Chronicle 2012
MoEF Order to stop Tashiding HEP
As revealed recently only, the Wildlife Division of the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) decidedly objected to the Tashiding Hydro Electric Project over the sacred Rathong Chu in West Sikkim, several months ago, in response to a representation received from the Convenor of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC).
In a Directive to the authorities of the state of Sikkim issued on May 28, 2012, the Deputy Inspector General of Forests calls for an immediate stop of construction work at Tashiding if already underway, as the project does not have the necessary recommendations of the Standing Committee, National Board for Wildlife.
In gross violation of the MoEF's instructions to handle the matter "most urgently", the Gangtok administration does not bother to call off the activities at the project site even after a half year has passed.
–> Documentation: Order MoEF - May 28, 2012
SIBLAC charter member Tenzing Bhutia killed in car accident
Tenzing Bhutia, editor-publisher of a newly launched English weekly, was killed in a car accident at the Ranipool-Rumtek highway. The deceased was driving back to Gangtok from his house in Rumtek when the incident took place.
Last Thursday, Tenzing had launched his weekly ‘pro-Sikkim’ with the second edition scheduled to hit the stands this Sunday. Having taken voluntary retirement from State Bank of India, Tenzing was resuming his previous journalistic career abandoned with the discontinuation of 'The Sikkimese'. 'pro-Sikkim' would be primarily advocating the concerns what direction Sikkim is heading towards and whether it is able to protect its distinct identity, Tenzing had said while launching the weekly.
Earlier this year, Tenzing had filed a writ petition in the High Court challenging the legality of Tashiding hydro electric project over Rathong Chu on environmental and religious considerations. The petition was deferred at the latest HC hearing a week ago.
"It is a great loss. Tenzing was a founder member of SIBLAC and was very vocal and active. His next edition of 'pro-Sikkim' was supposed to come out tomorrow. We mourn his death and pray to God for giving strength to his family members to bear with his death", said SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia.
The SIBLAC Convenor and other members had reached the Central Referral Hospital after hearing the news of Tenzing’s death. Tenzing is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
NASBO-SIBLAC delegation attends Le'u Dunma prayers at Tashiding
A joint delegation of National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) and its monk body and the Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa (DCT) attended the Le'u Dunma Moenlam Chenmo being organized for the first time in the world at Tashiding in West Sikkim.
A NASBO release informs that the delegation was led by the SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia accompanied by the NASBO 371F president Sonam Lama (Kaleon). On arrival at Drakar Tashiding, the delegation was received by the monk community and offered prayers at the main shrine of the Monastery.
Later, during interactions with monks who have gathered here from several monasteries of Sikkim, Mr Bhutia expressed gratitude to the Tashiding Monastery, the monk body and the organizers for organizing this significant prayer for the first time and hoped that the recitation of this sacred Guru Prayers would bring peace and prosperity to all the sentient beings, the release mentions.
He said that the prayers would also certainly be beneficial in preserving the tradition, teachings, hidden treasures and sacred sites of Sikkim, "particularly at this phase when some of the most sacred dharma heritage such as Rathongchu and Tashi Bumchu are under threat given the anti-Buddhist 97 MW Tashiding Hydro-Power Project", the release states.
Mr. Bhutia called upon all the monks to pray for it while the monks present also expressed their strong resentment against the Tashiding Hydro-Power Project.
–> Photo Gallery: Delegation's visit at Tashiding Le'u Dunma, November 29, 2012
SIBLAC reiterates Worry over hydel Projects in Sikkim
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Convenor, Tseten Tashi Bhutia, today said that it was high time that the people of Sikkim got serious about the possible impact of hydel projects and come forward to save Sikkim.
Addressing a press conference today, he referred to an Article published in a recent edition of India Today which reports that Sikkim has the highest dam density in the world.
He linked this update to a Report published in Times of India's 24 September 2011 headlined, "Sikkim earthquake - Chinese threat making Sikkim suffer". This article reported: "The Union Defence Ministry was able to successfully reason that Sikkim should be left underdeveloped for 'strategic' purposes. The fear was if China were to carry out a lightning strike across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in North Sikkim, it would be able to take the entire state by using infrastructure built by the Union of the State government."
Mr. Bhutia went on to urge the Sikkimese population to think and analyze for themselves if such high dam density in the state, which is also vulnerable to earthquakes, is good for Sikkim. He further stated that even after the Union Defence Ministry made such statements, the State government has not challenged the comment.
"It is high time that the people of Sikkim become aware and speak up to protect the state rather than go after material gains", said Mr. Bhutia.
He also informed that the hearing of the 97 MW Tashiding hydel project case in the High Court was again adjourned yesterday as the Ministry of Environment and Wildlife failed to submit its response.
Mr. Bhutia added that a prayer for universal peace and for the protection of sacred lakes, rivers and holy caves was underway at Tashiding Monastery.
–> Documentation: India Today, November 21, 2012
–> Documentation: Economic Times, November 24, 2011
Tashiding: Renowned Experts voice Concern
It looks like the Government of Sikkim is turning a blind eye to a fact obvious for everybody else: An administration scrapping a hydro power project to "not hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikkimese" just to re-introduce it through the back-door under a different name ("Tashiding" instead of "Rathong Chu"), lacks a consistent policy as well as credibility. However numerous the organizations and individuals that urged the government - on political, judicial or personal level - to scrap the project on Rathong Chu, the cabinet still is trying to sit the matter out.
On October 27, 2012, Rajendra Singh, Chairman of the reputable Tarun Bharat Sangh (Rajasthan), undertakes another attempt. In a Letter to Chief Minister Chamling, he unmistakingly demands the project to be stopped immediately.
Singh's requests are backed by Samir Mehta of International Rivers on October 29, 2012. Again, Mehta's message does not leave the Chief Minister in the dark as to the order of the day:
"Respected Sir,
In 1997 you scrapped a 30 MW hydropower project on Rathong Chu river saying that there is Buddhist heritage associated with it and you did not wish to hurt the sentiments of Sikkimese people. Given this, we are surprised that you did not scrap Tashiding hydro electric power project with the other projects that were recently scrapped. We request you to kindly scrap the Tashiding hydro electric power project and act in consonance with your past actions.
Thanking you. Yours faithfully,
Samir Mehta, South Asia Program Director, International Rivers"
–> Documentation: Letter to Shri Pawan Chamling - October 27, 2012
SIBLAC: Gestures won't do!
"SIBLAC heartily thanks the SDF government for declaring State holiday on the funeral day of late Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche. At the same time, we feel that such respectful gesture will hold importance only when the State government also scraps the 97 MW Tashiding power project coming over the holy river of Rathing Chu in West district", SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia said in a press conference.
The SIBLAC Convenor distributed copies of a feature written by the late Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche in 1995 explaining how Rathong Chu is connected with the ancient Bum Chu ceremony of Tashiding and its religious importance for Sikkim. Copies of a similar write-up by Dodrup Chen Rinpoche on the sacredness of Yuksom valley and Rathong Chu were also presented to the media by Tseten Tashi.
At that time, a hydro power project was coming over Rathong Chu which was later scrapped by the State government considering the religious and historical sentiments associated with the sacred river.
The two papers explicitly describe the religious importance of Rathong Chu and the State government must respect the religious sentiments by scrapping the Tashiding power project like it had done in 1997, said the SIBLAC Convenor. He further thanked the State government for cancelling the other two Rathong Chu projects, Lethang and Ting Ting.
–> Documentation: Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche - Tashiding Bumchu
–> Documentation: Dodrup Chen Rinpoche - Bayul Demojong
Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche passes away
Lachen Gomchen Rinpoche passed away on 18th September at AIIMS, New Delhi. His body will be brought to Gangtok on Wednesday, it is informed. The date and details the funeral have not been finalised as yet.
In a Press Release, SIBLAC General Secretary Pem Tshering Bhutia informs that, upon learning the sad news, Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia and Spokesperson Tenzing Bhutia rushed to Delhi in order to offer Khadas to the Kudung of the Rinpoche. The release states, that the Rinpoche's "wisdom mind and realization do not die because they continue at the level of absolute reality. Eventually and most hopefully, there will be an emanation that will appear once again."
SIBLAC has declared a week-long mourning period in honor of the late Kyabje Lachen Gomchen and requests the Sikkim Government to accord full State Honor to the Kudung of the deceased reflecting the special position of the Lachen Gomchen in Sikkimese tradition.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - September 19, 2012
SIBLAC opposes Business hurting religious Sentiments
Govenments of Bhutan and Nepal have filed complaints with their American counterpart, condemning the misuse of the Buddha's image as a decoration for shoes by Icon Shoe, a California based company. The Government of the erstwhile Buddhist Kingdom of Sikkim, however, keeps offside and, so far, has not bothered to defend the religious sentiments of its Buddhist minority.
Hence, once more, SIBLAC takes the lead with a Press Statement denouncing the inactivity of the authorities of the United States as well as those of Sikkim in connection with this serious case offending religious sensibilities of the Buddhist community worldwide.
With unmistakable words, SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia draws a comparison between the destruction of the Buddhist monuments in Bamyan by Afghan Taliban and the appliqué of Buddha Shakyamuni's image on a shoe by the American shoe company and attests a Taliban-like attitude to all those tolerating such defilements.
The organization, further, states that SIBLAC will never keep silent facing strikes against the feelings of the original Sikkimese, wether this be the misuse of a Thangka clipping on a shoe or the flooding of the cultural heritage of Sikkim by power companies and demands "that Sikkim should also register its protest before the American Government through proper channel".
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Statement - September 11, 2012
SIBLAC protests Government Manipulation of historical Facts
Time and again throughout history, it has been the aspiration of those in power to re-write history according to their taste, not least in order to justify their supremacy and to undermine the esteem for the merits of their forerunners.
SIBLAC has repeatedly been objecting to such occurrences to no avail which, however, does not mean the Bhutia Lepcha apex body would fall silent. In a Press Statement, Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia complains about grave distortions of Sikkim's history, misspelling of names, alteration of dates and misleading interpretation of traditional rituals in a governmental publication of 2004 still unrectified. Such errors - a disgrace for a publication termed 'study' - touch the core of identity and self-conception of the original Sikkimese.
The statement, further, raises the question wether alterations of this severity could ever be published unintentionally and makes clear, that "SIBLAC is not prepared to see such important issues swept under the carpet".
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Statement - August 29, 2012
Another Case of Centre's Doublespeak
The appointment of Sri K. P. Nyati and Prof N. P. Todaria in the Forest Advisory Committee has become a subject of national controversy.
The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest itself has violated environmental norms while according its clearance to many hydro power projects in Sikkim in the past. For instance, the 97 MW Tashiding Hydro Power Project in West Sikkim and 300 MW Panan Hydro Power Project in North Sikkim received the clearance from MoEF without having referred the matter to National Board of Wild Life violating the Supreme Court Order. Both these HPPs fall within the 10 kms radius from the boundary of Khangchendzonga National Park. As such, the MoEF should have scrapped these Projects on the ground that they have violated environmental laws. But the MoEF granted clearance simply to promote the business interest of private companies involved in these projects.
SIBLAC seriously apprehends that appointment of Sri K. P. Nyati and Prof N. P. Todaria in the Forest Advisory Committee has been made purely to promote the business interest of multi-national companies engaged in hydro-power and mining industry. With this considered opinion, SIBLAC decided to endorse the views and back the Memorandum of South Asian Network on Dams, River and People (SANDRP) together with more than 80 other NGOs from all across India to cancel the appointment of Sri K. P. Nyati and Prof N. P. Todaria in the Forest Advisory Committee.
SIBLAC terms announced reservations for Lepchas welcome but insufficient
Commenting the Chief Minister's recent announcement of reservations for Lepchas at higher educational levels, SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia states that this is a step appreciated despite falling short of what "this most vulnerable autochthonous tribe" requires and deserves.
A SIBLAC Press Statement cites a proclamation of the Chogyal from 1956 to demonstrate the level of protection the Lepcha tribe was granted in pre-1975 Sikkim. The organization reiterates that reservations would have to follow in the field of employment, as repeatedly demanded since the enactment of SIBLACs Manifesto back in 2003.
Furthermore, the Press Statement demands that Dzongu, the heartland of the Lepcha culture, "should be declared as a 'National Heritage Site' and all the hydro power projects conceived in this area should be scrapped for preserving its ancient heritage."
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Statement - August 21, 2012
SIBLAC calling for precautionary Measures and Calmness
Referring to the present panic among Northeasterners in Southern India, the SIBLAC Youth Wing, in a Press Release, calls on concerned fellow Sikkimese to handle the situation with "all precautionary measures as well as peace and calm".
SIBLAC Youth Convenor, Norbu Pintso Bhutia, also reminds the authorities of the State and the Center of their imperative duty to safeguard the Sikkimese people "as committed during Sikkim's annexation in 1975".
Panic rose after a bulk dispatch of text-messages threatening Northeasterners with retaliation for bloody turmoils in Assam. Indigenous Bodo tribesmen had taken stern and violent action against intrusion from neighbouring Bangladesh, on July 20, resulting in at least 40 fatalities and the displacement of 200,000 alleged illegal immigrants. Hundreds of homes were burned to the ground.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - August 19, 2012
State Govt given 4 weeks for counter affidavit on petition challenging Tashiding HEP
The petition filed by Sonam Lama and Chewang Tenzing challenging the Tashiding Hydro Electric Power Project on the Rathong Chu came up for hearing in the High Court of Sikkim. While the State government sought six weeks time to file its counter affidavit, the division bench of the High Court, in its Order, allowed it four weeks instead and directed that any rejoinder thereof by the petitioners be filed in another three weeks.
Advocate for the petitioners, Sunil J. Mathews, also prayed for an ad-interim stay on construction and implementation of the Tashiding HEP during the State Govt given 4 weeks to file counter affidavit on petition challenging Tashiding HEP pendency of the writ petition.
The Division Bench headed by Chief Justice Permod Kohli turned down the request. The court observed that an ad-interim order cannot be passed at this stage and pointed out that the construction of the Tashiding Hydro Electricity Project will be subject to the outcome of the writ petitions.
The Tashiding Hydro Electricity Project is being developed by Shiga Energy Private Limited, which filed its counter affidavit through its Senior Counsel, A. Moulick today.
Also today, the court allowed Power Trading Corporation of India’s plea to be removed from the list of respondents.
–> Documentation: Order of the Sikkim High Court - July 24, 2012
Khangchendzonga Kalam Award for Kazi was long overdue, says SIBLAC
Congratulating Jigme N Kazi for being conferred upon with this year's Khangchendzonga Kalam Award by the Press Club of Sikkim, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee has today said that the honour was overdue since long back.
The apex committee has also thanked PCS for "rightly nominating Kazi, the senior-most journalist-author of Sikkim, whose example of the spirit and quality of fighting with wisdom is simply awesome".
Kazi was the eighth recipient of the award, given every year by the PCS during its foundation day celebrations.
Khyen Rinpoche Dechen Dorje cremated at Tashiding
The mortal remains of the late Dorje Lopen of Phensang Monastery, Khyen Rinpoche Dechen Dorje was consigned to flames purified by the chanting of prayers and mantras by Rinpoches, Tulkus, Khyenpos and Udor-Choe-Sum of Sikkim at Drakar Tashiding on 18 July, a SIBLAC Press Release informs.
The SIBLAC general secretary, Pem Tshering Lepcha, informs that when the Kudung arrived at Tashiding, it was accorded "Supreme Sikkimese Buddhist honor and protocol as elaborated an reserved for very high and accomplished Buddhist Lamas by the Sikkimese Parliament of Tingrigang declaration of Rabdentse palace (17th century) under the guidance of the 3rd Denjong Chogyal Chagdor Namgyal".
"However, it is very unfortunate that this historic moment escaped the notice of our press and media as well as the local district administration to represent or at least attend the same", the release further comments.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Information - July 19, 2012
–> Photo Gallery: Funeral of Khenchen Rinpoche at Tashiding, July 18, 2012
Thugdam of His Eminence the Dorje Lopen Khenchen Rinpoche
A condolence meeting of this organization was held today at Gangtok chaired by Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia, early morning at the aftermath of the passing-away of His Eminence the Dorje Lopen Khenchen Rinpoche Dechen Dorje of Premier Phensang Monastery. His Eminence passed away to 'Thuen' (Secret Meditation) on July 9, 2012 at Gangtok. The meeting resolved and passed a Resolution in honor of the late Rinpoche.
The meeting also declared a two week long official mourning.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Obituary Dorje Lopen Khenchen Rinpoche - July 11, 2012
Prof. Burman's death an irreparable loss: SIBLAC
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) held a condolence meeting today to mourn the passing away of Prof. BK Roy Burman on 26 June. A respected anthropologist, Prof. Burman also headed the Commission for Review of Social and Environmental sector policies, plan and programme (CRESP) in Sikkim.
The SIBLAC press release informs that its members observed a two minutes silence and decided to adopt a condolence resolution in memory of Late Prof. BK Roy Burman. "This organization deeply condoles the passing away of Prof. BK Roy Burman on 26, June, 2012. Prof. Burman was a renowned anthropologist and always worked for the betterment of the indigenous people," the release states.
Prof. Burman is the former Chairman, Study Group on Land Holding System of Tribals, Planning Commission, Government of India (1985 - 1986), and former Chairman, Committee on Forest and Tribals Backward Classes Unit, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (1980 - 1982). A former visiting Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University and Professor of Visva-Bharati University and ex-officio Director of the Council of Social Development, Prof. Burman also served as a visiting Senior Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies. Considered an authority on the northeast, Prof. Burman stoutly opposed the imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Manipur and Operation Green Hunt, and had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh several times.
The Commission for Review of Social and Environmental sector policies, plan and programme (CRESP) he headed in Sikkim was shouldered with the responsibility of reviewing the constitutional status of castes and communities of Sikkim in historical, cultural, ecological and political-economic contexts to make appropriate recommendations and also to review the policies, plans and other programmes in respect of SCs, STs, OBCs and other socially and economically backward communities for improvement of quality of life of all sections of people of Sikkim. The SIBLAC release goes on to contend that the Commission’s recommendations were biased and believes that Prof. Burman resigned from the Committee "realizing the faults of the committee and being misused".
"The passing away of Prof. Burman is an irreparable loss to the nation and more particularly, the indigenous people who shall always miss the academic deeds and contributions of late Burman," the release expresses, adding, "We deeply condole his passing away and pray the almighty to bestow him eternal peace at death and power to tolerate this tragedy to all his surviving family members."
Joint Action against Hydro Projects - Petition in Sikkim High Court withdrawn
The memorandum of the Platform for Joint Action Against Hydropower Projects submitted to the Chief Justice, High Court of Sikkim, which was initially taken up by the Court as a Civil Miscellaneous Application was heard today for consideration as a writ petition. The division bench of the High Court comprising of Chief Justice Permod Kohli and Justice Sonam P Wangdi today observed that the application had failed to impress the court and that the issues raised in the application had no evidence to act on. The High Court accordingly allowed the petitioners to withdraw the petition with the liberty to file a proper writ petition afresh.
The organization had, on 21 May, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Justice highlighting, apart from other allegations, a report published in Current News, a Delhi-based English weekly, which had alleged a Rs. 20,000 crore scam in the hydel sector in Sikkim. The memorandum had called on the CJ to consider its 'letter for taking up as a a suo-moto cognizance / P.I.L'. The Platform for Joint Action Against Hydropower Project comprises of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organsiation (NASBO, Art.371F), All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), SAVE Sikkim, Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa (DCT) and All Sikkim Monasteries’ Association (ASMAN).
The Court also observed today that most of the issues raised in the memorandum were already featured in the two writ petitions highlighting concerns on environment, faith and misappropriation and hence there was no need to take up the same matter in a separate application. If the petitioners feel so, they are at liberty to approach the Court in proper manner and proper writ, the bench remarked.
Sunil J. Mathew, the counsel for the petitioners, accordingly withdrew the application and while speaking to media-persons later, said that they would have a proper petition drafted and filed within a month.
Platform for Joint Action rectifies High Court misconception
In a letter to Chief Justice Permod Kohli, head of the High Court of Sikkim, the Platform for Joint Action against Hydropower Projects has to get back to its Memorandum submitted on May 21, 2012. The network of NGOs striving for the protection of inherited Sikkimese treasures - cultural, ecological, religious - had requested Chief Justice Kohli to take action suo moto in connection with lingering suspicions of corruption and continuing insensitivity for the appeals of those who wish to preserve the endangered heritage of Sikkim.
Recently, the platform had to realize that its memorandum had been registered as a writ petition at the Sikkim High Court.
In their Letter of Rectification, the allied NGOs make clear that they do neither have the required professional legal backing nor the financial means to stand a legal case. They insist upon the original statement and spirit of their submission and they take up position that the rule of law is a fundamental norm whose defense can not and must not be left to individual citizens.
–> Documentation: Rectification to Chief Justice - June 6, 2012
Legality of Rathong Chu HEP challenged
Monk, SIBLAC seeks project cancellation, constitutional protection of sacred river
The High Court of Sikkim today ordered notices be issued to Ministry of Environment & Forests, National Wildlife Board, five public financial institutions, Sikkim government and a private developer on two separate writ petitions challenging the legality of Tashiding hydro electric power project on environment and religious considerations.
June 20 has been listed as the next date for hearing by the division bench of Chief Justice Permod Kohli and Justice SP Wangdi after the notices are served on the ten respondents by counsel of the petitioners. Sunil J Mathews, the advocate for the petitioners told reporters that the court has taken the matter on record and ordered for notices to be issued. We will serve the notices within two days, he said.
The writ petitions had first been placed by monk Sonam Lama and Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) members Tenzing Bhutia and Chewang Pintso Bhutia in the Supreme Court seeking interim relief orders.
On the first day of hearing on May 8, the apex court had directed the two petitions to be heard in High Court of Sikkim leading to the first hearing today. Monks from different parts of Sikkim had gathered at the court to listen to first hearing of petitions against the 97 MW Tashiding project being developed by Shiga Energy over Rathong Chu in West District.
The petitioners contend that Rathong Chu has been considered as sacred river by the Buddhists and a similar hydro power project over it had been scrapped in 1997 by the State government in respect of the religious sentiments. Two more mega power projects, Lethang and Ting Ting, over Rathong Chu had also been cancelled by the State government recently due to protests on religious and environmental considerations. The Tashiding project is also in serious violation of applicable environmental laws, it had been submitted in the two petitions. Readers are aware that these environmental challenges along with claims of religious infringement of several organizations including SIBLAC have been reported several times by local media in past.
What has been newly added to the opposition on Rathong Chu project is inclusion of five public financial institutions as respondents in the SIBLAC petition. The petition submits that the developer is raising capital through loans and investment from these financial institutions. The counsel for the respondents pleaded that the five public financial institutions be exempted from petitions but the High Court did not accept it citing that these institutions had been named as respondents in the Supreme Court petition.
The petitions seek Tashiding project is cancelled and that the Ministry of Environment & Forest along with National Wildlife Board to withhold or withdraw clearance granted to the project. The SIBLAC petition also prays for a court directive restraining the respondent financial institutions from lending public money or investing further in the Tashiding project.
The petition of Sonam Lama further pleads the court to declare all sacred spots and Rathong Chu are protected under Article 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution and declare that any action resulting in diversion of the river or creating impediments on its free flow are violation of the rights of the religious minority.
SIBLAC thanks Prof. Lama
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has thanked Sikkim University and its founding Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahendra P Lama for introducing Bhutia and Lepcha languages honours progtamme at the degree level from the ensuing July 2012 session.
"It is a historic decision and would go a long way in literary development of these two ancient languages, said SIBLAC in a Press Release today issued by its convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia. It is further hoped that the two languages would be gradually incorporated till advance and higher levels of courses under the university, it said.
"The Bhutia Lepcha literary world would ever remain grateful to Prof. Lama for this act" said SIBLAC adding that literature and languages are the basic elements for progress of any community. "We believe that the students would now put on best of their efforts in further enhancing the scope and beauty of these two languages", SIBLAC said.
SIBLAC demands correcting distortion in State govt book
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) today wrote to Information & Public Relations Department reminding that no corrective measures, as assured, has been forthcoming on alleged errors in a Sikkim government publication.
The SIBLAC was referring to the 'errors' regarding a prominent Sikkimese festival in the Sikkim Study Series released on August 24, 2004 by the State government. The publication is already in wide circulation, thereby projecting wrong information on the crucial part of Sikkimese society, history and tradition in a huge scale, it said in a letter addressed to the IPR secretary.
"Under the circumstances, you are requested to kindly elaborate on the latest position on the matter failing which, this organisation shall be compelled to undertake its own course of actions as may be appropriate", SIBLAC wrote.
In a press statement, the organization claimed that despite repeated requests, the State government has failed to correct the 'distortion' made in the particular chapter of the book.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - May 25, 2012
Platform for Joint Action dissatisfied with inaction of Justice and Political Bodies
Platform for Joint Action against Hydropower Projects, worried about the political and judiciary powers' blatant failure to act in connection with repeated reports of corruption and dissipation of public funds as well as the indifference regarding continuous appeals for the preservation and protection of Sikkim's cultural, ecological and religious heritage, has submitted a detailed Memorandum to Chief Justice Permod Kohli, head of the High Court of Sikkim.
Affiliated NGOs invite Chief Justice to take action suo moto in order to clear doubts in the integrity of the present administration and to enforce the rule of law in Sikkim.
The Platform for Joint Action is a coalition of All Sikkim Educated Self Employed & Unemployed Association (ASESE&UA), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Sikkimese Association for Environment (SAFE), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa (DCT), All Sikkim Monasteries’ Association (ASMAN), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organsiation (NASBO Art. 371F) and Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC).
–> Documentation: Memorandum to Chief Justice - May 21, 2012
Sikkim State Day - Press Statement
Our conscience stands with both pain and agony when we, standing at the verge of the 37th year of Sikkim's annexation by its protecting power - the Indian sovereign, in 1975 stands at the edge of threat to our dharma and lineage in the guise of development. We, the Buddhist people of Sikkim are not averse to development, but we are averse to anything that stands to threat our very identity and culture. Only we know the pain of loosing the Chogyal and our international identity for the sake of our trusted friend India and its security concerns but can no more afford to loose the very sanctity of our dharma lineage in the name of development and for the sake of corruption.
With our consistent faith on the Indian Constitution, we believe that the authority implements the same most effectively so that objectives of Article 371F of the same are truly realized.
We are further at unease to witness the devastated state of most of our premier and old monasteries, the very epitome of our civilization, sustained due to the last year's earthquake. It is most unfortunate that not even a single stone is turned to address this most significant aspect, despite tall claims of the governments. It is worth-mentioning here that the restoration of devastated monasteries seems to be prominently emphasized by the authorities, as revealed in our recent meetings with the Indian Home Ministry but apparently with no serious follow up.
On the occasion of the 37th year of Sikkim's annexation, it is high time the Indian authorities must review and re-assess its Sikkim policy of ignoring its rich culture and distinct identity by various means. Indian authorities must be serious before it is too late.
JAI HIND
Tseten Tashi Bhutia, Convenor
Supreme Court directs High Court of Sikkim to examine
the legality of Tashiding Hydro Power Project in West Sikkim
The hydropower issue is again making headlines in recent days because of strong anti-dam protest in West district led by SAVE Sikkim against 97 MW Tashiding Hydropower Project. It had even organized a successful rally together with Platform for Joint Action against Hydropower Projects at Gyalshing demanding scrapping of the project in February this year.
The movement against the Tashiding Hydropower Project has received a new turn when Supreme Court of India on 8th May in its Order directed the High Court of Sikkim to examine the issues under Article 226 of the Constitution of India raised by Tenzing Bhutia, former editor of the Sikkimese, an English newsweekly and Sonam Lama, a monk of Simik Monastery while disposing their Writ Petitions No. Writ Petition (Civil) No.101 of 2012 and Writ Petition (Civil) No.102 of 2012 respectively. They had filed their Writs under Article 32 of the Constitution of India.
Bhutia in his petition has contended that according to the Wild Life Division, Ministry of Environment and Forest regulations, no project can be set up within a 10 KM radius from the boundary of a National Wildlife Park. In the case of Tashiding, however, the project is being constructed at a site which is within a 10 KM radius from the boundary of the Kanchenjunga National Park. "On this aspect alone, the project should be impermissible and no permission ought to be given by the National Wild Life Board", the petition has claimed.
Lama in his petition argued that the Rathong River is a symbol of Sikkim's faith and culture. The unique Bhumchu ceremony of Tashiding is deeply rooted with the Rathong. The construction work on the Tashiding Hydropower Project is destroying the natural flow of the holy river to a great extent thus defiling Bhumchu and violating the Places of Worship Act.
It is interesting to note that Prashant Bhusan, an important member of India Against Corruption led by Anna Hazare appeared before the Supreme Court as the counsel for Bhutia and Lama. The Supreme Court in its order has directed the Registery to transfer the records of the Writ Petitions to the Sikkim High Court within a week from date (date of order). The apex court has also mentioned in its order, "Liberty is given to the petitioners to mention the matter before the Sikkim High Court for taking up the matters at an early date".
Prashant Bhusan is likely to come for appearing before the High Court of Sikkim on behalf of Bhutia and Lama.
–> Documentation: Supreme Court of India - Order 08/05/2012
National Minority Commission Chairman meets Sikkim delegation
A High Powered delegation of various Bhutia Lepcha organizations of Sikkim, such as the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO 371F), Monks of Sikkim (MOS), Denjong Chyarig Tsogpa (DCT), led by the SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia called on the Chairman of the National Minority Commission Wajahat Habibullah at his office in Lok Nayak Bhawan, New Delhi and expressed their thanks and gratitude for all the support and guidance being given to the Sikkimese people from time to time.
The delegation further requested the Chairman to declare the Lepcha reserve of Dzongu in North Sikkim as National Heritage Area with an idea to encourage historic preservation of the area and an appreciation and heritage of Dzongu. Once Dzongu is declared as the National Heritage Area, hydro-power projects being planned in the area should also be abandoned.
The delegation further went on to request the Commission to establish its representative offices in Sikkim at which, the Chairman informed them that he would soon request the Government of Sikkim to constitute State Minority Commission.
Apart, the meeting also discussed on varied other matters pertaining to the Sikkimese people while the SIBLAC spokesperson Tenzing Bhutia appraised the Chairman on the latest development of Sikkim which received interactive and patient hearing of the Hon'ble Chairman. The delegation is slated to be in the Indian capital for few more days.
Buddhist Minority under Attack
Press Release
In view to the arrest of Mr Yapching Bhutia, an active social-environment activist and a member of this Organisation by the Geyzing Police, an emergency meeting of this organisation was held today and decided to meet the State Authorities to deliver justice to the aggrieved. Later a Memorandum was also submitted to the DGP, Sikkim Police at his office here in Police Head Quarter, Gangtok by the Convenor of this Organisation Mr. Tseten Tashi Bhutia.
Copies of the memorandum have also been endorsed to HE The Governor of Sikkim Chairperson, National Commission for Minorities, New Delhi amongst others.
Pem Tshering Lepcha
General Secretary
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC)
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Memo to the Director General of Police, May 4 - 2012
SIBLAC writes to Obama: Send Tshering's dead Body to Sikkim
A meeting of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) met on 4th April to observe and commemorate the 89th Birthday and 57th Coronation Day of the late His Majesty the 12th Miwang Denjong Chogyal Palden Thondub Namgyal of Sikkim. The grandeur of the function was however curtailed to a prayer meeting with no pomp and show as originally planned in view of the sad killing of Tshering Rinzing Bhutia by a gunman at Oikos University in San Francisco, USA on Monday.
In this brutal incident, Sikkim lost one of its promising and outstanding assets who made all his way to the USA. The SIBLAC members stood in silence for two minutes to mourn the death. The meeting further resolved to write to the US President in ensuring that the mortal remains of the deceased are smoothly brought to Sikkim to enable performing all the necessary Sikkimese Buddhist rites and prayers by the bereaved family.
The shooting occurred at about 10.30 am, when a former nursing student who was absent for several months suddenly showed up in the class and asked students to line up against a wall, before shooting them. The police arrested One Goh, a 43-year-old man from Oakland in connection with the shooting. Bhutia was killed when the shooter stole his car outside the university on Monday morning. Bhutia was born in Sikkim and lived alone in San Francisco Bay Area.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Letter to Barack Obama, April 4 - 2012
SIBLAC voices Concern over SDF Resolve to increase Assembly Seats to 40
Demands proportional Increase in Number of BL Seats
SIBLAC has underlined this issue to register its concern over the recent statement of Vice-Chairman of the National Minority Commission who, during his recent visit to Sikkim, stated on record that "minorities are safe in Sikkim".
"It is unfortunate the person like Dr Sangliana is making such a statement without reading the inside story of Sikkim. Such statement is likely to create deep mis-impression in the minds of people outside Sikkim who are sympathetic to the cause of minority in Sikkim," the release states.
Some of the leaders of SIBLAC including its Convenor Mr Bhutia are currently camped in New Delhi to represent what the organisation sees as the "feeling of political insecurity" arising in the wake of SDF party's resolution. SIBLAC will soon be approaching national political organisations soliciting their support to its demand.
Although it is positive that BL electorates have been given the opportunity to elect their own representatives but in actual terms BL representatives are not elected simply by the BL votes but by non-BLs who are in majority in the reserved BL constituencies, the release states.
The release goes on to state that besides political insecurity, "the National Commission for Minorities must recognise that land, identity and religious heritage form the core political issues of minority Bhutia-Lepcha people that need to be addressed by Government of India without any delay".
SIBLAC says Scrapping of Hydro-Project Victory of Dharma
General Secretary of Sikkim Lepcha Bhutia Apex Committee (SIBLAC) Pem Tshering Lepcha issued a press release today thanking the Sikkim Government's notification that scrapped two anti Dharma (religious) power projects over River Rathongchu in West Sikkim. Sikkim government recently scrapped two of the three hydro power projects on the Rathong Chu river considered sacred by the Buddhists in Sikkim. The two cancelled projects are 96 MW Lethang and the 99 MW Ting Ting project. The state government has also kept the third project, 97 MW Tashiding hydro project under examination. The cancellations came nearly a month after a high-powered committee formed by the state government submitted its report recommending scrapping of projects.
SIBLAC said in its release that it's the victory of Dharma (religion). It said that the scrapping of this power projects is the victory of Sikkimese lineage and Dharma, of the Sikkimese people, of the Sikkim Government and is indeed the victory of peace and tranquility. This notification ensures preservation and respect to the age old tradition of Sikkim, propounded by Mahaguru Padmasambhava, way back in 8th century AD, it said.
It further reads, "We thank all the Monastic bodies of Sikkim, the Sikkimese people, Sikkim Government, various NGOs, National Minority Commission member Ms. Spalzes Angmo for all their support and cooperation rendered in scrapping these anti Dharma power projects."
"With equal breath, we appeal the Government to immediately scrap Tashiding HEP as well, also slated over the same sacred Rathongchu as it is the spiritual aspects that Sikkim is symbolic to, rather than materialistic scopes."
However, it was easy for the state government to scrap the Ting Ting project since it was in the initial stages of land acquisition and the project in Lethang was rejected by the National Board for Wildlife last year. But in the Tashiding project more than Rs 100 crore have already been invested and tunnelling work has been going on. The state government has asked the high-powered committee to conduct another study on the project, exploring the possibility of keeping the project afloat.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia, a member of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and convener of SIBLAC had said last week that had the state government listened to their demands, the expenditure (of Rs 100 crore) would not have been incurred. He had said that the Pawan Chamling government had scrapped a Rathong Chu project at Lethang in 1997 after an amount of Rs 33 crore had already been spent. The JAC will organise a rally on February 13 at Geyzing against the Rathong Chu project.
–> Documentation: Environment India: Himalayan Tribe Pulls Plug on Hydel, Inter Press Service, March 27, 1998