Now GTA to form Development Boards for 19 hill communities

10:36 AM

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Mamata Banerjee

Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Feb. 15: The GTA has decided to form development boards for 19 communities in the hills and allotted Rs 5 crore for each of them in an apparent move to neutralise Mamata Banerjee who set up similar bodies to the chagrin of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

The Morcha has been alleging that Mamata has adopted "divide and rule" policy in the hills by forming development boards for different communities. Till date, the state government has created development boards for the Lepcha, Tamang, Sherpa, Bhutia and Mangar communities and also promised to look into the demands from the Rais and Limbus.

The Morcha-controlled GTA Sabha, however, passed a resolution on February 12 to form development boards for 19 communities which have significant population in the hills with an initial grant of Rs 5 crore for each of them. The 19 communities are Gurung, Bhujel, Newar, Rai, Sunuwar, Thami, Yakkha (Dewan), Khas, Mangar, Jogi, Limbu, Tamang, Dukpa, Lepcha, Sherpa, Bhutia, Yolmo, Scheduled Caste and Adivasis.

Bimal Gurung with Mamata Banerjee in the past

"While the government formed boards selectively to divide hill communities and weaken our Gorkhaland demand, we have created development boards for all hill communities to strengthen our unity and the Gorkhaland demand," said Bimal Gurung, the chief executive of the GTA.

Observers believe Trinamul has been able get a toehold in the hills largely because of its decision to form development boards. "The Morcha definitely feels Mamata's development board politics needs to be countered and that is why the GTA launched similar bodies for all communities," said an observer.

The state government has so far sanctioned Rs 131 crore for the development boards. The Lepcha board alone has been given about Rs 86 crore.

The GTA receives funds from the central and state governments, but the actual amounts are not known. There was an agreement that the GTA would be given a special annual grant of Rs 200 crore for three years once the hill body was formed.

Asked about the activities to be taken up by the GTA's development boards, Gurung said: "We will have to first chart out the composition of the boards and their tasks. The boards will then decide what is best suited for every community."

G.N. Lomjel, the general secretary of the All India Nepali Scheduled Caste Association, today said: "We welcome the GTA's decision to form development boards."


Source: Telegraph

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‎Bengal‬ Sanctions Land for ‪Lepcha‬ Bhavan in New Town, ‪Kolkata‬

10:12 AM

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West Bengal

‪Grid-connected solar panels will be installed on the roof for compound illumination of the state-of-the-art green building. The state urban development department is selecting a reputable architectue firm to come up with the design for the sixth-storied structure. The required built-up space of the building will be at least 12,000 square feet.

NKDA officials said that New Town is being developed as a green smart city and the aim is to have a unique landmark building in the township like the proposed Lepcha Bhavan.

"The aim is to construct an eco-friendly building that will reflect the Lepcha culture. It will be built, bringing together natural resources and modern technology," an NKDA official said.

‎Bengal‬ Sanctions 7.47 Cottah Land for ‪Lepcha‬ Bhavan in New Town, ‪Kolkata‬

During a visit in Kalimpong, Mamata Banerjee had said the Lepcha Board was working for the development of their housing, education, livelihood, sanitation, tourism and preservation and propagation of their culture.

[Via: TNN, File Pic]

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Harka Bahadur Protests Against Tea Gardens Strike on communal basis

10:03 AM

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strike news

Harka Bahadur Protests Against Strike for Tea Gardens - Tries to Communalize Yesterday's Strike ‬

In a not so shocking move, former GJM leader and current favorite of the Bengal government, Kalimpong MLA Dr. Harka Bahadur Chettri has decried the 12 hour strike called by the Tea Garden Workers.

Speaking against the strike, Dr. Harka Bahadur stated, "the strike will only harm the hills and won't affect Kolkata at all... they have to please Kolkata and shouldn't trouble the hill people."

Speaking to the Press, Dr. Chettri stated that "Kalimpong District Formation Committee is against the strike, as it won't effect Bengal in any way.."

What we honestly found really disgusting was the fact that Dr. Harka tried to communalize the strike, he stated "The Lepcha and Bhutia community have started to celebrate Loosung-Namsung festival, and those calling for strike has caused harassment to these communities." 

Perhaps Dr. Harka forgets that there are people from Lepcha and Bhutia communities too who are starving to death in the tea gardens.

Politics is one thing Dr. Harka, playing with communal fire quiet another.

Via TheDC

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GJM forms Janmukti Lepcha Organisation

10:21 AM

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Politics

Vivek Chhetri

Darjeeling, Aug. 7: The Gorkha Janmukti Morcha formed the Janmukti Lepcha Organisation yesterday in an attempt to woo members of the indigenous hill community and counter an association which the party believes has leanings towards Mamata Banerjee.

Lepcha Demonstration in the past

Dawa Lepcha, an elected GTA Sabha member from Algara-Pedong constituency in Kalimpong, was made the president of the new organisation at a meeting attended by around 100 members of the Lepcha community.

"We have formed the organisation as our community members cannot remain aloof and we need to work in tune with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration for better development of our community," Dawa said today.

"A development board (Mayel Lyang Development Board) has been formed and certain community leaders seem to be functioning as if they do not need the GTA or are not staying in the GTA area. The GTA is for everyone. MLDB is being run as if it has been formed to challenge the GTA and ILTA (Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association) leaders seem to be working with a Bengal-centric agenda," Dawa added.

Kalimpong subdivision has the highest concentration of Lepchas in the hills and Kalimpong-based Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association has the strongest support in the community.

The community also has the All India Lepcha Association based in Darjeeling and it is believed to be close to the Morcha leadership.

Asked about the need to form the front when AILA was existing, Dawa said: "Both ILTA and AILA are social organisations. We thought of forming Janmukti Lepcha Organisation so that there is a political guardian for the community."

The relationship between the ILTA and the Morcha hit a rough note after the organisation welcomed Mamata Banerjee to Kalimpong for a programme on September 3, 2013, while the Morcha was agitating for Gorkhaland following the announcement on Telangana.

Despite the Morcha's appeal to the people to stay indoors (under the party's ghar bhitra janta agitation programme), thousands of Lepchas attended the ILTA programme at the Mela Grounds in Kalimpong.

Mamata was felicitated and given the title Kingchoom Daarmit (goddess of good fortune) for setting up the Lepcha development board.

The cabinet gave its nod to form the board in 2013.

The Morcha was against the formation of the board and when the government decided to go ahead despite Morcha's reservation, the hill party demanded that the board be brought under the GTA. The board is under the backward classes welfare department.

Today, Dorji Lepcha, the president of the ILTA, said: "I would not like to comment on the issue immediately because I am not aware of the details of the development."

Dawa said although the 2011 census shows that there are 48,000 Lepchas in the hills, the figure could be around 80,000.

Source- Telegtaph

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Lepcha Para Teachers Lift 109 Day Old Agitation – Claim Victory

9:45 AM

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West Bengal Tribal Development Board (WBTDB)

Lifting their 109 day old agitation, the Lepcha Para teachers whose appointment is still under judicial adjudication yesterday claimed victory.

Lepcha Para Teachers on protest

The West Bengal government had appointed Lepcha language Para teachers on April 15, 2015. However Bengal government had done so without any consultation with the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, GTA had in turn filed a court case citing the fact that primary education was a transferred subject under the GTA Accord, and thus the appointment be called null and void.
After the filing of the court case, the Hon’ble Kolkata High Court had put a stay on the appointment of the Para teachers, until a judgement was reached in the case.

Thus it took many by surprise when the agitating teacher appointees started to burst crackers and claimed victory. The reason for their joy it turned out was a letter written by West Bengal State School Education Department Secretary Mr. A Roy to Darjeeling District Magistrate.

The letter reads that the Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board (MYLDB) which comes under the West Bengal Tribal Development Board (WBTDB) has requested that the agitating 46 teachers be included in Lepcha Medium schools currently being run by MYLDB. The Chief Secretary of WBTDB and Additional Joint Secretary of the Home Department have issued “No Objection,” thus the District Magistrate may allow the appointment of these teachers in Lepcha Medium School and Night Schools as Para teachers.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Peter Lepcha a representative of the agitating teachers said, “till our case is resolved this is a temporary settlement on our behalf, and we are very happy, as our salary is being accrued since August 1st… we are most thankful to the State Government for making this temporary arrangement until there is final decision on our appointment from the court…”

He further stated that, “this is a victory of our agitation, and even though schools under MYLDB might be unrecognized, at least we are happy that there will be some reduction in unemployment in the hills.”

They have lifted their agitation.

Via - TheDC

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HC asks for affidavit on Lepcha teachers appointment in Darjeeling

2:11 PM

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West Bengal

Kolkata, 21 April, 2015: The Calcutta High Court today directed the West Bengal government to file an affidavit on the steps regarding appointment of Lepcha teachers in Darjeeling district and asked it why it was having frequent conflicts with GTA.

Lepcha parateachers of 46 schools in hunger 

strike in Kalimpong - darpan pic

After hearing of the matter, Justice Tapabrata Chakroborti asked the state government to submit why it was having frequent confrontations with the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA) over various issues.

The court asked the state to file an affidavit within three weeks and fixed the matter for hearing after five weeks.

Last June, the state issued a notification and asked the Darjeeling district magistrate to start the selection process of appointing Lepcha parateachers in 46 schools.

Subsequently GTA spokesperson Roshan Giri told the district magistrate not to proceed with the notification as according to the GTA Act 2011, appointment of teachers in Darjeeling district remained within its ambit.

However, the process continued and in August 2014 the appointment process was completed.
Subsequently GTA counsel Ayanabho Raha filed a case in the high court and sought an interim stay which the court refused to grant. PTI

Via : DC

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GJM called off its proposed strike on Lepcha para-teachers appointment issue

9:53 AM

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West Bengal

A confrontation was avoided between the West Bengal government and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) at the eleventh hour as the latter on Wednesday called off its proposed strike on April 10 against the move of the former to appoint para-teachers on contractual basis in 46 primary schools across the Darjeeling district for teaching Lepcha language.

Making the announcement to party supporters at Gorubathan in Kalimpong, GJM president Bimal made the announcement. “The matter is sub judice as it is pending in the High Court after we filed petition against the state government. We have to look into technical details before going ahead with our protest. As such we have postponed our April 10 strike of the Hills that we had called earlier,” he said.

While the GJM had dubbed the move of the state government as unwarranted interference in the affairs of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, observers said going for a strike would have been a difficult decision as the GJM had earlier pledged to avoid strikes and calling one on an issue involving the welfare of a hill community would have been embarrassing too.

Bimal Gurung

The GJM-led Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) had filed a petition in the high court on March 20 challenging the state government’s decision to appointcalled off its proposed strike  in 46 primary
schools in Darjeeling district. “We will wait for the high court verdict on April 10. If it is positive than good but if it is against us than we will move the Supreme Court,” Gurung warned.

The state government had issued a notification on June 3, 2014, directing the Darjeeling district administration to start the process of appointment of para-teachers to teach Lepcha language in primary schools.

Accordingly, the district administration after floating a recruitment notice conducted the written examination on March 17, 2016 in the three Hill sub-divisions of Darjeeling.

The GTA said the hearing on April 6 had been postponed to April 10 although no reasons were provided. “There was a hearing on April 6 but it was postponed for April 10. The judge did not give us any reasons for the change. Let’s see what happens in the hearing,” said GTA Sabhasad P.T.Ola who had filed the case on behalf of the council body.

Earlier the GJM had called the strike on April 2 to protest against the state government interfering in the Hills council matters as education was a transferred subject according to the 2011 GTA act. However, the party shifted the proposed strike citing Good Friday celebration in the Hills. “This time besides the matter being sub judice, there is an examination of the North Bengal University (NBU) on April 10. We don’t want students to be inconvenienced,” Gurung said.

The final list and place of postings of the selected candidates was issued by the chairman of the selection board after an interview at the SDO’s office in Kalimpong on March 25. However, the candidates are yet to join their respective schools.

Source:EOI

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GJM calls on 24-hour strike on April 2 for state government interference in the GTA affairs

10:00 PM

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West Bengal

The cold war between the GJM (Gorkha Janmukti Morcha) and the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal on the issue of welfare of minorities in the hills has reached a flash point, with GJM calling a general strike on April 2 in protest of the district administration’s decision to conduct a written examination for the appointment of ‘para teachers’ for teaching the Lepcha language in primary schools in the hills.

Bimal Gurung and Manata Banerjee

The written examination for recruitment of para-teachers was held on Tuesday in the Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong sub-divisions amid tight security. In all, 171 candidates had applied for the exam that was specifically held for the three sub-divisions of the hills. Of the 22 candidates who had applied for the examination from Darjeeling, only 17 appeared, while 112 of the 127 applicants in Kalimpong were present. In Kurseong, 18 of the total 22 applicants wrote the examination.

According to the GJM, the state government is interfering in the affairs of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration by deciding to hold such an exam because education is a transferred subject as per the 2011 GTA agreement. On March 14, GJM president Bimal Gurung threatened to call a 24-hour strike if the district administration went ahead with its plan to hold the examination.

Speaking over phone from Delhi this afternoon, GJM general secretary Roshan Giri said, “We have not backed down from our resolve to call a strike if the district administration goes ahead with its decision to hold a written examination for the appointment of para-teachers.” Further, he said the GJM is mulling to file a petition at the high court once the party brass returns from Delhi.

“We will move the high court against the state government as it is unduly interfering in the functions of the GTA,” said Giri. “The district administration cannot conduct interviews on para-teachers engaged in primary schools as education is a transferred subject.” He did not specify as to when the petition would be filed.

District magistrate office sources said candidates who are selected will have to appear for an interview in Kalimpong on March 25 and the final list will be out on March 27. The date of joining will be from April 1 to 3.

It may be mentioned here that in September of last year, the GJM filed a case against the state government for sanctioning funds for the welfare of minority communities living in the GTA area. Later that month, it moved the high court again accusing the state government of floating tenders for the construction of three roads in areas under GTA jurisdiction through the North Bengal Development Department maintaining both came under the transferred subjects list. The two cases are still pending in court.

It may also be mentioned that the GJM had resented the move of the State Government to form a Lepcha Development Board for the protection of language and culture of the Lepcha community in the hills of Darjeeling, arguing that the welfare of the Lepchas was a responsibility of GTA and alleging that the Chief Minister was trying to pursue a divide-and-rule policy in the hills. Lepchas are believed to be the oldest settlers in the hills of Darjeeling and are a marginalized community. Often, the identity of the Lepchas has merged with the larger Gorkha identity.

Source:EOI

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Supreme Court threat for Lepcha language implementation in schools

10:40 AM

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West Bengal

"Will go to Supreme Court if Lepcha language not implemented" - Yusuf Simick

A political wit had once quipped that, 'Politics has so many twist and turns that it if someone has motion sickness, it is advisable for them to stay out of politics.' One need not look too far away, a look at political scenario in Darjeeling hills, and one would totally agree with the wit.

Lepchas Threaten Litigation if Lepcha Language is Not Implemented in Schools

Unsurprisingly after about a year of bonhomie, the Lepcha leaders are now threatening to knock the doors of Hon'ble Supreme Court, as they are claiming that despite the assurances from Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee - on whom they had conferred the title of "Kinchum Darmit - Bhagyabidhata" a year ago -
Bengal has not done anything to practically implement the teaching of Lepcha/Rong language in the schools.

Celebrating the 283rd birth anniversary of the last Lepcha King Panu Gyaboo Achuk lepcha leaders like Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development board President Laysang Tamsang, Tamang Development Board President Sanjay Moktan, MLDB VP Yusuf Simick among others.

Speaking at the occassion Yusuf Simick said, "even we want unity in the hills, but unity cannot be imposed on us, we want to retain our identity when we join are tied in the unity."

Blaming the government for not fulfilling its promise, Mr. Simick said, "even though the government order has been issued for the past 6 months it is yet to be implemented, the local administrative disposition (GTA) should allow for the order to be implemented... if the Lepcha language is not started teaching, then we will knock on the doors of Supreme Court"

He further said that, "to be able to study in ones own mother tongue is a constitutional right... and that is why we not only support such rights for the Lepchas, but also for the Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Gurung, Bhujel, Newar and all other linguistic groups... even their languages need to be protected and all the festivals of all the communities must be celebrated with equal frevor" he said.

Source: DC

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After the Tamangs Mamata Refuses to Meet Lepcha Representatives

8:00 PM

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Tamang Development Council

After snubbing the representatives from the Tamang Youth faction which had declared allegiance to TMC before the elections, by not meeting them at all on Friday. It was the turn of the ILTA representatives to bear the burnt of Mamata's ire.

Lepchas with TMC candidate Bhaichung during LS election campaign

Yesterday a high level delegation of Lepchas had arrived in the morning to meet the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee at Mongpong. However, they were kept waiting all day, and they eventually had to leave dejected in the evening without getting a chance to meet the Chief Minister.

Speaking to the press the ILTA Youth Wing Secretary Dorjee Lepcha tried to downplay the incidence and said, "we had come to give a courteous visit to the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and after waiting for many hours, we were informed that since she had come to rest she would not be meeting anyone."

However earlier in the day Mamata Banerjee had in fact met local people regarding and discussed some problems and issues the locals were facing.

Political observers in Darjeeling see this as a reminder to everyone associated with TMC in the hills that they are replaceable. Speaking to TheDC a senior political observer from Kalimpong said, "It was bound to be, after all TMC gained much less votes in the hills than they had been told they would gain... and that impression to TMC that they would gain over 2 Lakh vote from the hills were given by the very same leaders from the Lepcha and Tamang communities, whom Mamata refused to meet..."

Clarifying further he said, "No one likes to be lied to, least of all Mamata Banerjee who has a reputation for being straight forward... she does not tolerate fools and liars and some community leaders from the hills were not honest with the CM about how much clout they actually had in their own community... This was bound to be.. I honestly don't blame the CM."

Another political insider said, "In refusing to meet the representatives from those factions of the Lepcha and Tamang youth associations, which had in fact openly supported TMC in the Lok Sabha elections, Mamata is sending a clear signal to everyone in Darjeeling - perform or perish... I will not be surprised if Gautam Deb loses favour with the CM in the coming days, after all he is the in-charge for the hills, and ultimately it will be seen as his failure and not TMCs."

Of the four community groups from the hills which had openly come out in support of TMC candidate Bhaichung Bhutia, representatives from All India Sherpa Buddhist Association section of Limbu community led by ND Subba and Mangar samaj did not seem to try to meet Mamata, else there is a good chance that they may also have been snubbed.

However, there is a distant possibility that perhaps the Chief Minister choose not to meet these two groups as she actually wanted to rest and not discuss politics, or may be she is sick and tired of sycophants and thus has no interest in entertaining them any more.

In a reverse snub of sorts, this time around the GJM leaders did not seek to meet Mamata or pay her a courtesy visit either, which otherwise they would normally do.

Seems like Darjeeling is waiting for interesting times ahead.

[During happier times: File pic of ILTA, TYA and Mangar Samaj representatives at a TMC rally in Kalimpong in support of Bhaichung]

Source: DC facebook

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Uphill task and plain truth

12:52 AM

•

Subash Ghising

Tamsang wondered why his father wanted him to sacrifice his career and return home. “I had a passion for Oriental studies and taught British army officers. I was enjoying life. But, I could not decline my father's last wish,” recalls Tamsang, 69.

Lyang Song Tamsang, Ahluwalia and Baichung Bhutia

He understood his father's rationale only after he started visiting Kalimpong's villages. “I came to know how the people of my community lived,” he says. “They were completely dependent on the forest for food and had no beds to sleep on. I have been to many countries-wealthy and impoverished. I never saw such extreme poverty anywhere.”

Tamsang became an activist. He conducted a study of the region and concluded that the reason for the people's plight was entirely political. He felt the government ignored the Lepchas because the community had one of the slowest population growth rates in India.

“In fact, our growth was negative for many decades,” he says. “We were never counted in the Indian political circle, unlike the Gorkhas in the region.”

Tamsang and other Lepcha leaders urged the people to bring about a population boom. “We had no alternative,” says Tamsang. “The government would take our views into consideration only if we establish ourselves as a force to reckon with.”

Now, the Lepcha community in Darjeeling has registered a marginal positive growth. In this election, the 50,000-strong Lepchas in Kalimpong region have finally found their voice. The community, in fact, could decide the cliffhanger between the BJP's national vice-president and Rajya Sabha member S.S. Ahluwalia and former football ace Baichung Bhutia of the Trinamool Congress. Incidentally, both do not belong to West Bengal; Ahluwalia is a Punjabi (who was educated in the Kolkata) and Baichung is from Sikkim.

The Lepchas are likely to back the Trinamool Congress, which took up their cause last year. In an apparent bid to offset the impact of the Gorkha cry for statehood, the Mamata Banerjee government created an administrative board for Lepchas, shortly after it had to set up the Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA). And it has been given 025 crore for developmental projects.

Many people questioned the government's move. “She [Mamata] wanted us tribes in the hills to fight, so that she can reap benefits. She is worse than the CPI(M) and out to destroy Darjeeling,” Gorkha Janmukti Morcha chief Bimal Gurung tells THE WEEK.

Though the board-which does not have the Centre's approval-has no powers to enable autonomy, the Lepchas are a happy lot. “West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is the bestower of fortune,” reads the board's manual.

With the initial funds they have received, Lepcha women, who will get 02 lakh each, are to build 1,000 houses in Kalimpong. “This is aimed at empowering our women,” says Tamsang, who heads the board.

While the Lepchas have rallied behind the Trinamool Congress, the GJM-BJP grip over the Gorkhas seems to be weakening. “For the first time in three decades, the election in Darjeeling would be fought politically,” says CPI(M) state committee member Ashok Bhattacharya. “This is interesting; the best part of elections in West Bengal.”

He credits the Nepali-speaking majority, the Gorkhas, for the change of mood in the constituency. “Earlier, the CPI(M) was not allowed to even step on the hills. Our offices were burnt down during the massive agitation. But today, Darjeeling is open to all parties; this is very encouraging.”

As THE WEEK travels across the hills, it is clear that the demand for Gorkhaland does not dominate the election campaign. Though the aspiration for a separate state remains, the people say they would not go by any political diktat while voting, but use their brains rather.

During a rally in Kalimpong, Ahluwalia tells the crowd that he belongs to the Sikh community, which, like the Gorkhas, has made many sacrifices for the Indian Army. The crowd's response is tepid.

“Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gorkhali is the war cry of Gorkhas. For Sikhs, it is Jo Bole So Nihaal, Sat Sri Akal. I am not an outsider. I am like you,” Ahluwalia shouts to infuse some josh. It has little impact on the crowd.

He says Ari Bahadur Gurung, who hailed from Darjeeling, was one of the signatories of the Indian Constitution and the first barrister of Darjeeling hills. The BJP veteran assures that if he wins, he would erect a statue of A.B. Gurung in Darjeeling and New Delhi. Yet again, the crowd remains unmoved.

Finally, Ahluwalia plays his trump card: “Har har Modi, ghar ghar Modi.” The crowd erupts. “Don't you want to see Narendra Modi as prime minister?” “Yes!” they roar.

The GJM, which once nurtured the dream of a separate state, seems to have lost steam. A high-pitch call for Gorkhaland can no longer assure victory. In 2009, now-expelled BJP leader Jaswant Singh, who was backed by the GJM, won the seat by a margin of 2.6 lakh votes. He played up the statehood issue and solely banked on the hills' six lakh votes.

This time, however, Ahluwalia is relying on the eight lakh votes in Darjeeling's plains, mainly the Siliguri region. An equal division of votes in the plains among the four parties, including the Congress and the CPI(M), would ensure the BJP's victory.

The pro-Trinamool stand of the Lepchas and the Gorkha National Liberation Front in the hills has unnerved Ahluwalia, who has abandoned the issue of a separate state halfway, fearing a backlash in the plains.

“The BJP has never said this time that it would carve out a separate state,” says Ahluwalia. “But there is no harm in examining the issue. That does not mean that a separate state would be carved out immediately.”

With the support of the Lepchas and the GNLF, the Trinamool Congress can bag more than one lakh votes from the hills. And if Baichung dribbles past Ahluwalia in the plains, the Trinamool Congress will win the match.

Carefully avoiding the question on his views on Gorkhaland, Baichung says: “The BJP has done nothing for the hills. They, along with the GJM, exploited the aspirations of the people of the hills. The people have understood that. No doubt, I will win.”

Gurung, who also heads the GTA, admits that his support has dwindled in the hills, but still is certain of victory. “Take my word, we will win,” he says. “Yes, the victory margin will decrease this time, but we will sweep the hills.”

Besides the weakening support base, Ahluwalia and Gurung have another headache: a pro-Gorkhaland independent candidate, M.P. Lama. They allege the Trinamool Congress has roped in the former vice-chancellor of Sikkim University to fracture the Gorkha vote bank.

Desperate to retain Gorkha votes, the BJP has inducted Chhatre Subba, former chief of GNLF's militant wing, who was jailed for 10 years. Subba was accused of attempting to assassinate GNLF chief Subhas Ghising, when he softened the demand for a separate state.

Asked why the party has accepted a militant leader, who once raised secessionist slogans, Ahluwalia turns defensive. “I do not consider him an insurgent or militant,” he says. “He was merely a product of agitation.”

Now, the basic question is why, all of a sudden, Gurung and co. have lost their ground in the hills. “He was clueless about how to proceed with the Gorkhaland issue,” says B.K. Pradhan, a lawyer who leads the civil society in the hills. “He raised false hope and talked big, but was not able to stick to it. His biggest mistake, however, was to ally with Mamata during the last Assembly election. That gave her a foothold in the hills.”

Pradhan, the first chairman of Darjeeling municipality, says that the BJP, however, can take heart, as Mamata's setting up of the Lepcha board has irked the Gorkhas. The palpable Modi wave, too, would boost the BJP's prospects, he adds.

Incidentally, the BJP would have received a major blow had the GJM and the Trinamool Congress sealed an alliance that was being discussed. But talks failed after Mamata unilaterally declared Baichung as the candidate.

“Mamata behaved like an insane person,” says Gurung. “In the morning, she told me there would be consensus. By evening, she did a somersault. She does not believe in any decorum. She is a selfish politician. She created a division among the hills' brothers. She has withdrawn my security, despite the fact that, as the GTA president, I enjoy the rank of a cabinet minister. Someday, I will give her a befitting reply.”

Gurung's swinging between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress and his wavering stand on statehood have not gone down well with the people. “This man takes a hard stand on one day, and goes soft on it the next day,” says Pradhan, pointing at how the steadfast Telangana movement yielded success. “How can the people rely on him?”

Even GJM leaders say Gurung has turned pliant. “Yes, we are losing ground,” says GJM general secretary and MLA Harka Bahadur Chetry. “What worries me is that unrest could return to the hills. Our party president and the chief minister should have worked sensibly to give the hills maximum benefit. Now, if we win this election, we will be able to hold our ground and do good for the region. If we fail, hard days will return to the hills. And then, our existence would be in question.”

Agrees Amar Rai, one of the signatories of the agreement between Darjeeling and the Union government: “If the BJP loses this election even after getting the GJM's support, the government of West Bengal would take that as a referendum against a separate state. I think this is the last shot at Gorkhaland.”

Interview / Baichung Bhutia, Trinamool candidate in Darjeeling

I want to strengthen Mamata's hands

Former Indian football team captain Baichung Bhutia, though born in Sikkim, was once very close to the CPI(M) in West Bengal. As the Trinamool Congress candidate in Darjeeling, he is banking on Mamata Banerjee's image to offset the pro-Modi wave in the region. Excerpts from an interview.

What are your poll prospects?

I have a great chance. I played football for India. Now I am contesting elections. This is the second half of my career.

People say you are an outsider who has little knowledge of Darjeeling's problems.

I have spent more time in West Bengal than those who have doubts about me. Though I grew up in Sikkim, Kolkata is my home. I have toured different parts of West Bengal, including Darjeeling. I am well connected to the people of Darjeeling and have helped the youth from here. People who tag me as an outsider have not mixed with the people like I did.

By entering politics, haven't you polarised your fans?

No. In fact, I entered politics because everyone in the state loves me. I want to give them something in return. I used to entertain them through football. Now I want to change their lives.

Why Trinamool Congress?

Because of Mamata Banerjee. She is trying hard to change West Bengal. I want to strengthen her hands. She has a mission and vision for the state.

Will you be able to fulfil the aspirations of the people?

Darjeeling is not all about hills. The plains have four Assembly constituencies and the hills have three. I will be everybody's man. Political parties, including the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and the BJP, have cheated the people in the hills. They gave false promises by raising the statehood issue. Former MP Jaswant Singh of the BJP never raised issues of development in Parliament. People need good roads, water, electricity and jobs. But they got only slogans.

Don't you feel separate statehood for Darjeeling is the need of the hour?

I won't say whether it is needed or not needed. But people urgently need development. In the hands of the GJM and the BJP, they are a deprived lot.

It is said Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling called up GJM president Bimal Gurung and asked him not to support you.

I don't know whether he has done it. But if he has, then I can only say that the Gorkhas in Darjeeling have contributed a lot to the development of Sikkim. Today, a great number of Gorkhas work there. So the people of Sikkim owe a lot to the people of Darjeeling. It would do a great disservice to the people of Darjeeling if Sikkim interferes in their business. I don't think the Sikkim government or Chamling should in any way interfere in the election process or the internal matters of Darjeeling.

Interview/S.S. Ahluwalia, BJP candidate in Darjeeling

We won't take Mamata's support

A Congressman who joined the BJP in the 1990s, S.S. Ahluwalia came to prominence as a loyalist of A.B. Vajpayee. As the party candidate in Darjeeling, he faces a tough task. Excerpts from an interview.

You are contesting from Darjeeling though you are an outsider.

It's the party's decision, not that I was eager to fight from this constituency. But I am not an outsider; I am married to a Bengali.

The two parts of the constituency-the hills and the plains-have different aspirations.

Yes, but the constituency is the same. In an election, aspirations of people differ from man to man and woman to woman.

Narendra Modi has laid much emphasis on national security. Yet, the BJP inducted Chhatre Subba, a former militant.

He is not a militant. He was the product of an agitation. He never took part in any secessionist movement as far as I know.

But he once wanted to secede from India and led many attacks as military head of the Gorkha National Liberation Front.

I don't know.

What will be your priorities if elected.

I will work for peace in the region. Development would come ultimately. The Naxal movement started from my constituency 47 years ago. Thank God we don't have Naxals here anymore. We cannot suppress people. We will have to address issues.

People here want IITs and IT parks.

We will bring an IIT and an IT park in Darjeeling. Local people are deprived of education. Great educational institutes here serve boys and girls from outside. I will also try my best to get official status for tribal languages. They [the tribals] are being forced to read and write Bengali.

If Modi needs Trinamool support, will you be an interlocutor for him?

There is no question of taking Mamata Banerjee's support.


Source: The week - By Rabi Banerjee

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Bhaichung blessed by Lepcha support

9:58 PM

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TMC

Kalimpong April 10: Expected and speculated in the political circles of the hills, the Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association (ILTA) Thursday extended its support to TMC candidate Bhaichung Bhutia that could put things for the GJM-BJP alliance in jeopardy.

Bhaichung and Mamata Bannerjee

Attended by Lepchas from across the hills, the association today held a public rally to announce its support in presence of North Bengal Development minister Gautam Deb and Bhaichung himself. Though the meeting was organized by the ILTA, with Lepchas wearing TMC cap predicted that the meet was of the TMC itself. The member from the Tamang youth association also attended the meet. 

“We will support the TMC candidate Bhaichung Bhutia as a return gift to the state government for forming the Myang Lyang Lepcha Development Council earlier in September last year,” announced Dorjee T. Lepcha, the president of the association. “It was only after TMC took charge of the state we saw justice coming our way,” he added appealing other communities too to vote for Bhutia. 

The ILTA has been fighting for its rights and wants introduction of Lepcha language in the schools of the hills. The association claims to have 30 percent of the hills population. Interestingly after the formation of the council in September 2013, other communities like the Tamangs has also demanded a similar board to which the state government has given a nod. The Tamangs claim to have over 3 lakh population in the hills. 

Addressing the gathering Dev however said that Bhutia will win by a margin of 5 lakhs. Bhutia who thanked the Lepcha for their support however said that he is up in politics to promote honest politics and vowed to be honest. “The GJM is using public money meant for development during election campaign. There is a lot of work to be done in the hills. The road condition is pathetic, there is perennial shortage of water, education has taken a hit and unemployment is on the rise,” he alleged, promising that he would want to address these issues if elected. 

Vivek Ghatani - Editor Indian Gorkhas

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Lepcha delegation tables demands before BJP SS Ahluwalia

1:48 AM

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tribal news

Darjeeling : Lepchas have been demanding primitive tribal status since 1997: Ahluwalia

A delegation of Lepchas living in the Darjeeling Hills today called on BJP Lok Sabha election candidate for the Hills SS Ahluwalia and put forth a four-point charter of demands.

Darjeeling Lepcha delegation tables demands before BJP SS Ahluwalia

The delegation of the All India Lepcha Association (AILA) said the first demand it has is primitive tribal status for the Lepcha community. Responding to the demands, Mr Ahluwalia said the Lepchas have been demanding primitive tribal status since 1997.

"The Trinamul Congress state government formed a board for the Lepcha community, but that has been registered under the Societies Act," he said.

He was referring to the Mayel Lyang Lepcha Development Board that the TMC government formed last year. The board’s reigns were, however, given to another Lepcha association in the Hills, the Indigenous Lepcha Tribal Association.

"The TMC formed the board in view of the Lok Sabha elections," Mr Ahluwalia said. "The BJP will work for the betterment of all the communities in the Hills," he added.

The AILA has also demanded introduction of the Lepcha language in the primary level in schools, a tribal project for the overall development of the community and up-gradation of the Lepcha villages to modern ones. 

Source:SNS

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Several hill communities seeking separate development boards

10:43 PM

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Mamata Banerjee

Darjeeling, Jan. 20: Several hill communities seeking separate development boards on the lines of the one formed for Lepchas are clamouring for “positive” announcements from the chief minister when she starts her three-day hill visit tomorrow.

Hill communities seeking separate development boards

Trinamul leaders said several communities have sought appointments with Mamata Banerjee in Mirik tomorrow, her first stop on her hill tour.

In Mirik, Mamata will attend a national convention of the Tamang Youth Association, which wants a Tamang development board.

Anand Lama, president of the association, Darjeeling subdivision committee, said: “We are hopeful of some positive announcements.”

Sources said Tamang Youth Association members were likely to meet Mamata for half-an-hour.

Other communities such as the Sherpas, Bhutias, Limbus, Drukpas, Walongs, Kidus and Denzonkpas are also demanding separate development boards in the hills.

While the Tamangs and the Sherpas want a separate development board specific to their communities, like the Lepcha board, the Darjeeling District Tribal Welfare Association, an umbrella body of tribal communities in the hills, is demanding a single tribal development board for all the groups.

The Mayel Lyang Development Board was announced in January last year and formed in September by the chief minister. The apolitical board, which would focus on upholding Lepcha culture and language, was one of the biggest points of difference between the state government and the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha.

Trinamul spokesperson Binny Sharma said many community leaders wanted to meet the chief minister during her three-day stay. “Many people belonging to Bhutia, Lepcha, Rai, Mangar and Limbu communities have sought appointments with chief minister Mamata Banerjee but nothing has been confirmed.”

The general secretary of the Darjeeling District Tribal Association, M.S. Bomzom, said: “We have not sought an appointment (with Mamata) tomorrow as we have already submitted a deputation to the chief minister. However, we will closely follow the chief minister’s speech tomorrow.”

Members of the Khambu Right Movement that has started a relay hunger strike in Kalimpong since January 18 demanding tribal status, are also hoping to meet the chief minister at Mirik tomorrow.

“Our demand is ST status. We have been invited by the Tamang community at Mirik tomorrow for their convention and we will try and meet the chief minister,” said Sandip Kulung, spokesperson for the Khambu Rights Movement. “We would like to clarify that our relay hunger strike has got nothing to do with the chief minister’s visit,” he added.

The ST community comprises 33.72 per cent of the hill population.

Many in the hills believe that the Lepcha development board was formed to call Bimal Gurung-led Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s bluff following Mamata’s speech at Chowrasta here on January 29 last year where she had said Darjeeling “is a part of us”.

Relations between Mamata and Gurung have improved and the GTA chief executive will be sharing the dais with the chief minister at Roy Villa, Lebong Stadium and Chowrasta this time. However, there is no word on a one-to-one between the two leaders. “As of now, nothing is confirmed but there could be a meeting,” said Roshan Giri, general secretary of the Morcha.

On January 22, Mamata will visit Ramakrishna Mission Nivedita Educational and Cultural Centre at Roy Villa in Darjeeling where Sister Nivedita had breathed her last. The chief minister will also inaugurate a school of languages and a computer centre at Roy Villa in Gurung’s presence.

Later that day, both Mamata and Gurung would attend a government programme at Lebong where winners of the Himal-Terai-Dooars Sports Festival would be felicitated. Winners of the Amway Darjeeling Police Marathon, which was held in association with The Telegraph, will also be felicitated at Lebong.

On January 23, Mamata is scheduled to attend a programme at Chowrasta to mark Netaji’s birth anniversary.

Source:Telegraph

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Lepcha Youth Association free coaching classes for poor

8:34 AM

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tribal news

The Lepcha Youth Association of Kalimpong today announced free coaching classes to students of the community who are unable to pay for their tuition.

Lepcha students at the free coaching
class in Kalimpong by the LYA.

The Association has been providing free coaching to around 80 students at the Lepcha hostel in Kumudini Homes since January 10. LYA mentors said they have taken the initiative to help poor students in their studies. LYA president Suden Lepcha said several Lepcha youths from across the Darjeeling hills are attending the coaching classes.

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Lepcha Development Board organized a Tribal Handicraft Exhibition

9:27 AM

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tribal news

Kalimpong - With an aim to preserve and promote the traditional art of handicraft among the tribal communities of the hills, the Lepcha Development Board today organized a Tribal Handicraft Exhibition in the premises of the Lepcha Youth Hostel in Bongbusty. The exhibition, sponsored by the Tribal co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India, saw participation of artists from Lepcha, Tamang, Emmi, Sherpa and Subba communities.

 Lepcha Development Board organized a Tribal Handicraft Exhibition 

SK Guraiya from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs was the chief guest of the exhibition presided over by LDB president Langsong Tamsang.  Addressing the function Guraiya said, “Our prime objective is to promote the art and culture of the tribal communities. We will make a selection from among the handicrafts in the exhibition and send them to Delhi. The selected items will be kept for sale in 35 tribal shops all around the country.” He stated this effort of the department will lead to development of the tradition, art and culture of the tribal communities. “The work has begun here and we are happy about it. If the administration too comes ahead with a helping hand the process of development of the tribes will hasten up” he stated.

Claiming support on administrative level Kalimpong SDO Radhika K Ayer said, “The administration is ready for this. We have already finalized two sites for tribal shops and we will soon open the shops to sell the handicrafts of the tribal artists.”

The occasion also saw presence of LDB vice-president Yungsung Simik, secretary G Namchu, executive members NT Lepcha, PT Simik, Sonam Thsiring Lepcha, ILTA president Dorjee T Lepcha, Sonam T Bhutia from Emmi Bhutia Association, Sanjay Moktan from Tamang Youth Association and Sekhar Subba from Subba Association among others.  As many as 32 handicrafts artists took part in today’s exhibition and articles of six artists have been selected to be sent to Delhi.

EOI

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