Aruna Lama "Nightingale of the Hills"

12:04 PM

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music

Aruna Lama (Nepali: अरुणा लामा) 9 September 1945 – 4 February 1998) was one of the well-known singers of Nepali music. She is popularly known as "Nightingale of the Hills". She sang hundreds of Nepalisongs, including some for Nepali Film, and left an indelible mark as one of the best singers in Nepali music.

Biography

Aruna Lama was born on 9 September 1945 at Ghoom Pahar, Darjeeling, British India to Nepali parents Surya Bahadur Lama and Sanmaya Lama.[1] Her uncle C.B. Lama inspired her to sing from the age of 7. She won a music competition organized by the Gorkha Dukha Niwarak Sammelan (GDNS) in 1956 at the age of 11 and then she never looked back. Amber Gurung, one of the stalwarts of Nepali music, groomed her in singing from 1958. Aruna Lama did her schooling at Mungpoo Primary School, Jalpahar, and St. Teresa's School, Darjeeling. She completed her graduate degree in arts from Darjeeling Government College. In 1963, Aruna Lama married Saran Pradhan, another Nepali musician. In 1974, her husband died and she was left with her two children, Sapna (Pradhan) Thapa and Supreet Raj Pradhan. She worked hard to raise them, working as an assistant teacher in St. Alphonsus School (1965) and finally found work at the Scheduled Castes and Tribes Welfare Office in Darjeeling where she worked till 1998. She continued to sing even with all her struggles till the end of her life.

Music

Aruna Lama sang for numerous music composers, most notably Amber Gurung, Karma Yonzon, Gopal Yonzon, Shanti Thatal, Narayan Gopal, Mani Kamal Chettri and Dibya Khaling. Her first song was composed by Amber Gurung lyrics written by Bhupi Sherchan in 1961. Some of her classic hits are Eh Kancha Malai Sunko Tara, Phool Lai Sodhey, Pohor Saal Khusi Phatda, Hera Na Hera Kancha, Laharey Bara Ghumauney Chautari, Eklai Basda and Nepali Gaurav Garchau Afnaipanma. She also sang for a number of Nepali films, such as Maitighar, Paral Ko Aago and Kanchhi, these film songs are remembered even today. Some of her notable musical performances include Raag Rajat at Gorkha Rangamanch, Darjeeling 1981; Arunanjaliat Pragya Bhawan, Kathmandu; and Aruna Lama Swarnim Saanjh at Pragya Bhawan, Kathmandu.

Awards

Aruna Lama received numerous awards both in Nepal and India for her singing and contribution to Nepali music. Some of these awards include Sangit Puraskar (1966), Sur Sringar Sammelan Puraskar (1966), Mitrasen Puraskar (Assam Nepali Sahitya /Sanskritik Parishad 1975), Dishari Puraskar (Kolkata 1980), Bhanu Academy Puraskar (Darjeeling 1982), Nepali Chalchitra Puraskar (for Maitighar 1983), Chinnlata Geet Puraskar (Kathmandu 1992), Urvashi Rang Puraskar (Kathmandu 1992), Mitrasen Sangeet Puraskar (Gangtok 1995), Gorkha Dakshina Bahu 4th (Kathmandu 1996), Sadhna Puraskar (Kathmandu), Nightingale of the Hills (Hindustan Recording Sangsthan, Kolkata), Swar Kinnari (Sitaram Sahitya Pratisthan, Kathmandu) and Swar Samagri (Arunanjali Programme, Kathmandu).

Selected songs

Kancha Malai Sunko Tara
Phool Lai Sodhey
Pohor Saal Khusi Phatyo
Nepali Gaurav Garchau Afnaipanma
Manma Timro
Hanga Hanga
Aankhama Mero
Udas Mero
Chautarima Basera
Eklai Basda
Sabaile Bhanthe
Hera Na Hera Kancha
Aankhaharule
Laharey Bara Ghumauney Chautari
Udi Jaaun Bhane Panchi Hoina (Movie: Paral Ko Aago)
Himal Sari Ma (Movie: Kanchhi)
Yee Timra Muskan (Movie: Kanchhi)
Kala Kala Sala Sala (Movie: Kanchhi)

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Teesta Valley Sabhasad met Gurgaon assault victims, DDUDF sends memorandum

8:54 AM

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racism

DARJEELING 22 May 2015 : Teesta Valley Sabhasad, Norbu G Lama arrived in Delhi yesterday to visit the Darjeeling trios who were beaten at Gurgaon last Saturday.

Teesta Valley Sabhasad met Gurgaon assault victims

GTA Sabhasad Norbu G Lama was accompanied by Mr. Raunak Singh Ahaluwalia - the son of Darjeeling MP.

On reaching Delhi, the Sabhasad took stock of the situation with the three youths and interacted with those who have helped the three youth.

A GJM spokesperson informed, “We have decided to provide the victims with all kind of financial assistance they need for their treatment. They belong to very poor families and have migrated for employment opportunities… This kind of incident should not happen again,”

Representatives from Gorkha associations based in Delhi are expected to meet Darjeeling MP SS Ahaluwalia and Norbu G Lama today, and with the intention of pressing for the demand to form a Powerful non-political Gorkha body comprising of representatives from all Gorkha communities across India.

Meanwhile, Founder-Trustee of Darieeling Dooars United Development Foundation Mahendra P. Lama, in a memorandum to Union minister of state for home Kiren Rijiju on Friday said the Gurgaon incident had sent shockwaves among the people in Darjeeling and the North East region. According  to a DDUDF release, Rijiju assured Lama that he would seek a report from Haryana police and take suitable action.

The residents gathered in front of the police station and raised slogans against the police. They even barged into the police station demanding immediate arrest of the accused, said a local source.

On reaching Delhi, the Sabhasad would take stock of the situation with the three youths who are currently undergoing treatment at the AIIMS Trauma Centre. It may be recalled here that a group of seven to eight persons brutally assaulted Abhishek Rai, Sagar Rai and Dev Kumar Subba of Teesta Valley area over a trivial issue in Nathupur village of Gurgaon district on Saturday night. The incident was triggered after Abhishek threw a packet containing garbage and broken glass from the first floor of his residence into a dustbin kept on the roadside. The packet missed the dustbin with shards of glass hitting some youths, which lead to the ghastly attack.

“The incident definitely had a racial overtone and regional bias. Like a large number of younger generation people living in Delhi and around for studies and livelihood, these three youths from tea gardens of Darjeeling have been there mainly for their livelihood as the living conditions and economic situations in these gardens have sharply deteriorated in the last decade or so. More importantly, these youths have gone to Gurgaon to also contribute in the development process there,” the DDUDF memorandum said.

The incident has once again affected the spirit and enthusiasm of a large number ofpeople from the North East region in Delhi and around. It has once again raised the spectre of racial and regional violence in Delhi and around. “In order to prevent recurrence of such ghastly incidence of violence in future we sincerely appeal to you to ensure the culprits including the house owner and his associates are booked strictly under the rule of law,” the memorandum said.

A section of the police, it said, had allegedly complicated the situation by racial remarks and they, too, should be booked according to law.

“The incident definitely had a racial overtone and regional bias. Like a large number of younger generation people living in Delhi and around for studies and livelihood, these three youths from tea gardens of Darjeeling have been there mainly for their livelihood as the living conditions and economic situations in these gardens have sharply deteriorated in the last decade or so. More importantly, these youths have gone to Gurgaon to also contribute in the development process there,” the DDUDF memorandum said.

The incident has once again affected the spirit and enthusiasm of a large number of people from the North East region in Delhi and around. It has once again raised the spectre of racial and regional violence in Delhi and around. “In order to prevent recurrence of such ghastly incidence of violence in future we sincerely appeal to you to ensure the culprits including the house owner and his associates are booked strictly under the rule of law,” the memorandum said.

A section of the police, it said, had allegedly complicated the situation by racial remarks and they, too, should be booked according to law.  (HS ad EOIC)

Source: EOI & DC

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DDUDF Takes Up The Case of Kurseong Ranger's College

10:56 AM

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MP S.S. Ahluwalia

While GJM is Busy Inaugurating Sign Boards - DDUDF Takes Up The Case of Kurseong Ranger's College

Ranger’s College in Kurseong About to Be Shut Down Completely

With the GJM and Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia being completely ineffective, the Darjeeling and Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation has stepped up to save one of Darjeeling's important heritage - Kurseong Ranger's College.

On December 11, TheDC and Himalaya Darpan had reported about the fact that the Eastern Ranger's College was about to be shut down [Details here: Ranger’s College in Kurseong About to Be Shut Down Completely
]

However, neither the GTA nor Darjeeling MP did anything to bring this issue to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

Following which the DDUDF President Dr. Mahendra P Lama approached the Director General (Forests) and Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests Shri. S S Garbyal and informed him about the need to preserve the Eastern Forest Ranger's College, situated at the St. Mary's hills in Kurseong.

Shri. S S Garbyal informed Dr. Lama that he along with a team from the MoEF would visit Kurseong for an evaluation tour and decide on the matter.

Dr. Lama informed Mr. Garbyal that the Eastern Forest Ranger's College was a heritage institute and a pride of the Darjeeling hills, and thus not only needs to be conserved, but also needs to be upgraded to a research institute status.

The Ranger's College in Kurseong is one of the four premier institutes in India which along with such institutes in Dehradoon in Uttarakhand, Barnihat in Assam and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu that trains rangers selected from all over India.

Dr. Lama said that the Ranger's college was a pride of the Darjeeling Hills and if it shuts down it would be a great loss to the hills.

We are hopeful that Dr. Lama's timely intervention will help in saving this prestigious Institute.

While we thank Dr. Lama for his initiative and assure him of all support in this endeavour from our side. We cannot help but call our GTA officials and MP...

Source: DC

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DDUDF Pushes for 3-Tier Panchayat System, calls DGHC and GTA unconstitutional bodies

8:28 AM

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Politics

DDUDF Promotes Formation Panchayat Council - Calls GTA "Unconstitutional Body"

Coming down heavily on the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration set up, the Darjeeling and Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) have called it an unconstitutional body, and have started to focus on forming Panchayat Councils.

 Dr. Mahendra P Lama

Speaking to the press, the DDUDF Chief Dr. Mahendra P Lama said that "DGHC and GTA are unconstitutional bodies, which is why it is futile to run after these bodies... and hence it is important to develop the Panchayat system which has constitutional guarantee."

He further claimed that, "GTA being an unconstitutional body is meant to be a stop gap measure to placate the hill politicians, where as Panchayat is the body through which central schemes and policies can be implemented at the grassroots level"

The DDUDF Panchayat Council has started to be formed from Longview, and gradually be expanded to Sitong, Sipahidhura, Tindharye and so on.

Addressing a meeting held at Kurseong Public Library, Dr. Lama said, "none of the political parties demanding Gorkhaland have done so with proper political foundation... emotions alone can never get us Gorkhaland... we need proper foundation and strategy which has so far been lacking."

Dr. Lama asserted that in the past 1 year DDUDF has achieved a lot, including meeting the Union Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to update her on the tea garden wage related issue.

He further said, "wait till we come to power and we will show, what development looks like... merely laying foundation stones does not equate to development... we will show what it looks like"

Accusing GJM of fooling the public, Dr. Lama said, "those who know nothing about farming, should not be holding 'Krishi Mela'... getting paid dancers to shake their hips and qualifying that as 'Krishi Mela' is actually an injustice to the farming community"

Dr. Lama assured that DDUDF and its ideals will gradually spread across the Darjeeling hills, Terai and Dooars.


Source: DC

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DDUDF writes to Prime Minister for immediate inquiry and justice in Visva-Bharati case

12:11 PM

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Sikkim

Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) , while strongly condemning the incident of sexual harassment of a Sikkimese girl student at Visva-Bharati University, has asked for immediate inquiry and also urgent justice to the victim and the affected family. It has demanded the most stringent and potent punishment to the perpetrators, so that it acts as a deterrent in future. The DDUDF in its letter addressed to the President of India (the highest authority in the Central University system), has requested for his urgent and effective intervention in this case.

DDUDF Logo

Quoting the Times of India (Calcutta Edition, dated Saturday, 30 August 2014) under the headline caption “Pressured into Not Filing Cop Complaint”, the DDUDF said if the news item is factually correct and true, then the Vice Chancellor of Vishwa Bharati University has no moral right to continue as the Vice Chancellor of a prestigious national University. “The news item very clearly denotes that the VC has been indifferent, insensitive, partial and inhuman in the handling of the entire case,” the DDUDF press release read. The forum also requests for the immediate dismissal of the Vice Chancellor if the newspaper report and the account given by the father of the victim is correct.

The DDUDF has further demanded recommendation of the Bezbaruah Committee Report, submitted a couple of weeks back to the Ministry of Home Affairs. It has also urged the President of India to make Darjeeling and Dooars a member of the North Eastern Council, so that the students are also covered under the statutes recommended by the Bezbaruah Committee in future.

The forum has also forwarded the copy of the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is the Chancellor of the University, and Minister of Human Resources Development Smriti Irani and Chairman, University Grants Commission.

The DDUDF has also appealed to all the students of Vishwa Bharati University, particularly from the Northeast region including Darjeeling and Dooars, to remain calm and handle this difficult situation with maturity and as per the legal provisions and norms of the country.

Source: EOI

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India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950 - DDUDF press release

12:11 AM

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Politics

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) has issued a press release on the issue of the review of India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty 1950. This Treaty was highlighted during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Nepal a fortnight ago.

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF)

Release has stated that several crucial issues between India and Nepal were discussed during the just concluded successful visit of the Prime Minster of India to Nepal. In many significant issues some concrete decisions were taken as a way forward. Among these issues, the issues related to India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty signed in 1950 were also discussed. This Treaty has always wrongly touched the sentiments of the Indian Gorkhas and has also adversely affected them in many ways. From the Nepalese side there has been plethora of demands either to review or to revise or even to abrogate this Treaty since last two to three decades. In the 1990s also various media reports did mention that the Nepal Government had some concrete proposals to place before the Indian Government on the replacement of this 1950 Treaty.

It states that Nepal as a sovereign nation looks at and treats this Treaty from a perspective that is different from the specific national security perspective of India. On the other hand, the Indian Gorkhas look at this Treaty from the view point of a bilateral arrangement which has adversely affected their political identity and Indian nationality. This is because Article 7 and 8 of the Treaty permit unrestricted movement of each other’s citizens into each other territory on a reciprocal basis. Not only this, many of the rights and privileges which are actually only meant for its own citizens have also been extended to these floating population on both sides of the border.

Release adds that this arrangement that promotes free flow of people from Nepal through the entire stretch of 1751 km open border and their settlements in different parts of India have rather adversely affected the Indian Gorkhas as their Indian identity and nationality get diluted because of the presence of the people with similar culture and language but of Nepalese nationalities. This dilution has been further confounded and the experience of discrimination has been much bitter as the Indian Gorkhas unlike other major ethnic groups in the country do not have their own State in India. Though the Indian Gorkhas have raised these issues in several national forums there has been no durable and permanent solution to this highly emotive issue.
Though at the heart of the Gorkhaland Movement of 1980s in Darjeeling was this issue of confusion and dilution of political identities of the Indian Gorkhas, the tripartite agreement leading to the setting up of Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council in 1988 did not provide any durable and permanent solution to this critical issue that engulf and persecute the Indian Gorkhas. The recognition of Nepali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 1992 after four decade long protracted struggle by the Indian Gorkhas also could not satisfy the Indian Gorkhas in terms of establishing their Indian identity. Therefore, today also one of the foremost demands of the Indian Gorkhas is a durable and permanent solution to the question of their national identity which is constantly under threat and vulnerable because of the provisions and arrangements in the 1950 Treaty.

Further it adds that when Indian Prime Minster agreed to the idea of reviewing and revising this Treaty, the challenge is to have a broad based discussion and make the provisions of the Treaty that would go along the needs of the 21st century. Both India and Nepal would tread the path of reviewing / revising / abrogating the 1950 Treaty on the basis of each nation’s larger national interest. On the other hand , for the Indian Gorkhas it is high time to ensure that this Treaty either has a complete safeguard for the fostering of political and constitutional identity of the Indian Gorkhas or has an exclusive arrangement for durable solution to their protracted demand of keeping them separate from the floating population that crosses border under the provisions of the 1950 Treaty. This is the time for addressing the question of how the Indian Gorkhas ensure their deserving and exclusive Indian identity and how the Indian Gorkhas get recognition and commendations for their contributions to the building of modern India. Do the Indian Gorkhas aspire for resolutions of these issues within the Treaty or outside the Treaty ? If it is within, then what kinds of provisions are to be added to the existing Treaty. And if they want solutions outside the framework of the Treaty what kind of arrangement is needed. All these require a comprehensive and wider national discussions and deliberations.
The release has asked that how long does it take for effecting such changes in the 1950 Treaty ? How does the Indian Gorkhas get representation and their voices in the impending constitution of high level committee/commission to examine and review this Treaty ? What do the Indian Gorkhas discuss in this Commission ? What kind of durable solution would be suggested by the Indian Gorkhas before this Committee/Commission ? All these need to deliberated upon threadbare and meaningfully at various forums of Indian Gorkhas all across India and outside also. This is a great opportunity and appropriate moment for the Indian Gorkhas to push their case.

In a similar move the historic Treaty between India and Bhutan signed in 1949 was also comprehensively revised nearly after 58 years in 2007.

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) has appealed to all the Indian Gorkhas that this is the ultimate attempt by the Indian Gorkhas to really give a final shape to their quest for national identity. It further states that how do the Indian Gorkhas come to a common and united national platform to deliberate on the finer nuances of the issues concerned ? The formidable challenge is for the organisations that have national character like Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh to galvanise and mobilise the opinion form all across the country and put them effectively and resolutely before any of the emerging national Committee/ Commission.

In this regard, it is very essential for the political parties; civil society institutions; social-cultural and other professional organisations; media persons-teachers-industrialists and farmers; sports persons-students-intellectuals and businessmen and the members of parliament and legislative assemblies to come together and deliberate on this very critical issue in a single forum. Besides, they all have to decide on the strategy and further course of action so that a conclusive and durable solution comes out of the entire process, release adds.

In conclusion it has stated that there is no time for the Indian Gorkhas to falter, dither and vacillate on these issues now. Unlike in the past, that is not the moment for them to look at this national issue from a very narrow political party and self-centric individual perspective. DDUDF would like to participate fully and wholeheartedly in this entire process of deliberations and consensus building. In fact, DDUDF unilaterally offers to bring out a comprehensive BASE PAPER in order to take the entire deliberations forward. To provide sound arguments and detail politico-legal information and statistics and firm basis for substantive discussion, this BASE PAPER will deal with history, socio-political dynamics, geographical and demographic dimensions, facets of international relations, the conduct and management of borders, trials-tribulations and harassments and atrocities faced by the Indian Gorkhas and finally the need to have constitutional provisions and a separate state as a durable and permanent solution.

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GJM should introduce Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament within a year - Mahindra P Lama

10:05 AM

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Mahendra P. Lama

The Darjeeling Dooars United Development Front (DDUDF) chief Dr. Mahindra P Lama urged the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) to introduce the Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament and has offered assistance for the process. “If the GJM want to prove its worth as the leading party in the hills, it should introduce the Gorkhaland Bill in Parliament. The DDUDF is ready to provide assistance if the party is having any difficulties in making the bill,” Dr. Lama told reporters in Mirik. He was in town today for an official tour of the region to revamp the party’s base after the defeat in the Lok Sabha Elections 2014.

Dr. Lama Tells GJM to Introduce Gorkhaland Bill Within a Year

“Before turning into a political party, the DDUDF will first prove its worth through constructive works,” Dr. Lama emphasised. He claimed there are a lot of foundation stone laying ceremonies taking place in the name of development, but there has not been any actual development in the hills. He alleged the state government of interfering in the Gorkha Territorial Administration’s works in bringing development to the hills.

On the current workers wage issues in TGs across Darjeeling, Dooars and Terai, the DDUDF chief said, “The BJP-led central government will not be able to influence a lot in the wage hike issue, even if the GJM seeks support. Therefore, everyone should press for Minimum Wage Act to increase the daily wages of TG workers.

Dr. Lama urged the GJM and Darjeeling MP to introduce the Darjeeling-Dooars-Terai region into the North Eastern Council. He also question the GJM about the number of times Hill MP SS Ahluwalia has spoken in Lok Sabha or the number of questions he has asked and even the number of times he was present in parliamentary sessions. He also urged the GJM to promote three-tier panchayat elections in the hills.

During his Mirik tour, he visited Jawahar Navodaya Vidhyalaya in Chabbisey and took note of the problems and informed he will soon meet HRDD Minister Smriti Irani and other senior departmental officials to discuss about the issues. He also attended a DDUDF committee-level meeting in Mirik bazaar.

Source:EOI

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M.P Lama justified the DDUDF’s 11-point deputation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

9:27 AM

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Politics

Kalimpong: Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) president Dr. Mahindra P Lama has justified the organisation’s 11-point deputation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an initiative for the development of the hills and the overall welfare of the Gorkha people. Addressing a press meet here today, he said the deputation aims to highlight the Gorkha people’s political ambition, identity and overall development.

DDUDF chief Mahendra P Lama (R) at the
press meet in Kalimpong.

Lama was unable to represent Darjeeling in Parliament, but the deputation sent just after 15 days of Modi taking office was to put pressure on Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia to work for the development of the hills.

The key issue in the deputation includes the demand for a separate state. Lama wants Darjeeling district, the Dooars, Chopra and Islampur integrated to form the proposed state.

“The DDUDF is currently preparing a plan for a separate state keeping in mind the people’s political aspirations and identity, along with its boundaries and name,” Lama informed.

The remaining 10 points in the deputation include the demand for the formation of a high-level committee to accord minority status to the Gorkha community; three-tier panchayat elections in the GTA area; inclusion of Darjeeling and the Dooars in the North Eastern States Council; reopening of the Jalepla trade route; revamping of tea and cinchona production; development of educational and research institutes in Darjeeling and the Dooars; tax holiday for the Darjeeling-Dooars region; encouragement for investment, amendment in forest regulations; and ST status to the Gorkhas.

Lama said the DDUDF had also written a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Sauraj for reopening the Jalepla trade route.

“She has responded positively and has assured to look into the issue,” he added.

The organisation also wants the central government to intervene in the daily minimum wage issue of tea garden workers and increase the wage to Rs350 per day, the DDUDF president informed.

“We have written the letter in the form of a guideline. We expect the Darjeeling MP to use the guideline and work for the betterment of the people of the hills. We do not want him to be startled by our aspirations and questions, which is why we have formulated this overtly comprehensive letter,” Lama further explained.

He went on to say that his organisation has demanded the MP to provide timely updates on his activities in the hills.

“We want a half-yearly report on the work done and in the pipeline by the MP along with a detailed account of the usage of the MP fund,” added Lama.

When asked as to when the DDUDF would register itself as a political party, Lama just said the announcement will be made at the appropriate moment.

Source: EOI

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Reasons for DDUDF's defeat in the Lok Sabha Elections

9:56 AM

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Politics

The Darjeeling Dooars United Development Front (DDUDF) cited organisational weakness from the grass-root level, the impact of Modi wave across the country and the lack of adequate election funds as the key reasons for its defeat in the Lok Sabha Elections this year. The DDUDF conducted a general body meeting today to address the election debacle and its strategy ahead at the Shyama Devi Hall in the Thakur Bari area of Kalimpong. The meeting was chaired by organisation chief Dr. Mahindra P Lama, in the presence of prominent DDUDF members including Dr. Anosdas Pradhan, P Arjun, Sukman Moktan and R Moktan among various other members.

The DDUDF meeting in progress in Kalimpong on Sunday

Dr. Pradhan, while talking to press after the meeting, informed the apex body formed in collaboration with the BGP and other government and non-government organisation for the elections has been dissolved. “The responsibly for the defeat of DDUDF chief Dr. Mahindar P Lama has been taken by apex committee. The organisation has therefore decided to dissolve the committee,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lama said, “We tried to make the organisation strong in just 5-6 months, which was not adequate. We could also not reach the people from the grassroot level, which was important considering the number of people in rural areas of the hills. We also did not have enough funds to spend for the election as compared to other parties, while the Modi-wave which swept the entire nation also did not help us.” He also rubbished all the rumours about him and his organisation about the defeat and urged the people not to believe such rumours.

Dr. Lama had expected about 2 lakh votes but receive only about a third of the expected numbers. “It is not easy for any other party to secure the amount of votes we secured in just five months, but the votes also made it clear that only 55,000 people believe in change and development,” he analysed. Despite the defeat, the organisation will continue its commitment towards Gorkhaland and will work for its development. “The DDUDF has been formulating strategies and plans to continue its activity in the hills,” Dr Lama added.

The DDUDF chief also said he has not yet decided on forming a separate party and will take a decision on it in future after taking consultation with the stakeholders. “This is not something that can be decided by one person, it would need approval and commitment from everyone involved. We are currently trying to take public opinion and consulting within the organisation. A decision will be taken when the right time comes,” Dr. Lama stressed.

Hitting at the GJM, the DDUDF spokesperson P Arjun said, “Morcha did not win the election on its strength, in fact it was the impact of Modi-wave that helped the BJP candidate win the election this year. Moreover, BJP has never said anything in public regarding the formation of Gorkhaland, yet the GJM has won the election twice in the name of separate state. We have a doubt on the Morcha leadership.”

Source: EOI

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DDUDF soon to be a political organisation

12:46 PM

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Politics

Apolitical organisation Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Front will soon reorganise itself into a political outfit, according to Mirik DDUDF convener Tilak Rai. He said the organisation has been conducting regular meetings on the issue and will take a decision following the Lok Sabha election results.

Mirik DDUDF convener Tilak Rai

Claiming the key to success in terms of the statehood demand is the unwavering support of the people, Rai said, “Win or lose, we have the people’s support and we will take our demand for statehood to Delhi once the new government forms at the Centre.”

Currently, the DDUDF is busy working to unite the people for the statehood cause and believes the general public’s ultimate aspiration is now on the right track under the organisation.

“We can achieve Gorkhaland and establish a firm and long lasting solution to the identity crisis issue if the people remain united for the cause. With that in mind, we are galvanising and educating the people to be prepared before heading to Delhi,” he emphasised.

Source: EOI

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DDUDF demand three tier panchayat elections in the Darjeeling hill

11:18 AM

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Politics

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) is resolute on its demand for holding three tier panchayat elections in the Darjeeling hills. Just a day after hill TMC president Rajen Mukhia said two tire panchayat elections will be conducted after the announcement of LS poll results, DDUDF founder Dr. Mahandra P Lama said the foundation will stay firm on its demand for a three tier panchayat election. The DDUDF today sat for a review meeting in Mirik to discuss the issue.

Dr. Mahendra P Lama speaks to media persons
 in Mirik on Sunday.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Dr. Lama said, “Three tier panchayat elections are officially authorized by the constitution. Even the GTA agreement has mentioned a provision for it and respecting the agreement, the government must hold three tire panchayat elections here. If three tier panchayat elections are not held it will be a breach of agreement and we will strongly oppose it.”

Dr. Lama said it was the DGHC which brought in two tier panchayat elections in 1992, abandoning the three tier elections, but the constitutional recognition of the DGHC itself has expired now.  He said DGHC policy must be removed from the constitution and three tier panchayat elections held for multi-facetted development of the hills. The three tier format of panchayat elections is people’s desire, Lama stated.

Commenting on the media reports of possible panchayat elections during June-July, Lama said, "The state government is worried that after being elected as MP, we might press for constitutional right of three tier panchayat polls." He also slammed the TMC government saying the latter should not try to gain political mileage by speaking of panchayat elections while the LS elections are going on in the state.

Stressing the state government must abide by the GTA agreement, Lama said if the government does not hold three tier panchayat elections the DDUDF will resist it tooth and nail. He also urged the GJM should also speak against the state government's plan to conduct two tier panchayat elections.

Source - EOI

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Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation may take a political form

1:31 PM

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Politics

Hills are curious to know whether the apolitical (DDUDF) Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation will take a political form. DDUDF founder Dr. Mahendra P Lama contested the LS elections as an independent candidate and received full support of the CPRM, AIGL and BGP.

(DDUDF) Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation Logo

Lama, whose primary agenda is to achieve statehood, was criticised the most by the GJM during campaigning. Now, the poll results, due on May 16, will decide Lama’s future move, which could also mean a change in the structure of the DDUDF. It remains to be seen how Lama tackles his supporters and the organisation. Further, it is more difficult to forecast the DDUDF’s future prospects if Lama were to lose.

It may be recalled that during an election campaign meeting here, DDUDF spokesperson P Arjun had said the DDUDF will transform into a political party and will pursue the statehood movement after the polls.

On being asked for his comments on this, Mirik block DDUDF convener Tilak Rai said internal discussions are going on while hinting an announcement could come after the poll results are out. Clarifying that the DDUDF could likely take the shape of a political outfit, Rai said it will struggle for statehood with the support of the people.

Stressing that the foundation will fight tooth and nail against corruption, he said be it will press for transparency in development projects with both the GTA and the state government.

Rai said, “Even if the TMC or the BJP emerge victorious from Darjeeling, we will ensure proper work is done by the MP. Let the BJP or the Congress or even a Third Front come to power at the Centre, we will keep our struggle for a separate state of Gorkhaland alive as also the inclusion of the region in the North East Council.”

He also said the DDUDF will demand implementation of all central government schemes in the region.

The DDUDF convener also voiced strong resentment towards the recent rape incident in Manipur. He said the foundation stands by the Gorkhas of not only Manipur, but of all the northeastern states. Rai said the DDUDF has already dispatched letters to concerned authorities demanding a judicial probe into the matter. He thanked people for voting for Lama, while appealing to them to remain prepared for a new movement.

Source:EOI

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DDUDF writes to National Commission for Women on Manipur rape case

1:50 AM

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northeast gorkhas

Darjeeling-Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF), condemning the recent rape of a minor Gorkha girl and the death of two Gorkhas in the ensuing violence in Manipur, has written to the National Commission for Women, Delhi and the Commissioner, Manipur State Human Rights Commission, demanding quick action on the culprits.

DDUDF letter to Manipur State Human Rights Commission 

Talking to the reporters, the DDUDF Kurseong convenor Usha Kiran Rai informed her organisation has sent letters to the National Commsion for Women, in Delhi and State Human Rights Commission, Manipur, demanding speedy judicial inquiry in the recent incident that occurred in Manipur, in which a Gorkha girl aged 13 years was raped by a 74 years old tribal person named S. Mapuni at Payomai Colony in Imphal on April 17. Following the incident, Gorkhas in Imphal took out a protest rally in which two people were killed in firing by the Manipur Police.

The DDUDF has strongly condemned the heinous act and atrocities committed by the Manipur police as well as on the role played by administration of Manipur.

She further added they have appealed and requested the commissions for judicial inquiry on the entire incident, so that those responsible for both the incidents could get punished and justice be provided to all the unfortunate victims.

Notably, not only the DDUDF, several other political and apolitical organisations in the Darjeeling hills and in the plains have been condemning the incidents and demanding a high-level inquiry including the CBI on the matter. 

Source:EOI

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DDUDF FIR against DK Pradhan a GJM leader in Kalimpong

11:24 AM

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DDUDF

Kalimpong - The apex committee of the DDUDF (Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation, ) has lodged a FIR agains DK Pradhan with Kalimpong Police Station. The police complaint lodged by DDUDF apex committee president Dr. Enos Das Pradhan alleges DK Pradhan had delivered an inflammatory speech against independent candidate Dr. Mahendra P Lama thereby putting the latter’s security at risk. The foundation has expressed apprehension citing a news report on April 15 in a Nepali daily stating DK Pradhan’s speech in an election campaign meeting in Kalimpong.

BGP spokesperson R Moktan at a press meet in Kalimpong.

Speaking to media persons, DDUDF apex committee member R Moktan condemned DK Pradhan for his “aggressive speech” against Dr. Lama. He said, “In his speech he (DK Pradhan) has said that the GJM will take ahead the statehood struggle after the elections and has claimed Dr. Mahendra P Lama will be responsible if any untoward incidents take place then. Such a speech means a direct threat on Lama’s life.”

Moktan, who is also the BGP spokesperson, has demanded the police to take strong action against the GJM leader for his inflammatory speech. He added DK Pradhan has also tried to defame Dr. Lama by leveling baseless allegations against him.

Moktan claimed, “DK Pradhan alleged that Dr. Lama demanded cash and the job of ambassador in exchange of agreeing with the GJM’s request to withdraw his nomination.” He added, “We firmly object to such baseless and bogus allegations.” He also expressed apprehensions saying there might be attacks on Dr. Lama after the elections and added the administration must provide appropriate protection to the independent candidate. Moktan said the organisation will to knock on the high court’s doors if the need arises regarding the matter.

Source - Eoi

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DDUDF 149th meeting in Kalimpong Mela Ground

1:20 AM

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Kalimpong

 “Walk with me for a better future. Do not turn back. Think what has to be done today so as to make our tomorrow better,”  - Dr. Mahendra P Lama

Kalimpong 12th April: The DDUDF (Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation} of Dr. Mahendra P Lama, which has been campaigning for the latter elections since the past four month, today held its 149th meeting. Addressing the gathering at the Mela Ground, independent candidate Mahendra P Lama said he came to know four things during the four-month long campaigning. The first was that on the pretext of the Gorkhaland struggle, the so-called activists were merely filling up their pockets. But of these, just one per cent filled up their pockets while the remaining 99 per cent maintained their status quo.

Professor M.P.Lama addressing a public meeting at
Kalimpong Mela ground on 12th April 2014.

The second thing he saw in the name of development was the occurrence of massive devastation. Ridiculing the statehood struggles led by the GNLF and the GJM, Lama said, “Ghisingle macha macha vanera vyaguta laye, Bimal Gurung le macha macha vanera chepegada laye” (Ghising enticed us with a fish but gave a frog, while Bimal Gurung gifted us a tadpole).

Lama said he has heard complaints from people that parties threatening them to take away their 100 days and other work opportunities if they deny support. He said under the current situation, the youths have a dim future in the hills. The educated youths have no use of their degrees in hills. Urging people to seek better times, the independent candidate requested them to “move ahead” with him. “Walk with me for a better future. Do not turn back. Think what has to be done today so as to make our tomorrow better,” Lama said. He said the first job for him after entering Parliament will be to win separate statehood. Targeting the BJP-GJM tie-up, Lama said, “Everyone is talking about statehood but they don’t have it in their manifestos. They have sold out the agenda and now the struggle will be the final one that has already started with the parliamentary elections.”

Speaking on his preparedness Dr. Lama said, “This time we will go fully prepared. The documents are ready; history, geography, culture, science whatever is required to be produced as evidence, we are equipped with.” Lama also claimed to bring 82 government schemes to the region instead of the eight that are implemented here. He stressed on the necessity of implementing three-tier panchayat elections in the hills while pledging to successfully fight for it if elected. Demanding that tea and cinchona plantations must be granted world heritage status Lama also championed inclusion of Darjeeling in the North East Council.

Source: EOI

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DDUDF Releases Election Manifesto for Lok Sabha polls 2014

1:51 AM

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Mahendra P. Lama

DDUDF Releases its Election Manifesto for upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2014 on  7th April 2014.

Mask rally at Darjeeling for Dr M.P Lama

Dr. M P Lama, Darjeeling Dooars United Development Forum (DDUDF) candidate,  has released his election manifesto.To say the least, it is highly ambitious and seems to contain the wish list of all the Darjeeling residents.Main features include:

1. Formation of Gorkhaland
2. Introduction of 3-Tier Panchayati system in Darjeeling district, re-formation of Zilla Parishad system.
3. Land rights for tea garden labourers
4. Inclusion of Darjeeling, Terai and Dooars into North-East Council.
5. Establishment of a Central University, AIIMS like Medical college, turning Darjeeling region into education hub
6. Reforming Plantation Labour Act of 1951 to include Tea gardens into the ambit of Minimum Wages Act and increasing wages from Rs 90/day to Rs 250-350 per day. Labourers will be given share in profit and tea companies. Formation of Tea auction centers in Darjeeling and Dooars
7. Modernisation of Cinchona Plantations
8. Implementation of Forest Rights Act 2006
9. Protection and promotion of Tribal Cultural Heritage
10. Promotion of Modern Agriculture practices and development of markets and marketing channels for farmers.
11. Inclusion of Municipalities across Darjeeling constituency residents into Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JnNURM). Re-demarcation of MLA and MP constituencies. Darjeeling Municipality to be converted to Municipal Corporation
12. Promotion of Youth and Sports
13. Promotion of women's empowerment
14. Tax breaks for businesses and individuals
15. Facilities for senior citizens and Otherly Abled citizens
16. Electricity to be provided to all the households, including subsidy for the ares where electricity is actually produced. Promotion of sustainable electricity production.
17. Promotion of tourism
18. Implementation of all the schemes proposed by the Government of India.
19. Promotion of small-scale industries and processing plants
20. Will push for making right to employment a fundamental right.
21. MNREGA work days to be increased to 200 days in a year and wages to be increased to Rs 300 per day.
22. Improving the implementation of Below Poverty Line (BPL) programs
23. Introducing acts to stop and prevent corruption
24. Improving the Public Distribution System (PDS)
25. Conservation of all the language, culture, heritage, traditions, festivals, history.

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Kalimpong DDUDF youths wing formed

12:57 AM

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Politics

Kalimpong : The powerful influence of independent candidate Dr. Mahindra P Lama seems to have touched the psyche of the youths of Kalimpong. They formed a youth wing of the Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation  (DDUDF) today to support Lama and help him win.

 DDUDF - Dr. Mahindra P Lama 

The DDUDF youth wing has Navin Lama as its president, Binod Chettri as the vice-president, Biru Tamang as the secretary, Ajay Subba as assistant secretary and Megh Waiba as its advisor. Apart from the executive members, the youth wing also inducted as many as 50 youths.

Biru Tamang said the youth wing will work under the guidance of its parent organisation and expects to be given election-related tasks during a meeting of the DDUDF on Thursday. The youth wing will be active in various tasks, including promotional events, putting up posters, bike rallies, road shows and party meetings. 

Stating the youths have stepped forward with a sense of responsibility, Tamang said, “This is a great opportunity for the youth of the hills. Dr. Lama is an able and learned leader and we are happy that he is contesting the election. We will work hard for him and help him win.”

Source: EOI

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DDUDF to support BJP with written commitment on Gorkhaland

10:32 AM

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gorkhaland

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) president and independent candidate for the Darjeeling constituency seat, Dr. Mahendra P Lama, today said it will support the BJP Bhartiya Janta Party in the upcoming elections only if it provides a written statement that Gorkhaland will be formed within six months of forming the government in the centre.

Dr. Lama made the proposal during an interactive session conducted by DDUDF here at Kalimpong Town Hall. Answering queries during the interactive session, he openly slammed the ruling Trinamool Congress, BJP and GJM, but interestingly he did not comment anything on the Congress party or its Darjeeling candidate. 

The meeting was attended by DDUDF supporters and well wishers along with the representatives of other parties who support Dr. Lama. The session was presided over by DDUDF committee chairman Dr. Anosdas Pradhan in the presence of Gorkha Task Force president Sukhman Moktan, CMKP’s JB Rai and Taramani Rai, CPIM’s Abhijeet Majumdar, Gorkha League’s Pratap Khati, GNWO Dawa Pakring and BGP’s R Moktan among others.

Source: EOI

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DDUDF mass meeting in Mirik

12:24 AM

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Politics

Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) today held a mass meeting in Mirik Bazaar where the speakers championed Dr. Mahendra P Lama’s candidature claiming that Lama’s victory is certain. Speaking in the meeting that saw a huge gathering, speakers urged people to vote for the 'table lamp' (Lama’s election symbol), for political security and identity of the Gorkha community.

DDUDF mass meeting in Mirik 

DDUDF chief Dr MP Lama assured he will not leave any stone unturned in his efforts to resolve the problems of the hill people, which has been existent since long.  He stressed the primary agenda of DDUDF and his candidature in LS election is the achievement of a separate state. He said since Darjeeling is an area of strategic importance with international boundaries around it, the government must consider the statehood demand. He added the demand moreover is constitutional and pledged to give his best to have the demand fulfilled.

Holding that the upcoming 16th LS polls are crucial for Darjeeling residents, Lama sought people’s support to win the elections. The independent candidate also assured people that he will implement the government schemes that are presently not being implemented here. He pledged to work with utmost sincerity to bring back the lost repute of tea and education in the hills.

AIGL secretary Pratap Khati asserted, Dr. Lama has come ahead with commitment and selflessness and urged the people to create history by voting him to Parliament. He asserted the BJP is not interested in Gorkhaland issue and it is evident by Jashwant Singh’s silence on Gorkhaland during passage of Telangana bill.

He also went on to criticize GJM president Bimal Gurung and secretary Roshan Giri for supporting the BJP candidate again after the failure of Jashwant Singh. He said the duo have no right to seek votes for BJP leader SS Ahluwalia and appealed the people not to vote for BJP again.

The mass rally was also addressed by BGP secretary Sukhman Moktan, CPRM spokesperson Govind Chettri, DDUDF spokesperson P Arjun, GTF leader R Moktan and DDUDF Mirik president Tilak Rai.

Source:EOI

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Kalimpong - DDUDF election committee formed

10:48 AM

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Mahendra P. Lama

The Darjeeling Dooars United Development Foundation (DDUDF) and its associates, namely the CPRM, BGP, GRNM and AIGL, today formed a sub-division level election committee at a meeting held at the Shyamadevi Bhavan.

DDUDF apex committee members at a
meeting in Kalimpong

Speaking to journalists later, DDUDF apex committee chairman and BGP president Enos Das Pradhan said Sonam Tshering has been elected as the convener of the sub-divisional election committee along with seven other members, including the CPRM’s Mohan Paudayal, BGP’s PK Pradhan, AIGL’s Pratap Khati and GRNM’s Dawa Pakhrin.

Pradhan said more election committees will be formed at the municipal and block levels to campaign for independent candidate Dr. Mahendra P Lama at the grassroots. The meeting as resolved to hold an interactive programme at the town hall here on March 31 where various community and religious organisations including representatives from educational institutes, civil society and students will also be invited. Further, the election committee will host a public meeting at Mela Ground on April 12 and several other functions will also be held in various places, informed Pradhan.

He also urged the GNLF to support Lama saying, “Ghisingh is the one who ignited the dream of statehood among us. It may be via the Sixth Schedule, but his ultimate goal is a Gorkhaland state. Dr Lama is in a mission to fulfill the dream he ignited. Ghisingh must support Lama at this crucial juncture.”

Taking a dig at the GJM and the BJP, Pradhan called them “fake pro-Gorkhaland” forces, adding no basis remains for believing their claims. He said, “People such as Ahluwalia are fake pro-Gorkhaland forces. They talk one thing in the parliamentary constituency and in another way in their manifestos. The BJP has not mentioned Gorkhaland anywhere in its election manifesto.”

He also condemned Mamata Banerjee for her speech in Gorubathan saying it was full of “threats”. Pradhan asserted Banerjee’s speech not only intended to “threaten a specific political party”, but was an “aggression on the self-esteem of the Gorkha community” as a whole.

Source: EOI

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