Chronicle 2011
SIBLAC urges Sikkim Government to scrap Hydro-Power Projects
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has said in a press release that Sikkim's ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) Government does not have any long-term vision for the development of hydro-power projects in Sikkim. Referring to the speech of Governor B P Singh in a recent conference, SIBLAC said that the Governor of Sikkim could have invoked his full powers provided under Article 371F of the Constitution and ordered the state government to scrap Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydropower Projects.
Excerpts from the Press Release:
The Governor of Sikkim in his significant inaugural speech on 'Globalization and Cultural Practices in Mountain Areas: Dynamics, Dimensions and Implications' recently at a conference in Sikkim University urged the policy makers of Sikkim to make judicious choices of development in view of concerns about ecology and culture. The Governor was referring to hydro-power projects of Sikkim.
The Governor suggested that it is highly imperative that instead of blanket policies we evolve more imaginative strategies to tackle the developmental challenges as well as to suit the needs of mountain people. "Policies for fragile mountain environments require a holistic approach that adequately addresses the economic, social and environmental concerns. The stress should be on sustainable development with a long-term", the Governor said.
It is notable that the International meet on the subject of Globalization and Cultural Practices saw the participation of internationally renowned ecologist Prof. P. S. Ramakrishnan whose report on Rathong-Chu had forced the ruling SDF Government to scrap the controversial Rathong Chu Hydro Power project in the year 1997.
"This region (Yuksom-Tashiding) has a number of glacial lakes in the higher reaches. These are sacred lakes. The Rathong Chu, itself a sacred river, is said to have its source in nine holy lakes at the higher elevations, close to the mountain peaks. Besides, the river in the Yoksum region itself is considered to have 109 hidden lakes. These visible and less obvious notional lakes identified by religious visionaries are said to have presiding deities, representing both good and evil. Propitiating these deities through various religious ceremonies is considered important for the welfare of the Sikkimese people. It is no wonder that Rathong Chu is the focus of religious rituals. During the Bum Chu ritual, considered holiest of all festivals, held annually at Tashiding, the Rathong Chu is said to turn white and start singing. This is the water to be collected at the point where Rathong Chu meets the Ringnya Chu attracting thousands of devotees from the State and the neighbouring region", Prof. Ramakrishnan observed in the same conference. He advised the state government to scrap the Rathongchu hydropower project.
The Platform for Joint Action against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydropower Projects welcomes the observation made by the Governor which assumes significance where the ruling SDF Government is indiscriminatly pushing hydro-power projects in Yuksom-Tashinding region at the ultimate expense of the most valuable Buddhist treasures and natural heritage.
Yes to Development, no to HPP
"We want development of Sikkim, we say yes to development, but no to mega Hydro Power Projects. Any development that displaces us, marginalize us, destroys our land and our culture is rejected, and we prefer to live without development if that is the case. Our concern emanates from a real fear that our ancient culture and environment are being deliberately undermined through government policies at present which are unappreciative of the rich cultural heritage and biodiversity of Sikkim. We feel that the real aim of these mega hydro-power projects is to obliterate our existence, not just our culture and heritage, but also the very existence of the Sikkimese people themselves", says Tseten Tashi Bhutia, SIBLAC Convenor in a press release issued today.
Meanwhile, sensing that the government is not in favor of reconsidering its decision, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), All Sikkim Monastery Association (ASMAN), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed and Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA), Peoples Forum on Earth Quake (PFOE), Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Sangathan (NASS) and Save Sikkim (SAVE) have come together on a platform called Platform for Joint Action Against Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydro Power Projects on 3rd December, 2011. The immediate objective of this Platform is to force the State/Union Governments and all other stakeholders to stop construction of Ting-Ting, Tashiding and Lethang Hydropower projects in West Sikkim and reconsider all upcoming hydro-power projects keeping in mind the devastations encountered on September 18th Earthquake.
The release further adds that they have taken an oath on 3rd December, 2011 that they will remain united and organized and will not allow anyone to take away their rights. The joint forum has already presented a memorandum to the Chief Minister Sri Pawan Chamling demanding Ting Ting, Tashiding and Lethang hydro power projects must be scrapped. The joint associations believe that there are no reasonable justifications or plausible explanations for such mega hydro power projects that destroy the fragile mountains, scatter the only remaining Sikkimese people away from their ancestral lands and as a result, obliterate their distinct languages, rich antiquities, ancient religion, unique culture and way of life forever. The association has further appealed the people to help in this struggle of common Sikkimese people by writing articles, reports and issue statements, immediately write a letter to the Chief Minister, and help in any other manner, adds the press release.
Buddhist Culture of Sikkim in Danger due to Hydro Projects
A Press Release issued by Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) states that the ancient Himalayan Buddhist culture is in danger of collapse in Sikkim under the hulking shadows of three ongoing hydro electric projects viz. Ting Ting, Tashiding and Lethang being promoted by state government on Rathongchu, West Sikkim.
Buddhism originated from India. Ironically, Buddhism was virtually extinct in India by the end of the 19th century excluding sub-Himalayan regions like Ladakh, Sikkim and Darjeeling with which Buddhism survived from ancient times. The only surviving Buddhist country in the world is Bhutan; the others – Tibet, Ladakh, and Sikkim – have been absorbed by China and India.
The Buddhist culture in sub-Himalayan India is facing threat from many quarters. It is in this context, SIBLAC expresses its deep gratitude to the statement of Spalzes Angmo, a member of Minority Commission, Government of India when she stated that ongoing three hydroelectric projects over Rathongchu are a threat to dying Buddhist culture of the Himalayas. Instead of criticizing Ms. Angmo, the State Government should seriously give a thought to what she said during her recent visit to Sikkim and design its development plans in a concerted effort to preserve Buddhist traditions that are dying in India.
Since the formation of Sikkim as a nation-state, Buddhism flourished in a big way. Many beautiful Buddhist monasteries, sacred lakes and caves dot the landscape of Sikkim. These monasteries and Himalayan mountain ranges have fascinated scholars, poets, writers, painters, photographers and adventure sports lovers alike. Sikkim has the potential to promote 'Buddhist Circuit Tourism' in a big way. We welcome the Tourism policy of the present Government for projecting Sikkim as a pilgrimage centre to visiting tourists. However, we denounce its policy of promoting hydropower projects that have exposed the ancient Buddhist culture to a great danger.
No less than 31 Hydro Electric Power Projects in Sikkim are either planned, completed or under discussion by India with the support of the State Government headed by Sri Pawan Chamling. The biggest of them will be a huge plant near Chungthang known as Teesta Stage III where many workers of Teesta Urja were killed on September 18's Earthquake. These HPPs would involve the construction of a series of tunnels, pipes, reservoirs and turbines for exploiting Teesta and other rivers. Within days of September 18th earthquake, seismologists in and outside India were quietly wondering whether humans might have had a hand in it.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - November 22, 2011
National Minority Commission Member opposing Rathong Chu Projects
Not in Favour of Projects over sacred River: Spalzes Angmo
At a time when debate on hydel power projects and earthquake still rages in Sikkim which was hit by a 6.8 earthquake on September 18, National Commission for Minorities member Spalzes Angmo reiterated her stand that the three mega power projects proposed over Rathong Chu in West Sikkim should not be implemented.
"I am certainly not in favour of these projects over Rathong Chu which is a sacred river to Buddhists not only in Sikkim but in the Himalayan belt including Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. The Centre has already rejected the Lethang project. We met the locals and Buddhist organizations during our trip in West Sikkim who told us that they are living in constant fear after the Tashiding project was given environmental clearance", said Ms Angmo at a press meet in Gangtok.
The three power projects proposed over Rathong Chu are Lethang (96 MW), Ting Ting (99 MW) and Tashiding (97 MW). The Lethang project had already been rejected by the National Board for Wildlife and the other two have managed to pass through the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Rathong Chu is a tributary af Rangeet river and flows from the Yuksom-Tashiding constitiency.
Ms Angmo, who looks after the interests of the Buddhist minority of the country, had arrived in Sikkim on Monday and had straight proceeded to West Sikkim to assess the damages to the monasteries there. She said that West Sikkim with its ancient monasteries at Pemayangtse, Tashiding and Dupdi has not only great potential for tourism but is also considered a pilgrimage site by many Buddhists. The religious concerns (over the projects) have to be taken into consideration and the Centre must think on power projects over Rathong Chu especially after the recent earthquake considering Sikkim falls in an active seismic zone.
"During our discussions with the Sikkim government, we told that it has to stop, think and review wether such projects are necessary. Revenue generation will be there but locals won't get much and they consider the projects as a threat to their lives. The government told us that it has formed a high level committee headed by the chief secretary to review these projects", said Ms Angmo.
Following representations from the monk bodies and other organizations of Sikkim, Ms Angmo had earlier written to the then Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh regarding the power projects proposed over Rathong Chu which led to the rejection of the Lethang project. "The Centre has already constituted a committee to review all the clearances given to power projects in the country including Sikkim. The projects in North Sikkim also need to be reviewed very strictly. Earthquake is very unfortunate and also reminds the state government to review the whole project thing", Ms Angmo said.
When asked what could be her next course of action if these projects were granted clearances by the central agencies, Ms Angmo said: "The unfortunate earthquake is on the eyes of everyone. All I say is that I have read reports which state that Sikkim falls in high seismic zone V which I think is a big determent for heavy constructions. This fact everyone knows and if you still go in it will be reflecting your sentiments on your idea of welfare to your people."
"Being a representative of Buddhists in the commission, when I first heard about the earthquake in Sikkim, I immediately wrote to the Prime Minister to grant a special package to Sikkim considering the extnsive damages to the properties and monasteries in Sikkim some of which have great value to Buddhists all over the world", said Ms Angmo. In her letters to the Prime Minister and ministries of environment and power after the Sikkim earthquake, the National Commission for Minorities member has demanded immediate stop on all the power projects proposed over Rathong Chu considering Sikkim being a high seismic zone and the sacredness of the Rathong Chu for the Buddhists.
Ms Angmo will be leaving for North Sikkim tomorrow to assess the earthquake damages and also to overview implementation of the central welfare schemes. The Centre has already declared North Sikkim a minority concentrated district and a sum of Rs. 15 crores has been sanctioned for the welfare of the minority communities.
SIBLAC mourns passing away of Colonel Wangchuk
Resolves to go to any Extent to preserve Buddha Dharma
A meeting of the Denjong Lhade Medhe (Sikkimese Monks and lay people's meeting) of the block delegates of SIBLAC was held in Gangtok, informs a press release issued by the organisation. Also present at the meeting was Prince Jigme Wangchuk Yapshi Phuenkhang as the guest-of-honour and representatives of major Sikkimese Monasteries including Pemayangtse and Enchey.
Representatives of several organisations such as Survival Sikkimese, NASBO, Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa, Affected Citizens of Teesta, KRC, Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim, also attended the meeting.
As per the press statement the meeting condoled the passing away of Colonel Wangchuk, a dedicated and founding member of the organisation. The meeting also stood in silence for two minutes as a mark of respect for the deceased.
It was also unanimously resolved "That late Colonel Wangchuk was a dedicated social worker whose very deliveries as a responsible member of the community have always been bold and principled. On his passing away, the BLs of Sikkim in particular have lost a great and dedicated social leader, while the vacuum created by his passing away shall ever remain irreparable." The gathering further prayed to bestow the bereaved family members with calm, peace and strength to bear with the irreparable loss at this hour of utmost bereavement. The release also states that the the entire BL community mourns the passing away of Colonel Wangchuk.
The gathering then unanimously resolved to welcome the constitution of the reported High Power Committee by the Indian Home Ministry to asses on the religious implications caused by the haphazard Hydro Power Projects over sacred Rathongchu River in West Sikkim. However, the members expressed their apprehension on the very intention of the Indian authority given the fact that despite the lapse of many weeks, the aggrieved organisations and people, i.e. SIBLAC and others had still not been approached by it, thereby raising doubts over the very intention of the Indian authorities.
Finally the meeting resolved to "... move on to any extent, be it national or international to preserve and protect the sacredness of Buddha Dharma in the Mahaguru Padmasambhava's hidden land of Beyul Dremo Dzong."
The Lhade Medhi meeting was chaired by SIBLAC Convenor and coordinated by Spokesperson Tenzing Tsewang.
SIBLAC declare 7 days Mourning in Honour of Ajho Bongthing
A meeting of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) was held today to condole the sudden demise of Venerable Ajho Bongthing Samdup Taso on Sunday as informed by the association in a press release.
Condoling the death, the Convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia said that on his death people must adhere to the late Ajho Bongthing's life long service and on the need to dedicatedly propitiate and worship our eternal Guardian Deity Khangchendzonga for the welfare of Beyul Dremo Dzong. Ajho Bongthing was in fact an institution in himself who would hold the thousand years old family-tradition as an accessible bridge with the Guardian Deity Khangchendzonga.
SIBLAC declared an official mourning of seven days in the honour of the late Venerable Ajho Bongthing Samdup Taso, added the release.
SIBLAC urges HPC an independent interaction with senior monks over Rathongchu HEP
Representatives from several constituent units and members of Sikkim Bhutia-Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) met on Thursday to articulate a response to Union Home Ministry’s decision to appoint a high powered committee for making detailed assessment of ground reality issues raised by SIBLAC and NASBO on Hydro Power Projects (HPP) being developed all across Sikkim with particular reference to three HPPs on Rathongchu river in West Sikkim. The High Power Committee while on its arrival in Sikkim is expected to examine the issues raised by SIBLAC and NASBO to protect the overall religious, cultural diversity of the region.
"To have a judicious and fair assessment of ground reality, we urge the High Powered Committee to have independent interactions with senior monks and other concerned citizens. The committee should take note of the fact that the state government officials would have no role in such interactions", SIBLAC official press release said.
SIBLAC seeks Sakya Trizin's Intervention on the Rathong Chu Hydel Projects
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has called on the Sakya Trizin to "convince the State government to scrap all the three proposed anti-Buddhist Power Projects on the Rathongchu river". This, the organization resolved to do at a meeting held today, informs a SIBLAC release.
Welcoming the Sakya Trizin to Sikkim, the meeting expressed gratitude to the spiritual leader for conducting ‘Jensay’ for the lives lost to the earthquake in Sikkim. Accepting that development was vital and necessary for the all-round development of the people and the nation, the release asserts that "the same development cannot be allowed or afforded at the cost of our religion and lineage and above all, its sanctity".
"In the late 13th century, it was the great Sakya lineage and Sakya Jumo Guru who became the nucleus to the Sikkimese people and its rulers. Today, once again, we look towards His Holiness the Sakya Trichen Rinpoche to uphold and preserve the same Sikkimese lineage and its sanctity", the release adds.
SIBLAC welcomes Appointment of 'High Powered Committee' on the Rathong Chu HEPs
Representatives from several constituent units and members of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) met today to discuss the Union Home Ministry's decision to appoint a 'High Powered Committee' for making detailed assessment of ground reality issues raised by SIBLAC and NASBO on Hydro Power Projects being developed all across Sikkim with particular reference to three HEPs on Rathong Chu River in West Sikkim, informs a SIBLAC release.
As per media reports, the High Powered Committee is expected to examine the issues raised by SIBLAC and NASBO to protect the 'overall religious, cultural diversity of the region'.
The release contends that some researchers have said that stress from water piled behind the Dikchu Dam and series of underground tunnels near seismic fault lines may have triggered the 18th September earthquake.
"Environmentalists believe that these run-of-the-river schemes that divert rivers through mountain tunnels in Sikkim's young Himalayas are damaging the fragile geology in an area that is classified as Seismic Zone IV", the release adds.
The release further expresses gratitude towards the Union Home Minister for appointing a High Powered Committee to examine the issues raised by SIBLAC and NASBO.
"We urge the High Powered Committee to have independent interactions with senior monks and other concerned citizens. The High Powered Committee should take note of the fact that the State government officials would have no role in such interactions," the release adds.
SIBLAC steers fact finding team into recent quake
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) in a meeting held to introspect what went wrong in the "natural environment that led to the recent earthquake", decided to constitute People's Forum on Earthquake (PFOE) under which a 10-member Fact Finding Committee has been formed for damage assessment.
The Fact Finding Committee is headed by Tseten Tashi Bhutia, the Convenor of SIBLAC. The FFC, the Committee said shall visit earthquake affected areas of North Sikkim from Sunday. A Drafting Committee headed by Hemlal Bhandari, and three other eminent lawyers has also been formed for making communication to the Governments, while SP Subba, retired civil servant has been elected as Convenor of PFOE.
As per a press release, the apex committee in the meeting also passed a resolution stating that the team would look into realizing the fact that Sikkim falls under earthquake fault line, to understand the fact that any mega dam in Sikkim, "will be a time bomb that will tick all the way to imminent destructions" and also to notice the confusion whether the Sunday's earthquake was "induced by mega hydro power projects or the natural shaking of earth".
It has also planned for demands like appointment of Independent High Powered Committee by the Union Govt. that should be headed by retired Chief Justice of Supreme Court and also to be comprised of experts in the field of seismology, structured engineering and geological science.
Also in the demand list is suspension of all kind of activities in the proposed or cormmissioned HEPs in the State of Sikkim till the aforesaid High Powered Committee submits its report in affirmative on all the HEPs in Sikkim.
The meeting saw the participation of Prof. Hemlal Bhandari, a High Court Lawyer, Bharat Basnet, president of SAFE, Naveen Kiran, president of ASESUA, Prem Goyal, president, Nagarik Suraksha Sangathan, Dr. Doma T. Bhutia, a human right activist, SP Subba, retired civil servant, Jangpo Sherpa, a Supreme Court Advocate, Dawa Lepcha, general secretary, ACT, Pabitra Bhandari. senior journalist, Sonam Bhutia, Coordinator, NAAS, Gayching Bhutia, advisor, Rongong Youth Club, Kamal Chamling "Kamrange", an eminent writer, Jigme W. Bhutia, advocate, Punya Prasad Koirala, senior journalist and many others.
SIBLAC objects to 'intentional Distortions' of Sikkim History
The fight against dilution of Sikkim's cultural heritage is out in the open. The State Government's failure to correct distortions regarding celebration of Pang Lhabsol has been condemned by the apex body of the minority indigenous Buddhist Bhutia-Lepcha tribals in the State.
If the IPR Secretary KS Tobgay had not intervened the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) would have burnt copies of the Sikkim Studies Series, which allegedly carry a distorted version of Sikkim's history. That this would have taken place on the eve of the annual Pang Lhabsol celebrations would have been a great embarrassment to the Chamling Government. According to SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia, it was Chief Minister Pawan Chamling who released the Sikkim Study Series in the capital on August 28, 2004.
"SIBLAC has frequently been approaching the Government pointing intentional distortions and unacceptable errors in the same, demanding early rectifications, for the benefit of all", Bhutia said in a press statement and added that the failure of the government to correct the distortions despite assurances has angered the minority community in the State.
"However, owing to the prompt and immediate response" of the IPR Secretary, the organization has decided to withdraw its scheduled plan to burn the copies of the existing edition of the Sikkim Studies Series. Apart from wrong dates on celebrations of this unique festival, names of many historical characters are also incorrect. Worse still is the allegation that the Chogyals of Sikkim have been labeled as 'instruments of colonial expansion'.
"The authors have blatantly used phrase like 'instruments of colonial expansions' (Page 110, last Para). What is the intention of mentioning the King of the land as colonial expansionist? Do the Study Series consider Sikkim Chogyals as expansionists? Doesn't it see difference between an expansionist and a ruler? The Chogyals and their ancestors were rulers of the land for over 700 years. The authors, it seems have not understood Sikkimese history and its implication. It is very misleading that the glorious rule of Namgyal Dynasty is concocted with derogatory remarks", said SIBLAC.
SIBLAC has also highlighted the manner in which a religious affair such as Pang Lhabsol sacred to Sikkim's history and religion has been turned into a bazaar tamasha. Despite objections and pleas by concerned Sikkimese, the Chamling government has turned a deaf ear to the demand that celebrations of this unique event be restored to its original glory.
Today, the celebration of Pang Lhabsol has become a political and business affair with singing, dancing and speeches at the bazaar. The worship of the presiding deities of Sikkim on Pang Phabsol is a solemn and sacred occasion. Farcical focus on 'unity and communal harmony' by those who resort to 'divide and rule' to stay in power may be done on another day but not on Pang Lhabsol.
SIBLAC has rightly pointed out: "The main function of Pang Lhabsol has never been organised at the venue of the Statues of Unity (at MG Marg) as wrongfully mentioned" in the book. "In fact, on the final day of the week-long observation, Pangtoed Chham is performed at the Royal Tsuglhakhang as a musical offering to the presiding deities of Sikkim," Bhutia said.
"If Chamling wishes to continue staying in power he ought to remember the dictum 'whom the gods wish to destroy they first make mad'. Chamling ought to know what former chief minister NB Bhandari told me from his hospital bed here last month: Though they are quite slow in their reaction, there is devi-dewta in Sikkim."
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - September 9, 2011
SIBLAC condemns Attack upon Dr. Tamang
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) organized a meeting of its body here on Wednesday. In an official press release issued by the organization, it has been informed that the said meeting presided by its convener, Tseten Tashi Bhutia has took serious note of the recent physical attack on Dr. Subash Tamang at Dentam Primary Health Centre. "The meeting has decided to support the stand taken by the All Sikkim Government Employees Union, which had already condemned the brutal act", as informed.
"The organization further calls upon the Sikkimese people to pray for peace and prosperity of Sikkim to all the guardian deities of Sikkim at this moment when all the Sikkimese Monasteries are offering and propitiating the annual prayer, Pang Lhabsol across Sikkim in honor and veneration of the Guardian deities led by Khangchendzonga", the official SIBLAC release reads.
SIBLAC cautions ruling Party against 'Conspiracies' of its Spokesperson
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee has taken strong exception to Sikkim Democratic Front's party spokesperson, Bhim Dahal's remarks accusing SIBLAC Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, as being casteist and communal. In a press release issued as a rejoinder to Mr. Dahal's comments made at a press conference recently, SIBLAC has argued that Mr. Dahal's "unfortunate" remarks "tantamount to or invite mistrust and feud beneath the leadership. The ruling political leadership must be careful and cautious of the hidden agendas and conspiracies of Bhim Dahal, which we don't know", a SIBLAC press release states.
The release argues that "would the political future of the indigenous BLs not have been at stake following several anti BL resolutions and agendas in the Sikkim Assembly or the Government, there would no Tseten Tashi Bhutia have been born in Sikkim".
"It is very unfortunate that Bhim Dahal could not see the variation between a political party like SDF or the Congress and a social organisation like SIBLAC and more so of the issues", the release adds.
The response was resolved at a general meeting of the organisation held on Saturday to discuss Mr. Dahal's comments as published in newspapers on the day, it is learnt.
Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa allies with SIBLAC for Protection of Rathong Chu
A meeting of Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa was held at Gangtok which was attended by all its executive members. The members expressed complete solidarity with the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Convenor Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia with regard to his slamming the Government of India for the uncaring attitude towards the Buddhists of Sikkim.
During the meeting, the members condemned the Government of India's haphazard decision of granting clearance to the anti-Buddhist and anti-Sikkimese Hydro Power Projects at the sacred Rathong Chu in the West district, informs a press release. The Sikkimese Buddhist people and the followers of the Mahaguru Padmasambhava would not allow the ill designs of the Indian Government that tends to pollute and defile Sikkimese Buddhist tradition, lineage and, above all, its sanctity.
The sacred Rathong River, the very source of the annual Tashiding Bumchu ceremony and the other immediate locations in and around the Tashiding-Yuksam region are explicitly declared as the holiest of all in the sacred scriptures including Rigzin Sogdrub, Denjong Neyig, Neysol offering etc, the release adds.
It is at such backdrop, the Sikkimese Buddhists would go to any extent for preserving and protecting the commands of the Mahaguru Padmasambhava and Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo in upholding the Dharma.
"We request all the people of Sikkim, irrespective of their religious affiliations to come forward and strive to preserve our Sikkimese ethos and Dharma which is under grave threat and attack from none other than the irresponsible and insensible Indian Government who could not even stand to its own commitments made to the Sikkimese people in 1975 when Sikkim was annexed. If this is the democratic mechanism which it claims highly as the world's largest democracy, then we today are compelled to say: We are sorry to see and witness for about 35 years, such a state and standard of Indian democracy. We condemn and dismiss such ruthless act of the Indian Government in discarding our Dharma while we cannot afford to continue under such 'democracy' where our very Dharma is bound to perish some day. We totally stand by and support Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia on the stand taken, which, in fact, represents the genuine and popular sentiments of the Sikkimese Buddhists on the matter."
The release calls upon all the political parties in Sikkim to take up immediate scrapping of all the Hydro Power Projects and other harmful activities over the sacred Rathong Chu.
SIBLAC takes hydel protest to Governor
A delegation of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) led by its convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, submitted, what the organisation introduces as an "SOS Memorandum" to the Governor's office with regard to the proposed 96 MW Ting Ting hydel project to come up on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim, informs a press release. SIBLAC has also written to the new Minister of State, Ministry of Environment & Forests, with the same demand it may be recalled.
The memorandum expresses objections on the recent environmental clearance given to the Ting Ting project by the MoEF and demands closure of all other proposed HEPs over the Rathong Chu.
SIBLAC has called for the 'urgent intervention' of the Governor on the matter, urging the use of his 'special discretionary power under Article 371 F(g) of the Indian Constitution in upholding the sanctity of our Buddhist Dharma in Sikkim'.
Probe Cry on green Nod
by Bijoy Gurung
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) today wrote to Union environment and forest minister Jayanthi Natarajan, objecting to the clearance granted to a 99MW hydel power project on the Rathung Chu, a river considered holy by the Sikkimese.
The committee contends that the clearance was given despite the ministry of environment and forests stating earlier that it had not received any proposal on the project.
Three power projects - Lethang (96MW), Ting Ting (99MW) and Tashiding (97MW) - had been planned over the Rathung Chu, a tributary of the Rangeet river. The Lethang project had been rejected by the standing committee for the National Board for Wildlife in October last year following objections from SIBLAC, which had pointed out that the proposed project would hurt the "religious sentiments" of Bhutias and Lepchas.
According to documents collected by SIBLAC, the ministry of environment and forests on July 4 communicated its environmental clearance to a private company that is developing the 99MW Ting Ting project, 140km from Gangtok.
This clearance, SIBLAC convener Tseten Tashi Bhutia said, was given within two-and-a-half months of then environment minister Jairam Ramesh saying his department was not aware of the Ting Ting project nor the other one proposed over the Rathang Chu.
On March 16, Ramesh had written to the National Commission for Minorities member from the Northeast, Spalzes Angmo, saying of the three power projects initially proposed over the Rathung Chu, the 96MW Lethang project had been rejected by the standing committee of National Board for Wildlife. As far as the other two projects are concerned, the proposals had not been received by the ministry, Ramesh had said. Angmo had taken up the matter with the Centre on behalf of SIBLAC.
"Ramesh had stated categorically that his ministry was not aware of the Ting Ting and Tashiding projects. How come this controversial project got environmental clearance? We request an impartial probe," said Tseten Tashi in his letter to Union environment and forest minister Jayanti Natarajan.
"We believe there is some communication gap within the ministry but we cannot allow our religious sentiments and history to be wronged by it. While giving the environmental clearance to the Ting Ting project, the ministry stated that there is no national park, sanctuary, biosphere reserve or historical monuments in the vicinity of the project area. But the proposed dam of all the three projects is located within 10km of the Kanchenjungha National Park," said Tashi.
The SIBLAC convener has substantiated this claim before Natarajan with an RTI reply. The dam of the proposed 99MW Ting Ting and Tashiding power projects falls within 10km of the boundary of Kanchenjungha National Park, the state forest department had submitted in response to the RTI query.
MoEF unaware of hydel projects proposed on Rathong Chu, SIBLAC contends
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) today released copies of a letter from the Ministry of Environment & Forests informing that while the Lethang hydel project has been rejected by the Standing Committee of the NBWL of the MoEF, this Ministry, without whose go ahead no hydel projects can be undertaken, is not even aware of the 99MW Ting Ting and 97 MW Tashiding HEP coming up on Rathong Chu. This, despite the fact that public hearings have been held for these projects.
The SIBLAC general secretary, Pem Tshering Lepcha, in a press release issued today, informs that the organisation, in a meeting held today under the chairmanship of its convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia, decided to make public the letter received by him from Spalzes Angmo, Member NC for Minorities.
"As mentioned in Minister's letter, Ministry of Environment & Forest is not aware of above two projects till date is a shock news for all of us. In fact SIBLAC has already replied and is in touch with the Ministr"y, the release states while reiterating that SIBLAC was opposed to the project on this holy river and alleges that "works are still going on at the site of holy Rathong Chu river and its vicinity".
SIBLAC has appealed to all concerned, including the project developers and SPDC, to stop all project related works immediately.
SIBLAC demanded State Government to stop Works of Rathong Chu Power Project
The Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India has not received any proposal of 99 MW Ting Ting Hydro Power Project and 97 MW Tashiding Hydro power Project of Sikkim, projected on river Rathong Chu, till March 16, Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister for Environment and Forests has replied to the letter forwarded by Spalzes Angmo, Member National Commission for Minorities mentioning that his Ministry is not aware of any proposal for seeking Environment Clearance of two hydro power projects admitting that the ministry had received only one proposal of 96 MW Lethang Hydro Project, which was admitted for hearing and later rejected by the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia had filed a petition before the Minorities Commission, which was forwarded to the Ministry of Environment for clarification of status of the proposed hydro projects. Meanwhile, SIBLAC along with its other sister social organisations and Monks of Sikkim (MOS) are against the Hydro Electric Projects proposed on the sacred and holy river Rathong Chu in West Sikkim. The only water of river Rathong Chu is used for holy religious ceremony Bumchu in Tashiding Monastery, West Sikkim.
Jairam Ramesh in his letter further said that the ancient and traditional values and the sentiments of local people have to be protected adding that keeping the above aspects in view, apart from likely impact of the project on wildlife and their habitats. Although 96 MW Lethang Hydro Project proposed on holy Rathong Chu River was rejected by Standing Committee of NBWL, Ministry of Environment & Forests, it is reported that works are still going on at the site of holy Rathong Chu River and its vicinity.
SIBLAC appealed to all the state government including Project Developers and SPDC to stop the works if in progress immediately along the holy river Rathong Chu and its vicinity, the abode of Guru Rinpoche, in the interest of all the sentient beings, Tseten Tashi Bhutia said.
SIBLAC greets Sikkim on Saga Dawa
Sharing the belief that effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times on Saga Dawa, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), has called on everyone to "consider Saga Dawa and this celebration as ways to enhance your awareness and practice".
In a press communiqué issued today, SIBLAC convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, while explaining the significance of Saga Dawa to the Buddhists, has also conveyed this hope: "May all sentient beings have happiness and the causes of happiness; may all sentient beings be set free from suffering and the causes of suffering; may all sentient beings never be separate from the genuine happiness that is free from suffering; may all sentient beings abide in equanimity that is free from passion, aggression, and prejudice."
"Saga is million, Dawa is moon. Thus, Saga Dawa is the million multiplier month. Each day, our activities (good or bad) are multiplied one million times. Thus, this is a good month for practice! Multipliers help give us focus in our practice. Intention is very important in Buddhist practice. We take vows towards our intention", the release explains.
SIBLAC mourns the demise of Khyentse Sangyum
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee has deeply mourned the passing away of the most Venerable Khyentse Sangyum Khandro Tsering Chodron on May 30, 2011 at Lerab Ling in France, informs a press release issued by the association. The passing away of the Khyentse Sangyum, the greatest female adept practitioner of the contemporary Buddhist history, spent most of her precious life in Sikkim where her spiritual husband and master Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Chokyi Lodroe lived and attained Parinirvana. He was accordingly cremated at the sacred Thakar Tashiding as per his own wishes.
She adopted a vow to ever remain alongside the Kudung (remains) of the late Jamyang Khyentse Wangpo Chokyi Lodrue that rested in Royal Tsuglhakhang in Gangtok till few years ago. Her humility and compassion, and tender wisdom of her presence are honored by all, even though she herself has tried as far as possible to remain in the background, in the hidden and austere life of an ancient contemplative. The late Khyentse Sangyum would always be esteemed by her Sikkimese devotees and remain as symbolic as the Lo-dho Nampa Ji (reversal of mind) for all the sentient beings to turn to practice dharma precepts as already enlightened by Mahaguru Padmasambhava and Gyalwa Lhatsun Chenpo Namkha Jigme.
SIBLAC tries to put the NCST's record straight
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) today organised a press meet here in the capital where the convenor SIBLAC Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia strongly condemned the statement of the chairman, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Dr. Rameshwar Oraon on 19th April during his visit to Sikkim.
Mr. Bhutia stated that SIBLAC welcomes any dignitaries or Ministers from Union Government or the states across the nation to the state of Sikkim but hopes that the visits would ensure the socio-economic political rights of the Sikkimese people as enshrined in the Indian constitution vide article 371 F, an over-riding and non obstante provision against all other constitutional provisions. Adding more Mr. Bhutia said that Sikkim is a special status state within the union which is explicitly governed by Article 371F.
Furthermore Mr. Bhutia said that SIBLAC request Dr. Oraon to ponder upon certain solemn instruments necessarily including the historic May 8 Tripartite Agreement of 1973 and Article 371F of the Indian Constitution when dealing with the political rights of the Bhutia- Lepcha and Nepalese of the Sikkimese origin and added that unlike any other normal citizens of India, Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepalese of the Sikkimese origin have been granted special rights and privileges by the Constitution of India which cannot be equated with others.
In regards to the sensitive seats reservation issue in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly from 32 to 40 Mr. Bhutia said that before coming to any conclusion on the sensitive seats reservation issue on the constitutional provisions of the Bhutia Lepcha (BL) Dr. Rameshwar Oraon as the chairman of the National Commission for ST is requested to deliberate accordingly vis-à-vis the recommendations of his own predecessors Ms. Urmila Singh to the Government of India on this particular matter vide her D.O. No. Sikkim -2/ Inclusion/ Service/ 2006/ RU-II dated 03-09-2008 including numerous other submissions with the commission, UPA chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Home Ministry and many more.
Adding more Mr. Bhutia stated that the constitutional rights provided to the BLs at its existing ratio in the Sikkim assembly are not by the virtue of being scheduled tribes but as Bhutia Lepcha (BL) as provided under the Indian Constitution as also validated by the Supreme Court of India.
"It is very pertinent to mention here that dealing with such sensitive issues with regards to Sikkim must be taken with utmost care given Sikkim's sensitive and strategic location amid international borders wherein uncertainties still prevail over China's fluctuating policy on Sikkim, India's national security concerns followed by continued disturbances in the surrounding regions", Mr. Bhutia added.
Mr. Bhutia further requested the Chairman Dr. Oraon to involve SIBLAC in any dialogue or process that may be taken on this most sensitive issue since the Sikkimese Bhutia Lepcha has always maintained its faith and conviction on the Indian Constitution and Article 371F.
Adding more Mr. Bhutia mentioned that if there takes any increase in the assembly seats then SIBLAC's demand of proportionate ratio in the increased seats has to be considered.
SIBLAC extends its congratulation to Mr. TT Dorjee and Mr. ND Chingapa for their appointments
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has extended its heartiest felicitations and congratulations to Mr. TT Dorje for being appointed as the new Economic Advisor to the Government of Sikkim, informs a press release. Furthermore the release also mentions that it is good to extract maximum possible from a time-tested burocrat like Mr. Dorjee.
Furthermore the organization also wishes Mr. ND Chingapa, who is now reinstated as the new Chief Secretary, would perform his duty more sensibly and diligently this time, in accordance to Sikkim's own tradition, culture and history as also enshrined in the Indian Constitution and has also wished him all the success.
SIBLAC and allied Organisations petition Governor demanding proportionate Increase in BL Seats if Assembly Strength expanded
A six member delegation of different organisations led by the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia called on the Governor and discussed various aspects pertaining to the socio-political rights of the Sikkimese people on Saturday at Raj Bhawan, informs a SIBLAC press release.
SIBLAC's spokesperson Tenzing Tsewang briefed the Governor on the issues being raised by SIBLAC and the delegation submitted a memorandum to the Governor on behalf of SIBLAC, National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation - Article 371F (NASBO 371F), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa (DCT) and Monks of Sikkim (MOS), the release adds.
The memorandum asks for a proportionate increase in the number of Bhutia-Lepcha (BL) seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly in the event that the strength of Sikkim Legislative is increased to any extent.
"The entire Bhutia Lepchas of Sikkim, at the outset, reject the Government of Sikkim's resolution adopted in the recently concluded Sikkim Legislative Assembly Session, April 23 - April 29, that intends to reduce the present ratio of the BL's reserved seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly which would jeopardise and harm the political rights and safeguards provided to them by the Constitution of India," the memorandum states.
The memorandum further expresses disappointment at the resolution and requests the Government of India to involve the petitioning organisations in "any matter that pertains to this particular subject which is of immense paramountancy to our political survival".
SIBLAC supports Lepcha Community's Stand to boycott Assembly Elections
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has welcomed the Darjeeling based Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association's (ILTA) decision to boycott the upcoming Assembly Elections. SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia said, "The indigenous people of Darjeeling District including the Lepchas have been deprived of basic facilities such as education for decades. The West Bengal Government must make provisions to promote the Lepcha language and make it available as a course of study in the schools. This is the only way in which the language could be promoted and protected."
SIBLAC and NASBO remember Chogyal's Birth and Coronation Anniversary
SIBLAC (Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee) and National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO 371 F), have, in separate press communiqués, extended "heartfelt congratulations and compliments" to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of the official birthday and coronation anniversary of the Late Chogyal, Palden Thondub Namgyal, which fell on 4th April.
"His Majesty Miwang Palden Thondub Namgyal shall always be held in the highest of esteem by the Sikkimese people for the principles he endeavored single-handed in his keen quest to ensure the pride and rights of the Sikkimese people. In fact, the Sikkim Assembly rightly records in its obituary to His Majesty on his death that the posterity and his descendants would always held their head high for the entire outstanding and uncompromising stand he took against the overwhelming odds during his whole lifetime," a SIBLAC press release states.
The NASBO president, Sonam Kaelon, in turn conveys, "It becomes our grateful duty to remember and respect to all the uncomparable contributions that the late Chogyal rendered to us, throughout his lifetime. In fact, the Sikkimese people owe their current advancement and development to this outstanding and remarkable democratic Monarch, the world had ever seen."
The SIBLAC press release, issued by its Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, highlights that it is "our added responsibility to try practicing the principles already exemplified by him."
"Simultaneously, it also becomes the common responsibility of the politicians and the Indian Government to achieve and materials all the commitments it made to the Sikkimese people, of which the Late His Majesty was the tallest witness and most significantly of the historic May 8 Tripartite Agreement ensuring common destiny for the Sikkimese people", it stresses.
The release adds that SIBLAC, in collaboration with other organizations, had planned for "an impressive ceremonial Birthday celebration" at the Chogyal's statue near Tibetology, but called it off in light of the Sikkim bandh on the day.
SIBLAC won't let reduce BL Seats in the SLA
There were rumours that the Sikkim Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution that tacitly effects reduction in the ratio of the BL reserved seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Apprehension started prevailing upon the members of this community who started pouring towards Gangtok from across Sikkim since early on Wednesday.
They held a small unscheduled meeting on March 30, 2011. The meeting was presided over by the SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia. Individuals expressed their anger and disappointment over the nature of the resolution. At the end of the meeting, they unanimously discussed, deliberated and resolved as below:
That it is very unfortunate and disappointing that the Sikkim Legislative Assembly adopted a resolution in the House on March 29, 2011 that effects reduction in the present ratio of the BL reserved seats in the Sikkim Assembly. Such developments, if allowed to happen would not only violate the terms of Sikkim's merger with India but also betrays the Sikkimese people of the commitments of late Indira Gandhi. The Sikkimese Bhutia Lepchas would never let this happen. They shall fight tooth and nail against all the overwhelming odds and designs of the authorities. If need be, the Bhutia Lepchas are ready to come down to streets.
Most surprising is the curiosity of both the Governor and the State Government to diminish the political identity of the Sikkimese Bhutia Lepchas from their own land of origin by proposing to reduce the BL seats in the Sikkim Assembly.
In such a backdrop, the Sikkimese Bhutia Lepcha people have rejected this resolution calling it Black and Draconian Resolution. They warned the Indian Government that if such anti merger activities are allowed, the repercussion would be unimaginable and irreparable. Such development would not be in the interest of the nation as a whole. This is a pure case of gradual and systematic political genocide of the Sikkimese Bhutia Lepchas and they have further reiterated that they shall not tolerate this at any cost.