidentally, is the only se- quicker clearance of pending cases SPECIAL FEATURES: nior secondary school in Mangan and although the wardens contend of compassionate appointments in * PARALLEL COACHING FOR ALL INDIA MEDICAL & ENGINEERING EXAM * SEPERATE HOSTEL FACILITY * DIRECT ADMISSION UNDER MANAGEMENT that they have complained several times to the Education Department, different departments. Other issues QUOTA FOR HIGHER STUDIES IN ENGINEERING, BUS.MANAGEMENT, NURS- it has not responded to their pleas for immediate repairs thus far. With like the fate of work-charge em- ING, BIO-TECH, MBBS, BDS BY MRS. DEY OF CAREER’S COUNSELLING the winter vacations approaching, there is little hope that anything will ployees and enhancement of pay * TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE TO ORG. CRASH COURSE COACHING CONTACT: MRS. DEY, CAREER’S COUNSELLING, TIBET ROAD, OPP. ELEC- be done anytime soon and then the next academic session will start scales of SNT bus conductors were TION OFFICE.PH: 226510. OR MRS. DHANI PH: 270797 OR MR. D. RAI PH: and the whole process of complaining will have to start all over again. are discussed at the meeting. 229099 DIRECT NO: 94341 53355 (M)

plete protection against STDs. using condoms. Learn the com- Know also that other methods of mon symptoms of HIV and other birth control, like birth control pills, STDs. Seek medical help right What women need to know about HIV shots, implants, or diaphragms away if you think you may have any STD is to practice absti- STD also becomes greater over don’t protect you from STDs. If you HIV or another STD. Contd from pg 18 nence [don’t have sex]. Delay- time, as the number of a sex use one of these methods, be Remember that HIV is a life long tion and AIDS. It is a life-long con- ing having sex for the first time partners increases. sure to also use a condom every disease. When you have HIV, dition that requires life long treat- is another way to reduce your Since the first option is impracti- time you have sex. you may have periods of time with ment. That’s why it’s so important chances of getting an STD. cal, practice “safer sex.” This Limit your number of sexual part- no symptoms. But, you can still to keep from getting it in the first Studies show that the younger means protecting yourself with a ners. Your risk of getting HIV in- pass the virus to another person. place. Here are ways to keep people, when having sex for the condom every time you have vagi- creases with the number of part- If you have HIV, you need to tell from getting HIV: first time, are more likely to get nal, anal, or oral sex. Be aware ners you have. Learn how to talk your sexual partners, so they can The best way to prevent HIV or an STD. The risk of getting an that condoms don’t provide com- with your partner about STDs and be tested.

CMYK 21 22; NOW! ; 03-0919-25 December,November, 2003 The rock formation that the It’slocals a little like the Nobel & Pulitzer DATELINE NORTH SIKKIM want protected “Respect local sentiments and concerns” Meyongchu residents want GREF to opt for Rimpoche, his wife and body- guard. They are convinced that the quieter work on alternate route rock formation has supernatural used of dynamites by the GREF powers and contend that GREF from DEEPAK SHARMA which is constructing the alternate could not remove them despite 3 MEYONGCHU: The locals here road from Naga to Meyongchu. to 4 attempts made with power- are not opposed in principle to the The powerful explosions being ful explosives. Apparently even construction of an alternate road used to clear the rocks and other GREF has now realized the im- through their area, but concerned obstructions along the proposed portance of the rocks to the locals that the project might ride rough- road have already caused cracks and perhaps in fear of its “super- shod over their religious senti- to appear on several nearby build- natural” powers, decided to let it ments and disregard their fears ings and was weakening the struc- be. The locals want it that way and over the project work affecting the tural stability of the entire area, want a written assurance that this stability of the area. they said. This, despite a written rock formation will not be tam- Speaking to NOW!, the undertaking made by GREF be- pered with anymore. panchayats and residents of fore the project that it would not The locals have now appealed Meyongchu, Toong, Naga and Rell use heavy explosives. to the DC [North] and the GREF expressed fears that the Naga and The locals are concerned over Chief Engineer to see to it that Rell blocks in particular, boxed in the fate of a rock formation [see local sentiments are not ignored by the hydel project water channel pic] which they hold sacred. Lo- while progressing with the project on top, the Rel Khola on the left, cals from Meyongchu and Naga and reiterate that a project aimed the Meyong Khola on the right and believe that the three rocks which for public convenience should not the Teesta below, is being put in lie along the proposed route of the come at the cost of the same harms way with the indiscriminate new road symbolize Guru public’s property. Governor undertakes marathon north Sikkim visit Targain and Zilla Adhakshya Dzongu public would oppose any a NOW REPORT Lobzang Tenzing. The first stop more NHPC hydel projects in was made at Tingvong, about their area given the scant atten- MANGAN: The Governor, V 30kms from Mangan, where the tion paid by NHPC to promises Rama Rao, was in north Sikkim locals and the panchayat high- made before they started work on on a three-day visit from 27 to 29 lighted the urgent need for a sus- a project. Addressing this con- November to see for himself pension bridge between Kayem cern, the Governor told the gath- whether the Panchayati Raj sys- and Kanuk villages in upper ering that such projects could not tem was being implemented in the Dzongu. A Doordarshan tower be stopped per se, but more de- right earnest. During his visit, the and a jeepabl road from Tingvong tailed and binding agreements can Governor met with representa- to Linku-Kusang were other de- be drawn up to address all local tives from every block panchayat, mands placed by the locals. concerns and assuage local fears. NGO and also senior members of The panchayats of Lindong, On his return journey, Mr. Rao the public. Apart from checking nor also met with members of nancial aid so that the NGO could Passingdang and volunteers from met with the panchayats and pub- the progress in institutionalization NGOs and the Bazaar Committee construct its own hostel. Mr. Rao local NGO, MLAS, who called on lic of Kabi who pleaded that in light of panchayati raj in the area, the at the Mangan Guest House. is reported to have assured that he the Governor at the Namprikdang of depleting cardamom yield, the Governor also received several At the meeting, Karzay Bhutia, would take up the matter with the Rest House voiced their concern state government be directed to in- representations from the people incharge of the orphan hostel run Social Welfare Department. over the academic futures of local troduce new agricultural schemes on their demands and greivances. by Wangdi Faith Mission, in- The Mangan Bazaar Commit- students due to the shortage of in area. The gathering also pointed Starting his tour with Phodong formed the Governor that the hos- tee, represented by its president teachers in schools there. Lack of out that the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and Namok on 27 Nov, the Gov- tel functioned out of a rented ac- Mahendra Malu, pointed out that telecom connections in the area and had not been implemented properly ernor was briefed on the various commodation and looked after 56 Mangan bazaar and the district the improper coverage under the old and urged that the Governor’s of- demands of the local people. While children. Although the State Gov- hospital were in urgent need of re- age pension scheme were other fice direct the Education Depart- Phodong requested for the setting ernment sponsored the children pairs. He also pleaded that the ba- grievances raised at the meeting. ment to pull up its socks. up of a Doordarshan relay tower with Rs. 450 per child per month, zaar area be increased to meet the The most serious concerns The visit should have brought to cover their area and improved Mr. Bhutia said this was barely needs of a district headquarter. were however raised at the the Governor abreast with the vari- telecom coverage, the public and enough to cover the nutritional A visit to Dzongu was next on Governor’s next halt at Hee- ous concerns that plague the minds panchayats of Namok requested needs of the children. He urged the agenda and the Governor pro- Gyathang, where former zilla of the north Sikkim public which for improved power supply. the Governor to press their case ceeded for the Lepcha reserve ac- members, Norden Lepcha and is hopeful that its immediate con- The same evening, the Gover- with the State Governent for fi- companied by the DC [North] PS Choden Lepcha, revealed that the cerns will be addressed soon.

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22 CMYK 03-09 December, 2003; NOW! 23 RECAPRECAP SIKKIMSIKKIM LOYOLA COLLEGE, Namchi NOW! classifieds FORGING the affordable option call 270949 for details or visit any of the authorised collecting agents listed below AHEAD FOR SALE / TO LET SERVICES Three bedroom, hall, kitchen, MOBILE PHONE REPAIR/ terrace and verandah flat with EXCHANGE Repair or Ex- parking for sale at Pradhan change your Mobile Phone at Nagar, Siliguri. Contact: Reasonable Cost.New Hand- 03592 - 228897; 94341 69663 sets also available Internet Point, Yama House, DIGITAL CAMERA: A six month old 4.1 TUITIONS FOR MATHS / megapixel Sony DSC-S85 PHYSICS DURING YOUR in excellent condition. WINTER VACATIONS IN CALL: 284408 / GANGTOK: CONTACT: 9832033451 9434067628 & 281039 Expressing his gratitude to the Bengal University to increase its LEARN Fine Arts, Oil Paints, ASWINI TAMANG State government for rendering student intake to a hundred and Glass Painting, Fabric Painting, Pot For all kinds of mobile unlimited support to the college, thus the session 2003-2004, this Painting, Artificial FLower Making. Contact: Upper Arithang, Ph - handsets / accessories oyola College of Educa- Fr. Bara, presented a memento to July commenced with a hundred 221587. mobile: 98320 33451 tion, Namchi celebrated its Mr. Gooroong, who accepted it on students on the rolls. / repairs L10th College Annual Day behalf of the Chief Minister. The On the flip side, Fr. Bara la- WANTED MARKETING & on 25 November, last Tuesday. Stu- college magazine was also re- mented that the college was still PUBLICITY EXECUTIVES CONTACT: Arjun Elizah dents of Namchi Public School, leased on the day. lacking in infrastructural facility. who are young, smart, dynamic local invitees, parish priests, prin- With an astounding 97 per cent “We are still in need of an audito- graduates with fluency in English, 9434109988 Nepali and Hindi. Attractive Salary. cipals and other distinguished pass percentage in the May 2003 rium for the college,” he revealed. Contact Rakesh Somani, Somani 229988 guests were present in the audience. B.Ed examinations, the highest Besides, the campus was unpro- Building, Gangtok (Ph: 9832023813) A bit of nostalgia and a gen- ever in the last nine years, the col- tected on all sides and was in dire with complete Bio-Data within ten WIDEST RANGE eral air of exhilaration permeated lege seems to be flourishing now. need of a surrounding enclosure days from 26 Nov 2003. CHEAPEST PRICE the air. Fr. Giles SJ, who had su- Apart from merely training as- to prevent thoroughfare. DIGITAL MOBILE REPAIRING pervised the hectic scooping of piring teachers, the college also With the clamour about Sarwa M/S SUSHIL KUMAR AGARWAL COMPUTERISED UPGRADATION DISTRIBUTOR: BSNL the great hillock on the site about houses a centre for the Indira Shiksha Abhiyan being chanted BUY/SELL MOBILE HANDSETS MG MARG, GANGTOK a decade ago, made it Namchi all Gandhi National Open Univer- state-wide to make Sikkim illit- TRENDY ACCESSORIES the way from Pedong, given the sity and an examination centre eracy free, the onus for a sound WANTED ACCOUNTANT special significance of the day. for the graduate and postgradu- education ultimately bears down ALL UNDER A leading NGO based in Gangtok Also present was Kiran Rasailly, ate courses of the Madurai upon the ability of the teachers. requires an accountant with B.Com Chief Engineer, PWD and archi- Kamraj University under its dis- And, Loyola College has winded ONE ROOF contact: background and minimum 2 yrs ex- tect of the exquisite college cam- tance education scheme. Re- up an eventful journey to train a RAKESH ROMALA perience for their headquarters. pus. The celebrations began cently, the college has also ac- bunch each year who will even- 98320-62684 Remuneration commensurate with with the arrival of the Chief quired permission from the North tually seek out this difference. Digital Mobile Repairing Centre experience. Interested individuals Nam Nang, Gangtok can send their bio-data to NOW! Guest, Political Advisor to the office, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. CM, BB Gooroong. A sprightly mix of songs and dances, both SALE & PURCHASE CRASH COURSE regional and representative of Building flats, Land, Renting, Lease Batch starts from 1 December 2003 the entire country, an honest re- Dr. LOBSANG Hotels in Sikkim & West Bengal. For for Std X and Std XII students. blue prints, valuation report, estimate, Syllabus complete in three months. minder of the fact that the train- TENZING search report, interior designs contact: Guarantee for cent percent success ees came from all parts of the GMT (Company), Madhuban Hotel, in physics, chemistry and maths. country, entertained the guests MEMORIAL CRICKET Development Area Ph: 224549, Contact: Mr. P. K. Sinha, Dara through the evening. 94342 04217 / 94341 78999 Gaon, Tadong. Ph: 232439 Sprawling across a lavish 10 TOURNAMENT FLAT FOR SALE WINTER JOBS acre campus, the college, as the Three Bedroom Apartment, completely Earn Rs. 150 – 450 per day. Learn Principal, Daniel Bara, said “was furnished measuring 1250 square feet, and earn. Smart, graduates/ forging ahead from success to organised by the: MANGAN CRICKET COMMITTEE (MCC) opposite Sunrise Nursing Home, undergraduates, males and success because of the dreams it Sevoke Road, Siliguri. Interested females. Walk-In-Interview nurtured.” CENTENAR parties please contact: 98320 75196 Wednesday and Thursday Interestingly, the request for BIKE FOR SALE between 11 AM – 3 PM at Ground such an institution was put up by Y SPECIAL Hero Honda CBZ (BLACK), 2002 Floor, Oberoi Building, MG Marg, the Sikkim Government to the Je- Model. Almost new – barely 1000 kms. Near Star Hall, Gangtok. suits citing an acute lack of such Expected price – Rs. 47,000. Contact: a training centre in Sikkim. And SG Tashi, Nam Nang Ph: 222981 so began the hurried task of cut- ATTRACTIVE PRIZES ting out an entire chunk of hill, GOOD NEWS!good news!! reminisced Father Giles. CHAMPIONS : Rs. 20,000 Navodaya Vidhyalaya Samiti invites PGTs, TGTs & Mis- CLASSIFIED advertisments can RUNNERS UP : Rs. 10,000 cellaneous categories of teachers for Navodaya Vidhyalaya. be booked at the following Indian Army Calls Lamas and Pandits. collection centres: Porky’s, forms are available at:BHARAT SHOES (Gangtok) UPSC Civil Service Examination - 2004, at Gangtok. Deorali; Oberois, Naya Bazaar; and AZRA ELECTRONICS, SS ELECTRONICS & For details contact: Baker’s Cafe, MG Marg; Jainco, DYNASTY RESTAURANT (Mangan). Last Date for HELPLINE CAREER COUNSELLING INSTITUTE Metro Point, Blues, Tibet Road, entries: 7 DECEMBER 2003. entry fee: Rs. 1500/- ‘Nepal Niwas’ Moti Mahal, Naya Bazar, Rahul’s for further enquiries contact Deorali School Road Fast Food, PS Road, Cafe Tibet, Jigdal@ 9434127236 or Sachin @ 9434174895 Gangtok - E Sikkim Below High Court Ph: 281985 / 94341-91789/26851

CMYK 23 24; NOW! ; 03-09 December, 2003 SPORTSSPORTS The district champs clash for State title FOR BEST FLOORING

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cember, with CK Mohra, Minis- Hee-Gyathang SSS. The match a NOW REPORT ter, Sports & Youth Affairs as was won by TNSSS 3-0. The fi- Chief Guest. nals will be played between GANGTOK: Winners of the dis- South district winners New TNSSS and Pelling SSS on trict-level inter school football Secondary School, Namchi and Wednesday, 3 December. tournament, Hee-Gyathang SSS Pelling Senior Secondary School, The winning team will get a [North], TNSSS [East], Pelling winners from the west district, cash prize of Rs. 10,000 and a full SSS [West] and New Secondary collided in the first match which football uniform set, while the School, Namchi, [South] began Pelling won in the tie-breaker. runners up will win a cash prize their battle for the State Champi- The second match was played of Rs. 5,000. The championship onship at Guards Ground, between east district winners, is being sponsored by Department Tatangchen, on Tuesday, 2 De- TNSSS and north district winners, for Sports and Youth Affairs. NOW IN GANGTOK! Passion India carpets sofa sets couches dining table sets electrical fittings decorative items imported furniture

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

24 CMYK