Separate district status for Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik - Rohit Sharma

11:17 AM

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Trilok Dewan

Morcha pats Rohit with rousing welcome
Writes Bireswar Banerjee

Over 1,000 supporters and several leaders of the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha assembled at Bagdogra airport today to welcome Rohit Sharma, a party central committee member, as he returned from Calcutta after resigning as the Kurseong MLA.

The crowd led by GTA member and Morcha leader Asha Gurung waited outside the airport from 12.30pm.

Around 2.30pm, as Sharma walked out, he was surrounded by enthusiastic supporters who garlanded him and offered khada (silk scarf) as a mark of respect.

The airport premises reverberated with "Bimal Gurung zindabad," "Rohit Sharma zindabad" and "We want Gorkhaland," slogans as people greeted Sharma.

The supporters chanted " Jai Kali Mahakali, ayo ayo Gorkhali," the battle cry of the Gorkha Regiment.

Rousing Welcome for Dr. Rohit Sharma as he returned from Calcutta after resigning as the Kurseong MLA

The two other elected legislators of the hill party, Harka Bahadur Chhetri of Kalimpong and Trilok Dewan of Darjeeling, resigned from the Morcha recently. While Dewan has resigned as the MLA as well, Harka has not.

"We have been saying that the state government is interfering in the affairs of the GTA. This is unacceptable. Despite being a member of the Legislative Assembly of the state, we were never allowed to raise this issue at the Assembly. If an MLA is not allowed to speak on pertinent issues related to the hills and its people, there is no point in clinging on to the post. I have followed the party's decision and stepped down as an MLA in protest," Sharma said as the crowd cheered.

"The entire hills are with the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha and will continue to be with the party. Today, people from the hills proved their support to the party once again by coming here in large numbers to welcome me. I feel proud and I would like to say that the decision of these people (Chhetri and Dewan) will not affect the Morcha in any way," he added.

He also spoke about the demand for the new Kalimpong district.

"We welcome the demand and we would like to say that if the state takes a decision on it, we will also seek separate district status for Kurseong, Darjeeling and Mirik. The rise the in number of districts would augment our political strength," Sharma said.

Asha Gurung, who kept encouraging the crowd, said: "We have come here to welcome Rohit Sharma and congratulate him on his decision. In due course, it would be proved that the decision taken by two people (Chhetri and Dewan) will not have any impact on the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha."

Morcha sources said Sharma was felicitated at different locations on his way to Kurseong. "He was felicitated at Sukna and Rohini. In Kurseong, a street corner was organised where he was congratulated," said R.B. Lama, a leader in Kurseong.

Airport sources said since the GTA was formed, today's Morcha gathering was one of the largest. "After several months, there has been a large assembly of Morcha supporters today. It reminded us of the gatherings between 2007 and 2011 (the statehood agitation period)," said a source.

Source Telegraph

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‎Dhruva‬ Tara - Mirik's 1st Feature Film - Releasing on 3rd October 2015

1:42 PM

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movie

DhruvaTara is a maiden film of Mughlan Films and Arvind Raj Productions from Mirik. Shot extensively in and around Mirik Valley, it tells the story of four horsemen and the lives they lead. With unemployment and illiteracy all around, these men have no other option but to work as farm labourers and porters, ferrying local produce like squash, cardmom and potatoes to the plains. On the way, through the jungles, they meet all kinds of people and each one of them is a character unto himself. The effervescent Kancha, the stubborn Purnay, the stoic Pasang Jojo and the quiet Dhruva, who falls for the ethereal beauty Tara. Love, as they say, comes in various shades, it is their unique love story that holds the film together.

Made over a period of one and half years, this film is a labour of love of its makers who have overcome numerous odds to tell this story unfolding in our villages between two unlike souls.

DhruvaTara is a maiden film of Mughlan Films and Arvind Raj Productions from Mirik.

Because the film is shot extensively in real locations with a minimalist approach, it has gained a shade of an art house film with underplayed emotions and subdued acting. What uplifts the film, however, is the realistic protrayal of its lead characters and its soulful music which transports the film into another realm.

Releasing on 3rd October 2015, this film holds a lot of promise to its makers and also the discerning film viewing public in the hills as they will witness that local language films too have come of age and the standard is slowly but steadily improving which is a positive sign for our fledging film market in our hills.

Watch Dhruvatara Official Teaser

Synopsis:
In a far-flung village in the hills surrounding the Mirik Valley, where people are farmers and are dependent upon the mercies of nature and God, where young people work as farm hands or porters, a quite love story enfolds between two unlike souls. A quiet and a reserved man Dhruva and an equally beautiful and mysterious Tara. In this landscape of hills and rivers, men and their horses, joyous beats of Madal and Murali and far from the madding crowd, two people come to love each other as naturally as the forest spring, flowing eternally. But nature sets its own course and Time plays a helping hand. Will Dhruva and Tara be able to win over the adversities of love and be together forever? Is it possible to cross the limits set by time and nature upon love? Will love really concur all? Come and see for yourself...

Movie's official FB page: http://on.fb.me/1EZ3RoQ

Via Dhruva Tara FB page

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Mirik college observes Nepali language Bhasha Manyata Diwas

6:26 PM

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photos

The Nepali Language Bhasha Manyata Diwas was today obesrved by Mirik College to mark the completion of the 24 years of the recognition of the Nepali language.

Principals from various schools, Journalist, Photographers, Mirik P.S SI Rabi Kumar Diyali and other prominent literature were present as the chief guest. The day stressed on the use of the Language which has got its constitutional long back.

Catch a glimpse of Mirik college observes Nepali language Bhasa Manyata Diwa

Via Voice of Mirik

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Mirik lad Prabhat Thapa, was he a victim of injustice?

12:05 PM

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mirik live news

Prabhat Thapa was an ambitious,hardworking and diligent son of Mirik who died yesterday. He was a helpful person always looking towards the upliftment of the society and fighting for the right of the people. The whole of Mirik is shocked at the sudden demise of a youth who could have contributed so much for the upliftment of our society.

Mirik lad Prabhat Thapa

He was in Kolkata at the time of his death. He was there to file a case against what he thought was an injustice done to him.

Was he really a victim of injustice? I am leaving this decision at the discretion of the readers to decide.

The matter is related to examination for "Recruitment of SI/LSI in West Bengal Police - 2013" (Preliminary Examination).

Prabhat Thapa had appeared in the examination as an OBC (B) candidate.
On declaration of the result Prabhat's Roll No. was not in the list. As Prabhat was expecting good marks he filed an RTI application asking for the cut off and the answer key.

The details in the reply for his RTI were:
1.The cut off for the Unreserved Candidate was- 103.5
2.Prabhat had obtained 115.5

But still he had failed because the cut off for OBC(B) candidate was 119 i.e. more than the unreserved candidate. Whether the cut off of reserved OBC (B) candidate can be more than the unreserved candidate is a legal/constitutional matter and we are laymen. If any expert has a knowledge over this matter. It will be a great favor on us if they illuminate us over this matter.

This matter regarding cut-off is a different matter where a knowledge regarding legal/constitutional norms are to be known. Let the experts comment over it. The next part of the matter is where I would like everyone to pay attention to.

Prabhat matched the answers keys received through RTI with the Question paper. He found two keys wrong:

1. Question no.21 - A salesman sold 20 cars in the month of July and 40 cars in the month of August. What is the percent increase in the numbers of cars the salesman sold?
(A) 50%
(B) 100%
(C) 150%
(D) 200%

***The official answer key showed that option "D" i.e. 200% was the right answer Prabhat was of the opinion that option "B" i.e.100% was the right answer.

What do you think is the correct answer?

2.Question no.97 - Who was the first Indian Woman President of the Indian National Congress?
(A) Rajkumari Amrit Kaur
(B) Annie Besant
(C) Vijaylakshmi Pandit
(D) Sarojoni Naidu

****The answer key showed that option "B" i.e. Annie Besant was the right answer.
Prabhat was of the opinion that option "D" i.e. Sarojoni Naidu was the right answer.

Which do you think is the correct option?

If what Prabhat has argued as the correct answer was the right one in the two cases above then even after deducting the negative marks for other wrong questions his total score would have been 120.5.
That is he would have been qualified for the mains.

Prabhat thought an injustice has been done to him and it was against this injustice Prabhat wanted to appeal in the High Court/SAT and had gone to Kolkata for this. But as we now know destiny had other plans for him.

This article is not being posted to get justice for Prabhat. He is now beyond this worldly concept of justice and injustice.
This article is to highlight how unaware a person may be falling victim to some injustice. It is to highlight that one has the "the Right to Know" and how one can use the Right To Information Act to seek the information he wants. It is to highlight how to stand and fight against any injustice one feels has been done to him. It is to highlight how to have faith in justice and courage in one's heart to stand against an unjust adversary however mighty it may be.

Prabhat could not complete the fight. The Almighty had a different destiny waiting for him. But one day some one else will win the fight. Just will prevail over the unjust. That will be the day when we will find Prabhat once again smiling among us.

Via: MIRIK in Photos

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Bir Bahadur's dream, successful 'Swashh Bharat Abhiyaan' in his village

4:43 PM

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story

Bir Bahadur has switched his gun and baton with a broom after retiring as a CRPF man. Every morning this 65-year old man sweeps the 2 km road stretch of his village Chenga Busty under Mirik block of Darjeeling district.

Bir Bahadur

Bir Bahadur has been cleaning the road since the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' on October 2, 2014. He wants to spread awareness among the people of having a clean and neat surrounding.

"I want to involve the villagers to make their area neat and clean by two years. This was the dream of Mahatma Gandhi and our Prime Minister Modiji who has asked people to help in making 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan' successful. I want to fulfil their dreams in my village within two years," said Bir Bahadur.

"The villagers initially thought Bir Bahadur has gone senile but now many have come to understand his noble mission.

"This old man wakes up at 4 am and starts sweeping the entire road of our village. Earlier people said that he has gone mad but now few people have joined him for the noble work which benefits the society," said a local resident Tika Sharma.

Diwakari Chhetri, the president of Chenga Nari Sewa Samity informed that Bir Bahadur comes forward to help and support needy people and in every social work.

Prashant Acharya
for I Love Siliguri

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Sahid Diwas observed in Mirik

11:28 AM

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mirik

GTA remember martyrs, felicitates families…..Sahid Diwas observed in Mirik

Writes Yowan Gurung

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration observed Sahid Diwas  to honour those who laid down their lives in the 1986 and 2007 movements.

Family members of the martyrs were invited at the programmes held at "Sahid Vedi" here in Mirik Krishnanagar and Soureni.Family members of the martyrs were felicitated with ‘khadas’ and mementos by GTA officials in Mirik in an elaborate programme held at sahid bedi premises.
Martyrs from the Mirik region who had sacrificed their lives for the statehood cause during the 1987 agitation spearheaded by the Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF) were remembered and honored during the programme.

Sahid Diwas observed in Mirik on July 27th 2015

The names of Sahid Ram kumar Pradhan, 9th Mile
Sahid Govind Ghising, Murmah
Sahid Dilip Chhetri, Thana Line.
Sahid Ajit Bharati, Mirik Bazaar,
Rudra prasad Dewan Murmah,
Sahid Hem Chandra Pradhan, Mirik Bazaar,
Sahid Ravi Gajmer, Gopal Dhara Tea Garden were remembered while their families were presented with mementos.

Meanwhile, Sabhasad Arun Ghising stressed on the necessity of coming together for the statehood cause. A number of cultural programme were performed during the programme by GTA cultural department members. Poet such as Arpan Rai recited poems in honor of the departed souls.

Via- VOM

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Indian Idol Prashant Tamang Funds drive for landslide victims

1:04 PM

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music

Siliguri, July 17: Singer Prashant Tamang, the 2007 winner of the reality show Indian Idol, will perform here tomorrow to raise funds for the Mirik landslides victims and their families.

Prashant Tamang, the 2007 winner of the reality show Indian Idol

Amit Paul, who was the first runners-up at the show in 2007, will also perform at the show with Tamang. Parleen Singh Giri, Abhishek Kumar and Emon Chatterjee, three more artistes, will also join them at the event, which will be held in a hotel in Matigaratomorrow evening.
Entry to the event is through invitation only.

The invitees can donate any amount for the cause at the programme.
"I plan to visit Darjeeling with my friends onJuly 19. But before that, we heard about the disaster that took place in the hills. Our friend Amit, who was in Siliguri, first contacted me and said we should do something for the victims, and we could raise money for the affected residents of the hills," Tamang said.

Tamang hails from the Darjeeling hills, but is based in Mumbai at present.

Paul, who was also present at a news conference today, said: "After I spoke to my friends in Mumbai, I contacted a local person who is running an NGO. We requested him to organise an event so that we can hold a musical programme and raise some funds for the slide victims of the hills."

Binny Sharma, a Trinamul leader who is organising the event, said: "We have collected around Rs 3.51 lakh and will hand it over to the district magistrate of Darjeeling for the chief minister's relief fund. Whatever additional funds are collected during the event tomorrow will also be given to the relief fund."

Via-Telegraph

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Sairaj Khati top ten in Zee Bangla’s ‘Saregama’

2:50 PM

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TV News

Despite stressing he didn't make his television appearance for publicity, Mirik lad Sairaj Khati's debut on Zee Bangla’s reality singing show ‘Saregama’ has put him straight in the limelight. The 17-year-old, who is currently in his hometown on a 10-day break from the reality show, was invited yesterday by various artistes of Mirik at a local café for a short rendezvous to motivate him on his journey to the finale.

 Sairaj Khati -  Zee Bangla’s ‘Saregama’ 

Several well-wishers dropped by to wish Sairaj good luck and take photos leaving the teenager dazed. Born to Santaraj and Sunita Khati of Manju Dara Goan, Sairaj is one of the 10 finalists on Zee Bangla’s Saregama.

He cut a place for himself through an audition on April 2 held in Siliguri. Speaking to the media, Sairaj said, "I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude towards the people of the entire Darjeeling district who have been wholeheartedly supporting me. I would not have made it this far without their support. The competition is in its final course, so I would ask all to keep voting and help me win.” (HS)

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GTA Press Release on landslides in the Darjeeling hills

10:26 PM

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mirik

Press Release from Gorkhaland Territorial Administration on 9th July 2015.

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration's Chief Executive Mr Bimal Gurung is visiting all the areas affected by the landslides in Kalimpong including Todhay Tangta, Lava Lingsey, Gitadabing and Khola Khan at lava.

Bimal Gurung visiting the damaged areas during heavy rainfall on 30th june 2015 to 5th july 2015 in the hills

Principal Secretary, Dr Ravi Inder Singh chaired a high-level meeting to review the status of relief and rescue operations in areas affected by the recent landslide.

Mr Bimal Gurung , the Hon'ble CE was briefed over the phone on the extent of destruction, including the damage to infrastructure such as roads, Schools, Colleges, Government buildings and power lines by the Principal Secretary. In the meeting an overview of the status of relief operations and steps taken to ensure supply of essential commodities including food and drinking water was discussed. GTA is currently accessing the damage caused and shall be sending their report to the State and Central Government.

List of roads damage during heavy rainfall on 30th June 2015 to 5th July 2015 in the #Darjeeling hills PART ONE

List of roads damage during heavy rainfall on 30th June 2015 to 5th July 2015 in the Darjeeling hills. PART 2

Mr Bimal Gurung, instructed top officials of the GTA to continue to work closely with the affected area to ensure that there are no bottlenecks in relief and rescue work. He also emphasized the need to document learnings from this landslide. The meeting was attended by all GTA Executive Directors, Engineers and other top officials along with Shri Trilok Dewan, MLA Darjeeling.

In the meeting a list of roads restored by the GTA was also presented.GTA in the last one week have been working round the clock and has restored nearly about 40 roads in GTA area.

Media Cell, Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration.

Via: Bimal Gurung Official

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Notice to stop Laying Underground Cables in the Darjeeling hills

10:56 AM

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mirik

Vivek Chhetri

The Darjeeling district administration has issued a notice asking telecom service providers to stop laying underground cables in the hills till the monsoon is over.

Notice asking telecom service providers to stop laying underground cables in the
Darjeeling hills till the monsoon is over.

Mirik residents have cited "shoddy" work by some firms as one of the primary reasons for landslides in the area.

Thirty-two people died in the July 1 landslides and Mirik was the worst-hit area.

Today, Darjeeling district magistrate Anurag Srivastava said: "We have asked the companies not to lay underground cables till the monsoon is over. We have also asked a company which was laying cables to stop the work immediately and clear the clogged drains."

Neelam Adhikari from Limbu Gaon, whose under-construction house was damaged in the slide, said: "The companies are continuously digging up roads. But the work is shoddy and water seeps in as the roads are not repaired properly. We strongly believe that underground cables could be a reason for the landslides."

Srivastava said officials had been asked to stop major constructions, if required, till the rains were over.

Source: Telegraph

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Darjeeling Landslide Property worth Rs 50 cr lost

11:13 AM

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mirik

On July 1, landslides had hit Darjeeling, Mirik, Kalimpong and Kurseong, killing at least 40 people.
Days after multiple landslides hit Darjeeling district, authorities on Sunday said property worth at least Rs 50 crore has been damaged. This, even as the state government is still gathering data to ascertain the loss.

Landslide-hit Mirik near Siliguri.

“Considering the houses damaged in our jurisdiction, the loss has been estimated to be around Rs 20 crore. But in areas under Gorkha Territorial Administration (GTA), houses have been demolished and bridges and roads maintained by PWD washed away. Overall, the loss figure will rise significantly and easily cross the Rs 50-crore mark. One bridge built by PWD alone will cost around Rs 10 crore in repair,” Darjeeling District Magistrate Anurag Srivastava said.

On July 1, landslides had hit Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong, killing at least 40 people. Srivastava on Sunday said that while one more body was recovered, 10 people are still missing.
This comes a day after another landslide occurred near Kalijhora. But as there was no house in the area, no casualty or injury was reported.

As weather conditions have improved on Sunday after days of incessant rain, rescue work continued in full swing. Around 30 earthmovers have been engaged in removing debris. A part of the damaged NH-10 was also opened Sunday to establish a link between Kalimpong and Sikkim. PWD authorities have built a temporary bridge across Rakti river after the existing one was washed away and vehicles started plying on Sunday. Damaged roads in Kalimpong have also been restored for vehicular traffic.
Asked whether there was a chance of an outbreak of any epidemic, the DM said: “Doctors are visiting relief camps everyday. Additional toilets have been built and chlorinated drinking water is being served. Special care is being taken towards sanitation… All measures have been taken to stop an epidemic.”

“As many as 33 relief camps have been set up in the district, which are accommodating 3,100 people at present. Search operations will continue till we find the 10 people who are missing… We have been able to send relief materials to the remotest parts of the landslide-affected areas,” he added.
People who had taken shelter in the three relief camps in Tingling and Lamagaon villages following the landslides are gradually returning home, officials said. Around 200 to 250 families have been sheltered in those camps and now only those whose houses have been completely destroyed are staying in the camps.

The GTA has informed the Centre about the damages in the three hill subdivisions of Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Kurseong, said Kalimpong MLA and GTA member Harkha Bahadur Chhetri. “Around 400 houses have either been damaged or destroyed in the disaster,” Chhetri said.
GTA chief Bimal Gurung had on Saturday called up Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to provide an update on the disaster. The state government is also conducting an assessment of the landslide-battered districts and the report will be sent to the Centre.

Source - Indian Express

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Mirik Landslide Death toll rises to 27

7:05 PM

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mirik live news

Death toll in Mirik Landslide has reached 27, 19 from Tingling Limbudhura,3 from Mahinra Gaon,3 from Thana Line Mirik,one from Toklang, one from Seeyok and one from lower Deosay dara namely Ranjit Khapangi,husband of Mrs Sushila Thapa who died due to heart attack.

Dead body being pulled up by the people in Mirik from the mud - Photo- TheDC

PM Narendra Modi says that he is "Deeply saddened by Darjeeling tragedy due to landslides. Condolences to the family of deceased." He has instructed the Minister of state for home, Kiran Raju, to immediately head to Mirik and Darjeeling region to take stock of the situation and to oversee the rescue and relief efforts.The PM also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the deceased family from the PMNRF (Prime Minister's National Relief Fund).Darjeeling MP SS Ahluwalia is accompanying Minister Raju and will be reaching Bagdogra this evening. While, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to visit Mirik today or tomorrow.

NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE FORCE (NDRF) TEAM,GTA team led by Bimal Gurung, local SSB officials, Maan Ghisingh GNLF president, Mirik Health department First-Aid team and HAMI organisation from Mirik are already on the field on rescue operation.

The death toll from devastating landslides across Darjeeling region have touched 35 and more than likely the toll will raise.

With inputs from VOS

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Landslide kills at least 20 people in Mirik and Kalimpong.

9:38 AM

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mirik live news

1 July Darjeeling; 20 people have reportedly died due to landslides in Mirik and Kalimpong IN Darjeeling district so far.

Landslide kills at least 20 people in Mirik and Kalimpong.

In Mirik IT IS reported that at least 14 people have been killed in Limbu Gown alone, 3 people were killed in Mahendra Gown and 2 people were killed in Thana Line area.

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

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

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

Via - TheDC

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Lightning killed two Panighatta tea garden workers in Mirik block of GTA

10:32 PM

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mirik live news

5th June, 2015 : Two tea garden workers were killed and seven injured on Friday afternoon after a lightning strike in Panighatta tea garden under Mirik block of GTA.

Lightning killed two tea garden workers, injured seven
 in Panighatta tea garden Mirik block of GTA.

The incident occurred around 1:30 pm when the workers were resting under the tree at section 16 of the garden after weighing the tea leaves of the first half. Some were also having their lunch when severe thunderstorm hit and lightning struck a tree near they were sitting.

Workers said that suddenly lightning hit the tree and soon fire caught on the tree. Workers were senseless while two workers who were sleeping under a tree were burnt. Both died on the spot.
Amar Gurung a trade union leader of Panighatta tea garden informed that Namita Rai (27) and Nitu Thapa (28) died on the spot, both sustained deep burn on their chest and lower abdomen. Gurung also said that both victims were resident of Badakothi under Panighatta tea garden.

Niru Sinchury and Bimala Thapa are admitted at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) while Sevanta Sarki Usha Rai, Sonika Rai, Jiwankala Thapa and Usha Thapa are admitted at Naxalbari hospital.

After the incident the garden was soon declared closed and the other workers started running towards their homes due to fear. Usha Rai said, "I have never seen such lightning in my life we were all senseless for couple of minutes and when wake up found that our two friends were burnt."
The tree which was first hit by lightning was burning till evening and the flames of fire was coming out of the tree. The tree was almost burnt and about to fall.
By Prashant Acharya

Source :khabartaja24

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Hamro Duptin 2nd edition Nepali literary magazine to be released

10:34 AM

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nepali

‘Hamro Duptin’ a Mirik based Nepali literary magazine is all set to release the second edition of its quarterly.

Hamro Duptin  Nepali literary magazine 

In a meeting held by the team members in Siliguri on Wednesday, Bishnu Kumar Baraily alias ‘Snigdh’, editor of the magazine said, “the second edition of Hamro Duptin has been completed, and is set to release on May 23 at the Bright Line Academy school hall. On the auspicious occasion, we will also felicitate the noted Kurseong based publisher Lasha Sherpa for his contribution towards Nepali literature in the Darjeeling region.”

Published by local veteran social worker, Capt Milan Subba alias ‘Chongmong’, the quarterly consists of various poems, articles, and stories written by both established and budding writers of Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Siliguri, and also Sikkim.

“Hamro Duptin aims to inspire the students, and all young people of the district to be acquainted with Nepali literature. They should aspire to read and write in their mother tongue, or else we will have no one to write our history,” said Subba. (HS)  

Source: EOI

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Mirik earthquakes affected zones neglected by administration

12:32 PM

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mirik

Mirik is no stranger to earthquakes, but three tremors in as many days has shaken up the sleepy hill town like never before. Since the Nepal quake that struck on Saturday afternoon, Mirik has been rocked routinely once every day. The last one on Monday evening turned out to be the most severe, making houses and buildings tremble more vigorously.

Damages From Mirik

Thousands in the town have been sleeping in tents at night, out in the open, fearing a repeat of the tremor. Rumours of an impending disaster are flying around even as tourists keep streaming out of hotels and lodges.

On Tuesday afternoon, Mirik looked like a ghost town. Most hotels have either been emptied or shut down. Shops opened for a few hours in the afternoon, but most downed shutters by early evening. Residents have been keeping indoors till evening and spending the nights out in the open. SSB forces are ready to swing into action if a calamity strikes.

Scared of aftershocks,People in Mirik huddle together outside in open area after the recent
earthquake (5.1m),tremor created panic and there is report of someone being rushed to hospital.
The casualties of house cracked in several areas have been reported so far.

Rakesh Golay, an ex-armyman, has spent the last three nights in an open area adjacent to his house atop a picturesque hill at Nigalay, 5km from Mirik town. His two children, wife and brother jostle under a tarpaulin sheet every night. Golay's neighbor Biren Pradhan hasn't slept since Saturday.

Every night he keeps vigil along with a band of youngsters. "Earthquakes can't be predicted. So, the only way is to warn people as fast as we can. But it's extremely tiring and I feel exhausted now after spending sleepless nights," he said. At Okayti Tea Estate, labourers are yet to get over the shock of Monday's tremor. Sangita Sewa, an estate worker, was doing her household chores when she heard a thunderous clatter around 5.30pm. Even before she could look out of her kitchen window, the wall started giving way. "The bricks tumbled out of the wall as if it had been rammed. I cowered under a table and it blew over in a few seconds. The tremors also left numerous cracks all over the house," said Sangita.

The district administration hasn't yet been able to reach out to the quake affected zones around Mirik. Some panchayat representatives have only done a sketchy survey of the damage, said villagers. But no real help has reached any village. Hundreds don't have tarpaulin sheets to sleep under.
SSB commandant Manoj Kumar, who is leading a team engaged in area assessment, said he had never seen such widespread panic in the hills. "Aftershocks are rarely so severe! But since you can't predict them, we must keep fingers crossed," he said.

News Via TOI

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5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Mirik

7:54 PM

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mirik live news

According to USGS, the 5.1 magnitude tremors hit Mirik in India at around 18:05 hours. 5.1 magnitude aftershocks were felt on Monday in the northern and eastern belt of India bordering Nepal, rattling parts of Bihar and West Bengal.

5.1 magnitude earthquake hit Mirik

The regions that were hit by tremors are Madhupura, Madhubani, Patna, Katiyar, Saharsa, Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and some parts of Assam.

The aftershocks have continued to hit the region even two days after a massive earthquake devastated Nepal. Saturday`s earthquake, which measured 7.9 on the Richter scale, resulted in the deaths of over 3,200 people in Nepal, while many are still trapped under the debris.

In India, the death toll has reached 59.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has told reporters that ministers and senior officials have been deployed in the districts to oversee relief work after the quake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit the state on Saturday and also the tropical storm which hit on Tuesday night.

Under 'Operation Maitri', the road from Kathmandu to Pokhara has been opened up by Engineer Task Force and satellite communication link between Nepalese Army Head Quarters and Indian Army Engineer Task Force has been established.

Via - zeenews

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Indian Gorkha Nayan Rai in second round DID season 5

9:38 AM

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mirik

Indian Gorkha male belly dancer Nayan Rai has been selected for second round audition of Dance India Dance season 5 to be held in Kolkata on April 27.

Belly dancer from Mirik (Darjeeling) Nayan Rai 

The 22-year-old from Mirik, Darjeeling has been on local tabloids several times earlier.

Nayan who is also a 2nd year student of Mirik Degree College, with an aim to make a career in belly-dancing has chosen the ‘DID’ stage. “I am happy that I was successful in impressing the judges on the 1st day audition held in Siliguri. I am now preparing for the Kolkata auditions, and hope to get a clean entry to the competition. I don’t worry about what people or my fellow counterparts have to say about my choice of dance-form. I will keep dancing, for my masculinity is not hurt,” said the elated dancer.

Born to Biddhay and Maya Rai from Mirik, Nayan started to belly dance since he was in class VIII when one day while watching TV, he came across the music video ‘Hips don’t lie’ by Shakira which left him spellbound. After that day, his life took a U-turn, and there’s no turning back for him now, says Nayan.

Source: EOI 

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BGP Call for Gorkhas Across India to Unite

9:32 AM

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mirik

The 3-day national symposium organized by the Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) has brought together Gorkhali thinkers from all across India to Mirik. And all of them agree to one basic fact – formation of Gorkhaland statehood is a must, to address the ‘identity crisis’ faced by the Gorkhalis in India.

The Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP)

Highlighting the fact that Gorkhalis in Uttar Pradesh do not get any facilities, Shri. Prem Kishan (Shyam) Bora (Buda) UP General Secretary of BGP stated that no government in UP has done anything for the Gorkhas till date. He said that there are over 10 Lakh Gorkhalis living in various districts of UP, but the government has not done anything to help them raise their standard of living. He stressed that formation of Gorkhaland was important not only for the people of Darjeeling, but also for the Gorkhalis living across India.

Speaking at the occasion, Assam State President Shri. Nityananda Upadhyay said that the future of the Gorkhas are still insecure in the entire North-East. He said that even though the Assam government has formed a Gorkha Development Council and have included Gorkhas as OBCs, but despite this the Gorkhas all over north-east are termed ‘immigrants’ and there are many organizations in NE that have continued to harass the Gorkhas.

He further said that, in Assam the Gorkhas are progressing very fine in all aspects of social development, but every once in a while political complications crop up making life difficult for them. He said the only way to overcome this is to stand united in Assam and across India, and to work towards the formation of Gorkhaland statehood. He said that all the Gorkhas in North-East India NEED Gorkhaland to be formed for their political identity to be protected.

Addressing the gathering BGP National General Secretary Shri. Bhupendra Adhikari said that Gorkhaland can only be attained through intellectual and technical rigour, and added that BGP is working towards this goal. He said that the name ‘Gorkhaland’ is not only associated with the Darjeeling region, but also with the identity of all the Gorkhalis across India, hence this name needs to be retained and any attempts to change this name should be resisted.

Source: The Darjeeling Chronicle

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Indian Gorkha Kid wins national Colouring and Handwriting Competition

9:20 AM

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mirik live news

Twelve year old Sukanta Bhandari from Mirik has won the national Colouring and Handwriting Competition organised by the Mumbai-based Rangotsav Sanstha. The son of Suman and Khushboo Bhandari of Deosay Dara, Sukanta is a student of the seventh standard at the Sri Sathya Sai Higher Secondary School in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh.

Master Sukanta Bhandari from Mirik wins national Colouring and Handwriting Competition - pic DT

He bagged the coveted top spot for his ‘Hill man’, a water painting of an elderly man of the Darjeeling hills. The young artist has paid minute attention to details such as the threads in the man's shirt, his whiskers, wrinkled skin, bushy eyebrows and even the reflection in his glassy eyes. (HS)

Source: EOI

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