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THIMPU, 27 March: TheBhutanese king, Jigme SingyeWangchuk, in a Kasho [royal de-cree] issued on 20 March, the 30thday of the 1st Bhutanese month,abolished capital punishment in thekingdom of Bhutan.

The historical decree is momen-tous, reflecting a profound blend ofspiritualism and pragmatism, feelobservers. The implications of capi-tal punishment, in Bhutanese law,is seen as a contradiction both froma religious and legal perspective.

Although capital punishmentexists as a written law, it is not be-ing invoked. And if the courts doaward capital punishment, the Kinghas the legal authority to repeal it.Meanwhile, Bhutan being a Bud-dhist nation, capital punishment isseen as a contradiction to the basicdoctrines of Buddhism.

CAPITALPUNISHMENTABOLISHED IN

BHUTAN

- turn to pg2

RANJIT SINGH

GANGTOK, 29 March: In a firstof sorts, a press conference wasjointly addressed by organisationswhich are otherwise competing fora bigger share of the market. GuruT. Ladakhi, CEO Entel Motors, andPramod Dalmiya, MD Sikkim Mo-tors, shared the dais as they highlightedthe contribution of their trade to theeconomy of the state and tried to raisecustomer awareness on the variousaspects of the car sale industry.

Mr. Ladhaki stressed that Sikkimtoday had about 25,000-30,000 mo-tor vehicles on the road, which al-though not a huge number, was stilla big leap from the 5 vehicles thatthe state boasted of in the year 1950.

“In the next couple of decadesthis figure is bound to double as thestate develops,” he added. And as

the number of vehicles on the roadsof Sikkim increased there werebound to be some problems too,Mr. Ladhaki said.

“The first and more immediateproblem is the lack of parkingspace,” Mr. Ladhaki informed.While commending the govern-ment in trying to provide morespace to vehicles he said he felt theneed of some bye-laws, maybe bythe UD&HD department, obligingnew constructions, whether indus-trial or residential, to incorporate a

“NON-LOCAL CAR-DEALERSCRINGE ON SERVICES”

COMPETITORS COME TOGETHER

TO RAISE CUSTOMER AWARENESS

Local car dealers identify parking as the next “big problem”Sikkim Motors’

Pramod Dalmiya

[left] and Entel

Motors’ Guru T.

Ladakhi address

the press on 29

March, 2004

turn to pg 3

SARIKAH ATREYA

GANGTOK, 29 March: Indig-enous communities of Sikkim boasta highly evolved system of tradi-tional healing methods and medi-cines, peculiar and unique to eachcommunity here. The knowledge,which was passed down the gen-erations orally, however, has suf-

Ethno-botanist uncovers similarities betweenJhakris and South American Shamans

fered the onslaught of time. Mod-ernisation and the deliberate effortsof the advocatesof moderniza-tion and ration-alists who pooh-poohed thesetraditional forms of healing havebrought them to the brink of extinc-tion. Paradoxically, at a time when

this traditional knowledge is fad-ing, it has also become fashionable

to talk organic,herbal and alter-native medi-cines. It is inthis scenario

that Sikkim plays host to a WorldCongress on holistic natural healthpractices.

One participant at the meet wasRyan Haeseley from the

Kalimpong-based InternationalTrust for Traditional Medicines. Anethno-botanist, he studies the rela-tionship between people and plants,and primarily, the use of plants asmedicines and the traditions ofnatural medicines and has discov-ered uncanny similarities betweenthe traditional herbal remedies ofthe hills and the healing methodsof South American Shamans.

turn to pg 6

WEAK CIVILSOCIETY ANDOVERLAPPINGJURISDICTIONSAIL GANGTOK

TURN TO pg 3FOR DETAILS

Exploit commercial potential of localhealing methods, suggests Ryan Haeseleyof Kalimpong-based International Trust

for Traditional Medicines

2; NOW!; 30 March, 2004

C M Y K

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NOW!FIRST WITH THE NEWS

ED-SPACE

The Politics of AllianceWe hear that the GNLF’s Sikkim unit is proposing an alliance with theCongress [I] for the upcoming polls in the State. Other minor playersin the Sikkim poll scenario like BJP, SSP and SHRP have come onrecord with statements that they are open to forging alliances. TheCongress itself was trying to forge one with CPM till recently.

Given the current scenario and past history, one wonders at thisrush for alliances. Elections in Sikkim are almost always straighttwo-way contests. Except 1979, when three parties cornered sec-tions of the 32 seats and two came together to form the govern-ment, assembly elections in Sikkim have stayed true to the 2-waycontest format. This is obviously because politics in Sikkim is moreabout the Leader and less about the ideologies. The same appliesto the upcoming elections in May. No matter how much the partiesin the fray worry about the aptitude of their candidates, the votes inthe end are going to either Chamling or Bhandari. Which brings usback to the question of alliances. Neither SDF, nor the Congressbenefit much from alliances. In fact, those seen as the minor play-ers at present could do well to provide outright support to eitherparty for the present polls. This would help them understand betterwhy they remain fringe players and not kingmakers in Sikkim. Shouldthey support a bigger party, they will not only have access to theirsupport base, but would also be allowed to work at the grassrootslevel without being seen as threats. It is the absence of grassrootspresence that plagues all parties except the ruling front at presentand no political outfit can claim any strength beyond their offices iftheir frontal organisations remain defunct. Although an alliance couldhave taken care of such limitations, they serve no purpose in Sikkimsince what the respective parties bring to the table are slivers ofwhat different constituencies contain.

It would thus not be wrong to surmise that the current flavour ofalliances is an aping of the national scenario without understandingthe reasons which force it at that level. With the collapse of the Con-gress, there is no national party left in the country. Parties with thelargest influence still fall short of the magic number which gives themthe government and as everyone would have noticed, the nationalplayers woo regional outfits to bolster their ranks. Regional parties donot seek out similar alliances because their strength lies in regionsand the moment they work alliances with other regional players intheir own backyard their attraction with the national parties goes down.Those who still believe that alliances are forged on compatibility ofideology need to take off their blinkers. In Darjeeling, the Congressand BJP sit united under an Opposition forum while in Sikkim, theCongress first tries an alliance with the CPM and then meets its rivalin the Hills, GNLF, to secure its “support”. Alliances are forged bynecessity and the luxury of ideology is not something anyone enjoysin this game of compromise.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan’s serious expression of concern on Tuesday regarding thesituation in Nepal ends with a reiteration of

his offer to help find a solution. But he needs both thegovernment and the Maoists to make that request formediation.

Kofi Annan has echoed the sentiments of nearly allNepalis: that there is no military solution to the con-flict. He has urged the government and the Maoists to“end the fighting and resume the peace process withthe participation of all political and civil forces in thecountry”. We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Thefact that political parties have wholeheartedly wel-comed the move is also a positive sign.

Maoist leader Prachanda called on the UN to monitorhuman rights violations in the country. Earlier, he even ex-pressed willingness to demobilise if there was an interna-tionally-mediated peace process. The problem with thesestatements is that they are so inconsistent and PR-drivenwe never know if they are to be taken seriously. Besides,there is a widespread perception that previous ceasefireswere used to prepare for escalation. The comrades have toadmit that their lack of respect for human dignity, their bru-tal methods and disregard for public opinion haven’t par-ticularly endeared them to a majority of the people. Theyhave to do much more to earn the trust of the people andpotential mediators. The abduction of school pupils for usein human wave attacks makes a mockery of Maoist com-

-17-

So for a week I did not ask forany money, though I felt sadbecause of my dependant

life in which I had no chance tofulfil any of my heart’s wishes. Icould do nothing but obey with noreward. Then once again I asked mymistress for money to buy things Ineeded, but again she refused. Thematter was hopeless. Then Ispoke to a friend of minewho worked in the samehouse, who was calledPratap Singh. He ad-vised me to go to the po-lice and complain aboutthe matter from head tofoot. I followed his ad-vice and went with himto the police station.There I told the wholestory to a sergeant sahibhow I came to this coun-try and received no payat all. Then I gave thefull address of my mas-ter, with the help of my friend,Pratap Singh, who was my onlywitness about the work. The policesahib entered my complaint in hisdiary and asked me, “Are you orare you not willing to do so.” I re-plied, “I would like to find worksomewhere where I could get regu-lar pay.”

“All right,” said the police sa-hib, “I will take you on to look af-ter my children.”

I agreed to do this and immedi-ately started work in the house ofthat police sergeant, taking care ofhis three children.

Here I received good food fromthe sergeant’s cook.

Next day my new master sent

two policemen to the house of mymistress and asked her to come atonce to the police station. Soon mymistress came, accompanied bysome others. I was called to appearbefore my mistress and the sergeantsahib. My mistress’ brother-in-lawtold the sergeant many things inEnglish about me, and I saw the

sergeant nodding his head twice,which looked very omi-

nous. Perhaps my mis-tress had accused meof theft or some other

bad thing. At last my new sahibsaid, “I understand,” but I did notknow what he meant by “I under-stand.” Happily nothing happenedafter all, for the sergeant sahib saidto me, “Boy, are you willing to con-tinue working with your mistress?”

“No sahib, I am not,” I replied,and added, “Your honor, kindly getme my wages for the two years Ihave worked for this lady.”

Then the sergeant sahib madeher give me twenty rupees, and sothe matter was concluded. I felt likea prisoner set free that is, like onein exile but no longer imprisoned.I was still left in India and mightnever have a chance to return toKalimpong, but at all events I had

escaped from the prison to house.From these twenty rupees I

spent 15 buying clothes and goingfour or five times to the pictureswith some Indian friends, so thatmy pocket was empty once againafter two months. After that I gaveup going any more to the picturesor buying any clothes, for I thoughtthese five rupees would be a greathelp to me if any difficulty aroseand I had no other money. But I re-ceived two rupees monthly frommy master for my work and saved

half of it for six months.With the five I had leftover, this made elevenrupees in all.

The work, which Iwas doing now, was notso hard as in the Punjabihouse. Also, I did nothave to take a bath somany times a day and al-ways be purified. In thisnew place I was freefrom all these customs. I

could also eat anything my stom-ach craved for, and for the first timein many, many days I again enjoyedthe taste of meat. My stomach likedthis, for I was born that way.

After three months in the newhouse I was taken with the mem-sahib and some of the childrento Delhi. My mistress’s housewas outside the town. My workconsisted in taking care of thechildren, as before. Afternoonsfree, and then I had time to lookat the town, where I went oftento see the bazaar.

Walking there I saw manystrange things that were new to me.

-to be continued

How Far Do Twenty Rupees stretch?

mitments, and even if Prachanda swears by the GenevaConvention what is the guarantee his warlords will?

Then on this side, there are military hawks whocan’t countenance any talk of negotiations, even whilethey grudgingly admit that there is no military solu-tion. So, the slaughter gets worse, bad blood growsand the antagonism is harder to bridge. If efforts tonegotiate are not initiated soon, we will see worsecarnages than Bhojpurs and Benis in months ahead.Both sides have to assess how much longer they can,or want to, continue this nonstop nonsense.

Kofi Annan is a busy man, and has to deal withhot spots around the world clamouring for attention.The fact that he releases an appeal like this about Ne-pal means a lot. The government and the Maoistsshould grab this olive branch that gives them a goodpretext to break the deadlock and begin genuine dia-logue in search for meaningful compromise.

Outside powers, especially India, have leaned onthe government to reject third party mediation, argu-ing that it would put a legitimate state side and anoutlaw group on the same pedestal. But wouldn’t in-ternal mediation also have to do that?

Let’s seize the opportunity offered by Kofi Annanand form a Multilateral Peace Commission to find away out of this madness.

Editorial featured in Kathmandu-based weekly,Nepali Times

KOFI’S OFFERThese contradictions are seen as

a negation of the written law,thereby, rendering it superfluous.

Capital punishment has existed inBhutanese law since the codification ofthe ThrimzhungChhenmo [su-preme law] in1953 and the judiciary has come undercriticism, even in the National Assem-bly, for not invoking the law in the moresevere criminal cases.

The royal decree has significanthistorical roots because generationsof Bhutanese people have enjoyedpeace and prosperity in a uniquesystem of governance that has beenfounded on the tenets of Buddhism.It comes at a time when the king-dom of Bhutan is going throughphenomenal change facing, whatmany believe, could be an unpre-

dictable future and is, therefore, amessage that Bhutan must continueto draw on the strengths of its an-cient tradi- tions and on thew i s d o m of the ances-

tors.As the

kingdom nur-tures a unique socio-economic and political system, thedecree implies that the essence ofgovernment must be the rule of lawand that law must reflect the spir-ituality that characterises theBhutanese system of governance.

The royal decree also symbol-ises the compassion and enlight-ened vision of a Buddhist Monarchsafeguarding the interests of notjust the population of one nationbut of all sentient beings.

Courtesy: Kuensel

CAPITAL PUNISHMENTABOLISHED IN BHUTAN

continued from pg1

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SOUTH COPS RECOVER LOOT, UNCOVERPHENSEDYL STASH AS BONUS

PURAN TAMANG

JORETHANG, 29 March: A theft was reported from Jorethang on 27March. According to the report, the house of one Bhuwan Kumar Mindawas burgled and Rs. 11,000 in cash along with bronze utensils, a pressurecooker, and an electric iron were stolen.

Following the case, Jorethang Police arrested the two suspects, Am-ber Thapa, 26, and Shishir Chettri, 19, both Jorethang locals and schooldropouts. Both come from good family backgrounds, it is learnt.

While raiding the home of Amber Thapa, Police Inspector, ChundiChopel, Jorethang police station, recovered 13 bronze plates, 2 copper plates,and the stolen iron along with 6 plastic containers. An unexpected twistwas provided by the discovery of 60 empty bottles of Phensedyl there.

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 29 March: The wa-ter supply system in Gangtok seemsto be plagued by many ills. TheComptroller Auditor General’s re-port last year had revealed thatPHED mixed 1.5 million gallons ofuntreated water to the 3 million gal-lons that its treatment plant at Selepprocessed everyday to ‘bridge’ thegap between capacity and require-ment. Now, the sectoral assessmentreports prepared by project teamsunder the AusAID assisted“Gangtok Urban Water Supply andEnvironmental Services” projecthave identified more reasons whythe clean water supply and properwaste management remain undeliv-ered in the capital city.

The first hurdle in effectivemanagement of these servicescomes from overlapping of juris-diction. Six different agencies areinvolved in some way or the otherwith providing environmental serv-ices in Gangtok. Each agency hasits own set of rules, norms and serv-ice delivery standards which leadsto numerous gaps and overlaps, thereports reveal.

The reports identify another con-tributing factor simply as: “CivilSociety in Gangtok is weak.” With44 per cent of its residents in gov-

ernment services and another 15 percent engaged in business and trade,one would have expected a moreresponsible citizenry, but the cal-lousness with which Gangtokianslitter proves otherwise. Add to thisthe fact that 53 per cent of the popu-lation lives in rented accommoda-tions and another 10 per cent residein governmentapartments andthe difficulty inmotivating thepopulace to contribute to improvingthe living conditions in what theymust consider a temporary arrange-ment gets even more amplified.

These hindrances aside, theinfrastructural arrangements are notvery organised either. The reportreveals that private water connec-tions stretch 150 metres on an av-erage from the main supply line tohomes. Since most people use GIor rubber pipelines, which requiremany joints to cover the distance,leakages result often and lead tocontamination. With overcrowding,the only space left for the pipelinesto get laid are the jhoras which donot only carry surface run-off wa-

ter, but also sewerage as a result ofwhich contamination risks get evenmore heightened.

Since the quality of water atsource is one of the purest forGangtok, it is obvious that contami-nation happens en-route. TheAusAID project proposes to shortenthe distance between homes and

main water sup-ply lines. It hasalso suggestedsetting up of

more tanks along the supply line tocontrol pressure. The two ideas gohand in hand since most peoplestretch their supply lines longer toget better pressure in the water sup-ply. Shortening the distance will alsoreduce wastage [and the attendantcontamination] caused due to toomany leaking joints.

The project has also suggested thatsupply be timed so that the quality ofwater can be controlled better. Alsosuggested is a return to the practise ofusing water meters for billing. ThePHE is billing at Rs. 30 per tap atpresent for two months. While thereis “huge” under reporting in numberof taps in apartments and commercial

parking lot in their plans.“We sell 3-5 vehicles a day.

Parking is going to be a pressingproblem in the very near future,” hesaid. He also pointed out the com-mercial potential of parking lotswhich could be taken up by youngentrepreneurs. “It’s a thriving busi-ness in the west,” he revealed.

The second aspect he touchedupon was that of pollution. Whileadmitting their role in putting theenvironment under pressure, healso insisted that it could be curbedby adopting the new standards setby law, namely Euro II. “Some ofour vehicles even measure up toEuro III norms,” he said.

On the issue of traffic jams be-coming a norm in Gangtok his sug-gestion was to construct alternativeroutes to the town centre.

“It is for the government tothink about such an option and withthe prospect of large scale all-rounddevelopment before us, this is afundamental issue,” he said. Healso said that satellite townshipsshould be fostered. Another sugges-tion he had was the construction offlyovers around the town centre.

“I have spoken to some spe-cialists and they say it is possible,”he said.

Another point touched uponwas the safety of vehicles. For this,Mr. Dalmiya said a driver aware-ness programme will be conductedsometime in June.

And finally, Mr. Ladhaki pointedout that the sale of a car was only oneaspect of the entire transaction. Therewere also such services such as insur-ance, post-sale service and financewhich in the modern world were im-perative to provide to the customer.While on this subject, he mentionedhow, for the benefit of customers, thewarranty period had been increasedfrom 2 to 4 years and the introductionof post-sale follow up included serv-ice reminders. Monthly insurance toowas provided with full guidance fromthe filling up of the insurance formsto the actual payment of the insuredamount. Another major developmentwas the provision of Maruti on-roadService which enabled a person stuckwith a mechanical problem in someremote area to call up the service andbe facilitated.

Mr. Ladhaki also highlightedthat all these services could befound under one roof with only thetwo local car dealerships - Entel andSikkim Motors. The non-localdealerships which had crept in oflate did not provide the entire gamutof services which defined car sales,the two feel. Since most fresh en-trants are operating on provisionallicences, there is also no guaranteethat they would be around whenafter-sale services are really re-quired. Since sales nowadays are asmuch about service as they areabout the product, this was some-thing the consumer should be awareof, Mr. Ladakhi said.

Contd from pg 1

Competitors cometogether

WEAK CIVIL SOCIETY AND OVERLAPPINGJURISDICTIONS AIL GANGTOK

Study suggests shorter water supplylines and metered billing

establishments, this is also a flawedlogic. Water consumption surveys re-veal that while the poor use only 35litres per day, the upper income groupsconsume as much as 100 litres per daybut pay the same amount per tap. Thereport also reveals that water meterswere introduced in Gangtok aboutthirty years ago, but the system wasabolished when people either dam-aged the meters or bypassed them. Thereport records that there are 7,000 of-ficial house connections at present andan “unknown number of illegal con-nections.”

Mobilising community based or-ganisations, as suggested by theSAGs, could improve the quality ofthe Gangtok civil society and makethe streamlining of water supply bet-ter in the capital. Also, the state gov-ernment could constitute an urbanbody to look after Gangtok’s munici-pal requirements and do away withthe overlapping and lack of account-ability that six departments lookingafter similar services can cause. Ifeverything falls into place, there isno reason why a population of 90,500[official figures] cannot live a betterlife in the capital.

URBANWOES

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 29 March: A village-level meeting of the Mayel AahitMutanchi Tarzum was held inMungbryo, Kewsing, South Sikkimon 26 March. Various issues con-cerning the development of theLepcha community were discussedas was the necessity of giving it anew direction.

Alcoholism was identified asthe root cause of the underdevel-opment of the community. Theneed to identify other problemsfaced by the community and to findsustainable solutions to them werealso discussed.

It was recognized that coopera-tion of sympathizers and wellwishers was imperative for theupliftment of the weakest sectionsof the community and also in pro-viding equal opportunity in educa-tion, jobs and the percolation offacilities to such people.

The Mayel Aahit MutanchiTarzum also clarifies that the essenceof the word “Aahit” means OriginalLepcha with proper antecedent irre-spective of religion or region. An AllIndia Aahit Tarzum will also beformed in the near future to interactwith the Lepchas living in the neigh-bouring states to work for the over-all welfare of the community.

“Original” Lepchas identifyalcohol as reason keeping

Lepchas backward

4; NOW!; 30 March, 2004

C M Y K

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a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 29 March: The elec-tion fever has set in and fresh per-mutations and combinations keepgetting worked out at every level.While forging alliances with outsideparties are the norm, it is also notunusual to start securing vote-baseswithin the party and forming an al-ternative front to the sitting MLAs.Interestingly, such intra-partyrealignments are most pronouncedin the SDF bastion of south Sikkim.

One such migration within wasseen recently on 23 March when

Lakpa T. Sherpa, a vice-convenor withthe sitting MLA and Agriculture Min-ister, Garjaman Gurung, left the Min-ister and joined forces with BharatTenzing Chettri. Mr. Chettri is also anSDF leader and reports indicate thateven he is lobbying for a party ticketfrom Temi-Tarku this time around.

A press release issued by Mr.Sherpa claims that he left the incum-bent MLA and took along with himyouth from the Chuba-Parbing areato align with Mr. Chettri. The reasonfor their fallout – “the undemocraticstyle of functioning” of the incum-bent MLA, informs the press release.

Rijal to go on

hunger strikeKATHMANDU, 29 March:Bhutanese human rights leaderTeknath Rijal has decided to go onhunger strike demanding the honour-able repatriation of the Bhutaneserefugees living in the eastern Nepal.

He will stay on the strike atRatnapark in Kathmandu fromTuesday, 30 March.

“I decided to go on a hungerstrike to draw the attention of Nepa-lese and Bhutanese governmentsand international communities toattain peaceful solution to the pro-longed refugee repatriation proc-ess,” said Rijal Monday.

Rijal has demanded the Nepa-lese government to internationalisethe refugee imbroglio and involveUnited Nations High Commissionfor Refugee [UNHCR] and HumanRights Council of Bhutan in veri-fication and repatriation process ofthe Bhutanese refugees.

from OUR CORRESPONDENT

NAMCHI, 29 March: A meetingof Cheli Morcha of the rulingSikkim Democratic Front was heldhere today at Old College Buildingpremises.

The meeting started at around11 AM with the welcome addressof Phib Rani Rai, Zilla Panchayatmember, Singithang. PasangRinzing Sherpa, Chairman, TemiTea Board was the chief guest. Alsopresent were Zilla Adhyaksha[South], Ms. Phurmit Lepcha, andCheli Morcha convenors for southdistrict and the different constitu-encies. The meeting is to continuetill 10 April, with a one-day breakon 1 April.

Addressing the meeting, the

CHELI MORCHA CONDEMNSPAMPHLET CULTURE

Chuba-Parbing youth part ways

with Gurung, align with Chettri

chief guest urged the people to sup-port the ruling party while Ms.Lepcha warned against the distri-bution of false pamphlets or can-vassing for tickets for the candi-dates from the south by CheliMorcha members.

The meeting also opposed thepamphlets which were in circula-tion in the south district which car-ried the names of different women.According to Ms Lepcha this wasa recurrent problem during generalelections.

Basic knowledge of electronicvoting machines was also dissemi-nated to the women during the meet-ing with the help of an EVM. Therewere almost 500 women present atthe meeting, most belonging to theDamthang constituency.

a NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 29 March: The rulingSikkim Democratic Front has allegedthat “anti-socials from beyond theborders of Sikkim” led by formerdeputy CM, PT Luksum, tried to at-tack two SDF party members, LanamLepcha and Dorjee Tshering Bhutiatoday at Chakung, West Sikkim.

An SDF relese informs that thetwo were returning from Jorethangto Chakung when, as they ap-proached Mr. Luksum’s residence,they found the road blocked by theformer Deputy CM’s Gypsy. Mr.Luksum and “20 armed men” arethen alleged to have attacked thetwo SDF party workers.

The locals of Chakung havevehemently condemned the attack

and have demanded the arrest of allinvolved in the attack even if it re-quires the police to cross the bor-der to trace them, the release adds.

Area MLA and Animal Hus-bandry Minister, PS Goley, has alsocondemned the attack and hasasked the police to look into thematter. He has also accused theopposition parties of disturbing thepeace of the region.

The two victims were first admit-ted to Soreong PHC but have sincebeen referred to Namchi hospital.

Thus far, the Soreong policehave arrested six people in connec-tion with the crime. Those arrestedare: Mangal Subba, Nir BahadurSubba, Arun Hang Subba, BhanuSubba, Sukh Bahadur Gurung andHem Bahadur Tamang.

SDF accuses former Deputy CM ofassault, says he used muscle

from outside Sikkim

CONG EXPELS

DADULa NOW REPORT

GANGTOK, 29 March: TheSikkim Pradesh Congress Com-mittee [I] has expelled its secre-tary Tsewang Dadul Bhutia ofSang Martam for alleged anti-party activities. Highly placedsources reveal that the decisionwas taken at a closed-door meet-ing presided by the SPCC [I]president Nar Bahadur Bhandariand attended by senior party of-ficials and representatives fromSang Martam.

30 March, 2004; NOW! 5

C M Y K

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KALIMPONG, 29 March: Traf-fic Safety week is being observedhere for the first time. The observ-ance is obviously prompted by thegrowing number of accidents seenon Kalimpong roads. The motto forthe week is direct: “Observe trafficrules and be safe”.

The week, which began heretoday, is also being observed allover West Bengal. In Kalimpong,it mainly involves the police depart-ment and driver associations. It alsohas the support of a huge numberof NCC cadets and boys and girlsfrom various schools participatingin the event for the general benefitof the people.

A gathering at the Motor Standhere in Kalimpong was also at-tended by the town’s eminent per-sonalities.

The cadets and students alongwith the drivers and extra staff fromthe police dept were today presentat 13 different points of the townthe main being Damber chowk andCK Chowk.

“Accidents today are a majorreason for the rise in mortality rateshence we have organized this forthe awareness of the general peo-ple mainly among the youth,” ex-plained ASP SK Gajmer.

Representing the KalimpongMainline Drivers Welfare Associa-tion, Ram Pokhrel, said, “I am gladto see that for the first time

Kalimpong has organized such anevent. Henceforth we should ensurethat such programmes be held everyyear and as Kalimpong is an aca-demic centre school children arealways under a huge risk.”

He further stated that it was goodthat the students were also involvedin this since bad driving alone is notthe cause of all accidents.

“We have the INA bypass atDarjeeling which is a very congestedone way. A huge number of localstudents walk that way everyday;hence at such roads the drivers arenot always the defaulters,” he said.“Drivers who usually drive at greatspeeds not only risk their lives but

a NOW REPORT

PAKYONG, 29 March: Anawareness camp on AIDS-cum-adulteration was organized hereat Namcheybong SecondarySchool on 27 March. To generateinterest, Nagbeli Pragati Sangh,a local NGO, in association withNehru Yuva Kendra, Gangtok,invited a party of magicians af-filiated to the Ministry of Infor-mation & Public Relations, Gov-ernment of West Bengal.

The main aim of the campwas to both educate and entertainthe students and thus inculcate in

SAFER ROADS INITIATIVEAT KALIMPONG

also the lives of others, and deathby road accidents is nowadays oneof the major causes of the high deathrates so it’s time that we take suchprogrammes more seriously,” washis appeal to those gathered.

Col. AK Rai, AdministrativeCommandant of Kalimpong, saidthat all involved in the programmemust work with a special focus anda sense of belonging to make it suc-cessful. Besides, the armed forceswas always willing to support thegeneral people for such a cause.Kalimpong OC, P. Pradhan thencame forward with the official dec-laration for the observance of “Traf-fic Safety Week”.

them awareness on AIDS alongwith the harmful effects of con-sumption of adulterated food.

Apart from this, the aims andobjectives for implementation ofSarva Siksha Abiyan was alsohighlighted.

LP Adhikari, Headmaster,held a separate meeting with therepresentatives of different localNon-Governmental Organiza-tions to seek their assistance fordevelopment of school activitiesand help in replacement of theconcept of school versus societyby school and society.

Magic to raise awareness onAIDS and adulteration

CORRIGENDUM

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6; NOW!; 30 March, 2004

C M Y K

ELSEWHERE �

Vajra Guru Dhungdrupat Pemayangtse monastery, West Sikkim

The Vajra Guru Dhungdrup or recitations at Pemayangtse Gompa,

Sikkim’s premier monastery in West Sikkim will commence from 8th

April 2003 ( Lunar calendar : Dawa Nyipa Tsey Chopgay).

The recitations will be headed by his Eminence Yangthang Rimpoche.

Devotees and interested persons from all over Sikkim who are inter-

ested to participate at the recitations are invited to join us. We would

also like to inform that we will be providing free fooding and lodging

for those participating at the recitations. However, please bring your

own utensils like plates, mugs and spoons.

Once again all are invited to join us for the recitations.

Dueche, Pemayangtse Gompa

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The 49th day Kutse Shegu oflate Shyam Moktan (M/s SiamBrothers, Tibet Road), DOB 5September 1959, who left forhis heavenly abode on 16th

February 2004 fall on 4th April2004. All relatives, friends andwell wishers are requested tokindly join us in offeringprayers to be departed soul atour residence, TashilingSecretariat Road, near ManiLakhang, Gangtok.We would also like to take thisopportunity to thank all thosewho extended their helpduring our time of grief andbereavement.

Mrs. Tshering Deki (wife)Hishey Moktan (son)

Preeti Moktan (daughter)Ph. No.202103

Kutse Shegu

LOST

The 49th day Kutse Shegu of late Tshering Doma who left for herheavenly abode on 20th February 2004 falls on 7th April 2004. Allfriends, relatives and well wishers are requested to join us in offeringprayers for the departed soul at our residence at Manjushree Niwas,Tadong, Gangtok. We heartily thank all those who stood by usduring the time of bereavement and regret our inability to do soindividually.

Mr. H. R. Sharma (Husband)Vijay Sharma, Ajay Sharma (sons)

Neelam Sharma, Dr. Yogita Sharma (daughters)

Kutse Shegu

FOR SALEA white colored soft top gypsy in excellent condition. Pricenegotiable. Interested persons contact: 220994 (R),9832014371 (M).

“The entire Himalayan belt isrich in medicinal plants and tradi-tional medicine practices. How-ever, in absence of any written wordon these practices, they are slowlydying down. It has therefore be-

seen by people as the magic bullet thatwould put an end to all ailments anddiseases. This was not without a hostof side effects and complications.Now, people are slowing understand-ing the significance of natural medi-cines and going back to it,” he says.

Take for example the herbTitepati. It has multiple medicinalusages which is still used by theHills communities on a daily basisin spite of availability of modernmedicines. Mr. Haeseley discoveredinteresting facts about this wonderherb. “Titepati, [Artemesia vulgaris]is widely used by the hill-people asan anti-septic and in traditional prac-tices by the jhakris and boongthings.One of the compotents it contains isThujone, an aromatic oil. During myresearch on traditional medicinepractices in South America, I discov-

ered that the shamans there used aplant that has similar properties asTitepati. There seems to be a con-nection between traditional practicesall around the world,” he says.

Medicinal plants can also play animportant role in the economic growthof indigenous communities. Sikkimboasts of more than 500 species ofmedicinal plants, many endemic to theState. Not only Sikkim, the entireHimalayan belt is a bio-diversityhotspot, with medicinal and aromaticplants making up the largest economicresource. There is the need to preservethese medicinal plants from illegal har-vesting and smuggling out of the State.

“Medicinal plants and herbs neednot only conservation, but it is impor-tant to also exploit its commercial po-tential to directly benefit the local com-munities as well,” Mr. Haeseley says.

Contd from pg 1

Ryan Haeseley

Ethno-botanist uncovers similarities betweenJhakris and South American Shamans

DEEPAK SHARMA

MANGAN, 29 March: Twobatches of 30 participants each at-tended an Orientation Training Pro-gramme at two separate venues inthe North District this month. Boththe programmes were spread overtwo days.

The Training was conducted byGM Subba, CDPO [North] first atPhidang, Lower Dzongu on 19 and20 March and then at Chungthangon 24 and 25 March.

The programme was designed

to equip the functionaries at thefield level with information andskills on nutrition and nutrition re-lated disorders, the causative fac-tors and the impact of malnutritionon the health of an individual andthe management as well as preven-tive strategies to handle malnutri-tion and nutrition related disordersin a domestic set-up. Another ob-jective of the orientation trainingcourse was to generate awarenesson the various facets of nutritionand malnutrition in the grass rootlevel workers and women groups

existing within the area.The orientation programme is to

be a long term sustainable interven-tion for improving the nutritionalstatus of the target population.

The trainees consisted ofAganwadi workers, ANMS,school teachers, womenpanchayats, pregnant women,nursing mothers and adolescentgirls. During the training the train-ees participated in lectures, groupdiscussions and a demonstration.

Resource persons included dis-trict medical officer, North, Dr

Rinzing Lhamu Bhutia, medicalofficers, dentists, nutrition educa-tors, ICDS supervisors and JointSecretary, Social Welfare Depart-ment, A Pradhan.

An inaugural function was alsoorganized at both the venues.Amongst others to attend the func-tion were Dawa Lepcha, ExPanchayat, Phidang, and LhendupLepcha, Panchayat President.

The Training Programme wasfunded by CFNEU, Community Foodand Nutrition Extension Unit,Gangtok Branch, Govt of India.

come extremely important to pre-serve this knowledge for not onlythe indigenous communities, butfor the benefit of mankind itself,”Mr. Haeseley says.

The International Trust for Tra-ditional Medicines is a research in-stitute that facilitates research schol-ars from all over the world. Set upabout a decade ago, ITTM conductsresearch work on conservation ofmedicinal plants and its relationshipto ethnic cultures. Mr. Haeseley is ofthe opinion that the Darjeeling Hillsand Sikkim are steeped in folk medi-cine traditions, which are in dangerof extinction. However, now that theworld is looking at alternative me-dicinal practices with renewed inter-est, there is an urgency to preservethese ancient practices, he says.

“Earlier, modern medicines were

Training in nutritional health for North health workers

30 March, 2004; NOW! 7

C M Y K

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When you open your notebooks ortextbooks to begin your ritual ofmemorising there’s always one fear– whether the exercise will be fruit-ful at all. What students don’t re-alise is that like anything else ascientific attitude can also be incul-cated in their studies’ schedule. Thefollowing tips will greatly enhancethe capacity and efficiency of yourlearning power.

HONE UP YOUR STUDYSKILLS WITH THESE TEN

TIPS1. Make daily ‘to do’ lists:make daily ‘laundry lists’ ofwhat needs to be done andover with for each day andweek.2. Schedule regular studyhours: whether you practisethe guitar, engage in sports orreview your notes, you learn onlythrough the principle of discipline.3. Study short but frequently: fre-quent repetition is the key to build-ing your memory.

4. Start at a fixed time: it’samazing how quickly those 10-minute delays add up. Start

when you’re supposed to.5. Set a specific goal: you’ll ac-complish more and faster, if you set

(feat. Paul McCoy)

how can you see into my eyes like open doorsleading you down into my core

where I’ve become so numb without a soul my spirit sleepingsomewhere cold until you find it there and lead it back home

(Wake me up) Wake me up inside(I can’t wake up) Wake me up inside

(Save me) call my name and save me from the dark(Wake me up) bid my blood to run

(I can’t wake up) before I come undone(Save me) save me from the nothing I’ve become

now that I know what I’m without you can’t just leave mebreathe into me and make me real bring me to life

(Wake me up) Wake me up inside...Bring me to life (I’ve been living a lie, there’s nothing inside)

Bring me to lifefrozen inside without your touch without your love darling only

you are the life among the deadall this time I can’t believe I couldn’t see kept in the dark but

you were there in front of meI’ve been sleeping a thousand years it seems got to open my

eyes to everythingwithout a thought without a voice without a soul don’t let me

die here there must be something more bring me to life(Wake me up)

Wake me up inside...(Bring me to life) I’ve been living a lie, there’s nothing inside

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a specific goal for each studysession.6. Study difficult subjectsfirst: you need to make the

most of your ‘fresh period’which is when you justbegin to study. This isthe time when you’remost alert.7. Vary your work:you won’t get bored ifyou alternate reading,taking notes, doinghomework etc.

8. Solve problems: spenda good part of your studytime on problem solving

(maths, physics orchemistry).

9. Reward yourself:the reward systemgives you an incen-

tive to reach yourgoals.

10. Keep on top of it: letting workpile up can leave you feeling thatyou’ll never get on top of it again.

A boy was crossing a road oneday when a frog called out tohim and said, “If you kiss me,I’ll turn into a beautifulprincess.” He bent over, pickedup the frog and put it in hispocket.The frog spoke up again andsaid, “If you kiss me and turnme back into a beautifulPrincess, I will stay with youfor one week.” The boy tookthe frog out of his pocket,smiled at it and returned it tothe pocket. The frog then criedout, “If you kiss me and turnme back into a Princess, I’llstay with you and do*Anything* you want.” Againthe boy took the frog out,smiled at it and put it back intohis pocket.Finally the frog asked, “Whatis it? I’ve told you I’m abeautiful Princess, that I’ll staywith you for a week and do*Anything* you want. Whywon’t you kiss me?”The boy said, “Look, I’m agraduate student. I don’t havetime for girlfriends, but atalking frog is really cool.”

a li’l attitude is all it taka li’l attitude is all it taka li’l attitude is all it taka li’l attitude is all it taka li’l attitude is all it takes!es!es!es!es!

THE FROG

AND THE

BOY

Hi Diki

Have a great birthday

and please not in little

Italy this time!

Chaki

Dear Mother-Of-Two

Keep your words soft

and sweet

You never know from day

to day

Which ones you’ll have

to eat!

BaldHeadedHermit!

Hi Sherrrry,

Everyone has a bad hair

day. Nothing to cry about.

Guess who

Hey OTIS,

Remember a rolling

stone gathers no moss!

When’s the housewarming?

Zed

8; NOW!; 30 March, 2004

C M Y K

Published by Lt. Col. (retd) P. Dorjee and printed at Darpan Publications Pvt. Ltd, Siliguri. Editor: Pema Wangchuk. Executive Editor: Mita ZulcaNow! Near Ayurvedic Clinic, Gairi Gaon, Tadong. East Sikkim. ph: 03592 270949 email: sikkimnow@rediffmail.com

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PHILADELPHIA: Five years havepassed without the pitter-patter ofbaby gorilla feet, and zookeepershave decided that Demba and Chakajust aren’t working out. Introducedto each other five years ago at thePhiladelphia Zoo amid high repro-ductive hopes, it’s not even clear thegorillas ever mated.

The departure of 19-year-oldChaka is bittersweet to keepers be-cause he is a link to the era beforea Christmas Eve 1995 fire at the zoothat killed 23 primates, includingChaka’s parents. Chaka would havelikely died, too, if he wasn’t on abreeding loan program inCincinnati.

Demba and Chaka were sup-posed to breed and start a new dy-nasty of apes. Gorilla handlers wereparticularly hoping that Demba,whose parents were wild-born,would mate to introduce her genesinto the captive population.

But Demba may have been,biologically speaking, damagedgoods from early gorilla-hood. Shewas raised by humans and didn’tmeet another of her own species foryears. Even then, she never seemedquite comfortable with her ownkind. But keepers figured that withChaka’s past success, passionmight take hold.

Now at age 33, Demba’s bio-logical clock “has pretty well tickedits last tick,” said Dan Wharton, thenation’s gorilla coordinator and di-rector of the Central Park Zoo.

CLUTCHING AT STRAWS

The real picture of the unholyalliance between the GNLFand the Congress in the state

keeps getting murkier. First wehave the GNLF State President,Satish Rai claiming that the partywas close to sewing up an allianceand hopes to get around 12 seatsalong the “border constituencies”as per the seat-sharing arrangement,then Bhandariji returns from Delhiand declares that no alliance wasever even discussed, so no questionof seats. Actually, no one cared inthe first place and no one cares now.However, what confounds me iswhy Congress feels the need to takethe help of the GNLF to win seatsin the state. For Ashok Tsong andBhandari to go especially to meetGhising and talk anything so closeto elections sounds quite desperate.Methinks the state could do with-out any help from the GNLF.

Another mystery. Why is theState Congress high-command be-ing so secretive about its manifesto.Word has it no one knows what itcontains or where it is beingprinted. Obviously then, rumoursabound, but one wonders whatwonderful secrets the party has instore for us that it does not evenshare it with its own office bearers.Anyway, news is that the Congressis releasing its manifesto today. Sono more suspense.

WHAT’S THE WHOLEIDEA?

Some of the political partiesin the state are quite miffedwith the Election Commis-

sion for suggesting at the all-party

meet held recently that even thosewithout proper electoral I-cards maybe allowed to vote in the comingelections. Apparently, some peoplehad approached the departmentcomplaining that their photo I-cardswere not ready and have been toldthat for this election they could voteeven if they don’t have the cards butif their names were in the register.

The opposition is up in armsagainst it and feels the whole thingcould be majorly misused. Can’tblame them.

WHAT A RACKET

The people of MG Marg havebeen heard complaining ofloud and hysterical sounds

emerging from somewhere near theTitanic Park area. Try as they might,they could not locate the mysteri-ous noise. After some investigationwe found out that the sounds werecoming from the house of a certainticket aspirant. The man seems tobe a favourite of the Cheli Morcha,

hordes of whom seem to have takenpermanent residence in his house.Otherwise what explains their‘loud’ presence at all hours of theday? You’d think the market folkwould be impressed by this showof support. But all they can do iscrib, crib crib.

THE CURRENT BESTSELLER

With elections approaching, the latest best seller[and no, it is not How

to win friends and influence peo-ple] is the Census 2001 report onSikkim. Word has it that every poli-tician and wannabe candidate hasa copy of this report securely locked

1853 Vincent van Gogh isborn in Holland.1492 King Ferdinand & QueenIsabella sign decree expellingJews from Spain.1867 US purchases Alaskafrom Russia for $7,200,000[Seward’s Folly].1967 Cover picture of Beatles’“Sgt Pepper ’s” isphotographed.1981 US President RonaldReagan shot and wounded byJohn W Hinckley Jr.

in their studies. Countless hours arespent poring over the rather exhaus-tive details provided in this Reportabout population compositions ofall constituencies down to thewards and blocks. Armed with thisinformation, the parties decide theethnicity of its candidates and thetone of its poll campaign in thearea. We are getting scientific, arewe? While on science, also heardthat an aspirant, if he gets the ticket,will be introducing Sikkim to a newstyle of campaigning, Americanstyle. Hope he gets the ticket, if fornothing, then just to feel importantwhen wooed for a vote in real mod-ern fashion…

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ARIES: Your physical drive and en-ergy level are high now, and you canaccomplish a great deal fairly eas-ily. You are inclined to take the ini-tiative or to strike out on your own,and you are likely to be successfulat what you attempt at this time.TAURUS: Positive feelings andhigh self-confidence make this agood time to go out, meet with peo-ple, or get some recognition andsupport for creative projects.GEMINI: Social relationships,friendships, and supportive alliancesare strengthened now. Your energyand confidence are high and youcan accomplish much in a harmoni-ous, flowing manner right now.CANCER: Your thinking is rathergloomy and pessimistic at this time.You see the superficiality, the flaws,and the foolishness or impractical-ity in others' plans. Also, communi-cating with others is difficult now, andpeople resist what you are saying.LEO: You are highly ambitious, fullof optimism and enthusiasm fornew enterprises and plans. In fact,you may be foolishly overconfidentand take on more challenges thanyou can really meet.VIRGO: You may have to reworda proposal or in some other way ad-just your thinking or way of com-municating in order to come to anagreement. Nervous irritation and/

or mental exhaustion could result.LIBRA: You are optimistic, hope-ful, and forward-looking at this time.You can see connections and pos-sibilities you may have overlookedbefore. Now is a time for communi-cating your enthusiasm, sharingyour plans and dreams.SCORPIO: You are motivated towork at resolving any ongoing prob-lems you may be dealing with, butyou're apt to be rather irritable andedgy now also.SAGITTARIUS: You are powerfullyattracted, emotionally and sexually,to someone you encounter at thistime, and any romantic involvementsyou currently have are intensified.CAPRICORN: This is a calm, bal-anced, rather quiet time. You keepto yourself pretty much and can getsome practical chores accom-plished.AQUARIUS: Positive feelings andhigh self-confidence make this agood time to go out, meet with peo-ple, or get some recognition andsupport for creative projects.Women in particular are especiallyhelpful to you now.PISCES: Verbal battles, disputes,and heated debates are very likelyat this time because you speak yourmind without much forethought,tact, or consideration of conse-quences.

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