Bimal Gurung lashed out at party leaders

10:45 AM

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Politics

Vivek Chhetri Telegraph - Darjeeling, July 10: Bimal Gurung today lashed out at party leaders for not being serious about tackling erosion in the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's vote share that was apparent in the Assembly polls.

Although the Morcha won all the three hill Assembly seats, the party's winning margin dropped by around 68.5 per cent compared to the 2011 elections.

"There has been an erosion in the votes. If we work seriously, things will improve. I, however, think that the elected members (of the party) are not very serious about it," the Morcha chief said at a book release here today.

The thin attendance at the book release event at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan - the place seats 600 but around 150 people were there - may have also triggered Gurung's rage.

Referring to the civic polls due this year and the GTA elections to be held in July next year, he said: "Elections are nearing but proper focus is not there. The Prime Minister did not form a committee to examine the demand of granting ST status to 11 communities for nothing. This is an outcome of my 62 days' padayatra (in October last year)."

Bimal Gurung

The committee headed by Asok Pai, the joint secretary, ministry for tribal affairs, was formed in April this year.

In this year's Assembly polls, the Morcha's winning margin dipped in all the three hill seats.

In 2011, Trilok Dewan, the Morcha candidate from Darjeeling, had defeated GNLF's Bhim Subba by 1,06,555 votes. While the Morcha had polled 1,20,532 votes, the GNLF had bagged 13,977.

This year, the Morcha (Amar Singh Rai) won the seat by 49,913 more votes than Trinamul's Sarda Rai Subba. The GNLF had supported Trinamul in the seat.

In 2011, the Morcha's Harka Bahadur Chhetri had bagged 1,09,102 votes in Kalimpong while his nearest rival, Prakash Dahal of the GNLF, could poll only 7,427 votes. The Morcha's winning margin was 1,01,675 votes.

This year, Chhetri who floated the Jana Andolan Party, was defeated by the Morcha's Sarita Rai by 11,431 votes - a slide of around 90 per cent for the hill party despite Gurung's personal campaign in this seat.

In Kurseong, the Morcha's Rohit Sharma had bagged 1,14,297 votes in 2011 giving the party a lead of 93,096 votes. His nearest rival from the GNLF had to forfeit her deposit.

This time, Sharma won the seat by 33,726 votes defeating Shanta Chhetri of the GNLF.

According to sources, the anti-Morcha votes in the hills began consolidating since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

In the parliamentary polls, the GNLF had joined hands with Trinamul and they stayed allies in the Assembly elections.

In 2014, the anti-Morcha votes in the three seats in total was 1,57,890. This year, in the three Assembly segments that figure has risen to 1,94,699.

Gurung seemed visibly irritated at the low turnout for the release of " Rajnitika Kuraharu" (Talks of politics) authored by P. Arjun, a former member of the party's Study Forum, who had been expelled for his connections with Independent candidate Mahendra P. Lama during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

"I came from Kalimpong last evening to attend the programme today. I was expecting a number of writers and literary figures to felicitate P. Arjun here and a good turnout. This shows how things function when I am not around," Gurung told the gathering of around 150 people at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan.

Morcha general secretary Roshan Giri was present at the book launch, as were the three hill MLAs and senior leader Binay Tamang.

"Even today, many elected GTA Sabha members and municipality commissioners have not come here, probably because they think they will not get a ticket in the next election," Gurung said at the programme that was organised by the Morcha.

"I have asked for the event to be videographed for my reference," he added.

During his address, Arjun said it was time for the party to introspect. "It is time for introspection right from the GTA to erosion of votes in the recent elections," he said.

EOI Report - DARJEELING 10 Jul 2016 A low turnout of party leaders for a programme forced Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung today to announce the re-launch of a book  brought out by a senior member of the Study Forum - the GJM intellectual wing.

The GJM had organised a programme at the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan in Darjeeling to launch the book 'Rajniti Ka Kura Haru' written by P. Arjun, a Study Forum member. Although Gurung launched  the book, he was visibly annoyed by the low attendance and minced no words to express it. “It is sad our leaders including the GTA Sabhasads and municipality commissioners are not present  for such an occasion. Maybe a section of municipality commissioners are apprehensive they will not get tickets for the upcoming election this year,” Gurung said.

Launch of the book 'Rajniti Ka Kura Haru' written by P. Arjun in Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan in Darjeeling 

Usually during party programmes, especially the ones Gurung attends, senior and unit party leaders, Sabhasads, municipality employees and members of frontal organisations are present.

However, today’s programme at the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan saw no more than 100 people in attendance, despite the venue having a seating capacity of more than 600.

Expressing his frustration in strong words, the GJM chief issued a direct warning to the absentees. “I have noticed and made note of everything. I don't see a lot of leaders. I have asked our party’s official photographer to videograph the whole programme, which I will go through,” Gurung said.

Sources within the party said invitations for the programme had been dispatched well in advance and reminder calls had also been made. “We dispatched invitations to all leaders including the GTA

Sabhasads, municipality staff and officials and frontal organisations. We also called the leaders to remind them about today’s programme. What more can we do besides this?” said a senior leader on condition of anonymity.

The GJM chief said P. Arjun's book would be re-launched with much more fanfare from Kalimpong. “I will be in Kalimpong on July 18 or 19 and we will re-launch this book there.

I will invite prominent dignitaries including personalities from various fields of intellectual strata and felicitate P. Arjun,” Gurung said even as he admitted that the party had failed to live up to expectations in Kalimpong during the Assembly election.

“We have not done well in Kalimpong due to various reasons. But we don’t need to panic as we will sort things out and re-establish our base there. We however, need to retrospect on what has gone wrong  and try to rectify them,” he said.

In the recent Assembly election, the GJM’s margin of victory, especially from Kalimpong constituency, was low. Harka Bahadur Chhetri of the Jan Andolan Party, riding on the separate Kalimpong district plank, managed to tear into the GJM’s vote bank.

Gurung, who is also the chief executive of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, emphasised the need to respect and preserve the works of writers along with the community’s literature, art and culture and language. “We must respect the work of writers as they contribute immensely to our literature, art, language and culture. Otherwise it will harm us socially and educationally,” he said.

P. Arjun, besides being a Study Forum member, was also a close advisor to the GTA chief executive till he was expelled from the party in 2014, just before of the Lok Sabha election. He however, returned to the GJM fold earlier this year.

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Darjeeling Everest girls Trishala & Suloxchana to get grand homecoming reception

3:12 PM

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sports news

Report by Swareena Gurung

DARJEELING 13 Jun 2016 The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has planned a grand homecoming reception for Everest climbers Trishala Gurung and Suloxchana Tamang who will be arriving at Bagdogra airport from Delhi on June 15. The two girls from Darjeeling  scaled the world's highest mountain on May 21.

GTA Information and Cultural Department executive member Binay Tamang has requested members of all castes and communities including students to welcome the two climbers right from Siliguri all the way to Darjeeling by forming groups in several vantage places. Gurung and Tamang will be felicitated at a programme to be organised at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan.

From right Everest climbers Trishala Gurung and Suloxchana Tamang from Darjeeling

The chairmen of the four municipalities of Darjeeling, Mirik, Kalimpong and Kurseong will be present along with GTA and Gorkha Janmukti Morcha members. GJM president Bimal Gurung will  address the function. The climbers will also be rewarded with citizen felicitations on Independence Day in recognition of their praiseworthy feat.


Via EOI

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Regularize over 5,000 casual employees within a month - GTA to State govt.

8:58 AM

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West Bengal

Darjeeling, Feb. 2: The GTA decided to "bulldoze" its way through to regularize the services of over 5,000 casual employees at the hill body by setting a time-frame of one month for the state government to do so, failing which the autonomous institution itself will appoint them.  “A resolution was passed today in the Sabha that we will give the state government one month’s time to grant permanent status to the casual workers. If the state government fails to meet our demand, the GTA will appoint these casual workers permanently as per the 2011 agreement. We (GTA) will also give them salaries,” said BhupendraPradhan, the GTA Sabha chairman, after the meeting.

The GTA today also formed a committee to look at the possibility of constituting the Subordinate Selection Board on its own, though doubts persist if the hill body has powers to make the casual staff permanent and put in place the recruitment board.

The decisions come in the backdrop of the state's cancellation of a proposed meeting with the GTA on January 29 to discuss the regularisation of the casual staff. The Centre, too, had called tripartite talks with the state and the GTA in Delhi today but the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha alleged that the meeting had been cancelled because of the state's unwillingness to attend the session.

JAKS demanding their right to permanent employment

Today, the GTA Sabha held a meeting at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan in Darjeeling and passed a number of resolutions aimed at creating pressure on the state government.

Bhupendra Pradhan, the chairman of the GTA Sabha, said: "The Sabha today passed a resolution to write to the state to make the GTA workers permanent in one month. If they fail to regularise the jobs in a month, the GTA will start issuing appointment letters and we will pay their salaries from the GTA funds."

At the moment there are 5,321 casual employees in the GTA and the hill body has 4,011 sanctioned posts which are vacant now.

Many administrative officials said it was not clear whether the GTA could issue appointment letters. "There can be no clear answer on the issue as it depends on the interpretations of the GTA Act and various government notifications," said an officer.

Another officer, however, was of the opinion that the GTA had the power to issue appointment letters. "This is because there are 4,011 sanctioned posts. That the posts are sanctioned means that the government has given financial approval for the same. If the GTA makes appointment against the sanctioned posts, my opinion is that it cannot be termed illegal," he said.

Some other officials, however, said since the salaries had to come ultimately from the state, it is a must to get a concurrence from the state on the regularisation.

The GTA Act has empowered the hill body to fill up vacancies in Groups B, C and D through the Subordinate Selection Board. The board is to be formed by the state government in consultation with the GTA. However, the board has not yet been constituted.

At today's meeting, the GTA Sabha also formed a seven-member committee, which includes Ravi Inder Singh, principal secretary, GTA, Don Bosco Lepcha, secretary, GTA and Durga Kharel, nominated GTA Sabha member, to explore the possibility of forming the selection board.

"The committee will look into the provisions of forming the board as the state has failed to do so. We will bulldoze our way through as our people need jobs," said Pradhan.

In another resolution, the Sabha said the GTA would regularize the jobs of 515 voluntary teachers if the government didn't take an initiative in that direction.

"We will convene the Winter Session of the GTA on February 11 and 12 and come up with the budget. Our elected representatives will go to Calcutta along with GTA officials to place our budget before the state," said Pradhan.

A resolution was also taken to distribute Rs 60 lakh each to 45 elected GTA Sabha members as part of the constituency development fund which had been due for the past two financial years.

Source Telegraph

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Week long Darjeeling Cultural and Tourism Festival 2015

8:47 AM

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Tourism

Tourist in the second day of the ongoing week long Darjeeling Cultural and Tourism Festival (DCTF) did what they had only watched actors do in cinemas and wished. The festival organizers gave enthusiastic tourists a thrilling opportunity, to dance on the moving Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), a first for many of them.

And willing tourists did not let go of the opportunity as some of them climbed aboard the open coach of the toy train and showed their moves. “Fifteen years back I had taken my last ride on the toy train. But, today it was an amazing and different experience, to dance on one of them with people on the streets looking at us. I felt like a movies star,” said an elated Prashant Divedhi from Kolkata.

Burdawan resident Animika Bhowkick did not dance but the ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back was a memorable one for her. “I am not much of a dancer so I refrained from joining the others. However, it was just as much a scintillating experience to be a part of the road show. I thank the organizers and wish them well for future, too,” she said.

The DCTF that is organized by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) has become an annual affair in the Hills. It is organized every year this month in November with the objective to attract tourists to the Hill station.

This year the festival is being held from November 1 to 7 in Darjeeling sub-division. Similar events will also be organized in the other sub-divisions of Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik, till November 8.

The cultural dance (on different Nepali songs) on the moving DHR train however will only be held for three days from today. Performers from the GTA’s information and cultural department will perform every morning for three days on the 10.40 am diesel run train from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back with a break at the Batasia War Memorial. Bhanu Kanta Ghisingh, the GTA information and cultural department assistant director said, “The idea behind having dancers from the department on the moving train is to bring to highlight and promote our cultural. Tourists can even participate with our dancing troupe, which we believe will give them a trilling experience”.

Not only tourists but the performers too were elated with the opportunity to dance on the heritage train. “I have been dancing for thirteen years but this is the first time on a moving train. This experience I will keep till my last days. Of course, dancing on moving train is never easy but I managed it all the same,” said Ram Limboo, one of the male dancers.

The festival will showcase the various culture and traditions of the Hills communities. Stalls have been put up at the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan dishing our traditional delicacies and in the evening local bands will entertain tourist and locals alike for the next six days.

Source EOI

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Bimal Gurung on padayatra from Kalimpong to Darjeeling

12:46 PM

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Trilok Dewan

Rally to show Morcha might
Writes Vivek Chhetri

Bimal Gurung has decided to undertake a padayatra from Kalimpong to Darjeeling in an effort to mobilise the supporters of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and send across a message that the party's unity hasn't been affected by rebellion by two of its leaders.

Sources in the Morcha said the decision had more or less been finalised at a meeting held at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan in Darjeeling yesterday. The Morcha president is planning the march, whose date is yet to be announced, close on the heels of the defiance by two party MLAs.

Yesterday's meeting was attended by elected GTA Sabha members, hill municipal councillors and representatives of different frontal wings of the Morcha.

The meeting had been called by Gurung to get feedback from the leaders following the resignation of Kalimpong MLA, Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Darjeeling MLA Trilok Dewan from the Morcha.

Festoons of the Morcha at Damber Chowk in Kalimpong on Friday, ahead of the
 September 30 public meeting. Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha

The duo had questioned the Morcha leadership's style of functioning and said Gurung was acting in a dictatorial manner. Chhetri refused to resign as the MLA and instead quit the Morcha. Dewan resigned both from the party and the Bengal Assembly. Only Kurseong MLA Rohit Sharma acted according to Gurung's directive and tendered his resignation from the Assembly.

A source said: "During the meeting yesterday, it was more or less finalised that a padayatra would be organised soon after the public meeting in Kalimpong, which is scheduled for September 30. The public meeting is being organised by the Gorkha Janmukti Yuva Morcha."

It is, however, unclear whether the padayatra would start immediately after the public meeting or a day after.

Sources in the Morcha said the march was to mobilise public opinion. "The march is to send a clear message that the Morcha still enjoys support in the hills," said the source.

In January 2011, thousands of Morcha supporters had started a march from Darjeeling to the Dooars. The marchers were, however, stopped at Sibchu on February 8 when they tried to enter Jalpaiguri district. Police opened fire at the venue and three Morcha supporters, Vicky Lama, Neeta Khawash and Bimala Rai were killed.

The march had been organised to demand the inclusion of the Dooars in the Gorkhaland that the Morcha wanted.

This time, the procession will be confined to a distance of about 55km between Kalimpong and Darjeeling. The march is likely to be completed within two days, unless Gurung takes a detour through Teesta Valley to reach Darjeeling from Kalimpong. The detour would double the distance.

Yesterday, Gurung had said after the meeting that "there is nothing to worry over" Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Trilok Dewan leaving the Morcha and asked what these two leaders had been doing for the past four-and-a-half years.

"What were they doing for the past four-and-a-half years? Why did they not discuss issues with me in the past four-and-a-half years? They were also invitee members of the GTA. What were they doing all this while? asked the Morcha president. "There is nothing to worry over these developments. Everything will be fine tomorrow."

Chhetri had yesterday said: "It seems they (Morcha leaders) are giving me more importance when I am out of the party than when I was in the party."

Source Telegraph

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GTA to form development boards for all hill communities - Bimal Gurung

1:46 PM

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Politics

Writes Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Sept. 20: Bimal Gurung today tried to outdo Mamata Banerjee in her game by announcing development boards for all hill communities, but his speech betrayed his worry about the apparent public acceptance the chief minister has garnered in some parts of the hills.

"Enough is enough," said the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief, while addressing a seminar on the issue of tribal status to 10 hill communities at the Gorkha Rangamancha Bhavan. "The GTA will now form development boards for all the hill communities. I promise you, 101 per cent, that the GTA Sabha will soon adopt a resolution to this effect and we will give responsibilities to you (development boards)."

Since 2012, Mamata has formed development boards for the Lepcha, Tamang, Sherpa, Bhutia and Mangar communities in the Darjeeling hills. During her last visit a week back, she said development board demands of the Rai and Limbu communities would be looked into.

Bimal Gurung at Gorkha Rangamancha Bhavan on Sunday. Picture by Suman Tamang

Gurung has called this a divide-and-rule policy of the state government.

He today reminded the hill people about the importance of their collective identity, on which the demand for a separate Gorkhaland state largely rests.

"Our community is becoming weak every day. We are getting sold for a toilet. Our community is now worth Rs 3 crore, Rs 5 crore," said Gurung, referring to the amounts Mamata has sanctioned for some of the development boards.

Present at the seminar were Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, Sikkim MP P.D. Rai, Tezpur MP R.P. Sharma and a host of ministers from Sikkim as representatives of the Gorkha community from across the country.

Gurung asked: "Is the worth of our community only Rs 3 crore. Just for Rs 3 crore, our people lined up along the streets from morning to evening, braving torrential rain. However, when a chief minister from Sikkim, who is from our community, has come, I have felt that a certain thing was amiss. I will talk about it later. We must learn to respect the personalities from our community."

The Morcha chief was referring to the welcome accorded to Mamata during her visit to Kalimpong recently. People from different hill communities had lined up the streets to Kalimpong, braving rain during her visit. Also when Mamata had said she would never let go of the hills, people in the audience in Kalimpong had applauded.

Today, Trinamul organised three meetings in Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong to highlight "good governance" of the Trinamul-led dispensation, a rarity in the hills where the Morcha is the most powerful party. (See Page 8)

If the GTA does go ahead with the formation of the boards, at least 14 such bodies would be formed in the hills. At least five hill communities would have parallel boards - one formed by the state, another now proposed by the GTA.

The boards under the Bengal government have been registered as societies and are under the state backward classes welfare department.

"People ask me why I frequent Delhi," Gurung said, then explained that he goes to the national capital to meet MPs, ministers and central leaders for Gorkhaland.

"I am ready to touch their feet for Gorkhaland but I will not lose my self-respect on this issue. I go to Delhi because the issue is with the Centre, and not with Bengal. That is why my fight is not with Bengal," he said.

During the seminar, it has also been decided in principle that a national committee would be formed to look into various issues of the Gorkha communities.

Gurung has asked Chamling to lead the national committee. "I appeal to all political parties and all the people of the hills to rise beyond petty politics on the issue of granting tribal status and Gorkhaland," Chamling said.

Source Telegraph

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Gorkha Rashtriya Sangoshti / Gorkha‬ National Symposium – Day 1

12:19 PM

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Roshan Giri

The program started at 11:40 A.M with the lighting of the lamps by a few dignitaries such as Col. Alley, Roshan Giri, Jyoti Kumar Rai, Amar Singh Rai and Binay Tamang. 

This was followed by a warm welcome of all the other dignitaries, especially those who had travelled from other parts of India with traditional Nepali topi and khada. Mr. Diwakar Gurung was the Master of the Ceremony. The program was marked by numerous traditional and cultural dance performances by the Mangar sangh troupe, Khas Hitkari troup, Kirati Khambu Rai troupe among others. 

Some of the main points raised by the guest speakers are as follows:

Ajay Mangar, Mangar Sangh: On behalf of the Janjati Mahasangh, Mr. A. Mangar pointed out that except for a few communities in post independent India, the majority of the Gorkha communities are yet to get the tribal recognition, despite repeated attempts to secure one. The lacunae was in their unilateral approach, which, according to him needs to be rectified through a unity and collaboration among the different non-tribal Gorkha communities.

Binay Tamang: Mr. Tamang briefly spoke about the plight of the Gorkha communities not only in the hills but more importantly all over India and called for “chattis jati, chattis varna” unity amongst the Gorkhas diaspora in India. He specifically said “phutera hoina, jutera afno astitwa ko ladai larnu parcha.” He mentioned that the report on the seminary of Gorkhaland Statehood that had taken place a few months ago will be released tomorrow.

Roshan Giri: Mr. R. Giri pointed out that the demand for tribal status for the ten non-tribal Gorkha communities, excluding the schedule caste was to bring “unity” and eventually “uniformity” amongst the diverse Gorkha communities across India. He was critical of the 6th schedule demand by the GNLF, and called upon the people not to confuse the demand for tribal status with 6th schedule.

Prem Tamang, President of All Assam Gorkha Student Union Assam: Mr. Tamang, acknowledged and thanked Bimal Gurung for “bringing Gorkhas together” and uniting them across India. Pointing out the “identity crisis” that the Gorkhas cross India face and the need for “Gorkha Identity”, he assured the support of more than 35 lac Gorkhas living across Assam – for Gorkhaland as well as for the tribal status of all the non-tribal Gorkhas in India.

Nabin Tamang, President, Nagaland Gorkha Association: Stating that the cause of Gorkhaland as an “emotional issue”, and morally supporting the demand for the tribal status for the non-tribal Gorkhas in India, Mr. N. Tamang, however cautioned the audience and the dignitaries about the unintended repercussions such demand on the Gorkhas living in various parts of India, specially Nagaland. Giving a brief background of the Nagaland, he pointed out the danger of potential conflicts that such status of the Gorkhas across India could entail. 

Arun Upadhyaya, President, Assam Gorkha Sammelan (ASG): Mr. A. Upadhyaya spoke of the support of the AGS to GJM under the leadership of Bimal Gurung. He spoke of the various technicalities for the recognition tribal status, and stressed upon the need to undergo Sociological, Anthropological, and Ethnographic (SAE) study.

Buddhi Singh Rana, President, Gorkha Samaj Kalyan Samiti, Roorki, Uttarakhand: Mr. Rana was saddened by the fragmentation within the Gorkha communities, particular by the (state) government, but was happy that the demand for the tribal status has been resurrected, particularly under the leadership of Bimal Gurung. He pointed that that till date we have resorted to the Gandhi an principles but can resort to the ways of Subash Chandra Bose as well.

Sanu Tamang, Secretary General, All Arunachal Gorkha Welfare Society: Mr. S. Tamang gave his full support to the cause of Gorkhaland – “practically, physically and financiall.” He expressed his concern about the looming threat of the Gorkhas being driven out from AP because of the change in status of the Permanent Residence Certificate to Residence Certificate. He forcefully requested the formation of North East Gorkha Federation.

B.R. Joshi, Meghalaya Gorkha Welfare Union: Mr. Joshi briefly spoke about the numerous issues that the Gorkhas in the North East region experience. Talking about the valour and bravery of the Gorkhas during the Indo-Burmese war, he lamented that despite such acts of bravery that the world recognizes, the Gorkhs’s do not have “hamro afnu swaraj(ya).” He further gave his full support to the demand for the tribal status for the non-tribal Gorkhas in India.

Trilok Raj Jaisi, Organising Secretary, GJMM, Mizoram and Mizoram Gorkha Youth Association: Mr. Jaisi gave his support to the Gorkhland Movement as well as the demand for the tribal status for the non-tribal Gorkhas across India. He acknowledged that being from Mizoram, despite being fine socially, the Gorkhas in Mizoram lack political voice. He further called for the Gorkhas to unite.

Vikas Basnet, Executive member Sadar Hills, Automonous District Council, Manipur: Mr. Basnet stated that the Gorkhas in Manpur are “not secure” and are treated as “foreginers” in the absence of Gorkhaland. Because of the lack of political voice, he pointed out that Darjeeling and the Gorkhaland movement here has provided the Gorkhas across India, particularly Manipur the platform – the voice. He also feared the repercussions of anything that happened in Darjeeling but wholeheartedly supported the Gorkhaland movement as well as the demand for tribal status for the non-tribal Gorkhas across India.

N.B. Pradhan, Gorkha representative from Haryana: Mr. Pradhan was cautious of the attempts to divide the Gorkha unity and called upon the current leadership to take the struggle to Delhi. He also called for a “non-violent, non-khukure” and deliberative solution to achieving Gorkhaland. 

Rustam Chettri, GJM representative from Delhi: Mr. R. Chetri expressed his severe disappointment for overlooking the unit in Delhi and keeping it in suspension for the past four years. He asserted and recognized the significance of having a functioning units in places like Delhi, where there are numerous cases of discriminations and harassments.

R.P. Waiba, Ceremony Chairperson: Mr. Waiba pointed out that unless we get Gorkhaland, no Gorkha is secure. He summarized the observations of the speakers for a greater unity among the Gorkha communities across India.

Finally, Mr. M.S. Rai, Secretary, Gorkha Janjati Sangarsh Sangoshti Committee: Mr. Rai concluded the program.

One of the common traits that emerged very distinctly among all the guest speakers was the appeal amongst the Gorkha’s all over India to “come together and work in unity” towards the cause of Gorkhaland and the vocal consent, particularly from the dignitaries coming across India in securing the tribal status of the ten non-tribal Gorkha janajati communities in India.

Via TheDC

Also Read Gorkha National Symposium (Sangoshti) – Day 2 Update

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Bimal Gurung directed Darjeeling Municipality to stop demolition drive

9:25 AM

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GTA Sabha

Gurung stops demolish drive

Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Aug. 16: Bimal Gurung today directed Darjeeling municipality not to dismantle buildings above the stipulated height of 11.5m and said the height limit will be increased to 14.5m.

Bimal Gurung directed Darjeeling Municipality to stop demolish drive

The directive to stop pulling down illegal structures comes less than a month after Gurung instructed the municipality to start dismantling such buildings.

Today, Gurung held a meeting with civic body officials and building owners, who had been served notices for violating the 11.5m regulation, at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan.

"After hearing all sides, we have decided that no building in town would be dismantled. We have also decided to raise the height restriction from 11.5m to 14.5m as done by the previous board. We will strictly monitor all new constructions and no buildings beyond 14.5m height will be allowed to come up (from now)," Gurung said after the meeting. "Well, there is also political controversy," he added without elaborating.

On July 27, Gurung had directed the civic body to pull down illegal structures and two floors of an under-construction market building were dismantled the next day. Gurung mentioned nothing about the building today.

Gurung's volte-face, however, comes as no surprise as his party is set to face three elections in the next two years. While the municipality and Assembly polls are scheduled next year, GTA will complete its five-year term in 2017.

The GTA chief executive's decision to raise the height ceiling came as a surprise.

In 1997, the GNLF controlled Darjeeling municipality had written to the state to increase the height restriction from 11.5m to 14.5m. D.K. Pradhan, a central committee member of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, was the chairman of the civic body when the resolution was adopted.

In Darjeeling, an 11.5m building is usually four storied. A five-floor building is around 14.5m high.

Although a resolution had been forwarded to the state, there has been no amendment with regard to the 11.5m restriction.

A recent survey conducted by the Darjeeling civic body found 337 buildings, including the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan where Bimal Gurung sits as the GTA chief, had violated the 11.5m limit. Rangamanch Bhavan has seven floors and is more than 18m tall.

"The survey gave a clear indication that it would be impossible for the civic body to go ahead with such an extensive drive. It was also revealed that many flats, five, six or seven storied, had been bought by local people and builders had nothing to do with the structures any more. There would have been a lot of problems if the municipality had gone ahead with the drive," said a source.

The Darjeeling civic body has also been directed to form a board to take legal opinion on what stand would be taken on the illegal buildings (over 14.5m). The earlier board had regularised such structures (by imposing fines on them) but the present board had recently said it would not consider the buildings as legal. "A legal board will be formed. D.K. Pradhan and P.T. Ola (GTA Sabha members) who are lawyers, will be part of the board," said Darjeeling civic body chairman Amar Singh Rai.

According to Darjeeling municipality records, there are 9,996 registered holdings (houses) under the civic body.

Today, Gurung said GTA was exploring the possibility of constructing a circular ropeway between Ghoom and Darjeeling and setting up satellite townships at Rangit and Happy Valley tea garden areas. "During construction of the circular ropeway, few floors of some buildings might have to be dismantled as we might have to set up six towers. We will adequately compensate the building owners," he said.

Sorce:Telegraph

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Over 335 Buildings Above Stipulated Height in Darjeeling Municipality Area

10:04 PM

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GTA

 Vivek Chhetri

Over 335 buildings in eight of Darjeeling's 32 wards, including the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan where Bimal Gurung sits as GTA chief, have exceed the municipal corporation's stipulated height of 11.5 metres, the Darjeeling civic chairman said today.

Municipality officials said the figure was expected to be even higher in these eight wards as the civic officials had not been able check some of the buildings whose owners were out of town.

The wards where the survey was carried out through road chowkidars are in the Chowrasta, Chowk Bazar and Judge Bazar areas.

Of the prominent buildings that are on the list of 337 flouters are the Rangamanch Bhavan, the Jai market complex and the Darjeeling telephone exchange.

Under the Bengal Municipality Act, houses cannot be built higher than 11.5 meters in Darjeeling.

The Rangamanch Bhavan has seven storeys and rises to 18 metres from the ground, civic body sources said.

Civic chairman Amar Singh Rai today said: "So far, we have more or less covered eight wards, out of the 32 in Darjeeling and we have already found that there are 337 illegal highrises. It will take some time before we complete the survey in all the 32 wards."

A civic official said it was apparent that one in every three buildings in the Darjeeling town area had flouted the height restriction.

Municipal officials said it was not just private buildings, but even government buildings, institutions and social organisations had also flouted the norm.

"This is not today's problem. Every successive board in the municipality for the past 23 years has turned a blind eye to this building menace. Even the general public is to be blamed as they only talk about rules and regulations when it comes to construction by other people but when they themselves have to construct their houses, they do not even think once of violating the restriction," said a municipal commissioner.

The past board had come up with a scheme in which illegal houses could be "regularised". But Rai said this was unacceptable.

"The earlier municipalities probably regularised the buildings (by imposing a certain fine) but just because some illegal structures have been regularised by the previous board, we cannot classify those as legal structures. The municipalities probably imposed a fine to regularise the buildings because these illegal structures were also using civic amenities," he said.

The Darjeeling municipality has decided to start issuing showcause notices to the owners of the illegal structures.

Recently, the civic body demolished two floors of two buildings that were beyond the height regulation. Whether this will be followed for the 337 other buildings is unclear.

"The survey will continue but we will start taking legal steps. We will first issue a showcause notice and seek a written explanation from the owners," Rai said.

"We are holding another meeting on August 17 where our next course of action will be decided," said Rai.

According to Darjeeling municipality records, there are 9,996 registered holdings (houses) under the Darjeeling municipality. "Even though 9,996 houses are registered with us, we believe that the number of houses is more than double. Many houses have come up in forest land, PWD land or vested land and have not been registered with us," said a civic official.

Source - Telegraph

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Gorkhaland near says Bimal Gurung on "Sahid Diwas"

10:57 AM

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GTA

Darjeeling, | 28 July, 2015: Chief of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and Gorkha Jana Mukti Morcha (GJMM) supremo, Bimal Gurung said on Monday that their dream of achieving a separate 'Gorkhaland' is near, while addressing a crowd at the memorial programme to remember all those who were killed in course of the Gorkhaland movement in the Darjeeling hills.

"Sahid Diwas" 2015 Darjeeling Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan.

Gurung referring to the demand of Gorkhaland, vaguely said that he had done a slight mistake while calculating his vision in achieving their dream in 2010. He said, "The vision was based on assurances I had received then. However, now the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) is in power and only a Rajya Sabha mandate is needed. The BJP government has promised us and now we are waiting." He added, "Now I am a conscious leader and we cannot commit any mistakes. Once Gorkhaland is achieved, the martyrs of the hills will be given apt respect."

It is to be noted that during the election campaign in the year 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sent waves of hope and encouragement among the people of the Darjeeling hills when he said, "Gorkha ka sapna mera sapna hein." The national manifesto of 2009 and 2014 of BJP also said that it will, "sympathetically examine and appropriately consider the long pending demands of the Gorkhas, the Adivasis and other people of Darjeeling district and the Dooars region."

Felicitation: The GJMM also felicitated the family members of all those who lost their lives for the Gorkhaland movement, honouring them with a khada and a gift, in the "Sahid Diwas" (Martyr's day) programme organised by the GJMM in all the three subdivisions of Darjeeling.

The programme was attended by family members of 219 martyrs belonging to Darjeeling.
Appeal for unity: Gurung also appealed to all political parties, social organizations, senior citizens and everyone to join hands with the GJMM and work together for attaining their ultimate goal-- Gorkhaland. "If we all want Gorkhaland, why work separately? Rather we should work unitedly and give solace to the souls of all those who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of Gorkhaland."
Highrise buildings: Meanwhile, the GTA chief ordered all high rise buildings to be dismantled and illegal constructions to be stopped. He also asked the municipality to immediately start with demolishing two floors of a high rise building that has been constructed in Chowk Bazar recently. According to Gurung, people will soon benefit from projects initiated by the GTA. He said that all the projects are designed to generate employment opportunities for the youth of Darjeeling.
Landslide rehab: On the recent landslide catastrophe, Gurung who will be leaving for Delhi on 1 August, said that during his stay in Delhi, he will be meeting the PM and talk to him about the victims of the recent landslide and about building 50,000 to 60,000 houses for the people of the hills belonging to remote villages and for those who do not have proper houses."

According to him, the land settlement for the purpose of rehabilitation of the landslide victims of Mirik have already been done and the work of constructing model houses for the landslide victims will be starting from 29 August in Mirik. On the other hand, Gorkha National Liberation Front too observed "Sahid Diwas," in the hills.

Source:SNS

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First International Yoga Day observed in Darjeeling

10:00 AM

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MP S.S. Ahluwalia

Along with Delhi Darjeeling observed the first ever International Yoga Day with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, through National Channel, Doordarshan at Gorkha Rangmanch bhawan in Darjeeling.

First International Yoga Day observed at Gorkha Rangmanch bhawan Darjeeling

As June 21 was declared as the International Day of Yoga by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the first International Yoga Day celebrations across India from New Delhi Rajpath.

In Darjeeling, the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) Chief Bimal Gurung Official and MP SS Ahluwalia along with other members of GTA participated in International Yoga Day event at Gorkha Rangmanch bhawan.

Bimal Gurung Official on the social network wrote;
"On this day Shri SS Ahluwalia Hon'ble MP Darjeeling, Shri Bimal Gurung, Hon'ble Chief Executive, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, Shri Mukesh Rajput, Hon'ble Member of Parliament, Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, Shri Amar Singh Rai, Chairman, Darjeeling Municipality and along with the people of Darjeeling did Yoga simultaneously with Shri Narendra Modi, Hon'ble Prime Minister of India through our National Channel, Doordarshan."

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GJM closed door meeting held, decides to appeal High Court for bail.

9:13 AM

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Politics

Following the issuance of arrest warrant against  top Morcha leaders including Bimal Gurung in Madan Tamang Case, GJM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) Sabhasad and supporters from various parts of the Darjeeling hills arrived at GJM Chief Bimal Gurung's residence.

GJM closed door meeting held

A closed door high level meeting was held in which possible future strategies were discussed. However, no one who was present at the meeting commented on the deliberations.

The GJM has called for a meeting of its party members today at  Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan where all the party Sakha representatives and Frontal organizations are expected to attend, to discuss the future course of action.

When rumors of strike started to circulate yesterday, we (The Darjeeling Chronicle) contacted Morcha officials, and one of them confirmed that, "we have full faith in the judiciary, and we will be appealing to the High Court for bail... we are not calling for any strikes... this is peak tourist season and we appeal to the people to maintain peace and calm"

Via - TheDC

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Pawan Chamling felicitated by GTA, said Sikkim and People of Sikkim Support Gorkhaland

9:14 AM

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Sikkim

GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) felicitated Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling for his record in Indian politics of being elected the Chief Minister continuously for five terms. He was bestowed with ‘Pride of Indian Nepalis’ honor in presence of Yoga Guru Ramdev at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan in Darjeeling

Chamling Receiving ‘Pride of Indian Nepalis’ honor in presence of Yoga Guru Ramdev in
Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan Darjeeling

During the function Chamling said that he and people of Sikkim supports the Gorkhaland demand. “The demand of Gorkhaland is within the framework of the constitution and what is there in the constitution we have the right to ask. For the demand of Gorkhaland all should unite and fight and make the central government believe that it is a united demand. This type of situation should be brought in Darjeeling”

Pawan Chamling on Social-media

"Happy on being felicitated by the Gorkha Territorial Administration and Hamro Swabhiman in the presence of Yog Guru Swami Ramdev ji and Aacharya Balkrishna ji at the function of 3rd International Mahasammelan held at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan, Darjeeling. This gesture is in recognition and appreciation of my services in the field of literature, politics and governance in the State and also on completing 21 years in office as the Chief Minister, Sikkim. It is indeed a great honour and with a complete sense of fulfillment, I share with and dedicate this appreciation to my fellow Sikkimese people and also all Gorkha community living across the globe.

In my address, I urged all Nepali Gorkha community to come together and live in communal harmony to fulfill the economic and socio-political needs. For the upliftment of the Gorkha community, emphasis must be laid on education of children.The Gorkha community must become one of the best communities in the world by following the principles of non-violence and utilizing knowledge, qualities and capabilities inherent in the community.
I also assured to extend all possible support to the Gorkha community of Darjelling Hills in their endeavour of acquiring Statehood."


Bimal Gurung on Social-media

"Today was a historic day as Shri Pawan Kumar Chamling, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Sikkim along with Swami Ramdev Ji Maharaj and Acharya Balkrishna Ji Maharaj joined us to lend support to our long cherished demand for a separate state of Gorkhaland.

As elected leaders, we must always remain united and speak out whenever our community members are in trouble anywhere in the country."

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Roshni received Gorkha Gaurav Award 2015 for 'Run with Roshni'

8:57 AM

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Pawan Chamling

GTA (Gorkhaland Territorial Administration) bestowed "Gorkha Gaurav" award to Gorkha Youth Icon Ms. Roshni Rai who through her initiative "Run With Roshni"  has constantly highlighted the "identity Crisis" faced by Gorkhalis in India, and has helped in changing people's perception towards Indian Gorkhas. Rai received the award from Baba Ramdev, CM of Sikkim Mr.Pawan Kumar Chamling and the GTA chief Bimal Gurung in Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan Darjeeling.

Roshni Receiving Gorkha Gaurav Award from Baba Ramdev, CM of Sikkim
Mr.Pawan Kumar Chamling & Mr.Bimal Gurung.

Roshni Rai on Social Media wrote - "Proud to share with all that I got Gorkha Gaurav Award 2015, along with Mr. Binod Pradhan (Bollyhood Cinematographer) from Baba Ramdevji, CM of Sikkim Mr.Pawan Kr.Chamling & GTA Executive Mr.Bimal Gurung in Gorkha Ranga Manch, Darjeeing today.

Thanks to all the supporters of 'Run with Roshni'"

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Term Gorkhaland Coined by British officer not Subash Ghishing - Roshan Giri

10:09 AM

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Subash Ghisingh

Roshan Giri, a senior Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) leader, today waved a book by a British officer written before India's Independence and said the term "Gorkhaland", contrary to popular belief, was not used by Subash Ghisingh first, but by Major W. Brook Northey.

Roshan Giri says Birtish officer, not Ghisingh, first used the word Gurkha-land to describe hills

Giri, at a seminar organised by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha's Study Forum, said: "Everyone thinks it was Subash Ghisingh who coined the word but this is not the truth. The word was coined by W. Brook Northey in his book The Land of the Gurkhas in 1937."

Giri's assertion comes days after Mann Ghisingh, the younger son of the late GNLF chief Subash Ghisingh, hinted that the party would have no option but to demand statehood if its Sixth Schedule demand was not met by the Centre. If the GNLF now gives a call for statehood, it will be realigning its campaign to suit the popular sentiment in the hills.


By mentioning the book, Giri's tired to burn a hole into the GNLF's claim that their late leader had coined the term "Gorkhaland", honouring which Subash Ghisingh's party also observed Gorkhaland Namakaran Diwas - a Gorkhaland Naming Day - on its founding day, April 5.

The full title of the book mentioned by Giri is The Land of the Gurkhas or the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal.

The British always wrote Gurkhas, not Gorkhas. Major Northey served in the 1st Gurkha Rifles.

Giri, while waving the book at the audience, said: "This book should dispel all false claims."

Metro managed to get a copy of the book that Giri had waved at the audience at Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan in Darjeeling today.

Page 201 of Chapter XX - titled The Eastern Border - in the book reads as follows: "Although a visit to Nepal, or even crossing the Nepalese frontier, may not be possible for everyone, it may be of interest to note for the benefit of those desirous of learning more of the Gurkha's cheerful and engaging personality that in Darjeeling there is what may be termed an Indian Gurkha-land, where he can be studied at first hand without let or hindrance."

On page 221 of the book, in the chapter Darjeeling Today (Chapter XXII), Northey wrote: "Less vividly attired but hardly less picturesque are the Nepalese women, for Darjeeling bazaar is the Bond Street of Gurkha-land, and here the shawls and veils which the women wear over the heads, Italian-fashion, are of a texture and a colour rarely seen in Nepal proper, to which high-heeled shoes will possibly be added in due course."

The seminar at which Giri was speaking today is titled Gorkhaland 2015: Creation of smaller states and the demand for Gorkhaland as well as relevance of Gorkhaland to the Indian Gorkha identity.

Mann, when told about the usage of Gurkha-land before his father, said today: "We will have to see and find out."

From the preface of Northey's book it is clear that he had worked with the Gurkha Regiment for 20 years, which included training the Nepal Escort in Kathmandu in 1910, service with the Nepalese Contingent on the Indian frontier during the World War I and in the post of recruiting officer for five years.

The book is largely on Nepal and Northey, while explaining his work, states in the preface: "In writing this book, undertaken at the suggestion of many friends, I have tried to steer a middle course between those accounts of Nepal, inevitably cursory and incomplete, that are to be found in ordinary works of travel whose authors have paid merely brief visits to that little-known country, and the more elaborate and exhaustive works written by those who from their close connection, official or non-official, with the country, can claim to be actual experts on the subject."

According to the book, Northey was also conferred with the Order of the Star of Nepal title.

Even though the demand for a separate administrative unit for the Darjeeling hills was raised in 1907, post-Independence, Ghisingh was the first to use the term after the GNLF was formed on April 5, 1980.

Source: Telegraph

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Is GJM Aiming for RSS Route to Statehood?

9:35 AM

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Politics

Vivek Chhetri

The GTA Sabha along with a New Delhi-based organisation, Nepali Sanskriti Parisad (International), has decided to organise a symposium on Nepali culture in Darjeeling, where Indres Kumar, central executive member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has been invited as the chief guest.
Sidharth Nath Singh, the BJP’s general secretary as well as the party’s minder for Bengal, will also be attending the symposium which will be held at the Gorkha Rangamanch Bhavan in Darjeeling on January 16.

Indres Kumar and Siddharth Nath Singh

“The Nepali Sanskriti Parisad (International) is a Delhi-based organisation having its presence across the country. Indres Kumar, central executive member of the RSS, shall grace the occasion as the chief guest,” Binay Tamang, the executive GTA Sabha member in charge of information and cultural affairs department, said over the phone from Delhi.
The symposium is titled “Sanskritik Jhalak cum Swach Bharat Abhiyan – Sankalp Tatha Yogdan Conference”.

“The aim of the symposium is to preserve, protect and promote our culture and tradition in the context of the 21st century threats and perceptions and to promote Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Sidharth Nath Singh, S.S. Ahluwalia (Darjeeling MP), Sudhir Gupta (BJP MP from Madhya Pradesh) and Ashok Chaurasia (the international convenor of the Nepali Sanskriti Parisad) will also attend the event. We are expecting some Union ministers to be present at the programme but since their visit has not been finalised, we cannot comment further,” said Tamang.

He said members of the NSP had called on GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung during his visit to Delhi last month.

“Bimal Gurung has shown keen interest in preserving and promoting our culture and that is why the symposium is being held in Darjeeling,” said Tamang.

This is the first time that the GTA is conducting an event in which a central executive member of the RSS will participate.

Source: Telegraph

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GTA flagged-off the first-ever car rally,Rally de Orange, from Darjeeling

9:47 AM

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sports news

The excitement and determination was palpable in her face as she braved the early morning chill to embark on a 300km tedious journey. For Shakila Gurung, in her mid 40s, it was a chance to rub shoulders with the best and become part of history and she did not want to miss out on the opportunity.

Rally de Orange flagged-off from Darjeeling

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration on Tuesday flagged-off the first-ever four-wheel car rally from Darjeeling comprising 22 eager participants.

Gurung is no stranger to driving as she has been doing so for the past 25 years. However, this is the first time she is taking part in a full-fledged rally and she looks at it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Gurung is the only female driver among the 22 participants in the two-day event. “My husband Prabin agreed to be my navigator. I am confident that our team work will be great. I am feeling good,” said the 45-year-old resident of Mirik. “I also want to prove the womenfolk of the hills are no less than their male counterparts and hope we get more opportunities to participate in such events in future,” she added as she pulled up the car window to focus on the job at hand.

Gurung used to drive for a councillor of the erstwhile Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council. Presently, she is posted in Mirik and drives for officials on a stand-by basis.

The aim behind holding the car rally is to promote adventure tourism in the hills. “The idea is to promote adventure tourism in this area, which we hope will attract more tourists. We plan to make the rally a calendar event,” said Deepak Kumar Lohar, assistant director of the GTA tourism department.

The Rally de Orange was flagged-off by Darjeeling MLA Trilok Chandra Dewan from the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan and will end in Sittong in Kurseong sub-division on Wednesday. “We decided on the title Rally de Orange because the orange fruit is synonymous with the hills. Further, we want to promote Darjeeling orange that is already famous in the country. As far as the ending point of the rally is concerned, Sittong is

the nerve centre for orange production,” said Lohar.

The event has drawn in eight drivers and as many navigators from various parts of the country who have participated in rallies held by the Federation of Motor Sports Club of India, the apex motor sports body. Fourteen amateur drivers from the hills are participating in their first ever rally.

Supporting the GTA is the Ramakrishna Race Performers’ Management Private Limited, whose sole aim is to promote professional motor sports in the country.

In the first stage, the participants will cover 170km to Murti in Jalpaiguri district via Sukhaypokhari, Mirik, Sukna and the Coronation Bridge. The route for the second leg will only be disclosed at the start-off in Murti on Wednesday morning.

Source: EOI

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Gorkhaland solution for Gorkhas - Nar Bahadur Bhandari

12:53 PM

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Sikkim

Darjeeling, Aug 20: Former Sikkim Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari on Wednesday gave a clarion call for unity amidst the Gorkhas in order to achieve Gorkhaland.

Former Sikkim Chief Minister Nar Bahadur Bhandari 

Addressing a gathering at the Gorkha Ranga Mancha in Darjeeling on the occasion of “Bhasa Manyata Diwas” (on this day in 1992 the Constitution (71st Amendment) Bill to incorporate Nepali in the 8th Schedule, was passed by Parliament - Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) Bhandari, stated “22 years ago this could be attained owing to our unity. Gorkhas living across the country came together in demand of the inclusion of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule. We have to adopt a similar approach for Gorkhaland. A separate state is the panacea for the Gorkhas.”

Bhandari as the Chief Minister of Sikkim and president of Bharatiya Nepali Rastriya Parishad had played a pro active role for the inclusion of the Nepali language in the 8th Schedule. In his possession are documents since the demand for the inclusion of Nepali language was first raised in 1956 till the inclusion in the 8th Schedule on 31August 1992.

The Department of Information and Culture, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration has decided to publish a book which will contain the important documents in Bhandari’s possession relating to the language demand. The youth wing of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha had organized the commemoration and had invited Bhandari. GJM President Bimal Gurung was also present.

“70% of Sikkim’s population comprises of Gorkhas yet the State cannot address the identity issue of the Gorkhas. Only Gorkhaland can resolve this identity crisis and provide political security for the Gorkhas” stated Gurung.

Gurung alleged that though 22 years ago Nepali was given due recognisation there has hardly been any implementation. “Working in this direction GTA will strive to promote and implement Nepali language as the official language of the GTA” added Gurung who is also the GTA Chief Executive member. On the occasion eminent Nepali literature IB Rai and Laxmi Kalikotey were felicitated.

Source: himalayanmirror

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Darjeeling constituency Police ban victory rallies on result day

10:51 PM

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Siliguri

The Siliguri Metropolitan Police (SMP) has banned victory rallies or any other form of procession in areas falling under its administration on 16 May, the day the Lok Sabha election results will be out.

The Darjeeling district administration has, meanwhile, requested the election commission to increase the counting tables to expedite the counting process, while it is planning a three-layer security arrangement at the counting venues.

"We have asked political parties to not take out rallies on 16 May under the Siliguri Metropolitan Police (SMP) area. Arrangements would, however, be made for the rallies the next day. Elaborate security measures would be in place to prevent any untoward incident that day. While vehicles will be frisked, there would be naka checks at various points," SMP commissioner Jag Mohan said here today.

"We will keep a sharp eye on all the activities for 48 hours, and forces would be deployed for that period. Around 250 police personnel will be led by four assistant commissioners of police," he said.

Darjeeling district magistrate Puneet Yadav held a meeting with representatives of the political parties, election agents of candidates, administrative officials and police officials in Siliguri today.

Darjeeling district magistrate Puneet Yadav 

"We have requested the election commission to allow more tables from the usual 14 to speed up the counting process. The counting is generally held in 23 rounds and is time consuming. However, it can be completed earlier if more tables are given to us," Mr Yadav said after the meeting. He, however, added that the existing system will be followed if the election commission turns down the request.On the three-layer security arrangements, Mr Yadav said the district police would be deployed in the first layer, followed by the state armed police, and the central paramilitary forces. The counting is expected to start at 8 am.

"There are two counting venues for the constituency. The counting for the Hills would be held at Gorkha Rangmanch Bhawan for the three Hill Assembly constituencies, while the counting for the four assembly constituencies in the plains would be held at Siliguri College.

The counting for postal ballots would be held in Darjeeling. Earlier, the counting of the postal ballots used to be done on one table, but now there will be four tables for the same," he said.

Source: thestatesman

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Darjeeling Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan new votes counting venue - EC

1:06 AM

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Hill

Darjeeling - Election commission of India has decided Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan or Bhanu bhawan in Darjeeling as the venue for votes counting center for the three hills constituencies of Darjeeling namely Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong.

Darjeeling Gorkha Rangamanch Bhawan new
votes counting venue - Election commission

Usually it used to be in North Point ground, but this year onwards, school's authorities have denied its permission. Later, district administration had decided to make the counting venue in Siliguri, However, it was decided back to Darjeeling following the intense protest from the political parties in the hills.

Timesofindia: The district administration on Saturday reversed its earlier stand and has decided to hold the counting of votes for the 2014 Lok Sabha election at the Gorkha Ranga Manch Bhawan in Darjeeling.

Authorities of St Joseph's School near Singamari in Darjeeling had refused to lend its premises to the administration to conduct the counting. The school in 2010 had approached the HC to seek restriction of use of its premises, which was upheld.

The returning officer had recommended and proposed to the ECI to shift the counting venue to the plains of Siliguri, with no other alternative available in the Hills. However, this decision was opposed and resented by various regional political parties of the Hills with some of them even approaching the ECI.

On Saturday evening, the district administration held a press conference in Darjeeling and announced its revised decision to shift the venue. "The issue of change of venue that was opposed by various parties has been resolved. We have sent a proposal to the ECI requesting bringing back the counting venue to Darjeeling," said Puneet Yadav, Darjeeling DM and returning officer.

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