Chronicle 2014
SIBLAC Flak against Reluctance to scrap illegal Hydro Projects
The reluctance of the state as well as central government to scrap illegal hydro projects have created a shockwave of equal intensity as when the Bamiyan Buddha statues were destroyed in Afghanistan by Taliban in 2001.
"The constitutional laws of India, for example allows a citizen to seek the punishment of anyone who shows the citizen disrespect on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, caste or community or any other ground whatsoever", says Tseten Tashi Bhutia, Convenor of the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC). He said that the laws specifically forbid anyone from outraging someone’s religious feelings.
Sikkim, an erstwhile Buddhist Kingdom, is a part of Indian Union today. Sikkim has the highest concentration of Buddhist population (28.1%) in the country followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tripura with 13%, 6% and 3.1% respectively (census 2001).
"They must be reminded how the Constitution of India obliges all citizens to develop scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of religious tolerance", he said. He added that SIBLAC is not against development but opposing the defilement of sacred lakes, rivers, mountains, heritage, history in the name of development.
"We do not find any difference between the Taliban and those Hydropower developers in Sikkim who are doing business hurting the religious sentiments of others", he said.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - September 23, 2014
SIBLAC: Another Wake-up Call
In a message to several officers of the MoEF and the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia resorts to drastic plainspeak. Mentioning the countless representations made by the indigenous communities of Sikkim for the preservation of their culture and heritage, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee calls upon the Union agencies to cease dilly-dallying and go ahead with the termination of the Tashiding hydroelectric project still threatening the sacredness of Rathong Chu.
"Please don't blame us if the people of Sikkim ... raise the issue of DE-MERGER of Sikkim", Mr. Bhutia warns and rhetorically wonders wether - similar to the people of Jammu and Kashmir - the Sikkimese have to press for a settlement of Sikkimese matters in talks between China and India.
Incidentally, the Convenor has another arrow in his quiver in the form of a recent appeal sent to the Union Environment Minister by Tsering Namgyal Shanoo, member of the National Commission for Minorities. Following a representation received from Sonam Lama, Sangha MLA from Sikkim, the honorable member from Ladakh prompts Minister Javadekar to scrap the Tashiding HEP.
"If we are wrong shoot us, if not, save Sikkim to save India", Tseten Tashi Bhutia exclaims closing his appeal.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Message - August 28, 2014
–> Documentation: Letter of Tsering Namgyal Shanoo - August 12, 2014
SIBLAC, NASBO welcome exempt fee to Sikkimese students
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has welcomed the decision of the Sikkim government in according fee exemption to the students of Sikkim government colleges and schools possessing Sikkim Subject Certificates or the Certificates of Identification.
"Such a decision would go a long way in ensuring the socio-politico and economic state of the Sikkimese at large", reads a press release issued by SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia.
The organization, however, appealed other students not to take the government's decision otherwise, maintaining that every state government has the sacred responsibility of safeguarding its native people.
"We at the same time suggest the Sikkim government to apply same yardstick in applying and according all kind of beneficiary measures and other socio-economic-political initiatives across the state in order to rejuvenate the effect and significance of these most crucial documents like Sikkim Subject and CoI", adds the release.
The National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO) has also welcomed the decision of the government stating that such decision is something to take pride of instead of politicizing everything.
The NASBO has also called upon the state government to scrutinize "all the man-powers in the state machinery so as to confirm they possess these crucial documents."
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - August 20, 2014
–> Documentation: NASBO Press Release - August 20, 2014
Stern Reprimands for Party Spokesperson
The Bhutia-Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF) and the Monks of Sikkim (MoS) strongly condemn the recent statements of SDF spokesman K.T. Gyaltsen against Sangha MLA Sonam Lama. Gyaltsen lacking a public mandate since the last elections had been appointed party spokesman, recently, and made his debut with an ideologically charged condemnation of the recent interventions of the Sangha representative at the Centre, namely an appeal of Sonam Lama to the President of India.
BLPF President Phigu Tshering Bhutia in a press statement not only condemns the statement but alleges that the SDF spokesman and legal advisor to the Chief Minister is involved in "dirty politics". The BLPF while warning "puppets like Mr. Gyaltsen to keep their mouth shut and not play politics with our sentiments", has also urged the people to react and condemn "baseless allegations" made against the Sangha MLA.
MoS General Secretary Lama Sherab Tenzing Lepcha, meanwhile, argues that "all the religious issues" raised by the Sangha MLA be in consonance with "what is aspired by all the Dharma adhering devotees and monks of Sikkim".
The Monks of Sikkim also point out that the protection of the "existing sacred sites and institutions such as sacred Rathongchu or Bumchu tradition which commands infinite blessings and sanctity since time immemorial" is a more significant and appreciable task than "new gigantic structures in the name of development ... even at the cost of materialistic gain."
–> Documentation: Appeal of Sangha MLA to the President - August 7, 2014
–> Documentation: BLPF Press Release - August 11, 2014
–> Documentation: MOS Press Release - August 11, 2014
Sangha MLA calls on Union Home Minister
A delegation led by Sangha MLA, Sonam Lama called on the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence in New Delhi on Saturday and appraised him about various issues pertaining to Sikkim.
Mr. Lama offered 'Tashi Jedar', an auspicious white scarf, and conveyed his best wishes to Mr Singh on assuming the prestigious office of the Home Minister of India on behalf of the monks, lay people of Sikkim as well as the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha party. Mr Lama also invited the Home Minister to Sikkim.
During the meeting, the Sangha MLA submitted two memorandums to the Home Minister who gave a patient hearing and "convincing assurances" on the demands submitted, a press release from Mr. Lama’s entourage informs.
One memorandum demands the scrapping of the 97MW Tashiding Hydro Power Project slated over the Rathongchu and the ones planned in Dzongu in North Sikkim. "Development activity and generation of revenue cannot be imposed at the very cost of our dharma, heritage and above all, its sanctity", the memorandum states. It further demands restoration of the seat reservation in the state assembly for the Nepalese of Sikkimese origin in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly under Article 371 F of the Constitution and preservation of Article 371 F of the Indian Constitution and its sanctity at all costs.
The other memorandum submitted to the Home Minister requests for granting of permission to allow the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje to visit Sikkim. The recently concluded budget session of Sikkim Legislative Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution to this effect, the memorandum informs.
The Sangha MLA is currently in New Delhi and is expected to meet other Union Ministers and leaders this week.
–> Documentation: Sangha MLA's first Memorandum to the Home Minister
–> Documentation: Sangha MLA's second Memorandum to the Home Minister
SIBLAC Convenor meets ASI Officials on Dubdi Monastery Restoration Issue
SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia has taken up the issue of the dilapidated condition of Dubdi Monastery in West Sikkim with officials of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), Kolkata Circle.
Mr. Bhutia met Ashok Kumar Patel (Superintending Archeologist) and P. Kumar Das (Conservation Assistant and in-charge of Sikkim) and raised the issue of the dilapidated condition of Dubdi Monastery which is under ASI’s purview.
The earthquake of 2011 had wrecked extensive damage on Dubdi Monastery and its condition continues to remain so. The ASI had initiated a project to restore and preserve the Dubdi Monastery, however, the work is yet to begin.
The state government had also sanctioned funds for the restoration of the monastery. However, after the ASI took over, no work was initiated leaving the old dilapidated monastery on the verge of collapse.
Mr. Bhutia informs that ASI Kolkata has assured to immediately start the restoration works after this rainy season gets over which is by the third week of September. He further said that if the restoration work is not taken up by end of September, he will take the matter up in the highest forum of the central government.
SIBLAC to Minister: Did you? How could you?
Aghast at a reported statement by the Minister of Environment and Forests Prakash Javadekar in the Lok Sabha that the reduction of Eco-Sensitive Zones (EZS) in Sikkim has been cleared as proposed by the MoEF in March 2014, Tseten Tashi Bhutia can't but speak plain text.
In an electronic Message, the Covenor of Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee reminds the minister of the sacrifices made by the Sikkimese for the national security of India and the assertions and guarantees given to the indigenous communities at the time of merger. He argues that "in the name of development the disaster or rather I should call genocide against the survival of indigenous Bhutia Lepcha community by attacking on their ecology, biodiversity, culture, tradition and most importantly on their unique Buddha Dharma is compelling them to think and talk about pre-merger status" and forecasts the reduction of ESZs from 10 kms to a ridiculous 20 metres to become a weapon for corrupted elements at different levels to regularize their illegal works.
The SIBLAC Convenor reminds Javadekar that "BJP should not forget their own report against corruption in Sikkim submitted to then President of India, Smt. Pratibha Patil on 17th February 2011 by then Mr. Nitin Dadkari, National President, BJP" and calls upon the Central Government not to become part of this corrupt machinations.
It may be added that several local and international NGOs, Panchayats and individuals had objected to the proposed change of the default defined by the Supreme Court of India and have, so far, not been deemed worth a reply nor even a confirmation of receipt. The reported clearance of new standards have also not been notified at the website of MoEF, so far.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Message to Prakash Javadekar - July 25, 2014
–> Attachment: Article in Sikkim Express - July 24, 2014
SIBLAC Support for Save Sikkim
In support of and endorsing the demand of Save Sikkim Organisation (SSO) West Sikkim, SIBLAC has sought clarification from Additional District Collector (ADC), West Sikkim Bhim Thatal with the following questions:
- What necessitated and demanded ADC Mr. Bhim Thatal to visit the private power project sites of west Sikkim without any information to the people affected by the projects and whose very survival is at stake.
- While decision for 97 MW Tashiding Hydro Project is lying pending before Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), Govt. of India sent by Hon'ble Sikkim High Court, what obligated ADC (W) to visit the site?
In a press release, SIBLAC calls for an immediate clarification from ADC (West) on above queries since there are already two FIRs filed in the Tikjuk Police Station, Gyalshing, West Sikkim, dated 27th Sept. 2013 by SIBLAC and SSO against the company M/s Shiga Energy Pvt. Ltd, Secretaries of the following departments: State Energy and Power department, State Forest and Env. Department, Ecclesiastical Department and District Collector (W) for failing in the delivery of their responsibilities in accordance to the appropriate provision of the law, thereby abusing their official position in licensing Mr. T. Nagendra Rao the owner of executing company, without restriction to run its activities illegally in its own whim and fancies under their nose.
Hence, SIBLAC demands ADC (W) should explicitly come out with a detail report on his visit at different project sites mentioning purpose of visit, persons interacted with, issues discussed, assurances given if any, present condition at sites, any action initiated against project proponent etc. as to maintain transparency and accountability to the general public.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - July 9, 2014
SIBLAC Appeal to reconsider and re-evaluate Tashiding Project
The Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee at a meeting resolved to express gratitude towards Chief Minister Pawan Chamling putting on record in the Legislative Assembly that the beautification project planned for the Kabi Longstok sacred grove has been scrapped and for having passed a resolution in the assembly requesting the Centre to allow Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje to Sikkim.
A SIBLAC press release issued by its general secretary Pem Tshering Lepcha informs that the meeting chaired by SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia was also attended by representatives from the Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force, Save Kabi-Lungtshok Committee and members from Monks of Sikkim, including community members from all four district of the state.
Apart from registering gratitude towards the CM, the meeting, after deliberating on the verdict passed by the High Court on the petition challenging the Tashiding HEP, resolved to appeal to the Chief Minister to "re-evaluate and check whether he is not misguided or kept in dark by the state administration or the project proponent" about the project.
The meeting agreed that the CM should be conscious of the fact that "no meaningful performance of Tashiding Bhum-Chu ritual is possible if river Rathong Chu is desecrated or defiled."
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Press Release - July 1, 2014
SIBLAC to MoEF: Save Our Souls
Referring to the recent judgment of the High Court of Sikkim in the cases against the Tashiding hydroelectric project (WP(C) No. 22/2012 and WP(C) No. 23/2012), the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) appeals to the Union Environment Minister to give the matter due attention.
In a comprehensive presentation to Minister Prakash Javadekar, SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia outlines the difficulties of the indigenous Sikkimese relating to the preservation of their natural and cultural heritage. Mentioning the promises made and the assurances given at the time of incorporation, he makes out a lack of commitment and seriousness stating that the Bhutia Lepcha "are never given a deserving hearing both by state and central government till date."
Emphasizing the sacredness of the Rathong Chu as declared by the Denjong Ney-Yig and the importance of West Sikkim as the cradle of Sikkimese culture, Bhutia appeals to the minister to abandon the project already underway despite incomplete clearances. Citing the the scrapping of Rathong Chu HEP in 1997 as well as Ting-Ting HEP and Lethang HEP in 2012, SIBLAC suggests that "the same philosophy should apply" in scrapping Tashiding HEP too.
"Since we, the indigenous Bhutia Lepcha tribals, have no other place to go in this world ... we may be allowed to live in peace and harmony with our green environment, rivers, mountain and Dharma", Tseten Tashi Bhutia finally pleads.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Message to Sri Prakash Javadekar - June 27, 2014
Judgment reserved on Tashiding HEP
The verdict of the High Court of Sikkim will now decide the fate of the contested Tashiding hydro power project. The judgment on the writ petition filed by Sonam Lama and Pintso Chewang challenging the construction of the hydel project on the Rathong Chu in West Sikkim has been reserved by the court.
The 97 MW Tashiding HEP in West Sikkim is being developed by Shiga Energy Private Limited. It has been 2 years since the petition was filed in the courts challenging the project on the primary grounds that it was an affront to the religions and cultural values and sentiments of the Sikkimese Buddhists. The petition is being supported by SIBLAC and NASBO. The main petitioner is Sonam Lama, originally of NASBO, who is now the Sangha candidate for the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha.
The petition has come a long way and, among others, has also seen a change in petitioners with one of the original petitioners, Tenzing Chewang, having died in a car accident during the pendency of the petition. It was taken to the Supreme Court which returned the matter to the High Court here since it had to do with local concerns.
It is also this petition which led the High Court to direct the Ministry of Environment & Forests to issue a notification on the extent of buffer zone or ecologically sensitive zone for the state of Sikkim. In February this year, the MoEF proposed a reduction of this zone from the previously accepted 10 km radius to just 50 m to a maximum of 200 m radius of notified wildlife parks and sanctuaries.
What is interesting apart from the religious attachment and weight surrounding the Tashiding project is the investment put into the project by Shiga Energy, the private developer. The High Court had earlier made it known that the company would be liable for its own losses should the court come to the conclusion that the project was not viable or tenable. However Shiga Energy went on with the project construction and till date has invested crores of rupees into it. The final arguments on the petition were heard last week and now the judgment has been reserved.
–> Documentation: Jay Mazoomdaar - Shameless in Sikkim
Poll Boomerang on communal Remark
Chamling should stop fooling people: Tseten
Bhutia-Lepcha community members and organizations are up in arms against SDF chief Pawan Chamling after he branded them 'anti-Nepalese' in his concluding election address at Jorethang on Thursday. The remark which has irked BL organizations like SIBLAC have condemned the statement as 'immature, inflammatory and unconstitutional' by a Chief Minister frustrated to retain power.
"Chamling can fool some Sikkimese for some time but not all the Sikkimese for all the time. He has crossed all limits to save his seat which indicates his frustration", said SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia here today. Bhutia said, the Chief Minister branding SIBLAC as anti-Nepali and anti-Limboo Tamang was immature as he himself delayed the seat reservation of Limboo-Tamangs. "It was Chamling and not us who wrote to the centre to hang back the Limboo-Tamang seat issue", maintained Bhutia.
The Chief Minister also attracted severe criticism for calling that the SKM will form a Buddhist government. "If Chamling and Bhim Dahal have guts then I throw an open challenge for debate on issues like LT and Nepali seats. Chamling should stop misguiding the Sikkkimese people of 21st century", he said alleging the SDF for failing to protect the political rights of the Nepali community.
Meanwhile, the Monks of Sikkim (MOS) have also submitted a complaint to the Election Commission against Chamling's inflammatory speech. It said Chamling's statements denigrated the sacredness, integrity and respect of Buddhist Dharma provoking certain section of the Sikkimese population for his political gains.
The Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force, another BL outfit has added chorus to condemn Chamling's communal remarks. "We strongly condemn this communal branding of our esteemed organization. All the fellow peace loving communities must understand that this is a ploy by Chamling to divide us on communal lines and create disharmony", said the BLPF in a press release. It accused that Chamling has always practiced this kind of politics but this time it will not work with the Sikkimese people. "This has exposed Chamling's hidden agenda. All BL communities must give a fitting verdict on 12 April", maintained the body.
–> Documentation: MOS Letter to CEC - April 11, 2014
Bhutia-Lepcha Outfits vow Support for SKM
Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC), National Sikkimese Bhutia Organisation (NASBO), Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF), Affected Citizens of Teesta (ACT), Concerned Lepchas of Sikkim (CLOS), Save Kabi-Lungtshok Committee, Save Sikkim and Monks of Sikkim (MOS) have expressed their support to the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha in the upcoming elections. In a major bolster for the PS Golay led party, the eight Bhutia-Lepcha outfits today declared their stance and appealed to their community to vote for SKM in the 12 April election.
Tseten Tashi Bhutia, the SIBLAC convenor said: "We have resolved to support SKM considering its promises for the protection of Bhutia-Lepchas in the manifesto. We have been subjected to step-motherly treatment by the SDF government since 20 years and our demands have gone unheard. Our rights are under threat; hence we will support SKM for change in guard which is the need of the hour. All Bhutias, Lepchas, Nepalis and Business community members must vote for SKM and bring Parivartan if they are concerned about their future."
Bhutia however said the SKM should stand up to its promises else face protest by the same organisations yearning for Bhutia-Lepcha rights protection as guaranteed by Article 371F of the Indian constitution.
Bhutia reasoned that the BL community was compelled to support SKM because the SDF failed to provide protection of their rights. He however said the organisations will continue to exist with their cause despite the poll outcome. "We are ready to go out and speak for SKM under an apolitical banner because the party's agenda is pro-Sikkimese", said the SIBLAC Convenor citing the following points in favour of SKM:
- Land Transfer Act 2005 to be abolished and protection of Revenue Order No. 1
- All projects on Rathong Chu (Bhum-Chu), in Dzongu, Tholung Gumpa, Kabi-Lungtshok, surrounding holy lakes and Kangchendzonga to be scrapped
- Dzongu to get Dzongu Autonomous Council
- Look North program to make North Sikkim an international tourist center
- Care Dzongu program - Dzongu Development Board
- Dzumsa to be recognized officially with notification
- Land dispute with army in North to be dealt with proper survey and proper parcha to be issued to all land holders
- All the monasteries, heritage and historical places to be preserve and protected
- All old laws to be protected
- Safeguard of Article 371F of the Constitution of India
He also criticized the manifestoes of SDF and SKM for not mentioning restoration of Nepali seats in the Sikkim Legislative Assembly.
Hitting back at the Pawan Chamling government, Bhutia said it has failed to provide Income Tax exemption to around 400 families of old settlers despite the Rajya Sabha Petition Committee’s recent recommendations regarding the issue. "The SDF has failed to give justice to the business community."
"We will form a team and visit the houses of Bhutia-Lepcha people explaining them about the stand of the SKM. We fully support the decision of our apex body SIBLAC. We will also highlight announcements of SKM such as development of North Sikkim and formation of Dzongu Development Board", said BLPF Advisor Kesang Dorjee Bhutia.
On the other hand, the SDF has dismissed the effect of these organizations. "These associations believe in caste and communal politics but the SDF is a firm believer of communal harmony. We do not pay heed to such statements by the feudal residues", said SDF spokesperson Bhim Dahal.
SIBLAC objects MoEF move to override environmental Laws
In a letter of objection to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), SIBLAC Convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia firmly opposes the latest proposals of the ministry to ex post 'legalize' violations of environmental laws commited by developers of hydropower projects in Sikkim.
As per recent notifications in the Gazette of India, the MoEF submits drafts reducing eco-sensitive zones around Khangchendzonga National Park and wildlife sanctuaries of Sikkim from the existing 10 kms to an insignificant 25 - 200 metres. Environmentalists and protectionists are upset at the proposals to effectively bypass the need for a mandatory clearance from the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL) for a slew of dams being developed in Sikkim.
The Standing Committee of the NBWL had, earlier, submitted a report to the Ministry warning that several dams in the state were coming up without the mandatory clearance and Sikkim faced a situation with rampant and illegal development of these dams likely to cause devastation just as unlawful mining had done in Goa. The committee had said the proposed Teesta V, Teesta III, Dik-Chu, Panan, Tashiding and Ting Ting hydroelectric projects were coming up without clearance.
–> Documentation: SIBLAC Letter of Objection to MoEF - March 2, 2014
Protect Sikkim's distinct Identity
'March to Rabong' organized by the Bhutia Lepcha Protection Force (BLPF) saw participation by many members of the Bhutia-Lepcha ethnic group. Elected representatives of the community again chose not to attend the convention on issues faced by the two tribal groups.
The meeting which highlighted various issues and passed a resolution also saw monks burn all the memorandums and papers in connection with the 96 MW power project at Tashiding, West Sikkim.
Addressing the meeting, BLPF President Phigu Tshering Bhutia said that BLPF is not a politically motivated organization and had no ambition to gain political power, but was formed primarily to protect the interests of the BL community and to secure their future. "The future of Sikkim as we know it is under great threat and the need is for all - Bhutia, Lepcha, Nepali and business community - to unite and stop those who are working against the future of Sikkim", he stated.
The resolution passed by the BLPF includes
- Maintaining the sanctity of blood-brotherhood between the Bhutias and Lepchas
- Upholding Sikkim’s distinct identity within the Indian Union
- Rejection of the Burman Commission Report
- Special protection to indigenous Lepcha people
- Restoration of Assembly seats for Sikkimese of Nepali origin
- Grant of due rights to the 400 families of Indian origin who settled in Sikkim prior to the merger.
SIBLAC Covenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia spoke on the resolution passed by the convention and urged all for support. "We are here to uplift the Bhutia-Lepcha communities and we speak within our constitutional rights. We have been given special constitutional provisions to preserve our distinct identity under Article 371F, but they are being diluted by the Sikkim government", said Tseten Tashi. He maintained that the state government only raises hopes of the Limboo and Tamang communities on assembly seat reservation but does not make effective efforts.
The meeting was also addressed by former Sangha MLA Namkha Gyaltsen, Chewang Lepcha and other representatives from the BL community. Also present was BLPF Advisor Kesang Dorjee and scores of members of SIBLAC and NASBO.