Showing posts with label Breaking News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breaking News. Show all posts

Darjeeling Youths returning home by foot from Bihar

7:25 PM
GTA
22 youths from the Kalimpong district Darjeeling hills are returning home by foot from Sasaram of Bihar during COVID lockdown. The sources were informed by them that they have exhausted their savings. They don;t have money for food and hire vehicle.

The company where they worked asked them to go home. They have submitted the form of Returning Registration in GTA website. The helpless youths had to say that they have not received any correspondence from GTA  (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) yet.

None of them had the resources to return in a vehicle, or even buy food - they have been eating whatever is being served by the community kitchens in different places.

COVID-19 infected Kalimpong woman passed away

West Bengal recorded its second death due to COVID-19 on Monday, when a 44-year-old woman passed away at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital.
COVID-19 infected Kalimpong woman passed away

“She passed away early in the morning. We are trying to isolate the doctors and medical staff who treated her. Attempts are also being made to isolate the patient’s relative who seem to spread across north Bengal,” P.K. Deb, principal of the medical college and hospital told The Hindu.

The lady hailed from Kalimpong town in West Bengal’s Darjeeling district and was admitted to hospital almost a week ago. On Saturday, test reports confirmed that she was positive. According to reports, she had travelled to Chennai on March 7 and returned to Darjeeling on March 19.
Earlier on March 23, a 57-year-old man died because of COVID-19 at a private health facility in Kolkata. West Bengal has recorded 20 cases of the virus infection, including people with travel history abroad and also others who came in direct contact with patients.

About 457 people have been tested for the contagious viral infection and 611 are under hospital isolation. The state has created a separate fund of ₹200 crore to combat the situation and is also seeking donations from corporates and individuals through the West Bengal State Emergency Relief Fund.

Via The Hindu

GTA imposes Ban on New tourists coming to GTA Region

6:21 PM
In a meeting held with GTA representatives and all stakeholders of tourism the following issue was resolved.

Tourists  will not be allowed to enter Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills from 19th March.

The ban will extend till 15th April.

GTA appeals to all taxi drivers and travel associations not to bring in tourists.


In order to control the rapid spread of COVID-19, the Chairman and authorities of GTA have requested the following:

We appeal to our tourism sector stakeholders in the face of COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Stop taking the bookings for hotels and homestay starting immediately. There should be a ban on new tourists coming to GTA region.
2. Avoid charging any Cancellation fees from the tourists.
3. An appeal is being made to all taxi owners and syndicates not to ferry any tourists to GTA region.
4. Kindly suggest and allow the tourists to reschedule their travel plans if required
5. People must avoid travelling outside GTA region, unless it is urgent and critical
6. Please avoid gathering of more than 10 people and maintain a safe distance
7. For Restaurants, please maintain the hygiene and sanitize the place, if necessary
8. We instruct all the Parent to utilize this time to engage children in extracurricular activities, online educations, new hobbies, etc. Times like these we need your support and understanding to educate your child on the hygiene and cleanliness.
9. The Engineering department is working on spreading awareness among people in their designated regions
10. GTA is going to release a special awareness program for the people residing in tea gardens and cinchona plantation.
11. Traders outside GTA region will be banned to put up temporary shops in haat bazar and in the hawkers market.
12. An appeal is made to all political parties and social organisations not to have political programs with mass gathering.
13.  Community halls and other halls owned by private clubs and organisation should restrict for giving their halls for lease for social program and social gatherings.
GTA imposes Ban on New tourists coming to GTA Region

Additional points:
• There are only two testing centres in West Bengal: NICED and SSKM in Kolkata. But we have sample collection centre at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH).
• An Isolation ward is currently located in Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik.
Please follow the steps below to keep a check on the spread of COVID-19 dedicatedly:
• Please wear a mask covering your mouth and nose properly.
• Wash your hands properly and thoroughly before and after eating your food or touching your face, eyes, any open wounds, etc.
• Avoid handshakes with people
• Keep at least 3 feet distance from all the individuals
• Use tissue papers to cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing
• Unless necessary, stay inside and avoid going out in public
• If you suspect you might have a mild fever, headache, throat irritation, body aches and possibly loose motions, please isolate yourself from the people around you and observe yourself
• In 85% cases, people’s immune systems fight back and the person starts getting better from the 8th day
• But if your fever, coughing, body ache and loose motion doesn’t subside even after 7th Day, contact your doctor and get yourself tested
• Please DON’T panic and DON’T spread rumours and disease.

जिटिएले लगायो  जिटिए छेत्रमा पर्यटकहरुको आगमनमा रोक!

जिटिएले भोलि 19 मार्चदेखि 15 अप्रेलसम्म दार्जिलिङ अनि कालेबुङमा पर्यटकहरुको आगमनमा रोक लगाएको छ।
आज GTA सचिवालयमा टुरिजम, चालक संघ, होटल, होमस्टे, ट्राभल, एनजीओ का प्रतिनिधि हरु सँग सभा भयो। हामीले प्रतिनिधिका समस्या सुन्यौ, विवेचना गर्यौ। आजको सभामा सामूहिक रूपमा पारित गरिएको निर्णयहरु निम्न छन्:

कोभिद १९ को संक्रमण रोक्न जि टी ए का अध्यक्ष अनि प्रशासन को पर्यटन क्षेत्र, अभिभावक, साधारण जनतालाई  अपील :

१. होटल अनि होमस्टे को बुकिङ तुरन्तै बन्द गरिदिनोस्। कुनै पनि नयाँ पर्यटकलाई  GTA क्षेत्र मा प्रवेश निषेध गरिएको छ।
२. बुकिङ रद्द गरेको खण्डमा रद्द गरिने फीस नलिनु होस्।
३. पर्यटकहरूलाई आफ्नो प्लान परिवर्तन गर्न प्रो्साहन गर्नु होस।
४. स्थानीय बासिन्दालाई केवल इमरजेन्सी छ भने मात्र GTA क्षेत्र देखि बाहिर जानु होला।
५. १० जना भन्दा बढीको झुण्डमा नबस्नु हवस्। एक आपसमा दूरी राख्नु होस्।
६.  रेसटुरेन्टहरु सफा राख्नुहोस्।
७.  अभिभावकलाई निवेदन गर्दछौं कि आफ्नो नानीहरूलाई व्यस्त राख्नु अनलाइन शिक्षा, नयाँ हबी राख्न प्रोत्साहन गर्नुहोस्। वरी परी सरसफाइ, शारीरिक सफाई राख्नु सिकाउनु होस्।
८. Engineering department ले प्रत्येक क्षेत्र मा कोरोना विषय  जागरुक अभियान चलाउने छन्।
 ९. GTA द्वारा चिया बगान अनि सिनकोना बगानमा जागरूकता अभियान चलाउँदै छन।
१०. बाहिरबाट आएर हाट अनि बाटो घाटोमा पसल राख्नेहरुलाई तुरन्तै देखि पसल राख्न दिईने छैन।
११.  सम्पूर्ण राजनैतिक पार्टी अनि अन्य संस्थाहरुलाई अपील गर्दछौ की कुनै पनि भीड हुने कार्यक्रमहरु बन्द गरिदिनोस्।
१२. समाज भवन अनि अन्य कुनै भवनलाई कुनै पनि सामाजिक कार्यको निम्ति प्रयोग गर्नु बन्द गर्नुहोस्।

अन्य सान्दर्भिक कुराहरू
पक्षिम बंगालमा कोरोनाको जाँच गर्न दुई वटा केन्द्र हरू छन। NICED and SSKM। हाम्रो पहाडको निम्ति North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) मा sample जमा गर्ने व्यवस्था गरिएको छ।
खरसाङ, कालिम्पोङ, मिरिक अनि दार्जीलिङमा Isolation वार्ड सञ्चालन गरिएको छ।

निम्न कुराहरूलाई आफ्नो दैनिक व्यवहारमा ल्याउनु होस्

#आफ्नो नाक अनि मुखलाई मास्कले सधैं छोपेर राख्नु होस
# साबुनले हात राम्ररी अनि घरी घरी धुनुहोस्। हातले अनुहार नछुनु होस्। सफा हातले मात्र अनुहार छुनु होस
# कसै संग हात नमिलाउनु होस्
# कसै संग बात मार्दा कम्तीमा पनि ३ फीट को दुरी राख्नु होस
# खोक्दा अनि हाच्छिउँ गर्दा सक्दो tissue paper को प्रयोग गर्नु होस
# जतिसक्दो घरमा नै बस्नु हुन्छ। एकदमै काम पर्दा मात्र घर देखि निस्किनु होस्
#  यदि तपाईं लाई ज्वरो छ, टाउको दुख्छ, घाँटी खस्कसाउँदै छ, शरीर दुख्दैछ, पातलो पाइखाना हुँदैछ भने  तुरन्तै आफूलाई परिवार देखि अलग राख्नुहोस्। डाक्टर को सल्लाह लिनुहोस्।
# ८५% यस्तो केस मा हाम्रो इम्युनसिस्टम ले भाइरस सँग लडेर नै भाइरसलाई मार्छ। ८औ दिन देखि रोगी निको भएको पाइएको छ।
# यदि ७ दिन सम्म पनि ज्वरो, घाँटी दुख्नु, पातलो पाइखाना रोकिएन भने तुरन्तै डाक्टर को सल्लाह लिनुहोस् अनि कोरोना को जाँच गराउनु होस्।
# नआत्तिनु होस्।  अफवाह नफैलाउनु होस्।

Raju Bista reminds Narendra Modi of Permanent Political Solution and other issue of the region

7:31 PM
JUST IN: MP RAJU BISTA MEETS WITH PM MODI TO DISCUSS VARIOUS ISSUES OF THE REGION

Darjeeling MP Raju Bista today met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss various issues concerning Darjeeling, Terai, and Dooars.
Raju Bista reminds Narendra Modi of Permanent Political Solution and other issue of the region

Here is the full press release from the Office of MP:

Today, I met Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji to discuss various issues concerning Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars. I thanked him for his continued guidance and unflinching support he has extended to me over the years.

I informed him about the immense love and trust people of our region, and North Bengal have towards his leadership, and told him how the people of Darjeeling LS Constituency had elected a BJP Member of Parliament for the 3rd consecutive time. I told him about how people in Bengal need BJP to get rid of TMC and their oppressive regime in the 2021 elections.

Among other things, we discussed my learnings and observations about the region and the challenges I have faced as the Member of Parliament representing one of the most prestigious seats in Eastern India.

I informed Modi ji about the sensitive Chicken Neck region and the significance of Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars from our national security perspective. I also informed him about the discrimination people here have had to face over the decades, and the absolute lack of development in the region. I apprised him about the potential of our region to become one of the most peaceful and prosperous in the nation.

In order to ensure long term peace and ushering in prosperity in the region, I have requested his intervention with regards to arriving at Permanent Political Solution as committed to in our 2019 Sankalp Patra. I also reminded him about the pending ST issue of 11 left-out Gorkha tribes and requested him to help expedite the process.

Given that majority of our people are dependent on Tea and Cinchona plantations for their livelihood, I appraised him about the rapidly declining tea industry and the need to rejuvenate the entire industry. I also requested him to ensure the protection of forest dwellers, and the culture, traditions, lifestyle, and language of indigenous communities from our region.

I informed Modi ji how Siliguri acts as a gateway to North East India and South East Asia and drew his attention to the immense potential of Siliguri to emerge as the hub of international trade, tourism and commerce. I informed Modi ji how decades of neglect have left the districts of Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Chopra and rest of North Bengal deprived of basic infrastructure and amenities; and requested for his help to transform our region.

Modi ji acknowledged the importance of peace prevailing in the Chicken Neck region and told me that the Government is equally concerned about resolving the issues of the region. On his advice, I will be taking up these issues with Hon’ble Home Minister Amit Shah ji soon.

Indian Air Force struck a major terrorist camp across the LoC

11:37 AM
Surgical strike 2

Indian Air Force struck a major terrorist camp across the LoC and completely destroyed it. Twelve Mirage 2000 jets of the IAF are said to have crossed the LoC and destroyed a major terrorist camp, the ANI news agency reported today. According to sources 1000 Kgs Bombs have been dropped in 3 bases of  JEM in Pakistan destroying terrorist camps in the area.
Indian Air Force struck a major terrorist camp across the LoC

Indian Warplanes Cross Line of Control, Drop 1000 kg Bombs to Destroy Jaish Terror Camps in PoK: AIF Sources

Air Force Jets Cross LoC, Destroy Terrorist Camp With 1000 kg Laser-guided Bombs.

"Pakistani F16s were scrambled to retaliate against IAF Mirage 2000s that bombed terror targets across LoC but turned back due to size of Indian formation" a report says.

Meanwhile  high alert has been sounded in Gujarat, according to State DGP Shivanand Jha. "Three border districts have been put on alert, with the Indian Air Force on high alert at its air defense systems across western border with Pakistan."

Indian Air Force violated Line of Control, claims Pakistan. Pakistan's claim comes in the wake of tense relations between the two countries in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack.

"Indian Air Force violated Line of Control (LoC). Pakistan Air Force immediately scrambled. Indian aircrafts gone back. Details to follow." - the Spokesperson for the Pakistan Armed Forces, Major General Asif Ghafoor, tweeted

We are bombing our own territory called PoK, no international laws broken: Subramanian Swamy

PM Narendra Modi Holds Security Meet Hours After IAF Mirage Jets Bomb JeM Camps In PoK. Top officials of the PM’s office and the security apparatus were present at the meeting.

Rifleman Nehal Gurung Martyred in J&K

8:12 PM
Rifleman Nehal Gurung laid down his life in the line of duty in Keran sector, Jammu & Kashmir in an landmine explosion near Line of Control (LOC) on Saturday. In the other explosion, a soldier identified as Abhishek Chetri sustained multiple splinter injuries and has been hospitalised.

On 25th of August 2018, Nehal and his platoon were on a routine patrol, when an IED blast caused him grievous injuries. He was immediately evacuated to Srinagar, but sadly he couldn’t be saved.

According to the official a landmine blast took place near Balbir Post in Keran sector in the early morning today when army men were conducting routine patrol. In the blast, Rifleman Nehal Gurung sustained critical injuries and was evacuated to army hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed to injuries.

Army has planted landmines at several places along the LoC to prevent infiltration of militants and Border Action Team (BAT) attacks by Pakistani troops. Meanwhile, a Special Police Officer (SPO) of Jammu and Kashmir Police posted at Police Station Shopian in south Kashmir fled from the police station along with an AK-47 rifle today.

Congress Leader Pawan Khera Apologises to Gorkhas

4:40 PM
Congress Leader Pawan Khera Apologises for his Comments on Gorkhas

Recently during a TV debate, Congress Leader Pawan Khera had gone on to make a shocking comment on the Gorkhas calling them separatists and anti nationals.

The comment didn't go very well with the Gorkhas and thus Pawan Khera had received a huge backlash on twitter over the issue. Following the incident, he had issued a tweet where he had apologised over his comment.

Mr. Khera has today issued a formal written apology in over the issue where he writes,
"Respected Gorkha Sisters and Brothers,

In the loud cacophony of the studio debate, there was a misunderstanding caused due to some words, definitely not caused for valiant Gorkhas, I regret that.

I apologize for any inadvertent misunderstanding caused to my Gorkha sisters and brothers.

I salute the sacrifice of Veer Shaheed Major Durga Malla, as the bravest example of what Gorkha Community has done for the motherland. They are patriotic and as Indians as the rest of us.

I salute your courage and patriotism."

 Where we believe that as humans we do make mistakes, we also believe that owning up our mistake is the first thing we can do to make things right. We appreciate Mr. Khera for admitting his mistake and coming up to apologize for the same. We believe that our Gorkha Brothers and sisters will forgive him, as we have always had hearts bigger anything else.

Via TheDC

National Commission for Women to Begin Darjeeling Investigations From 15th of April

6:29 PM

The National Commission for Women is sending a high-level team headed by Chairperson, Ms. Rekha Sharma to examine the instances of atrocities meted out against women during the phase of current Gorkhaland agitation.

The NCW has collected number of grievances, prominent among which is a threat over phone allegedly issued by Darjeeling Inspector-in-Charge Soumyajit Roy, in which one of the voices is head threatening to rape the mother and sister of one Achutyam Bhattarai.

The NCW team will also visit various jails to take stock of the women who are still in jail and will inquire about their wellbeing.

The NCW has requested any and all persons with grievances and complaints against administrative atrocities to approach them when the team visits Darjeeling region from 15th of April to the 17th of April.

You can also send in your complaints at:

Phone: (011) -26944808

Email: chairperson-ncw@nic.in

JNU students protest against Mahendra P Lama leveling allegations of sexual harassment

6:47 AM

JNU students protest against 2 other professors alleging sexual harassment

ANI | New Delhi Students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) staged a protest against professors Mahendra P Lama, and Rajesh Kharat leveling allegations of sexual harassment against them. The students demanded that they should be arrested.

Recently, JNU's another professor Atul Johri was arrested in a sexual harassment case and was later granted bail.
JNU students protest against professors Mahendra P Lama leveling allegations of sexual harassment

A student of JNU filed a case against Lama and Kharat, who work in the Centre of South Asian Studies of JNU. The professors allegedly took the student to China for work and tried to harass her sexually.

She asked the Internal Complaint Committee of JNU to suspend the professor. However, no step been taken against him as yet.

Both the professors were arrested by the Police on the basis of the complaint registered by the victim but were later granted bail. The varsity authority has not taken an action against them since then.

Via B S

7th Pay Commission payout likely to be delayed 2-3 months

8:05 PM
25th June 2016 Brexit fallout may force Modi govt to delay 'salary increment'. Amid all the implications of Brexit on India, something that may stand out is a strong possibility of the delay of much-awaited payout of 7th Pay Commission Commission for another 2-3 months.

Earlier reports said that Government could implement Seventh Pay Commission from August 1. It was said that Central government Employees would get increment in their July salary and six months arrears in the month of October.

The linger may result in wake of increased volatility in the markets as a result of Britain's exit from the European Union. For the markets to re-stabilize, it may take another 2-3 months. The same period also awaits the next bi-monthly RBI Monetary Policy (of the outgoing RBI Governor) which may most likely see interest rates remain intact. Even a slight hike holds adequate possibility.

This talked about tenure is critical as amid the already happening exodus from domestic equity markets, load of huge 7th Pay Commission payout on the government exchequer can further jeopardize its fiscal health.

As per Zee News, "In order to stabilize overall outflows from the domestic equity markets, government needs to adopt wait-and-watch policy for another quarter before thinking of implementing the payout as any haste can further increase volatility in the market".

On Friday, Britain voted to quit the European Union after 43 years of membership, throwing the world markets in a tailspin and leaving European leaders worried over how to stem a rising Eurosceptic tide.
The vote rattled Indian financial markets too, shaving over 1,000 points, or 4 per cent, off a key equities index, while pulling the rupee just below the 68 mark to the dollar.

Both Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan sought to calm the markets and said there was no cause for panic as India's economic fundamentals remained strong and along with other macro indicators.

"We are well prepared to deal with the short and medium term Brexit consequence -- strongly committed to our macro-economic framework with focus on stability," Jaitley tweeted from Beijing.


Massive Fire Destroys Historic Dowhill, School in ‪‎Kurseong

8:55 AM

‬Dowhill school which is one of the oldest schools not only in Kurseong, but all of West Bengal and by extension India was started in August 1879, with a first batch of 16 children.
Yesterday a huge portion of this history and heritage got gutted down due to a massive fire, which took over 6 hours to control.

Fire-tenders from Kurseong, Darjeeling and Siliguri had to rush in to help control the blaze.

Thankfully since winter holidays are on, there were no students around. In particular, the junior dormitory has been completely burned down.

fire has destroyed the junior dorm section of Dowhill School in Kurseong.
While fire tenders have rushed to the site, it is still unclear what caused the fire.

Via TheDC

MTV Roadies accident in Darjeeling Pesok

7:56 PM

MTV Roadies Meet With an Accident
An accident took place near Pesok view point in Darjeeling. A mini bus carrying crew of roadies fell down the road. They were shooting in Mirik and Darjeeling hills  recently. According to the report there has been several incidents of accidents in the same spot in the past. The Roadies crew made a mistake by not taking the local driver said one of the locals.

Details of the injured persons:
Magen Basu Matary (36) Ashis Ansari(24) Akash Patel (25) Surendra Pràdhàn (35) Sidarth Soni(24) John Britto(33) Sandeep Bamkar(29) Bijoy kumar Panday(32) Rabi Rajan kumar(24) Santosh Jaiswal(35) Gawrab Pazoz(32) and the vehicle no is AS 01FC9100.
All assistance have been provided to the injured, who have been taken to Kalimpong and Siliguri hospital.

Thank God, there have been no casualties and we are hopeful it remains that way.

Via TheDC

Harka Bahadur Chettri Resigns From GJM, will continue as MLA

1:24 PM
Suspense is over, Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri has said that he will quit Gorkha Janamukti Morcha and will continue as an Independent MLA. 

Stating that MLA's were asked to resign without any consultation, he said that he could not be a party to the arbitrary decisions. 

He stated that despite being an ex-officio member of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration he wasn't invited to a single GTA meeting in the last three years. 

It might be reminded that on Marh 25, 2011 when the 3 GJM MLA candidates names were announced, Mr. Vimal Bimal Gurung Official had said, “Whoever is the candidate, he must sign a bond stating that he would withdraw or resign at any moment. The bond must also state that they will be willing to sit on a hunger strike in front of the Assembly. This is the people’s movement and the people’s voice should always be respected." [Details:http://bit.ly/1Kv96gr]

Harka Bahadur Chettri Resigns From GJM, will continue as MLA

Kalimpong MLA Harka Bahadur Chettri today severed ties with Bimal Gurung's led Gorkha Janamukti Morcha saying his action was to protest against "system" in the Hills.

Fifty-four-year-old Gorkha leader, known for his soft and democratic way of functioning, said he would work as an independent legislator until he decides his future course of action.

At that time all were in agreement, but of late Mr. Chettri was seen as getting closer to TMC. 
He however ruled out joining TMC for now.


With inputs from Times of India and DK Waiba in Kalimpong via TheDC

GJM MLAs set to resign from Bengal Legislature

4:29 PM
In a drastic move, the GJM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) has decided to recall its MLAs from Bengal legislature, as a symbolic gesture towards cutting off ties from West Bengal.

Speaking exclusively to TheDC, GJM General Secretary Mr. Roshan Giri and Asst General Secretary of the party Mr. Binoy Tamang stated that, "following repeated instances of interference by the Bengal government in the functioning of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration... the party has unanimously decided to cut off ties with Bengal... on September 23rd the MLAs will all resign, followed by resignation of all Municipality members, and then the elected GTA representatives"

GJM MLAs set to resign from Bengal Legislature
Bimal Gurung with his potential MLAs in Darjeeling (photo: Rabin Rai via DT) A file photo
He added that, "we are in the process of sending a letter to the Prime Minister stating the reason why GTA has failed completely, and will inform him about the fact that only Gorkhaland can fulfill the aspirations of the people of Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars."

Via - The Darjeeling Chronicle

Bimal Gurung Supports Protecting the Heritage Structure of Hotel Mount Everest

3:48 PM
The GTA chief Bimal Gurung has extended his support to protect the 100 years old heritage structure of Hotel Mount Everest in Darjeeling. He said that the new venture that is being proposed must be inline with the existing structure and should not be dismantled. He has also demanded that the ex-employees who were forced to quit the job following the fire be reemployed in the upcoming hotel.
Bimal Gurung Supports Protecting the Heritage Structure of Hotel Mount Everest
Bimal Gurung Supports Protecting the Heritage Structure of Hotel Mount Everest
GJM chief released his statement on the issue of dismantling of the Hotel Mount Everest taday and said "I have just come to learn from news reports regarding the purchase of the Heritage Mount Everest Hotel. I am happy that the purchase by a private company has materialised. After a period of 30 years of remaining as an eyesore, it is a welcome sign.

However, The Hotel is so deeply integral to the lives of the people of Darjeeling that the dismantling of the place would not be the right solution. It has a History of it's own which is woven with the History of Darjeeling.

The people of Darjeeling always fondly remember the Hotel even though they may not have had the resources to take advantage of the facilities it offered.
It has been a part of the folk lore of the Hills. It has provided livelihood to thousands of people. It has been the place associated with famous people and locals have happy memories attached with this hotel.
As a young boy from the gardens I used to stand in awe and admire the place from the road.
The GTA will oppose any form of dismantling of the Iconic Heritage architectural structure. The new venture that is being proposed must be inline with the existing structure and construction must be undertaken without dismantling the aesthetic value of the place. Those ex-employees of Hotel Mount Everest who were laid off must be absorved as workers by the new company.

दार्जीलिङको ऐतिहासिक धरोहरको रूपमा विख्यात माउण्ट एभरेष्ट होटेल बिक्री भएको विभिन्न समाचार माध्यमहरूमार्फत हालैमा मात्रै मैले थाह पाए। उक्त होटेललाई एउटा निजी कम्पनीले पुन: निर्माणको उद्धेश्यले नै किनेको थाह लागेपछि मलाई धेरै खुशी लागेको छ। लगभग तीस वर्षको दुरावस्थापछि उक्त ऐतिहासिक होटेलले नयॉं रूप लिनु स्वागतयोग्य विषय हो।
यद्यपि दार्जीलिङवासीको जनजीवन अनि इतिहाससित पनि गहिरो सम्बन्ध रहेको तथा दार्जीलिङवासीको गहिरो प्रेम रहेको यस होटेललाई होटेललाई पूर्णरूपले ध्वस्त गरी नयॉं निर्माण गर्नु सही समाधान हुनेछैन। दार्जीलिङ पहाड़को इतिहासमा यस होटेलको आफ्नै गरिमामय इतिहास समाहित रहेको छ। यस होटेलबाट प्रदान गर्ने संशाधन अनि सुविधाहरूको राम्रो प्रकारले उपभोग गर्न नसकेतापनि दार्जीलिङवासीले यस होटेललाई सदैव आफ्नो ह्रदयपटमा सम्हालेर राखेका छन्। दार्जीलिङ पहाड़को मुटुमा यो होटेल दार्जीलिङ पहाड़को लोक- संस्कृतिको एक अभिन्न अंग भएर पनि बसेका छन्। हजारौं मानिसहरूको जीविका आर्जनको माध्यम पनि बनिसकेको छ यो होटेल। भारत देशसितै विश्वभरिकै प्रसिद्ध व्यक्तिहरूको सु:खद सम्झनाहरू पनि यस होटेलसित जोड़िएको छ। दार्जीलिङ पहाड़को विभिन्न ऐतिहासिक घटनाहरूसितै यहॉंको सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक अनि आर्थिक जीवनशैलीको साक्षी भएर पनि यो होटेल वर्षौदेखि दार्जीलिङ पहाड़को काखमा बसिरहेको छ।
चियाबगानको एक युवा केटा छदॉं सड़कमा उभेर मैले पनि यस होटेललाई अचम्भित बनेर धेरैबेर सम्म नियाल्ने गर्थे। यसको सौन्दर्य अनि शान देखेर म आफै अचम्भित बन्ने गर्थे त्यसबेला।

माउण्ट एभरेष्ट होटेल दार्जीलिङ पहाड़को ऐतिहासिक धरोहरको रूपमा रहिआएको हुनाले गोरखाल्याण्ड क्षेत्रीय प्रशासन उक्त होटेलको उदाहरणीय ऐतिहासिक सरचंनालाई पूर्णरूपले ध्वसं गर्ने विषयमा प्रतिवाद जनाउँदछ। यस होटेलमा रहिआएको पुरानो ऐतिहासिक सरंचनाको कलाकारिताको मूल्याङ्कन गरेर यसलाई नष्ट नगरी यस होटेलको नयॉं सरचंना गरिइयोस्। यसबाहेक माउण्ट एभरेष्ट होटेलका पुराना कर्मचारीहरूलाई पनि नयॉं कम्पनीले नोकरी प्रदान गर्नुपर्ने पनि कम्पनीपक्षलाई म निवेदन गर्दछु।"

Source - Bimal Gurung Official

Landslide kills at least 20 people in Mirik and Kalimpong.

9:38 AM
1 July Darjeeling; 20 people have reportedly died due to landslides in Mirik and Kalimpong IN Darjeeling district so far.
Landslide kills at least 20 people in Mirik and Kalimpong.
Landslide kills at least 20 people in Mirik and Kalimpong.
In Mirik IT IS reported that at least 14 people have been killed in Limbu Gown alone, 3 people were killed in Mahendra Gown and 2 people were killed in Thana Line area.

Similarly in Kalimpong a Class 9 student was killed in Lava, and all roads to and from Lava are shut down. Even the injured have not been able to be taken to the hospital.

Last night's rain and high wind have caused landslides across Mirik region, and reports of at least 5 houses being damaged in Mirik town itself are coming in. Electricity lines are down, and many houses in Tingling T.E are supposed to have been damaged.

Early morning, excavators were pressed into service to clear the roads and electricity personnel are on their way to mend the lines which were downed last night.

Via - TheDC

Bharati Tamang lifts Hunger Strike

9:48 PM
Bharati Tamang, wife of Late Madan Tamang, who was in hunger strike since Sunday demanding the arrest of all the GJM ledaers named in the CBI chargesheet under the banner of Democratic Front, has lifted Hunger strike today at 5:15 pm due to serious health problem.
Bharati Tamang lifts Hunger Strike
Bharati Tamang lifts Hunger Strike
Meanwhile, spokesperson of Democratic Front, Mr. Sankhar Hang Subba said that "Court verdict was in favour of us and we respect Court proceedings. And it is not the bail that granted it is simply making the case stronger in favour of us."

source; TheDC

Arrest warrants against Bimal Gurung and 22 others in Madan Tamang Case

6:03 PM
The City Sessions Court of Kolkata today ie Saturday issued an order for arrest warrants against the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung and 22 others in connection with the alleged murder of Madan Tamang. The City sessions court judge Gopal Chandra Karmakar issued the arrest warrants.
Arrest warrants against Bimal Gurung and 22 others in Madan Tamang Case
Arrest warrants against Bimal Gurung and 22 others in Madan Tamang Case
"We had prayed for the issue of warrant against 23 people accused in the murder of Madan Tamang, including GJM chief Bimal Gurung. The court has ordered to issue the warrant, to be executed by CBI by June 26," said Arun Bhagat, counsel for CBI.

Gorkha leader Madan Tamang was hacked to death at Upper Clubside in the heart of Darjeeling town on May 21, 2010 while overseeing preparations for a public meeting.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had requested the city Sessions Court to issue arrest warrants against all 23 accused, including Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) president Bimal Gurung, in the 2010 Madan Tamang murder case. The CBI counsel told the court that the case was on for five years and it was imperative that the accused be arrested for effective investigation of the case.

While the defence counsel opposed the plea, the court accepted the CBI's prayer and directed that an officer of the rank of superintendent execute the arrest warrant by June 26 and place a report before the court in that regard.

On May 29, CBI submitted the chargesheet which named 23 persons including Gurung, his wife and a number of other prominent leaders. They were charged with murder, criminal conspiracy and rioting with deadly weapons.

Besides Gurung, the others against whom warrant has been issued include his wife Asha, party MLA from Kalimpong Harkabahadur Chettri, assistant general secretary Benoy Tamang, GTA chairman Pradeep Pradhan and deputy chief executive Colonel Ramesh Allay, among others.

The court accepted the chargesheet last Monday, and directed the CBI to spell out whether they want to issue summons or arrest warrants. The court had asked CBI’s investigating officer to appear before it on Saturday and say what the investigating agency wants to do with the accused. Complying with CBI appeal, city Sessions Court issued Order to arrest all 23 accused who are listed in final supplementary charge sheet of CBI by June 26.

While the GJM has said they would be moving a higher court in appeal, the AIGL has welcomed the verdict calling for the immediate arrest of all the accused.

"We welcome the court's verdict. This should have been done much earlier. We hope all the accused will be arrested immediately," AIGL general secretary Pratap Khati said.

Initially probed by the state police's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the matter was handed over to the CBI after prime accused Nicole Tamang disappeared from the CID's custody in August 2010.


Blast at firing range in Gorkha Rifles Headquarters in Dehradun

2:07 PM
Dehradun, May 30 : Three jawans were injured in a blast at the firing range at the Gorkha Rifles headquarters in Dehradun on Saturday.
Blast at Gorkha Rifles Headquarters' firing range in Dehradun
Blast at Gorkha Rifles Headquarters' firing range in
Dehradun - Representational Image
The condition of one of the jawans is said to be critical. All the injured have been admitted to the Military Hospital here.

According to reports, the blast took place when a jawan got down from a truck to pick up a suspicious object lying on the ground. It is still not clear as to what actually caused the blast.
The bomb disposal squad is trying to find out about the nature of the explosive.

Four persons including the jawans and the driver of the truck were on board the vehicle when the explosion took place, a source at the SSP office here said adding details are awaited and all senior officials have rushed to the spot.

The jawans are said to have been on their way to the market to buy vegetables when the explosion took place, the source said.

Though the cause of the explosion is being investigated, it is believed that it took place by accident.
Garhi Cantonment where the explosion took place is a high security area with the official residence of the Chief Minister and Raj Bhawan located there.

Source: Various online sources


CBI indicts GJM leadership including Bimal Gurung in Madan Tamang murder case

11:37 PM
In a major setback to the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM), its entire top leadership including chief Bimal Gurung, was on Friday indicted by the CBI in the murder case of All India Gorkha League (AIGL) president Madan Tamang.
CBI indicts GJM leadership including Bimal Gurung in Madan Tamang murder case
Left GJM chief Bimal Gurung,  Right Madan Tamang Man Murdered in Broad Daylight
Filed before a city court, the charge sheet indicted Gurung -- also the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief, his wife Asha Gurung, party general secretary Roshan Giri and GTA chairman Pradip Pradhan among others for various offences including murder.

"In all, 14 people have been named today (Friday) in the final supplementary charge sheet. The offences include criminal conspiracy for murder, rioting armed with deadly weapons, committing murder," said a CBI official.

Others named in the charge sheet include GJM vice president Benoy Tamang, party MLA Harka Bahadur Chhetri, GTA deputy chief executive Ramesh Alley and Gurung's two close associates - Dinesh Singh and Devendra Sharma.

The CBI, which has been probing the case since 2011, earlier charge-sheeted 31 accused.

ABGL president Tamang was stabbed to death in Darjeeling on May 21, 2010.

"The accused named in the final chargesheet today have been charged with murder and criminal conspiracy," said a CBI officer. "There is specific evidence against each of those named and we will furnish them during trial," the officer added.


The late ABGL chief's widow, Bharati Tamang, who leads the party now, had also pleaded before the high court that the case be shifted out of Darjeeling, saying a fair trial was not possible there.

Morcha general secretary Giri, when asked about today's chargesheet, said: "We will first consult our lawyers before making any statement."

The ABGL leadership demanded the immediate arrest of the Morcha leaders.

"The chargesheet has shown that none is above the law and it shows that the Morcha leadership is involved. We are told that these leaders have been shown as absconders in the chargesheet. We demand their immediate arrest," said Pratap Khati, the general secretary of the ABGL.

He added: "Since these leaders are influential, we demand that trial should be held in custody."

Of the 31 named in the chargesheets of the CBI and the CID, Dinesh Subba is untraceable. Another accused, Dil Kumar Rai, was found murdered near Darjeeling on December 28, 2011.

Sangay Yolmo, another accused, is bed-ridden. Yolmo was hit by a bullet during a clash on the day Madan Tamang was assassinated. The bullet pierced his spine, making him paralytic.

The rest are out on bail.


Source: business-standard.com / Telegraph


 
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